What's the Worst That Can Happen?: Writing Dystopian Fiction With Rachel A. Rosen
Saturday, August 8, 2026
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lillian H. Smith — Merril Reading Room, 3rd floor.
Why do we continually seek out cautionary tales when reality already feels sufficiently bleak? Explore that question and much more at 'What’s the Worst That Can Happen?: Writing Dystopian Fiction' with acclaimed author Rachel A. Rosen, hosted by the famed Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation & Fantasy.
Taking place at the historic Lillian H. Smith Library on College Street, this hands-on workshop dives deep into the lineage of Canadian speculative fiction—drawing inspiration from heavyweights like Margaret Atwood, Cherie Dimaline, and Catherine Hernandez. Participants will take part in a series of guided writing exercises designed to sharpen world-building techniques, construct immersive realities, and kickstart new creative projects.
Practical Details
* **Date & Time:** Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. * **Location:** Lillian H. Smith Library (3rd Floor Merril Reading Room), 239 College Street. * **Admission:** Free, but advanced registration via the Toronto Public Library website is strongly recommended due to limited capacity. * **Age Group:** 18 and up.
Make an evening of it by exploring the vibrant Chinatown or Kensington Market neighbourhoods just steps away for a bite to eat before heading into the stacks.
