Harrison Mooney shines a light on transracial adoption, Black consciousness as VPL’s new writer in residence
VANCOUVER, B.C. – Vancouver author and journalist Harrison Mooney has been named the Vancouver Public Library’s 2022 writer in residence.
Mooney is known for his work as a journalist with The Vancouver Sun and The Province and was a Jack Webster award recipient for excellence in community reporting in 2018. His writing has also appeared in outlets such as National Post, the Guardian, Yahoo and Maclean’s.
His debut memoir, Invisible Boy, is a story of self-discovery that follows Mooney’s coming-of-age journey as a Black boy adopted into a white, Christian fundamentalist family. Set to release on Sept. 20, Invisible Boy is one of The Globe & Mail’s most-anticipated books of 2022.
“I hope to engage with aspiring creatives and content creators alike to help them find their voice,” says Mooney. “The writer in me looks forward to discussing form and craft. But I can also draw on my years as a veteran digital storyteller to offer practical insights to writers just looking for work with digital outlets and newsrooms, or as a freelancer. As a Black adoptee, I’m also eager to connect with other adoptees and people of colour to validate their experiences and empower them to consider their identities and histories anew.”
This fall, Mooney will be hosting writing workshops, panel discussions, special events and more. His time as writer in residence will also allow him to work on his next book, a follow-up to Invisible Boy. This work will explore Mooney’s attempt to recover a relationship with his birth mother.
VPL’s Writer in Residence program was created in 2005 and is in its 18th year promoting Canadian writing and literature to Vancouverites. The program is made possible with the generous support of the Friends of the Vancouver Public Library.
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Mooney will kick off his residency with the book launch of his debut memoir, Invisible Boy, on Thursday, Sept. 22 (7 p.m.) at VPL’s Central Library downtown. The event is free. Get the details at vpl.ca/events.
Emerging writers interested in a one-on-one consultation with VPL’s writer in residence can find out more at vpl.ca/writer.
About Vancouver Public Library
Vancouver Public Library has been dedicated to meeting the lifelong learning, reading and information needs of Vancouver residents for more than 100 years. Our vision is an informed, engaged, and connected city. Our mission is a free place for everyone to discover, create and share ideas and information.