Photo of Julie Wilson, courtesy of Julie Wilson.

Julie Wilson has become a favourite in literary entertainment over the past few years. Since 2006, her popular blog Seen Reading has been keeping Toronto book geeks amused by tracking the city's public reading habits. The concept is both simple and ingenious—Wilson spots a stranger reading, guesses where they are in the book, transcribes the passage onto her blog, and then lets her imagination run wild. Wilson’s prolific enough to get a new post up almost daily, making it all the more impressive that this obsessive observer is also a talented writer in her own right. This Friday Wilson will be reading her work as part of the IV Lounge Reading Series (326 Dundas Street West). The evening gets underway around 8:00 p.m. and features additional readings by Peter Richardson and Steve Venright.

This Saturday is International Women’s Day and to celebrate, from March 7 to March 9, House of Anansi Press will be offering 20% off any Anansi title written by a woman. Torontoist recommends taking advantage of the deal by snapping up a discounted copy of Gil Adamson’s The Outlander. It was recently shortlisted for the 2008 Commonwealth Writers' Prize Best Book Award, Canada and The Caribbean.

Full listings after the fold.

Toronto Literary Listings: March 4-12

Tuesday, March 4

This Is Not a Reading Series presents the launch of Sandra Gulland's new novel, Mistress of the Sun. Gladstone Hotel Ballroom (1214 Queen Street West). 7:30 p.m. Free.

Crime Writers of Canada presents Lyn Hamilton and Rick Blechta. Casa Loma (1 Austin Terrace). 7:30 p.m. $12.

Wednesday, March 5

Rowers Pub Reading Series presents Christopher Doda, Katherine Govier, and Jeanette Lynes. Brass Taps (934 College Street). 7:30 p.m. Free.

U or T Bookstore Reading Series presents Quirks and Quarks and Q & A. Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Avenue). 7:30 p.m. Free.

International Readings at Harbourfront presents Nicolas Dickner, Maureen Jennings, and Beverley Stone. Brigantine Room (235 Queen’s Quay West). 7:30 p.m. $8.

Thursday, March 6

University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies and the U of T Bookstore presents 2006 Scotiabank Giller Prize Winner Dr. Vincent Lam, along with Marina Nemat, Alissa York and Edward Carson. Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Avenue). 7:30 p.m. Free.

Friday, March 7

IV Lounge Reading Series presents Julie Wilson, Peter Richardson, and Steve Venright. IV Lounge (326 Dundas Street West). 8:00 p.m. Free.

Saturday, March 8

Chapters presents Rozena Maart and her novel The Writing Circle. This event coincides with International Women's Day. Square One Mississauga (189 Rathburn Road West). 3:00 p.m. Free.

Monday, March 10

Brick Books presents Coast to Coast to Coast: On the Road with Two Poets Laureate. Ben McNally Books (366 Bay Street). 8:00 p.m. Free.

Tuesday, March 11

The Art Bar Poetry Series presents Open Stage Night, hosted by Stephen Humphrey. Clinton’s Tavern (693 Bloor Street West). 8 p.m. Free.

Wednesday, March 12

International Readings at Harbourfront presents Alan Drew, Ondjaki, and Antonio Skármeta. Brigantine Room (235 Queen’s Quay West). 7:30 p.m. $8.