AELAQ is thrilled to announce Writers Unbound, a collaboration with MAtv, Videotron’s community channel. Writers Unbound is a 6-episode series featuring Montreal writers and editors published by AELAQ members, in conversation on writing, literature, and life. As an organization representing Quebec’s English-language publishing community, AELAQ is delighted to help bring engaging, inspiring conversations about literature, on and off the page, to MAtv viewers across Montreal.
Hosted by literary programmer, arts writer, and former radio presenter Shelley Pomerance, each episode of Writers Unbound features intimate interviews and conversation with two Montreal authors. We’ll also hear excerpts from each author’s work, read by a citizen reader from MAtv’s volunteer program. Plus, each week we’ll visit beloved Mile-End bookstore Drawn & Quarterly to get reading recommendations for adults and children from its dedicated and passionate booksellers.
“This is an exciting opportunity for AELAQ to bring a diversity of local writers into conversation with each other and spotlight our unique publishing landscape,” says Hillary Brenhouse, AELAQ’s Executive Director. “I’m hoping that the show will contribute to the continued expansion of our literary community, and that it’ll tip off viewers who didn’t know there was a burgeoning English-language literary community in Quebec! And, of course, it’s wonderful to hear the voices behind the books.”
With novelists, short story writers, poets, editors, nonfiction writers, and children’s authors, there’s bound to be something for every taste and interest. “The lineup of writers featured is really remarkable,” says Anna Leventhal, AELAQ’s former ED, who began planning the show in fall of 2020. “They represent a wide spectrum of genres, styles, backgrounds, and career paths, but they’re all joined by the fact that Montreal is where they live and write. Together they create a sort of prismatic view of the city and its English-language literary world. We’re excited to share it with MAtv’s viewers!”
HOW TO WATCH: A new episode debuts every Tuesday night at 8:30 PM, beginning March 2nd, on MAtv. Visit matv.ca for the complete schedule.
Clients of Videotron can tune in to MAtv on channel 9 or 609 in HD. All clients of Videotron (television, Internet, mobile or illico Club) can also view MAtv live and on-demand, here.
Each episode will be available to the general public to stream for free on matv.ca 7 days after it airs, for a period of 2 weeks.
SCHEDULE:
March 2 : Greg Santos and Shanice Nicole
March 9 : Kaie Kellough and Nalini Mohabir
March 16: Stéphane Martelly and Marianne Ackerman
March 23: Richard King and Samir Shaheen-Hussain
March 30: Tawhida Tanya Evanson and stephanie roberts
April 6: Nigel Thomas and Christopher DiRaddo