From page to stage: Writers step into the spotlight
By Mar Greig
In a celebration of emerging literary talent, students from Humber’s School for Writers recently gathered in the Recital Hall at the Lakeshore campus to share their work and build community.
Alissa York, program coordinator of the Creative Writing Graduate Certificate program, said that the event, and public readings in general, highlight the connection between writers and readers.
“It’s just a visceral experience of the relationship with readers,” said York.
“You’re up there, you’re the writer, and your readers are right there. You’re sharing that connection.”
Each student had three minutes to present readings drawn from their own creative projects, offering a compelling glimpse into the depth, diversity, and emotional resonance of voices coming out of Humber’s Creative Writing Graduate Certificate (CWGC) and Bachelor of Creative and Professional Writing (BCPW) programs.
York hopes the audience leaves impressed with the freshness of the writing and the diversity of voices, subject matter, and form that students’ works represent.
The evening reflected the wide range of styles and subject matter cultivated at Humber—from mythological retellings to science fiction revenge fantasies to deeply personal narratives of identity and home.
Inspiration and Influences
Caroline Tuccinardi, a BCPW student, read an excerpt from her poem ‘To Watch a Star Fall,’ inspired by the myth of Icarus but set in a modern context.
“I was wondering who [Icarus’] mother was in the story because we all hear about his father, right? And then after I researched it, I couldn’t find anything about a potential mom, so I kind of just made one up myself,” she said, noting that she had always been interested in mythology and space.
Elfreda Tetteh, a Creative Writing graduate and co-host of the event, read from her science fiction manuscript.
“I’ve travelled a lot, lived in several places over the years, and I used to write only about home. And I think after I travelled so much, I realized that I didn’t remember what home was anymore. So, I started to write sci-fi and fantasy because then I could make my own,” said Tetteh.
A lifelong fan of the genre, Tetteh cited influences from children’s author Enid Blyton to Hugo Award-winner Roger Zelazny.
Returning to Writing
Chyx Xyng read an excerpt from their manuscript, The Letter A, which the author described as ‘genre non-conforming novel about gender dysphoria.’
Xyng, a Creative Writing Graduate Certificate graduate, said that after years of writing financial documents, they branched out into creative writing.
“I’ve always been a writer of brutally boring stuff. About two years ago, I decided to write something that would also make people cry, but more of an emotional cry, as opposed to tears of boredom,” they said.
Elfreda Tetteh said that she pursued creative writing after years of working in copywriting.
“Someone once told me that it’s like the spirit of writing is chasing me. I have tried to do so many things. I try to fall in love with so many things.” Tetteh said. “I just keep coming back to it. And honestly, I think I’m just really tired of running.”
Writers Block & Creative Practice
Looking to beat writer’s block?
“Read, read, read widely, read voraciously, read like a writer, read like a reader and write a lot, and make room, time and space for your writing and take it seriously,” said York.
Elle Warr-Addae, a BCPW student, describes her writing process as frantic and hectic, involving the use of notebooks, paper, and a room filled with maps, strings, and post-it notes.
“Anytime I get an idea, I just slam it on the wall, and then I synthesize it and bring it together,” she said. Warr-Addae read two poems, “King Conquer,” inspired by an unreleased song she wrote 10 years ago, while the other, “Mathematics,” is about the subject itself.
For others, consistency is the key to a good writing practice.
“I find that timing myself and forcing myself to face the proverbial blank page is the only way to combat writer’s block,” said Musie Semere, a BCPW student.
“If I can get something on the page, even if I’m not ultimately going to use it later, I consider it a success.”
Semere said the program helped him explore writing styles and develop his own unique voice and sharpen his writing skill set.
During his time in the program, he has served as a poetry and fiction editor for Arrival, an online art and literary magazine. Arrival, led by Bachelor of Creative and Professional Writing students, showcases the work of students enrolled in post-secondary creative writing programs.
Finding Confidence & Community
Students credit the Humber School for Writers with providing support while they hone their craft.
“[The program] made me much more confident in who I am and the fact that I can write,” said Tuccinardi, who placed third in the 2023 High School Flash Fiction Contest. The contest, run by the Bachelor of Creative and Professional Writing program, accepts short fiction from secondary school students from across Ontario.
Warr-Addae admits that, despite writing a lot, she used to be uncomfortable sharing her work. However, the program’s workshop environment means that students share their work, read to each other and provide each other feedback.
“I just like sharing my work now, and that was the biggest hurdle I had to overcome,” she said.
According to York, finding other writers to build community with is the best way to develop your voice.
“Writers understand writers better than anybody else,” she said.
The Lit Celebration showcased the power of storytelling as a means of self-expression, transformation, and finding belonging. Across genres and forms, the emerging writers shared work reflecting both personal journeys and a shared commitment to creative exploration.