Literature Archives - Toronto Guardian

“A Day in the Life” with: Writer Sarah Waisvisz

Emilea Semancik — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:33:58 +0000

I met Sarah Waisvisz in the fall of 1993 in Mrs. Zielinski’s homeroom class at Broadview Public School (Ottawa), where Sarah soon rose to the top of the class (a position she’s always held in pretty much any academic program she’s ever been a part of, with the exception of grade 11 math when she came last place- sorry, Sar!). She’s had an incredible career in the Canadian theatre as a writer, director, and actor, and she has also taken on roles at the National Arts Centre and Canada Council for the Arts. She is now a faculty member at one of Canada’s most prestigious universities. While her heart may live in Paris or Martinique, she’s made a lovely home for herself in Kingston as Maman to little Noah, who loves to ride his bike along the shores of Lake Ontario. She is the friend I love talking to the most because she is as wise as she is hilarious; she’s helped me move more times than I care to count because that’s what true friends do; and she is an absolute style icon! I am blessed to have had her in my corner for over 30 years, and I look forward to many more.

-Written by Christine Armstrong

Photo of me with three of my best friends from forever: Christine Armstrong, Connie Crompton, and Emily Pearlman. Pictured: yummy ice cream from Gananoque.

Photo of me playing baseball with my kid. I always lose.

Photo of me and Noah on the shore of Lake Ontario, right by our apartment.

Photo of the boats at Portsmouth Harbour at sunset.

Photo of Noah and I with my father, Opa, being himself.

Photo of me and a growling Noah in front of a cliche but sweet autumnal scene.

Photo of Lake Ontario taken from my apartment window, where I write these days.

Photo of my new book Heartlines: A Love Story.

***

Which ’hood are you in?

I live in Portsmouth Village in Kingston. It is a historic part of the city and a hidden gem. I live in an apartment building that looks out over the lake; I can hear the waves crashing as I write this. I pretend it is the Atlantic Ocean, and that helps me stay connected to people and places I love.

What do you do?

I am a professor of Drama at Queen’s University. I am also a writer, theatre maker, and mother. That last part has become important and takes up most of my time and energy.

What are you currently working on?

I don’t have much writing time these days but I am currently working on three projects: a literary memoir about IVF and parenting called Dreambaby; a scholarly article related to Dionne Brand’s masterpiece A Map to the Door of No Return; and I am also revising an old play that I previously abandoned because the characters were telling me things I found too scary.

Where can we find your work?

My play Heartlines: A Love Story about the lives and love of Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore is out now with Talonbooks; you can find it wherever books are sold. In terms of other recent work, you can find my first published play, Monstrous, in the journal alt.theatre issue 13.3. A creative non-fiction piece I wrote about IVF was published last year by MUTHA Magazine here. A few years ago, I had the chance to write about race and the future of Canadian theatre in an essay entitled “We Are Holding Our Breath” in Theatre Research in Canada. I hope to find a publisher for that above-mentioned memoir so you can eventually read it too! In the meantime, I’m also hoping to make Substack my friend via @writingwhilemom

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“A Day in the Life” with: Writer Jackie Khalilieh

Demian Vernieri — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:33:00 +0000

Jackie Khalilieh is a Palestinian Canadian writer of YA books — mostly teen romances or coming-of-age stories, but usually both. Her first book, Something More, featured an autistic protagonist, which is cool because Jackie herself was diagnosed as autistic as an adult. The next book, which just came out this summer, is You Started It, which is a lot of fun because so many of the dates happen in and around Toronto. She’s a self-proclaimed failed journalist and former teacher, and didn’t start writing books until her late 30s. She has two daughters and a very cute Samoyed and is very dedicated to positive representation in her writing, especially for her Arab and autistic characters. She is barely ever without her headphones, listening to her curated book playlists, audiobooks at 1.5 speed or podcasts. In her free time, she doomscrolls, talks about doing puzzles and draws and paints with her youngest daughter.

-Written by Jackie’s husband

After dropping my daughters off to school, I return home to walk my Samoyed, Pearl, who lives for her walks.

I often listen to music and think about all the things I have to do on my walks. Right now, I’m in developmental edits and often find myself leaving voice notes when an idea comes to me.

After walking, I go around and tidy the house so that I can think clearly. It helps in between full cleaning days so things don’t get too overwhelming.

