2023 VENDORS

Celebrate with us the wonderful local writing talent of York Region, Toronto, the GTA, and beyond. The Bookshelf book fair is the largest Indie Author Oriented book fair in York Region and we’re celebrating our 5th season this year!

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OUR VENDORS

 

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book fair

A Great Big Thank You!

The Bookshelf would like to offer a HUGE thank you to all of you (vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and patrons) who stopped by our event on Saturday May 13th 🙂 We had over 300 people through the doors and a ton of fun to boot!
We had a fantastic time getting to know you, visiting with Elsa of York Region, Chase from PAW Patrol, Kids’ singer Marky Monday, and even the York Region Police! And without Karin’s Cafe helping run The Cafe at the End of the Universe, the day would not have been the same.
We couldn’t have made this event happen without the continued support of the Writers’ Community of York Region and all our behind-the-scenes planners.

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If you are interested in helping organize the 2018 event, please email MJ Moores at thebookshelf@wcyork.ca by June 9th, 2017.

We do most of our planning online and meet generally once every other month starting in October. We are looking for volunteers to help with the following positions:
  • Sponsorship Coordinator (we have a pre-existing list to be followed up on)
  • Vendor Coordinator (we have a pre-existing list to be followed up on)
  • Volunteer Coordinator (for the event day – we have a pre-existing list & resources for reaching out)
  • Readings Coordinator (to organize the random draw of readers from the early-bird vendor registrations)
  • Social Media Coordinator (to ensure our sponsors and vendors are recognized and to brighten up our feeds)
  • Graphic Designer (to tweak pre-existing posters/postcards/social media banners/flyers)
We are having a “post-mortem” meeting June 11th to discuss how this year went and how to integrate the suggestions we’ve received for next year. You do not need to attend this meeting, but if you are interested in helping out, it would be a bonus for us to know.
Thanks Again! and See You Next Year 😀

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Fabulous Fiction

General Fiction

A work of fiction is an act of creative invention derived from the author’s imagination, and this is where it can get really fun! It is made up, but is also is not. Wait, so I guess I should have also added that this is where it can get not only fun, but adventurous, a bit crazy, a little strange, kind of out-of-this-world but also very much in reality. Maybe? I don’t know. I guess you’ll just have to read it to believe it; or feel it; or relish in it.

It is like coming up with a fantastical story line, letting it play out, and making sure it makes sense… and not just the sense of chronological order or something similar, I’m talking about, “could this actually happen?”

Creative fiction sees the world of fantasy, dips its toes in the water, follows the factual guidelines of non-fiction, and then creates its own original and unique story of wonderment.

General fiction kind of touches on all genres whereas one story can shadow just a little bit of everything. It is all about crafting a story that is in its simplest form, entertaining, giving its readers moments from happiness to sadness to presenting that WOW factor!

At this year’s Bookshelf event, this category is honoured with the presence of:

  • Elise Abram, Fiction
  • Mark Koning, Fiction
  • Moe Vyas, Fiction
  • Wendel Messer, Multi-Genre
  • Cameron Currie, Fiction
  • Willie Handler, Political Satire
  • Sheila Horne, Fiction
  • Holli Irvine, Fiction

We would also like to thank some of our generous sponsors:

The Creative of Non-Fiction

Non-Fiction

Non-fiction or nonfiction is content (sometimes in the form of a story) whose creator, in good faith, assumes responsibility for the truth or accuracy of the events, people, or information presented.

Non-fiction can present some very interesting works and tells some great stories. It can be funny and also inspirational. Much like a newspaper that is full of facts and stories about the way something went down, non-fiction books are written to convey the actual events of something, whether it is a personal account of one’s life or that of the past being documented through historical tales. But unlike the news, these stories are written with a bit more creativity or flare to engage and pull in the audience.

Writing in this genre can sometimes be a little difficult, because usually there is a personal or human flow to it. It is the actuality or basis of something real that happened… and that can be very awe inspiring.

At this year’s Bookshelf event, this category is honoured with the presence of:

  • Bob McRoberts, Historical
  • Barbara Trendos, Memoir
  • Charlene Jones, Spiritual
  • Mary Louise Jarvis, Memoir
  • Mark Pezzelato, True Life
  • Rod Urquhart, Poetry
  • John Di Leonardo, Poetry
  • Kamal Parmar, Poetry
  • Sheri Andrunyk, True Life
  • Mark Koning, Memoir
  • Lanre Onigbinde-Bey, True Life
  • Holli Irvine, Memoir
  • James Linderman, Music
  • Rivka Ringlestein, Memoir
  • Don Norris, Memoir

Extra, Extra! Come listen to our wonderful author readings.

