Catch Bruce Hunter and me at one of five readings in Alberta this October.
We will be in Canmore, Owl's Nest in Calgary, Single Onion / Shelf Life in Calgary, Sunworks in Red Deer, and Audrey's in Edmonton.
At Owl's Nest we are joined by amazing award-winning poet Micheline Maylor. At Single Onion, Bruce and I are on a bill with Micheline, Sheri-D Wilson and Clara Joseph. In Edmonton, we have the honour of reading with poet Rayanne Haines.
We hope to see you at one of these stops!
Victoria, my heart is full. You came out, welcomed Joanna Streetly and me, listened, bought books, and lingered for goodies and conversation. And you came in perfect numbers: 60 people in 65 seats! Good work by good people.
At the last moment, I was surprisingly nervous – dry mouth and shaky hands. So be it. This is the way it is when you care, sometimes. It was so encouraging to look out at so many friendly faces.
Joanna Streetly’s reading was a gorgeous presentation of the poignant and artful poems in her new collection, All of Us Hidden (Caitlin Press). Yvonne Blomer, just back from her own readings in Montreal, was warm and welcoming as is her way.
Elliot Freedman was great in dual roles as baritone guitarist and sound tech. Deborah Bricks handled all the event flow and logistics with calm efficiency.
Thanks to Deborah B Events, KWENCH Kanteen, University of Calgary Press and Munro's Books.
Special thanks to photographer friend extraordinaire Kim Smith for these wonderful images.
And heartfelt thanks to all of you who filled the room with support, interest and kindness.
Postscripts:
Munro’s now has signed copies of What is Broken Binds Us on their shelves. I’ll be doing a series of readings in Alberta from October 21 through 26. Joanna and I will do another co-launch of our books in Tofino on November 4, and Joanna is a featured reader at Planet Earth Poetry at Russell Books Victoria on November 14.
Blessings.
A poet wrestles with words and the meaning of life, grumbling in a dark cave, for years. And then, one day, it arrives: a glorious box of books.
'What is Broken Binds Us' has arrived from University of Calgary Press. It is officially released to the world on September 15 (2025). You can preorder from the Press, or your local independent bookstore. Munro's Books here in Victoria has copies on order (and will be selling at my launch event - see below). Or, if you would like a signed copy mailed to you, email or DM me.
Review copies are out with journals, reviewers and bloggers now - and the first mentions are starting to come in. Big thanks to long-term poet friend Peter Christensen, who said very nice things about the book in his regular column in East Kootenay Now. And much appreciation to Vicki Ziegler (Book Gaga) and Kathryn MacDonald for their mentions of the book.
I also had a chance to chat with On Creative Writing about some of my creative processes and influences. You will find that Q & A here.
Many more promo pieces are in the works, including some live radio, video clips and such. Watch my Instagram or BlueSky for updates.
In October, I crawl out of the writer's cave to do real live events, in person, with ... people like you! The Victoria book launch is Tuesday October 7, with Tofino poet Joanna Streetly, and hosted by esteemed poet / editor Yvonne Blomer. Then in late October, I will be partnering with my pal Bruce Hunter (and other fine writers) to do five readings in seven days: Canmore, Calgary (two venues), Red Deer and Edmonton. Full details coming soon.
Thanks to everyone at University of Calgary Press for helping make this happen - and to you for reading.