It was beautiful, all of it
October 1 2024
Image description: I'm standing in a courtyard of the Byward Market, dressed in black. The Ottawa International Writers Festival backpack is over my shoulder. Photo credit: Charles Earl.
Last night everything went perfectly. It's not a word I use often, but I can use it for last night.
I prepare for readings, both those I host and those I feature at. I prepare months in advance. When I organize events I give participants a lot of advance notice and advice if they ask for it.
Last night was the fruition of that work. Perfect. I owe a debt of gratitude to the Ottawa International Writers Festival, to Club Saw, to all the participants.
I loved doing both: hosting the John Newlove Poetry Award and reading with the great Christine McNair.
Image description: Christine McNair on stage in front of a microphone, her hand up. Room full of people. Photo credit: Curtis Perry.
It was a stellar night.
If you didn't have a chance to attend, you can watch the recordings.
https://writersfestival.org/events/fall-2024-in-person-events/john-newlove-poetry-awards-and-the-ottawa-poets-laureate
https://writersfestival.org/events/fall-2024-in-person-events/poetry-cabaret
Image description: I'm standing on stage in front of a podium,.reading from Kiki. On the screen behind me is a big giant Amanda. Photo credit
The music by Princess Unlucky, the poetry by Nnadi Samuel, Dale Tracy, Mahaila Smith…so great. David Currie , the host, wonderful and heartfull.
Listen to Mahaila’s interview with Alan Neal on All in a Day on October 2, 2024.
The Newlove Award will take place again next year, all being well. I am already starting to plan it.
I have one more reading in 2024 to celebrate the debut novel by my dear friend, Liam Taliesin, Lithium Fire. I will start to work on the promotion soon.
Thanks to everyone who attended, either in person or via the livestream.I am so grateful to be part of a community of artists, musicians and writers, to tend it and to watch it bloom. This is a beautiful and necessary garden in a time when we need art so desperately to help us navigate and to cope. I am humbled that I get to play a part in all this. I am sincerely grateful for the friendships I have made and sustained, new and old. This is a life's work, the cultivation and enjoyment of community.