Young and Emerging Authors
With the emergence of digital reading and literature distribution on our iPads, less and less Canadian content is being read by Canadian readers. The Canadian literature scene is rich with diversity, fresh narrative devices and authentic experiences from right here at home. There are so many young authors telling inspiring Canadian stories that allow everyone to understand and explore perspectives outside of their own. It’s time to start supporting our emerging creators and learning more about each other as we relate to the Canadian Identity. Here are a few of our favourite works from young Canadian authors who continue to push boundaries, expand our horizons, and change the writing world.
Shut Up You’re Pretty by Téa Muntoji
In this collection of stories that take place in Scarborough, Ontario, Congolese author Tea Muntoji explores the societal and cultural impacts on femininity, womanness, and identity. Through a gritty and darkly humorous lens, the book offers insight into the coming of age journey of a young female Congolese immigrant and her relationship to sexuality, friendships, romance, and family.
You can learn more about Téa Muntoji Here:
https://www.teamutonji.com/
Nîtisânak by Lindsay Nixon
Lindsay Nixon is a two-spirit Cree, Saulteaux, and Metis writer who’s pointed memoir interrogates discrimination within marginalized communities. In this tender, yet biting novel, Nixon recalls her experiences with sexuality, identity, betrayal, and death in the Canadian Prairie punk-scene. As she explores Canada and the world around her, she writes about the complex intersections of queer and indigenous identities.
You can learn more about Lindsay Nixon Here:
https://aabitagiizhig.com
I’m Afraid of Men by Vivek Shraya
Vivek Shraya is a Canadian musician, writer and artist whose work continuously reimagines and redefines the concept of gender in our modern society. In this raw recollection of her lived experiences, Shraya draws a powerful examination of gender and masculinity and creates an important record of the cumulative damage caused by misogyny, homophobia and transphobia. As she writes about her journey, Vivek Shraya presents a blueprint for how we might better understand, cherish and nurture all that makes us our authentic selves.
You can learn more about Vivek Shraya Here:
https://vivekshraya.com
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
In this impossible adventure, Canadian writer Esi Edugyan tells an epic tale of slavery and freedom. Following the life of 11-year-old slave Washington Black, Edugyan uses adventure as a meaningful vessel to highlight a world in which Washington struggles to define his true identity in a world that invalidates his very existence. A story of betrayal, love, and self discovery leads us all to question the true meaning of freedom.
You can learn more about Esi Edugyan Here:
https://quillandquire.com
At MEI Academy, we know that young writers are redefining the future of storytelling. So many of you are talented creators and we want to hear from you! Contact blog.post@meiacademy.com or DM us on social media to let us get to know YOU as a writer! Send us a piece of your literary work including; short stories, poetry, essays or anything else you’ve written for a chance to be featured in one of our next blog posts!