idyllic fall leaf meadow background in sunshine, close-up of an autumn nature scene in a garden in golden october with copy space by winyu
October was lovely for many reasons, including the chance to attend the fall edition of the Ottawa International Writers Festival. Of particular joy was the event with Anne-Marie MacDonald who spoke to excellent host and writer Rhonda Douglas about her latest novel, Fayne. It was also a pleasure to chat with friends at the Festival. I also hosted Bywords.ca’s 19th annual John Newlove Poetry Award and it was good to be back in person again, especially because the Festival required masks and offered a live stream and recordings for those not comfortable with attending events in person yet.
Another event I enjoyed was the Boo-for-One open mic at the Happy Goat on October 27. I went as the colour red, which was a heck of a lot of fun. I read I also read Gwendolyn MacEwen’s the Red Bird You Wait For, which is my favourite poem, and one of my poems: the Red Sessions, a murder ballad, which you can find in the issue 19 of the delightful These Days, published by Horsebroke Press. If you are reading this, there might even be a coupon in it for you so you can purchase copies.
These Days (19) with cover art by Christian McPherson
This open mic is beginning to feel like a community to me, which is wonderful and something I really need, especially after being isolated for so long in lockdowns. There are regulars who I am getting to know through their poetry, and new participants who have found out about the event through posters. It is really important to open up Ottawa’s literary community and be as inclusive and open as possible. Jeff and Bardia are doing a great job with this open mic.
I intend to read at a new open mic started by the University of Ottawa’s Common House Magazine. I like reading at open mics for several reasons:
1. It gives me a reason to write a new poem;
2. To hear the work of other poets;
3. To socialize (while wearing a mask and being as distant as I can!)
Toward the end of October, I decided to submit poems for any calls I see that do not include reading fees. I have now submitted poems to seven print and online journals. I thought this would be a good way to get me to write individual one-off poems. I have a few long poem manuscripts in progress, but I’ve always wished I could write one-pagers, and have always found it difficult and somewhat unsatisfying. This may help, since I have a reason to do so. We’ll see.
From now until the end of the year, I will be busy with both Bywords.ca and AngelHousePress. I will save those updates for future issues.
November is a special month for me. In November, 2009, I had a near-death health crisis and wasn’t expected to live. I am so grateful to be alive. I am savouring every moment of this wonderful life. I am filled with joy. November 12 will be the 13th anniversary of my unexpected survival. It is my responsibility to live life as gratefully as I can, to celebrate and to bring joy to others. I take these responsibilities seriously.
May you have lots of light and warmth this month, darlings.