Poetry for Haiti

When I first heard about the earthquake in Haiti, I did what many of you did--donated money to a relief organization. (I actually donated to three because I couldn't choose: Doctors Without Borders, Unicef, and Care. They each do such important, yet different work. I really couldn't decide.) I wanted to give more, do more, but I didn't know how.

Then I heard from Kate of sweet|salty that she and René of fruity fantastica were gathering donations for To Haiti with Love, an auction whose proceeds would go to Broken Wings which runs homes for Haitian disabled youth. I jumped at the chance to be able to give a little bit more and put together a Poetry Four-Pack which includes my book, my chapbook and two limited edition broadsheets. You can see my listing here

There are a lot of very fine things up for grabs from things for babies to things to eat to theatre tickets in Vancouver to a ski getaway in Telluride. It's pretty phenomenal. The auction closes on Monday, February 8 at midnight EST. I know more goods are being added until Thursday afternoon, so do check back.

Shortlist!

I'm really excited to announce that All Things Said & Done has been shortlisted for the ReLit Awards, along with my tour partner, Gillian Wigmore. I knew my book had been on the longlist, but I really thought it wouldn't get any further than that. There were so many amazing writers and books on that list!

For those of you unfamiliar with the prize, it was started in 2000 by author Kenneth J Harvey and honours books published by Canadian independent literary publishers. The name is short for "Regarding Literature, Reinventing Literature, Relighting Literature." Check out the site to see who else made the lists.

"...unflinchingly displays scenes that are as uncomfortable and bittersweet as they are recognizable."

Another lovely review came my way today, and this time, I didn't even have to google myself to find it! The very generous Hannah Stephenson dropped me a line to let me know that she wrote a review of my book for Gloss Magazine. I thought that was very nice of her to do and I love that my little book has been reviewed in a fashion magazine. Please see all the nice things she had to say here.

Word on the Street

I'll be reading at the Poets' Corner at Word on the Street at Library Square in Vancouver on Sunday, September 30 at 2pm. It would be great if you could stop by. If you've never been to WOTS, you really should try to make it this year. It's one on my favourite Vancouver festivals because it's free and there are so many great readings and displays. Also, lots of cheap books to be bought. Come a earlier in the day and check out Jennica Harper reading to launch this year's Poetry in Transit at 11 am.

The WOTS program is available all over in any of the gazillion St*rbucks in Vancouver. I received mine in the mail last week and was both thrilled and completely embarrassed that they included a photo of me. Hope to see you there!

"...a highly accomplished first book."

I'll admit it: I google myself. Probably more often than is healthy, but I have a very good excuse at the moment. The book, of course! So today, thanks to my habit, I found this nice review. It's a bit of an omnibus review, but I do get my own paragraph and the esteemed George Fetherling ended my bit with this fine sentence: This is a highly accomplished first book. Oh yes, it made my day.

2+2: A Reading

It's late notice, but I'm reading tomorrow night. Come check it out if you're in town.

2 Novelists. 2 Poets. 1 stage.

Join us for an after-work reading with novelists Steven Galloway (Ascension, the forthcoming The Cellist of Sarajevo) and Lee Henderson (The Broken Record Technique, the forthcoming The Man Game) and poets Marita Dachsel (All Things Said & Done) and Jennica Harper (The Octopus and Other Poems).

Fiction & Poetry. You won't have to take sides.

When:

Friday, August 10th
Doors 6pm, Reading 6:30 pm

Where:

The Annex Restaurant
307 West Cordova in Gastown

Admission is free.

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I think it's going to be a really great reading. We're all friends and I'm excited to hear the boys novelists read from their upcoming books. It will also be my last reading in Vancouver while it is still the city I live in. It's going to be an entertaining night.

In the press

A mention of the book in What's on Winnipeg and as a good beach read in The Tyee.

Success!

Last night's launch went very well. There was a substantial crowd and despite me being terrified, everyone said I read well and could not tell that I was nervous. (Phew!) The other two readers, Nancy Pagh and Sean Horlor, were fantastic. I felt so lucky to be sharing the stage with such talented poets. You should really pick up their books if you have the chance. Hosts Liz Bachinsky and Michael V Smith were very entertaining and generous. Together they currate the Robson Reading Series, the best reading series in the city. (And I'm not just saying that because I was a part of it. It really is the best.)

I'm thrilled to report that the bookstore sold out of my books which was a very pleasing thing to see. Such a large stack diminshed. In bed last night I counted up the books my friends bought and was happy to discover that other people, people who didn't feel any obligation to, bought my book. Hooray! (Please see the sidebar where you can buy your own copy.)

Book Launch!

Again, I've been neglecting this blog. But now that my launch is literally hours away, I guess it's time to come back. If you're in Vancouver, please come by Robson Square for my launch tomorrow night at 7pm. I'll be reading with Nancy Pagh and Sean Horlor. It should be a good night.

Happy Mail

The advance copy of my book came in the mail today. Hooray!

I know I've been ignoring this site, and I appologize. I've been working on a grant and busy writing here and working on pitches for the Vancouver launch of this. But now that I have the book in my happy little hands, I'm sure you'll see more of me here.