We would also like to thank some of our generous sponsors:

The Little Big Books

Children’s Fiction

Children’s fiction are stories written about and meant for children to experience early-in-life stories and learn new things in a fun way. Similarly, YA (young adult) fiction is for those coming-of-age stories.

I think all of us have a little bit of a soft spot when it comes to children or youth in situations where they come out on top and do something amazing. Like the saying goes, kids can say the darndest things; and the outlooks on life, the perspectives offered by young adults, can be simply amazing.

Children’s and YA fiction can, not only be entertaining for children and youth, but they can serve as a reminder about the simplicity of life… or the life lessons that we sometimes forget and take for granted. These stories can be simple delightful but also deep and meaningful.

And who is to say the these books are only meant for children and youth? Some of the most amazing stories can live in these two categories.

At this year’s Bookshelf event, this category is honoured with the presence of:

  • Dianne Gemmell, Children’s
  • Kim Chatel, Children’s
  • Josephine Vaccaro-Chang, Children’s
  • Donna Carol Koffman & Dr. Lawrence Segel, Children’s
  • Jenna Stewart, Children’s
  • Sigal Haber, Children’s
  • Tamara Hecht, Middle Grade
  • Katie Argyle, Children’s
  • Ole Madsen, Middle Grade
  • Terri Beauchamp, Children’s

Extra, Extra! Visit our Kid Zone, crafts and games.

We would also like to thank some of our generous sponsors:

The Fantastical Elements

Speculative Fiction (sci-fi, fantasy, horror, paranormal)

You could be thinking “In a galaxy far, far away” or “Space, the final frontier” or maybe even “I ‘van’t to suck your blood”. Speculative fiction is so much more than that because it is a worldly-size umbrella, a blend of genres that can stand on their own or overlap and include any narrative storytelling with supernatural or futuristic elements. And it doesn’t stop there, it is the genres of science fiction, fantasy, horror, the supernatural, paranormal, science fantasy, and tales of superheros.

These stories can typically stray from the reality we live in and therefore they can feature fictional types of beings like mythical creatures and supernatural entities. Technologies that do not exist in real life. like time machines and interstellar spaceships, (but possibly could) or magical or otherwise scientifically inexplicable elements, are as real in these worlds as trains, planes and automobiles are to us.

Basically, these stories can make our minds pop and go “Wow!!!!”

At this year’s Bookshelf event, this category is honoured with the presence of:

  • MJ Moores, Science Fiction/Fantasy
  • Jason Shannon, Science Fiction
  • Jen Frankel, Speculative Fiction
  • Dylan Madeley, YA/Fantasy
  • Val Tobin, Speculative Fiction
  • Justin Wright, Fantasy
  • Elyse Kishimoto, YA/Speculative Fiction
  • A.A. Jankiewicz, YA/Fantasy
  • Cathy Hird, YA/Historical

We would also like to thank one of our generous sponsors:

Some Awesome Artisans

Artisans

The skilled work of artisans at The Bookshelf event in May will showcase some great decorative collections. These fine folk who make or create things by hand share their practiced crafts through imagination and functionality, experience and aptitude that reach the expressive levels of being an artist.

Creativity, in any form, takes time and patience, and sometimes a little bit of daring. Artisans envision something of beauty and/or purpose and then work at building that something into existence. Whether we wear it, use it to sooth our bodies, or use it to decorate our homes, the work of Artisans make our lives richer in many respects. Artistic creations like these offer us reasons to be happy; they give us something to cherish. Everyone can use that.

We have all indulged in collections of some sort. Someone created those items that we may come to consider priceless or happily habitual. Nick-knacks, treasures, trophies… they all come from some talented individuals, there is no need to shy away and not give in.

At this year’s Bookshelf event, this category is honoured with the presence of:

  • Galaxy Teas – All Natural Loose-leaf Teas
  • SteamGummie – Jewellery & Accessories
  • The Button Brigade – Fun Sayings on Buttons
  • Osnat Wolle – Artist
  • Katie Argyle – Artist
  • Laura Suchan – Artist of RockJewelryDesign
  • Gavin Abeelee – Pen Shop Ca

Extra, Extra! Don’t forget to check out the wonderful items in our silent auction.

