A strong sense of place is a familiar enough characteristic of Canadian literature. Yet, it's still common to think of Toronto as, in the words of Bert Archer, "a city that exists in no one's imagination." Contrasting this notion are a couple of interesting dissections of Toronto's literary landscape in the latest edition of Open Book Toronto's online magazine. First, poet Stephen Cain explores the Annex's deep literary connections. For generations, the neighbourhood has......

How is National Poetry Month treating you? On the second week of celebration, Torontoist is beginning to buckle a little under the strain of too much fun, but it warms our hearts to witness the large number of bookish events offered this April. We are happy to announce the winners of our poetry contest as part of the nationwide festivities. Back in January, Torontoist launched a Toronto poetry contest to encourage the writing of......

You still have a few hours left, but Torontoist's Poetry Contest closes tonight! At the beginning of the new year, Torontoist launched a poetry contest to encourage the penning of new poems about our fair city. After judges Carly Beath, Stephen Cain, and Jay MillAr deliberate, we'll announce the winner plus five honourable mentions on April 10. We hope you've enjoyed our series of previously published Toronto poems, and look forward to presenting the winning......

Reading Toronto states "the city is a book with 100,000 million poems." Torontoist is aware of many poems that have been written by Toronto poets, but thinks there is ample room in the GTA for a few more (maybe a million-or-two would improve the present un-poetic monstrosity that is Dundas Square). We're also curious to know where new poems are being written: During TTC commutes? On the picturesque grounds of Casa Loma? Under the......

For poets Stephen Cain (American Standard/Canada Dry), Jay MillAr, and Sharon Harris, Christmas is coming early this year. The Mercury Press is holding a holiday-themed book launch to celebrate two new books: Harris’s first collection of poems, AVATAR; and Cain and MillAr’s Double Helix, a series of 52 “micro-fictions.” The event promises “literary-friendly goodies,” free bookmark-making kits, cookies and an appearance by Santa Claus himself. The party takes place December 6, at 7 p.m., at......