NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH PUBLIC LIBRARY
*************************
The Guelph Public Library along with publisher Vocamus Press are excited to launch ETCH 2016 at the Guelph Public Library’s Main Library (100 Norfolk Street) on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 1 p.m., to celebrate the achievements of Guelph’s youth in areas of writing and art.
Each spring, the library hosts both a writing and art contest for Guelph area teens to encourage youth to explore, connect, and thrive with their local community and within themselves.
The ETCH anthology is an annual collection of the area’s best teen writing.
Meet local authors Eric Walters, Claudette Melanson, and Ryan Toxopeus at this year’s book launch as they announce the winners of this year’s contest, and enjoy the musical talents of local teen musician Thomas McIlwraith as he serenades the crowd.
Refreshments will be provided – plus you’ll have the chance to purchase your own copy of the anthology for $20 a copy or 2 for $30.
The Guelph Public Library appreciates the continued support of Vocamus Press for publishing and showcasing the amazing talents of Guelph’s youth in this anthology year after year. Be sure to join us on the 28 and happy reading!
About the Guest Authors
Eric Walters began writing as a way to encourage his grade 5 students to become more interested in reading and writing. Since then he has published over 80 novels and picture books that have won more than 100 awards.
His books have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and he has presented to more than 1,500,000 students across North America and around the world.
Claudette Melanson writes and edits in Kitchener, Ontario. She has wanted to be a vampire since age five, so naturally she likes to write paranormal fiction, including Rising Tide and Undertow, the first two volumes of her Maura DeLuca vampire series.
Ryan Toxopeus has loved writing since he was old enough to know how, and though he leaned more toward math and science at times, he kept returning to writing. He is the author of The Empire’s Foundation series, a high-fantasy epic trilogy.
The first two volumes, A Noble’s Quest and A Wizard’s Gambit, have been well received, and the final installment, A Hero’s Birth, is scheduled for release in early 2017.
Thomas McIlwraith is an up and coming musician from Guelph. He is 12 years old, and loves to sing and play the guitar, piano, ukulele, harmonica and drums.
Thomas was named volunteer of the month by the Guelph Wellington Volunteer Centre in December, 2015 for busking at the Guelph Farmers’ Market to raise money for the Welcome In Drop-in Centre. Thomas often performs at Open Mic Nights in Guelph and has opened for Ian Reid.
*************************