The Carolyne Van Der Meer Interview
A conversation with Kayla Geitzler and Carolyne Van Der Meer, poet, whose most recent collection is entitled Sensorial.
Kayla Geitzler
Sensorial by Carolyne Van Der Meer
Sensorial is a journey in sensory perception. The senses guide us through urban landscapes, animal connections and familial bonds as we consider who we are, where we are-both physically and metaphysically-and what truly matters.
Writing in a Different Season – Writers & (Inconvenient) Transformation
Uncertainty in writing is possibly the sagest teacher. I’m not talking about the blind “I have no idea what I’m doing and I love it” enthusiasm of the beginner, but when the core concept, practice, and process of who you are as a writer goes “poof!”. That when you come to the page, you are …
Rags of Night in Our Mouths by Margo Wheaton
Radiant, grieving, and intensely musical, Rags of Night in Our Mouths is an exploration of human and environmental states of precarity and vulnerability.
What Found Me in Buscalan: Honouring Person & Place in Writing
Our words have power. How we shape them, in ignorance, or even with our best intentions, can be harmful. Like many writers, my first attempts were artless and raw. Simple and clichéd listing descriptions, they failed to capture my subject with accuracy or depth. They lacked an ability and intent to honour.
The Cocoon – Revision as an Act of Transformation
Revision is more than just polishing your writing to meet pre-defined standards—it is a crucible. This liminal refuge between mind and page is primed for transformation; the superfluous, what is unsound structurally or stylistically is seared away, so that a writer is cocooned in recomposing.
Here Was Paradise | Aquí era el paraíso by Humberto Ak’abal, Illustrations by Amelia Lau Carling
A collection of poetry by one of the greatest Indigenous poets of the Americas about the vanished world of his childhood — that of the Maya K’iche’.
Grounds for Divorce in Writing: Crippling Clichés
Perhaps you’ve also heard the argument that creative writing should allow space for all kinds of expression? This is true and it does. However, that argument is often used as an excuse when it comes to clichés.
Fearsome Feedback — Critiquing Fellow Writers
If you’ve been a member of a writing group or taken a writing course, one of the most nerve-wracking components is providing feedback for your fellow writers.
Amazing Black Atlantic Canadians, Words by Lindsay Ruck, Art by James Bentley
Created primarily for young readers, Amazing Black Atlantic Canadians will enrich and inform audiences of all ages. Written by Dartmouth, NS author Lindsay Ruck and beautifully illustrated by James Bentley, this is truly a collection of “inspiring stories of courage and achievement”.
This Box Full of Darkness — (Not) Writing in the Pandemic
A lot of things derail writers. Day to day life is probably first among them. Everyday tasks have a way of shaving off an hour here, a morning there, and vacation afternoons until *poof* back to work the novelist must go! And for female writers, the mental load can be an overwhelming reality.
When Your Possum is Not So Awesome – Writers & Imposter Syndrome
Kayla Geitzler offers excellent writing advice in her column for The Miramichi Reader.
Writing Wholly (Holy) Unto Oneself & A Bit About Writerly Self-Esteem.
A regular feature of The Miramichi Reader, Kayla Geitzler shares her writing tips in her “Kayla Writes” column.
Auteur Inspiration & How Strict Limitations Can Bring You Wondrous Things
Auteurship is all about striking out on your own, finding your collaborative cronies, and breaking the rules to write a space for yourself. What I call “writing you”. Except “writing you” in this context also means the bold pursuit of your art.
On the Importance of Writing Groups
So, when you decide to form your own writing group, be brave! Reach out to a few people who love to write, who have integrity (integrity builds trust) and who, over a space of years, you will suddenly discover are some of your closest, most cherished friends.
