Editor’s Notes

Dear Readers,

This month's issue features poetry by Jean Van Loon, Gregory Myers and Andrew Thompson. While Gregory and Andrew are no longer Ottawa residents, it is wonderful that they are still part of our literary community. Jean is an active member of the community, who I often see at events. Like many writers, she not only writes poetry but also fiction.

If you will be in Ottawa on Sunday, July 17, I invite you to spend the afternoon enjoying great poetry and music at our summer reading at the newly renovated and spacious Collected Works Bookstore and Coffee Shop. The fun begins at 2pm and admission is free. We will pass the hat and give you a copy of the summer Bywords Quarterly Journal.

Ottawa is blessed with a number of fine independent bookstores and I'm thrilled that Collected Works will be the home of our readings this year. Come listen to the poetry of Allison Armstrong, co-host with Faye Estrella of the excellent series Voices of Venus; Steven Artelle, Ottawa's literary historian and talented artist (see the covers of the Bywords Quarterly Journal for his wonderful line art); L. Garrison, who is an emerging writer and recent University of Ottawa graduate; and Sean Moreland, co-host along with Aaron Kozak of the blUe Mondays reading series and recipient of the 2008 Bywords' John Newlove Poetry Award. You can still find a few copies of his chapbook, Lupercalia through the Bywords online store. On the 17th it will also be a pleasure to welcome spoken word sensation and musician Brad Morden. If you love the ukulele and big smiles, you'll love Brad. Listen to some of his music here: myspace.com/bradmorden.

One of our mandates is to promote local writing, music and art. This month's cover of the Bywords Quarterly Journal features the artwork of local artist Colin White whose wonderful series of Ottawa confectionary stores has been on display at Raw Sugar on Somerset West. Come by to the reading and pick up the summer issue of the BQJ to get a taste of his art, and some of Ottawa's finest poetry.

Thanks to this month's selection committee:

Janie Beriault
Gwen Guth
Christine McNair
Claudia Coutu Radmore
Sarah-Grace Ross
Carol A. Stephen
JC Sulzenko

Welcome to our newest selection committee member, Emily Monks-Leeson, a writer and graduate of Concordia who has also taught English Literature.

If you have questions, comments or cuddly talking bunnies, please e-mail me at amanda@bywords.ca or talk to me in person at readings. I'd love to meet you.

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Amanda Earl