Celebrating women in the literary arts

Ontarian women who have made waves in the literary arts.

Courtesy of ksenia chernaya 

Ontario is a fertile ground for cultivating literary brilliance. Throughout history, women in Ontario have played pivotal roles in shaping the literary arts scene and making important contributions to literature and poetry. From literary pioneers to contemporary trailblazers, Ontario’s literary landscape has been enriched by the creative genius of these exceptional women.  

Women in Ontario have not only made their mark as individual writers but have also contributed to the establishment of literary organizations and initiatives that empower aspiring writers. Organizations like the Ontario Writers’ Conference and the Toronto International Festival of Authors have provided platforms for women writers to connect, learn, and showcase their talents. 

Women-led literary journals and presses, such as Room Magazine and Coach House Books, have nurtured diverse voices and perspectives within the literary community, reflecting the province’s multicultural fabric. 

Here is a diverse collection of notable women in the literary arts in Ontario: 

Margaret Atwood 

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Margaret Atwood is one of Canada’s most celebrated authors, known for her creative and incredible storytelling. Her iconic novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, published in 1985, explored themes of oppression, feminism and dystopia. It became an essential piece of work in the canon of feminist literature. Atwood’s vast body of work includes novels, poetry and essays that continue to challenge societal norms and address pressing issues of our time. 

Courtesy of umid akbarov 

Rupi Kaur  

Kaur is a contemporary poet and spoken word artist born to Punjabi immigrant parents in Brampton, Ontario. She has gained international fame for her raw and empowering poetry collections. Kaur’s writings explore themes of womanhood, love and healing, resonating with readers worldwide and breaking the barriers between traditional poetry and modern mediums. 

Courtesy of sincerely media 

Alice Munro 

Born in Wingham, Ontario, Alice Munro is renowned for her mastery of the short story genre. Often referred to as the “Canadian Chekhov,” Munro’s narratives delve deep into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Her collection Dear Life won the 2013 Nobel Prize in Literature, solidifying her position as one of the greatest short story writers in the world. 

Lillian Allen 

Lillian Allen is a pioneering figure in the Canadian literary scene, celebrated for her significant contributions to the genre of dub poetry. An accomplished poet, musician and professor, Allen’s work has left an enduring impact on Canadian literature, shaping the landscape of spoken word and performance poetry. Allen is a Juno Award-winning artist and Toronto’s current poet laureate. She currently works as a professor and program chair at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCADU). 

Dionne Brand 

An accomplished poet, novelist and essayist, Dionne Brand was born in Trinidad and Tobago and later moved to Toronto, Ontario. Her writing delves into themes of race, gender and identity, often highlighting the experiences of marginalized communities. Brand’s poetry collection, Land to Light On, won the Governor General’s Literary Award for Poetry in 1997, and her novel What We All Long For received critical acclaim. 

Courtesy of hatice yardim 

Catherine Hernandez 

Catherine Hernandez is a multi-talented artist whose work spans across various creative forms, including playwriting, fiction and community activism. Born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario to Filipino parents, Hernandez has used her writing to shed light on marginalized communities and explore themes of identity, family and resilience. 

Gwendolyn MacEwen 

A talented poet and novelist, Gwendolyn MacEwen was born in Toronto, Ontario. Her poetry explored themes of mythology, history and the human condition. MacEwen’s notable works include The Shadow Maker and Afterworlds, both of which earned her critical acclaim and established her as a prominent voice in Canadian poetry. 

Amber Dawn 

Amber Dawn is an author and filmmaker. Her writing delves into queer and feminist themes. Her debut novel, Sub Rosa, won the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Debut Fiction. Dawn is also known for her captivating poetry and essay collections. Her memoir How Poetry Saved My Life (2013) is a deeply personal work that delves into her experiences as a survivor of sexual violence and homelessness, while also celebrating the transformative power of poetry. 

Catherine Graham 

Based in Toronto, Catherine Graham is a poet and novelist known for her lyrical and imaginative writing style. Her poetry collections, such as Her Red Hair Rises with the Wings of Insects and The Celery Forest, have received widespread acclaim and showcase her ability to craft vivid and emotive verses. 

This diverse and immensely talented group of women is emblematic of the literary arts scene in Ontario. These women, and countless others, create work that is diverse, unique and innovative. They keep the Ontarian literary scene alive with their stunning and moving works.