Dewar, James
James Dewar is a poet who actively promotes the popularization of poetry in the Toronto area through personal performances and by hosting poetry events. His first full-length book of poetry, The Garden in the Machine was published by Hidden Brook Press (March 2007). His poetry has also been chosen for inclusion in other publications such as Quills, The Word Weaver and Labour of Love. His self-published chapbook, Guys in Garages sold out all 3 print runs. He has also been anthologized in the Renaissance Conspiracy Poetry Anthology (2004) and the follow-up Renaissance Reloaded (2006).
As a former student of Mr. Layton’s he hosted the Toronto Artbar Tribute to Irving Layton in 2005. He started a monthly reading series, Hot-Sauced Words Poetry and Spoken Word Performances, almost three years ago. James hosts with a laid-back, comedic flare, encouraging audience participation and positive feedback. His Poetry Themed Challenge segment inspires poets to write poems during the event and perform them on stage. Prizes are then awarded for favourite poem and performance as chosen by the audience. Although its home is in Toronto, the Hot-Sauced Words show is also offered as a travelling showcase of local talent and emerges periodically in towns east of the city, and will showcase at The Art and Lit Fest in Brighton in the summer 2008.
Through his four year affiliation with the Writer’s Circle of Durham Region (He is currently the Public Relations Director), he has offered workshops on every aspect of poetry from writing and editing to microphone usage and poetry feature-reading design strategies. He enjoys coaching new poets in the editing and design of chapbooks and has published 6 books over the last 2 years through his small press, CreativeJames Publishing.
James is particularly proud of being part of Random Acts of Poetry in October 2007 and looks forward to the unique challenges of reading poetry to people in the street again.
Please visit HOT-SAUCED WORDSfor up to date info on his popular reading series.
Email: James
To read poems by James, click on the links below: