CFP for ACCUTE 2015: Making Contact: Circulating Small and Micro Press Poetry in Canada

Cameron Anstee (University of Ottawa) and I have put together a proposal for a panel at ACCUTE 2015 at the University of Ottawa. We are currently seeking abstracts (see the PDF below for full details) for a panel on the distribution of small and micro press poetry in Canada.

The deadline for abstracts is November 1, 2014 and submissions may be sent to martincj@ucalgary.ca and canst025@uottawa.ca

We look forward to seeing what people have to say on the topic! I have also included a link to the PDF at the bottom, in case the embedded document cannot be read.

~Colin






PDF of ACCUTE 2015 CFP

Indegogo Campaign for Vancouver DTES Writers

A note from Elee Kraljii Gardiner 

"Hi everyone,

I run a writing program, Thursdays Writing Collective, in Vancouver, and I’m wondering if any of you could help disperse some info. 

Every year we publish a book of our writing. The results are amazing - aside from reflecting in depth collaborations with writers and thinkers from all over, our books give participants a publishing history, a legit title to represent and sell at readings, and professional experience in the literary community. Most of you know the thrill of seeing your name in print and how transformative it is. When you’re dealing with systematic marginalization - which many DTES residents confront every day -  the chance to self-determine is critical.

We’re supported by Canada Council and SFU but grant changes mean we can’t get funding for a publication without ceding editorial control. We’re in the last 2 weeks of an Indiegogo campaign to raise money for our 7th book.  We are 69% funded.  If we don’t meet our goal we don’t get any money.

Would you consider sharing the info about our campaign with anybody you think might be able to contribute or further share it? It would be a tremendous help. 

Here is a link to the campaign page where you can see perks donated by Amber Dawn, Meredith Quartermain, Cathleen With, Alex Leslie, Betsy Warland, John Asfour, Arsenal Pulp Press, Clint Burnham and Heather Jessup. The writers have been incredibly generous in supporting us! 

Thursdays Writing Collective participants will be writing poems to - and using word prompts suggested by- donors. It will be really fun to see what that sort of connection produces.

On the Indiegogo page you can see the one minute videos that Fred Wah and Madeline Thien each made to endorse what we do. 

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/voice-to-voice-by-thursdays-writing-collective

Here is a link to Thursdays Writing Collective’s site:

http://www.thursdayswritingcollective.ca/

Finally, here is a link to our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/thursdayswritingcollective?ref=hl

Thank you for reading this far - I know it is a hassle to click through and parse the pages but every click you make is literally changing someone’s life. 

Cheers!

Elee Kraljii Gardiner"

30 day challenge and Tumblr

I have decided to start blogging again, but not here, for the moment. That may change when I get my website up and running.

In the meantime, those who want to follow my 30 day yoga/reading/writing challenge (which starts tomorrow) can do so here.

Those who want to challenge themselves alongside me for the next month are welcome to do so and I will gladly follow you, that we may all be better kept honest.

Much love!
Colin