Who Knows Where the Time Goes?

Wow, that whole fall just went by in a blur. I guess it's technically still fall, but we've had winter here in the town of cows for a good month now. All that yardwork I put off doing is now covered in snow, although a Chinook the last few days is turning it into ice. Ah, well. Next year.

So Writing in the Works was very awesome. Thanks again to Michael and staff at Owl's Nest Books for hosting us, and to Long & McQuade for the truly awesome P.A., which we needed very much, due to the standing room only crowd that showed up. Very nice. Our next event will be April 11, 2013 at Memorial Park Library with readings from myself, Inge Trueman, Steve Passey, Ken Cameron and Roberta Rees. Should be a great evening!

I've been very busy with Creative Writing Level 1 (x two classes) and Level 2 at MRU this fall. Too busy. But in Winter term I'm teaching one of each level only, so that should help. Check out MRU's fine continuing ed Creative Writing courses -- we do have a good time!

In the meantime, sneaking in writing whenever I can. Huh, maybe I should take a course while I'm at it...

Writing in the Works Fall 2012 -- Tonight Only!

We at Writing in the Works are so ready for this event! We have our readings down. We have our intros and patter ready. We have gorgeous outfits picked out. We have PA equipment.  We have wine, chocolate and sundry other snacks. And we are most happy to be hosted by our friend Michael and his wonderful staff at Owl's Nest Books, 815A - 49 Ave SW in the Brittania Shopping Plaza in snowy SW Calgary.

Now, all we need is an audience of appreciative readers to show up. I'm sure that will be no problem. After all, this town is Canada's Cultural Capital for 2012, right? AND home to the winner of this year's Giller Prize! Looking forward to an enjoyable evening.

Writing in the Works; "Jam"

Thanks to Elaine and Maria for the most excellent poster! Our first foray into fall readings is coming up November 1. Looking forward to a great evening. Come on out and enjoy!

Also, my poem "Jam" is in the Sept. 2012 issue of The Legendary. Click on my name to read it, if you care to.

We Should Know Each Other

I'm reading at the We Should Know Each Other event on Saturday, Sept. 29th. Here's the description:


Pages is presenting Calgary writers you should know. Poetess goddess Jen Kunlire, followed by the Alexandra Writers Centre's writer-in-residence, Lori Hahnel; the Calgary Distinguished Writers Program writer-in-residence, Deborah Willis; and local visionary, and newly Green Party candidate for Calgary Centre, Chris Turner. We start at 7:30 pm in room 206.



That's at King Edward School, at 1720 30 Ave SW. We Should Know Each Other is a day long event featuring all kinds of people active in the community, from artists to historians. Should be very interesting.

Writing in the Works Fall 2012

The Writing in the Works committee has decided this year to add a fall reading to our roster to provide more reading opportunities for local writers. To wit:

Writing in the Works Fall 2012

November 1, 2012, 7 PM

Owl’s Nest Books, Brittania Shopping Centre, 815A – 49 Ave. SW, Calgary

Since 2008, Calgary’s Writing in the Works reading series has been celebrating the
writing process and showcasing works in progress by local writers, presenting readings from books in progress, books coming out soon, and books on the prowl for publishers. This season’s readers are Dwayne Clayden, Allan Gallant, Shaun Hunter, Sarah Johnson and Elaine Morin, emceed by Lori Hahnel. Join us for an evening of readings and refreshments.

Brennan launch; Lewis launch; Perfect Youth

If it's September, it must be time for Brian Brennan to have another launch, right? Right, indeed, and that's just what he'll be doing this Saturday at 2 PM at Memorial Park Library, this time in celebration of the beginning of his tenure as CPL's 2012 writer-in-residence. CPL runs an excellent writer-in-residence program in the fall; you can take advantage of free writing programs led by Brian and submit work to him for a consultation -- and it's all free. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Next weekend is the launch of my friend and colleague Naomi K. Lewis's new book of short fiction entitled I Know Who You Remind Me Of. That starts up at 2 PM, Saturday, Sept. 15 at Shelf Life Books, 1302 - 4 St. SW. All the best with your new book, Naomi!

Sam Sutherland's new book on Canada's old school punk scene, Perfect Youth: The Birth of Canadian Punk, will be released by ECW Press on October 1. Yay! Looking forward to seeing what exactly it was I said to Sam way back when he interviewed me. It looks to be an excellent book.

And Tuesday, it's back to work for me. Sign up for a creative writing class at MRU -- we have a lot of fun!

Prairie Journal

Very pleased to get an acceptance today from The Prairie Journal of Canadian Literature. My story, "Good Friday, at the Westward" will be appearing in The Prairie Journal's Alberta Muses issue, which I believe is out in September. Yay! They published a story of mine several years ago and it's great to be back on their pages.

Summer is coming to a close. I've been working on more stories, noodling around with a vague idea for a new novel, and getting ready for my creative writing classes at Mount Royal University. And then this year we're going to do two sessions of Writing in the Works -- one on Nov. 1 and one in the spring. Looking forward to a busy fall.