TPL Teens

As far back as I can remember, I have always been creative. I remember making imaginary (and delicious) foods next to my mom while she cooked, and performing puppet shows with my younger brother. The art form I was most drawn to was singing. I sang in the shower, in the classroom, and at my religious organization. Singing was how I made friends, annoyed my teachers and pleased my mom. Most importantly, singing allowed me to express my feelings. For every emotion I felt — alienation from my classmates, desperation for popularity, rage at my brother — I could release it through melody.

In Grade 7, I learned about poetry and this is when I began to write feverishly. It eventually occurred to me that I could sing these poems, make songs out of my words. I wrote my first “official” song when I was 13. From then on, I wrote songs all the time. But when I needed to take a break from songwriting in my late twenties, I returned to creative writing. I also began to explore other art mediums like photography and short film. I learned that art was not just a powerful means of release. Making art about my various identities — trans, queer, person of colour — and their intersections, has been healing. Art has also been a means to connect with others who have had similar, and different, experiences — others who want to share their stories.

Once again, art has brought me to this job, the new E-Writer in Residence at Toronto Public Library, where I hope to connect with YOU. One of my first jobs as a teenager was working at the Edmonton Public Library as a student page, so this feels a bit like a homecoming of sorts. I am very much looking forward to reading your writing, and providing feedback and support. As I have a multi-disciplinary background, I also invite you to ask for supports with other art forms you are exploring, outside of creative writing, including songwriting. I will be running a regular “Ask Vivek” column here, so please do send me any questions you might have that you would like answered. Please email your writing or art, and column suggestions to vshraya@torontopubliclibrary.ca.

Lastly, I will be facilitating a couple of in-library writing workshops, including at the upcoming Young Voices Conference. This will offer me another opportunity to connect with you.

Sincerely,

Vivek Shraya

P.S. I will be ending all my posts with a link, thought or book that has inspired me. Feel free to share what is inspiring you in the comments below! My favorite summer read was Everything I Never Told You (Celeste Ng). This is a beautifully written exploration of family and otherness from many perspectives. Check it out!