Editor’s Notes

Greeting readers,

This month's issue features poetry by four writers, three who are currently living in the city and one former resident. Three are previously published Bywords contributors. I hope you enjoy their latest work.

A reminder to those of you who write poetry and are current or former Ottawa residents, students or workers: Bywords.ca wants your poems. The deadline each month is the 15th. Once you've had a poem published on the site, other poems you've submitted are eligible for publication in our print quarterly "The Bywords Quarterly Journal." And your on-line poem becomes eligible for consideration for the John Newlove Poetry Award. Since we have a blind submission process, your submission is evaluated based solely on the poem rather than publication credits or lack thereof. We have a ten-member selection committee with varying tastes, so all styles are welcome. Please read the guidelines and send your poetry along with a short bio to submissions@bywords.ca. If you know of others who fit the criteria, please let them know about our call. Bywords exists to promote and publish the work of local poets.

If you are a Bywords supporter you can help by letting people know about our existence and directing them to the calendar of events and the news to find out about other literary organizations that hold readings, have calls for submission and sell books, chapbooks etc.

Speaking of book vending, hope to see you on October 16 at the ottawa small press book fair, which takes place from noon to 5pm at the Jack Purcell Community Centre.

And shortly thereafter, Bywords will host our annual John Newlove Poetry Award at the Ottawa International Writers Festival on October 25.

The month is jam packed with literary splendour. Hope to see you at an event or two.

Thanks to this month's selection committee

Gwen Guth
Christine McNair
Kemisha Newman
Claudia Coutu Radmore
Carol A. Stephen
JC Sulzenko

If you have comments, questions or a slice of NY style cheesecake to offer, please e-mail me at amanda@bywords.ca.

Amanda Earl