Monday 14 June 2010

TORONTO READING


I'm in Toronto for the International Short Story Conference. It's nearly 5am here and I am all jet-laggy and wide awake. I'm reading on Saturday with Licia Canton, which I'm very much looking forward to. Her collection has the stunning title Almond Wine and Fertility. Can't wait to get my mitts on it. I wonder did they put us together because mine is called Nude?! Maybe we'll get a huge and lascivious audience!

This is a conference I have read at twice before, in Lisbon and Cork. It's on every other year and it is such a treat: heavily academic, but also packed with stunning writers, including this year Margaret Atwood and Alistair MacLeod. I always return home from it more deeply in love with the short story than ever.

From what I've glimpsed of the city so far, it is Chicagoesque - a gorgeous mix of modern and shabby; vastly multi-ethnic, extremely friendly. My kind of place. And to top it all, I am going to Rufus's opera Prima Donna tonight. Its North American premiere. I feel blessed. I also met Rufus yesterday. But that's another story...

9 comments:

Kar said...

Sounds wonderful Nu, dying to hear how it all goes.

Oh Ms. Atwood I do love her and Mr.MacLeod, ahhh I’d be on a cloud if I were there.

I’ll look up Licia’s book, it’s a very interesting title!

Enjoy x

Group 8 said...

You're ahead of the game, O'Neill!! Thanks for your comment. I am on a cloud, indeed; am giddy with the excitement of being here. Must. Calm. Down.

Rachel Fenton said...

I am SO envious! And Rufus - he is a god - Wainwright! I wonder if he'd introduce you to Teddy Thompson and then you could introduce hime to me and we could run away to a small island and make beautiful music.....hmn (contentment)....AND Margaret - she is a god - Atwood!!! AAArgh - too much.....

Group 8 said...

Ah the lovely Teddy...

Anna May said...

Nuala, would you pleae tell Rufus that I love him and that his music haunts me ? Thankyou. And have the best time.
Anna May x

Unknown said...

O you lucky duck you! Sounds like you're having a fabutastic time. I have some good news but I don't know if I can share it yet. Not as big as anything you've had, but it's a start ;)

Máire T. Robinson said...

Wow, sounds amazing! I'm also a massive Margaret Atwood fan. Have a great time and best of luck with the reading!

Group 8 said...

Oooh Anna May - glad you are a fellow Ru fan.

B - I LOVE good news. Congrats whatever it is, well done!

Máire - thank you. It's lovely being here. We had a long walk down to the lake this morning. I am now trying to rest. Unsuccessfully.

Unknown said...

Hi Nuala, had a look at the website, wow...you are on the same page as Margaret Atwood and Alistair Mc Leod! Hope you having a great time. Did you do any workshops today? My firstborn moved to Toronto today so if you see a tall handsome Irish lad strolling along Yonge St., be sure and say hello! X