We would also like to thanks some of our generous sponsors:

The Efficiency of a Group

Author Organizations & Publishers

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Organizations are always good to belong to for a variety of reasons, such as: working with other like-minded individuals or peer work. It can be helpful to have others to brainstorm ideas with, get advice when facing confusion or a block, and to share opinions. A sense of belonging comes with attaching oneself to an organization.

I have been a writer for quite some time, but becoming part of the Writer’s Community of York Region as helped me gain a little more confidence in the craft I’ve chosen. I’d still be writing regardless, but becoming part of a bigger team has motivated me to become more involved in getting out and talking about my work.

We should all be our own selves as independent writers or artisans, but it is a nice feeling to know you belong to something on a larger scale. Being part of an organization or group can help you grow your work, gain ideas, and in many ways it gives what you do a little bit legitimacy.

At this year’s Bookshelf event, this category is honoured with the presence of:

  • Brain Lag Publishing, Sci-fi/Fantasy
  • DAOwen Publications
  • Dark Dragon Publishing
  • I C Publishing, Non-Fiction
  • ID Press
  • Infinite Pathways Press, Multi-Genre
  • Inspiritus Press
  • Mick’s Books, Speculative Fiction
  • Myth Hawker, Traveling Bookstore
  • Sisters in Crime; Bouchercon 2017
  • Studio Comix Press
  • The Ontario Poetry Society (TOPS)
  • Toronto Romance Writers (RWA Affiliated)
  • Vaughan Writers, Multi-Genre
  • Writers’ Community of York Region

We would also like to thank one of our generous sponsors:

Meet Publisher Sheri Andrunyk of I C Publishing @ The Bookshelf in May

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Hearts Linked by Courage series is an amazing collection of heartfelt, inspirational accounts of courage, surviving, and thriving after abuse, the loss of a loved one and more! These stories are meant to give you hope, and encouragement that inspires you to have faith, learn from your experiences, and be present and thankful every day regardless of what life throws at you. And when you’re in the depths of the “going through” phase, let these stories be a reminder there are better days ahead and there are many people who truly care.

Click here to check out the first book in the Hearts Linked by Courage series, inspired and created by author and publisher, Sheri Andrunyk of I C Publishing.

At I C Publishing we know the belief, commitment, and dedication it takes to create and tell a great story, and then bring it fully to fruition. Each and every project we accept is one we believe in. A number of us on the I C Publishing team are authors as well, and we’re all passionate about the written word. With each book we publish, there’s a process akin to birthing something new and amazing. It takes time and care, and the expertise of many, to produce a product we can all be proud of. With a minimum of two editors on each and every manuscript, a project coordinator, a designer or two, sometimes an illustrator, and production team, we embrace our role as publisher wholeheartedly and enthusiastically. In fact, we are almost as excited as the author when their book comes to life and it is ready to be released to the world.

~ Sheri         

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Be sure to stop by I C Publishing’s booth at The Bookshelf on May 13th, 2017 between 9am – 2pm to chat with several of the I C Authors about their books and their experience with this fantastic local publishing house.

 

 

Thrilling Tales

Mystery, Thriller & Suspense


These are stories that entertain us and keep us guessing. As the reader, we tend to find ourselves working through the problems that the characters face. It is almost like a fun work out for the brain. In reality, we all face ups and downs and challenge ourselves. Through these stories we get to take a break and see how others do it, but at the same time being very much involved in the mysterious, thrilling, and sometimes suspenseful ride.We all like a little mystery. A puzzle to solve, and enigma or riddle to think through. A hidden secret, possibly a juicy one! Something that gets our hearts pumping, puts us at the edge or seat, has us gripping at the unknown… or possibly known to some but unknown to others. Maybe even scare us a little?

“What is it? What’s coming? What’s in store?” It could be your next favourite author at an event that will be full intrigue. Who would want to miss out on that?

At this year’s Bookshelf event, this category is honoured with the presence of:

  • Nanci M. Pattenden, Mystery/Crime
  • Caro Soles, Mystery
  • Cynthia St-Pierre, Mystery
  • Judy Penz Sheluk, Mystery
  • Allison Cosgrove, Crime/Romance
  • Sisters in Crime; Bouchercon 2017

Extra, Extra! Delve into a scavenger hunt or win a free spot prize!

We would also like to thank one of our generous sponsors: