but, we need your help!
What a season we’ve had so far! If you know the arts in Canada, in Ontario, in Toronto, you know there are many arts organizations vying for funding that can only support a few of us. In August, I pleaded for support and the response was overwhelming. I honestly didn’t think we’d raise any money because the people I know who’d want to support us are also artists struggling to pay the rent. I was heartened and so grateful. We raised enough money through the fundraiser and the continued donations through the pay what you can (at the door and through Eventbrite) to get us through February.
What this means is, we won’t have enough money to pay our authors in March, April, May and June without the help of our friends and supporters. I hate asking, but if you can throw us a few dollars, I’d be forever grateful.
Also, for fiction writers who are interested in getting a page of feedback from a keen reader/editor, I am offering this service to anyone who donates $100 or more. Contact Alison directly at junctionreads@gmail.com. I have to restrict this to a 3000-word story or excerpt and can get this done pretty quickly depending on the number of writers who donate. This is not a paid service so there will be no refunds if you don’t like what I have to say, but be assured many people have told me I have a keen eye for character, voice and the beating heart of a great story.
Junction Reads has been presenting great prose since 2014. A unique reading series that presents the best fiction and non-fiction from independently published Canadian authors. The last 11 years has been the greatest joy, and I cannot imagine losing this series (yet another reading series in Toronto to die for lack of money). BUT it is getting more difficult to continue without additional funds. We are grateful to every author who has shared their work with us over the years, many of whom graciously accept their share of revenue earned at the door, through donations and raffle ticket sales, and some who’ve donated it right back to the series.
We really need your help!
As usual, we have applied to every eligible grant and so far (Heather and I will sit down again in February to write our OAC application). Like other arts organizations, we must look for ways to pay our authors, beyond the small amount we get at the door and through ticket sales. While many of you support us with your attendance and by sharing our posts on social media, we are asking (begging, really) for a little bit more.
We almost halfway to our goal of $4200. While our original goal included paying Cayley Brightside for their work, we have all agreed to not get paid this year (why start now?).
We are grateful to TYPE Books in the Junction for offering their space and the talents of Jess Felicite, their events coordinator, and Joshua Cockerill the manager. We are grateful for the consistent support of so many writer friends and colleagues who show up and share our events.
Thanks for taking the time to read, and a great big virtual hug to all of you for your support!
Junction Reads 
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