After all my morning tasks are done, I step into my office, which has currently seen better days. On this day, I put together a social media post and responded to emails from my editor about blurb requests and my novella.

When I’m done writing emails, I click over to my adult manuscript which I’m currently doing developmental edits for. But only for an hour.

It’s errand day, which means off to do a grocery and Walmart run. Something I don’t actually mind doing because I always bring my headphones and listen to either an audiobook or podcast.

A million dollars later, groceries are done for the week.

It’s always nice to come home to see your dog enjoying a relaxing day! After groceries is school pick ups, making dinner (which I loathe) and math homework (also something I loathe).

***

Which ’hood are you in?

I live with my family in Markham Village, which is a GO Train ride away from the city core. I never get tired of the view of the CN Tower when I step outside of Union Station. When I was first married, we lived in a 1970s house in Unionville, which we loved, but soon the area became a little too busy for us.

What do you do?

I’m a young adult author, but currently working on my adult fiction debut. I’m also a mother of two girls, 10 and 12 and a dog mom.

What are you currently working on?

Have been surviving the last months! I had three separate deadlines for three different projects. I attended EVER AFTER, a romance festival organized by TIFA, and planned two birthday parties while reminding my family to send me their Christmas wish lists!

Where can we find your work?

My first two YA novels, Something More and You Started It, are available wherever books are sold, or via my website if you’d like a signed copy. I’m also fairly active on both Instagram and TikTok. My third YA novel, Everything Comes Back to You, releases August 4, 2026, as well as a novella sequel to my debut, Something More. There are a couple of unannounced projects that I’m excited to talk about soon!

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“A Day in the Life” with: Writer Samra Zafar

Demian Vernieri — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:33:09 +0000

If you’ve met Dr. Samra Zafar, you know her kindness and warmth. She leads with a deep compassion that comes from lived experience and has this innate ability of making those around her feel seen and valued.

She is an internationally acclaimed speaker, physician, and bestselling author who turned her own pain into purpose – a purpose to help others through her work. Her first book, A Good Wife: Escaping the Life I Never Chose, is a powerful memoir that opened hearts and minds around the world to the realities of gender-based oppression and the courage it takes to break free.

Because she’s never content just telling her story (she wants to help others rewrite theirs), she founded Brave Beginnings, a mentorship community for survivors of abuse, to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Her second book, Unconditional, released earlier this year, became an instant Globe and Mail bestseller and helps readers break free from their own limiting beliefs to lead their fullest lives. Through her words, her work, and her heart, Samra reminds us that resilience isn’t about what breaks us; it’s about how we choose to rise.

Foodie adventures with my friend Jenny Shin

Road trip in Cape Breton – I love road trips! My time of solitude and reconnection with myself

Speaking at the Senate of Canada about equity and mental health

Media appearances across the country for my national book tour

Meeting readers across the country

Speaking on stages across the country

BTS photo shoots

From my sunrise collections

***

Which ’hood are you in?

I live in downtown Toronto, and I truly feel at home here. As someone working long, often unpredictable hours in psychiatry, the location is practical; Mount Sinai is just a short walk away. Beyond convenience, it’s the spirit of downtown Toronto that makes me feel like anything is possible…like the next opportunity could be just around the corner, even if I don’t know what it is yet.

Sometimes, that opportunity looks like a new dish I’ve never tried, from a part of the world I’ve never been! I’m obsessed with good food, and being surrounded by the culinary gems that are downtown Toronto’s cafés and restaurants means I always have a soul-soothing spot to catch up with friends or host visitors from out of town. It’s like I get to travel the world through my plate — Ethiopian, Pakistani, Korean, Mexican — often in the same week. Food is one of the ways I stay connected to culture, community, and joy when my schedule is full and time feels especially precious.

Some days, all the nourishment I need meets me on a plate at a downtown Toronto restaurant. And on the days that ask for a little more, I find it in the sky. Watching the sun settle below the skyline reminds me that no matter how hard the day, it will come to an end and that there’s always a chance to begin again tomorrow. The best sunsets of my life have been collected from my home in downtown Toronto.

What do you do?

