In 2019, the semi-prose podcast team had a live episode recording  at the Festival's 40th edition with two of their hosts: Kristina Chin and Max Arambulo. Their guest author was Cherie Dimaline who discussed her new novel, Empire of Wild, which features a legendary Métis creature called the Rogarou. This is a sneak peek of the episode. You can listen to the whole thing over at semi-prose. semi-prose is a podcast from Penguin Random House Canada.

The TIFA Backlist

Sneak Peek: semi-prose LIVE with Cherie Dimaline

What do you think of when you think of storytelling? Look beyond the written word with 2019 TIFA Delegate Natasha Ramoutar to explore other forms in which we tell our tales. Featuring Téa Mutonji (Shut Up You’re Pretty) and Ian Keteku (2010 World Poetry Slam champion). This episode is written and produced by Natasha Ramoutar. It was sound engineered and scored by Kevin Ramroop. Introduction by Ardo Omer.

TIFA Backlist: Bonus edition with Natasha Ramoutar

Awarding-winning author, Eden Robinson, read from the sequel in the Trickster series before being interviewed by author Cherie Dimaline. Both of the authors had each other and the audience in stitches as they discussed the books read they as kids, their reactions to meeting authors they admire and more. This episode is produced and hosted by Ardo Omer. Introduction by Director Geoffrey E. Taylor.

Tricksters and Giggles with Eden Robinson and Cherie Dimaline

Anything can happen when two block-busting bestsellers put their heads together for an hour of solid author intrigue. Linwood Barclay interviewed award-winning Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin at the 2018 Festival where they discussed his latest Rebus book, his path to writing and more. This episode is produced and hosted by Ardo Omer. Introduction by Director Geoffrey E. Taylor.

Solving Crimes with Ian Rankin and Linwood Barclay

At the 2018 Festival, awarding-winning author and India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Vikas Swarup, discussed his novel, Q & A, with journalist and author Anirudh Bhattacharyya. Q & A was adapted into the Oscar award-winning film, Slumdog Millionaire. The interview was part of the Safar: Journeys to South Asia event curated by Meenakshi Alimchandani. This episode is produced and hosted by Ardo Omer. Introduction by Director Geoffrey E. Taylor.

Q&A with Vikas Swarup

Awarding-winning author, Miriam Toews, discussed her latest book, Women Talking, at the 2018 Festival with interviewer Alissa York. The book is based on the real events that occurred in a remote Mennonite community where more than 100 girls and women were drugged and sexually assaulted.  This episode is produced and hosted by Ardo Omer. Introduction by Director Geoffrey E. Taylor.

Women Talking with Miriam Toews

A 2018 Festival panel on storytelling brought together four talented writers—Dionne Brand (Theory), Isa Kamari (Tweet), Pierre J. Mejlak (Having Said Goodnight) and Ondjaki (Transparent City)—to discuss their unique styles and non-traditional formats. Philosopher and longtime Festival friend, Wendy O’Brien, moderates the conversation. This episode is produced and hosted by Ardo Omer. Introduction by Director Geoffrey E. Taylor.

Storytelling in Different Forms with Dionne Brand, Isa Kamari, Pierre J. Mejlak and Ondjaki

Writer and critic Andrea Warner present her book, Buffy Sainte-Marie: The Authorized Biography, at the 2018 Festival and appeared on stage with the iconic musician herself, Buffy Sainte-Marie. The two of them discussed their parternship and the fascinating life of Sainte-Marie with Raina Douris, the host of Mornings on CBC Music. This episode is produced and hosted by Ardo Omer. Introduction by Director Geoffrey E. Taylor.

The Scribe and The Living Legend with Andrea Warner and Buffy Sainte-Marie

As the final panel of the evening, authors Vivek Shraya (I’m Afraid of Men), Sarah Henstra (The Red Word) and Rachel Giese (Boys: What it Means to Become a Man) mesmerized the audience as they discussed gender, toxic masculinity, power and feminism with moderator Rinaldo Walcott as part of the 2018 Toronto International Festival of Authors. The authors also read from their critically acclaimed works! This episode is produced and hosted by Ardo Omer. Introduction by Director Geoffrey E. Taylor.

Rethinking Power Structures with Vivek Shraya, Sarah Henstra and Rachel Giese

On October 27, authors Esi Edugyan (Washington Black) and Meg Wolitzer (The Female Persuasion) read from their latest novels. Then they were interviewed by the Toronto Star's Books Editor, Deborah Dundas, as part of the 2018 Toronto International Festival of Authors. Their work touches on race, gender and the power of mentorship. This episode is produced and hosted by Ardo Omer. Introduction by Director Geoffrey E. Taylor.

Transformative Relationships with Esi Edugyan and Meg Wolitzer

In this episode, we'll be featuring readings and conversations from Barbara Gowdy, Kirsten Innes, Miriam Pirbhai, Nicholas Eames and Canisia Lubrin. What do all of these authors have in common? They appeared on our stage as debut authors! We also interviewed TIFA directors, Geoffrey E. Taylor and Christine Saratsiotis, about how authors get invited to our stage, their memorable experiences and how the Festival has evolved over the years. This episode is produced by Emily Jung & hosted by Ardo Omer.

Emerging Writers

In this episode, we'll be featuring readings and conversations from Heather O’Neill, Vahni Capildeo, Dionne Brand, Duncan McCue, Lee Maracle, Rachel Giese, Ivan Coyote, Roxane Gay, Siri Agrell, Susan G. Cole, Cheryl Tan, Charlotte Wood and Dean Atta. These clips will touch on one of our 2018 Festival themes: Gender Identity & Equality. This episode is produced by Emily Jung and hosted by Ardo Omer.

Gender Identity & Equality

We're back with Intergenerational Dialogues and this episode features a 2016 conversation between author John Irving and debut novelist, Nathan Hill. The two of them discuss Hill's novel, The Nix, which resulted in people comparing Hill to the prolific Irving. This episode is produced by Emily Jung and hosted by Ardo Omer.

Intergenerational Dialogues II

This episode features readings and performances from authors Viet Thanh Nguyen, Esi Edugyan, Pasha Malla, Deanna Rodger and Anosh Irani that tie back to one of the 2018 Festival themes: Cultural Identity & Understanding. This episode is produced by Emily Jung and hosted by Ardo Omer.

Cultural Identity & Understanding

This episode features a 2017 Festival event where award-winning journalist Duncan McCue interviewed author Lee Maracle about her latest book, My Conversation with Canadians. Lee Maracle was recently announced as the recipient of the 2018 Harbourfront Festival Prize. This episode is produced by Emily Jung and hosted by Ardo Omer.

Indigenous Authorship

The Toronto International Festival of Authors celebrates words and ideas through their eleven day Festival and year-round events. The TIFA Backlist podcast offers a look at the Festival’s archives which features authors from around the world sharing their stories with audiences for almost 40 years.

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The TIFA Backlist

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