How does one write the hardest moments of one's life?
With a lot of care, tea, and fur babies, of course.
Hello, my friends,
It’s hard for me to consider myself as having any sort of capability, let alone expertise, when it comes to aspects of writing and helping to make books happen. But, over the past couple of months, I have had incredible experiences in the publishing, writing, and bookish world, which has helped to change my perspective on what expertise means.
I’ve learned that I do have wisdom to share.
One of the nuggets of wisdom I’ve learned is how to write trauma. I know, I know, writing trauma feels very dramatic, very icky and sticky and gooey. And it is. It can be all of those things.
But…
I have also learned that writing through all of that messiness can be healing and, if done properly, it can help others, too.
A couple of weekends ago, I was invited to GritLIT in Hamilton, Ontario, to give a workshop on Writing Trauma With Care. The room was almost too small for all the participants but that made it so much more intimate. The participants were engaged, curious and came with strength and vulnerability. Through writing exersices and engaging discussions, we talked about what it’s like to write through trauma, what it means to write trauma, and how we can do that with care and respect.
So, I’ve decided to offer the workshop again — this time, virtually.
Writing Trauma With Care: Looking After Yourself & Others
When: Sunday, June 8 at 3:00 pm ET/12:00 pm PT
Where: Zoom
How much: $40 CAD
Space is limited!
Interest in learning more? Want to register? Cool! Send me an email at contact@kjaiello.ca.
(I’m foregoing Eventbrite so we can all save on fees.)
More workshops with my pals at Firefly Creative Writing
If you haven’t heard of this amazing little business in Toronto, Firefly Creative Writing, you’ve been missing out!
The Firefly community and coaches were foundational in helping me bring my book, The Monster and the Mirror, to life. It was around their little workshop table that I realized I wanted to write a book… in fact, that I wanted to write. And that I could write.
If you haven’t checked out their summer workshop lineup, now’s the time.
Welcome to The Book Hook Podcast!
Coming this September, I’m so excited to dive into all the coolest writerly and industry stuff. I’ll be interviewing authors and industry professionals, deep-diving into hot topics, and giving engaging book reviews.
Make sure you follow The Book Hook Podcast on Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, and YouTube.
Upcoming events
I’m so jazzed to be joining Bianca Marais for the launch of her latest novel, A Most Puzzling Murder, out June 10th!
The literary soirée is bound to be the event of the season, with the coolest authors and industry folks, such as the hosts of The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, Cece Lyra and Carly Watters, authors Uzma Jalaluddin, Samantha M. Bailey, Kate Hilton and Elizabeth Renzetti, and many more in attendance. Get your tickets here.
Come join me, Caitlin Galway, Eden Boudreau and Paula Ferrante for the launch of Galway’s collection of shorts, A Song For Wildcats, on May 20th at 6:30 pm at Flying Books (784 College St. Toronto)! I’m excited to be moderating what is sure to be an thought-proviking and engaging panel, listening to readings, and much more!
What I’m reading…
Pals, I’ve read so many books in April, and May is shaping up to be another successful reading month.
Here’s what I’ve got on my nightstand:
The Sins On Their Bones by Laura R. Samotin
The Traitor Queen by Danielle L. Jensen
Skin by Catherine Bush
A Song For Wildcats by Caitlin Galway
The Stars and Their Light by Olivia Hawker
52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk With Indigenous Peoples On the Path to Healing by David A. Robertson
A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara
Yes, I’m reading them all at once. No, don’t judge me.
The IG Live Author Series is going strong!
This month, I was joined by Michelle Young to chat about her debut book, The Art Spy, an extraordinary untold tale of WWII resistance hero, Rose Valland. Check out the chat here:
Some upcoming authors:
Olivia Hawker - The Stars and Their Light
Laura R. Samotin - The Sins On Their Bones
Kate Gateley - Shadow of the Yew Tree
Make sure you follow!
Share the love. Support authors.
If you enjoyed this newsletter or know someone who would, please share! Better yet, become a subscriber! The more the merrier.
If you’re an author or publicist, and want to join or have your author join me for The Book Hook Podcast, shoot me an email at contact@kjaiello.ca.
Also, check out my debut book, The Monster and the Mirror: Mental Illness, Magic, and the Stories We Tell. It’s out now!
Until next time, be well.
KJ