By profession, I’m a resident psychiatrist at Mount Sinai Hospital, completing my medical training. It’s work that keeps me grounded in purpose every single day. I work alongside brilliant mentors and peers, and I still attend classes… learning never really stops in medicine!
Outside of the hospital, I’m an author and keynote speaker. My two bestselling books, A Good Wife and Unconditional, are stories that speak to resilience, trauma, and healing. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to speak across Canada and beyond, to institutions, corporations, and nonprofits, about mental health, neuroscience, and belonging.

I’m also the co-founder of Brave Beginnings, a Toronto-based registered charity that provides resources and support to survivors of gender-based violence and trauma. And, most importantly, I’m a mom to two amazing daughters who are growing into fierce, kind women. They’re my greatest pride and joy.

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m fully immersed in my residency, splitting my time between hospital work and classroom training. I’m in the thick of learning how to be both a scientist and a healer, which is humbling and energizing.

I also released my latest book, Unconditional, earlier this year. It’s been a whirlwind: speaking engagements, book club events, national media and a cross-Canada book tour connecting with readers who are navigating their own mental health journeys. It’s been incredibly meaningful to bring science and storytelling together in ways that connect with both readers and people in corporate and healthcare spaces. At the heart of it is my passion for sharing the science behind trauma, healing, and human connection. When we understand what’s happening beneath the surface, we’re better able to meet ourselves and each other with compassion, clarity, and care.

And on the creative side, I’ve started to brainstorm ideas for my next writing project. It’s early, just notes in my phone and the occasional sentence that comes to me in the middle of the clinic when I’m nowhere near a pen. But I’m being patient with myself. I’ve learned not to rush it because the stories that matter take their time.

Where can we find your work?

You can find me on Instagram and LinkedIn, where I share stories, reflections, and conversations around mental health, resilience, and personal growth.

Both of my books — A Good Wife and Unconditional — are available at Indigo, Amazon, and independent bookstores across Canada. I’m also a guest on podcasts regularly and would love to connect with more local hosts. Toronto’s creative scene is full of amazing voices I’d love to collaborate with!

And for more about my speaking, writing, or nonprofit work, visit my website.

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“A Day in the Life” with: Toronto Writer Amy Rosen

Demian Vernieri — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:33:28 +0000

Amy Rosen is the worst. Not because she’s loud or rude or hogs the conversation. Nope. It’s because she’s good at everything. She’s the smartest, kindest, and funniest person in the room—every room. Ugh. Annoying. Her food, travel, and lifestyle journalism has racked up tons of awards, a James Beard nomination, and fancy editorial gigs that have flown her around the world—multiple times. Who’s jealous? Me, obviously. Then there’s Rosen’s Cinnamon Buns, her cinnamon bun bakery that became a grocery-store hit faster than dough can rise. Lineups down the block. Her buns? Real. Fabulous. Still annoying. Oh, and books! Amy’s written over six best-selling cookbooks, plus a debut novel, OFF MENU, which instantly topped every “must-read” list of Summer 2025. Because of course it did. She’s also a go-to TV host, sprinkling her signature wit, warmth, and know-how all over every screen. Amy Rosen is better at everything than me—or you—and somehow, we can’t help but love her for it. Without Amy, what would we eat, read, or binge-watch? So yes—utterly, completely, gloriously annoying.

You’re not going to find a prouder Torontonian than me. After all, I wrote two cookbooks about the place

I judged “Canada’s Great Kitchen Party” culinary competition for many years, but my favourite years were when I got to sit beside culinarian and oenophile Geddy Lee

I make my living as a food and travel writer, and guess where my favourite place in the world is? Canada!

Probably the most fun at work I’ve ever had was being a judge on Wall of Bakers

Teaching one hundred people how to make rugelach at a UJA event celebrating the release of my cookbook, Kosher Style

The launch for my first novel, Off Menu, atop the SOHO hotel this June

When Top Chef did their last season in Canada, I got to help launch it by doing a Q&A with the hosts before the screening

Who remembers my little bakery on College Street? Tip: Frozen Rosen’s Cinnamon Buns are available in grocery stores across Canada

***

Which ’hood are you in?

I live at College and Ossington, so I’d say I’m on the cusp of Little Italy/Little Portugal. I can walk to everything I need and am surrounded by parks. I feel lucky to live here.

What do you do?

I’m a food and travel writer, cookbook author, casting producer for Top Chef Canada, cinnamon bun entrepreneur and most recently, new novelist.

What are you currently working on?

I’ve always got a few irons in the fire, but recently I’ve been especially eager to appear at TIFA’s first-ever Romance Festival, Ever After.

Where can we find your work?

My book Off Menu is available at bookstores everywhere, and you can also find my food and travel features in the Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, Food & Wine magazine and others.

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“A Day in the Life” with: Toronto-based Writer Hajer Mirwali

Emilea Semancik — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 08:33:35 +0000

Palestinian-Iraqi poet and writer Hajer Mirwali brings a striking blend of vulnerability and power to her work, exploring themes of identity, gender, and surveillance through a distinctly Arab and feminist lens. Based in Toronto, Mirwali’s debut poetry collection, Revolutions (Spring 2025), examines how language and selfhood evolve under systems of watchfulness and control. A lifelong poet with a passion for visual art, she continues to expand her creative practice across mediums — from live performance and visual collaboration to essays and fiction. Off the page, Mirwali finds grounding in nature, spirituality, and the everyday rituals that shape her artistry.

Reading in front of close friends and family at the Toronto launch of Revolutions. I was very lucky to have the launch funded by Toronto Lit Up. It was held in Junto Studio in Dovercourt Village – such a beautiful space. I did a polyvocal reading with my sisters for this event, and it was so amazing to feel my work come alive through community.

Photoshoot with my book when I received my first copy. Thankfully, I had just gotten a manicure.

Online launch of Heaven Looks Like Us, an anthology of Palestinian poetry published earlier this year by Haymarket Books. I’m beyond grateful to have two poems in the collection. Haymarket was one of my dream publishers, and it’s unreal to have my work alongside poets I’ve looked up to for so long, like Mahmoud Darwish and Naomi Shihab Nye.

Fall at York University, where I work a 9–5 admin job. That day, however, I was there to do a reading for the Creative Writing program alongside poet Terese Mason Pierre. This was a full-circle moment for me, since I graduated from that program almost ten years ago and used to go to the reading series as a student. Now I’m on the other side — as the writer!

With my mom and sisters at the in-person double launch of Heaven Looks Like Us and The Gate of Memory, another Haymarket anthology on Nikkei incarceration, written by descendants of the WWII prisons and camps. Photo taken by Yumi Numata. The event was held at It’s OK* Studio on Queen West.

Type Books Junction very kindly organized a group reading and Q&A for Revolutions. I love that they included a photo of Mona Hatoum’s + and –, the sculpture my book is about.

Complementary book cover vibes with Nanci Lee at a reading we did together in Halifax at Venus Envy, a feminist sex shop and bookstore.

At Javid Jah’s studio in the Junction, collaborating with him on his project for Falasteen360. Pictured is Javid’s sculpture, Anqa, which he exhibited at MuslimFest in Mississauga this summer.

***

Which ‘hood are you in?

I lived in North York for the past five years and very recently moved downtown to West Queen West. I’m so excited for a fresh start, and I think this new environment will help nurture my creativity.

What do you do?

I write poetry, and sometimes fiction and essays. My day job, which unfortunately takes up most of my time and energy, is as a Research Manager at York University. In my current writing life, I’m interested in exploring shame, trauma, and repressed memories. I’m going to manifest it here and say my dream is to write a television screenplay about the sex lives and relationships of young Arab women.

What are you currently working on?

I’ve been touring my book, Revolutions, for the past few months and had a reading with fellow Talonbooks authors, Ryan Fitzpatrick and A Jamali Rad, at Flying Books on College St.

I’ve also been working on a very exciting project with the artist Javid Jah for Falasteen360, an immersive exhibition on Palestinian narratives. Javid is reworking one of his existing sculptures, and it will include remixed poems from my book — the art is made and unmade!

I feel really lucky to be able to revisit my work with this new framework. It’s especially meaningful because Revolutions is a response to a sculpture called + and – by Mona Hatoum, and now the poems are in conversation with another sculpture. I love being able to work at the intersection of different art forms.

Recently, I contributed a poem to my good friend and novelist Sheung King’s project, Displaced Nostalgia: Itch, a performance piece in collaboration with the artist JeeMin Kim. They performed at InterAccess as part of the exhibition Edging the Unscratchable Digital Itch.

Where can we find your work?

You can buy Revolutions wherever books are sold — but preferably from my publisher, Talonbooks, or a local bookstore. I post about my upcoming events and projects on Instagram.

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