Editor’s Notes

Well folks, summer lackadaisical literaria disease is almost over. You’ll find lots of new events upcoming in the fall calendar from writing workshops to road shows to writers’ festivals. Do all your chores in August so you’ll have time to attend all the wonderful events in September and October.

Our reading in July at Chapters a marvel of magical poetry and music, attracting a very large crowd. To experience the reading vicariously, go to Catharine’s article and Charles’ pics in the local scene section. Thanks to our host, Chapters and its staff, our readers, our musician, Mélissa Laveaux, and our volunteers who helped to make the event so full of wonder. The next reading is on October 17 for the launch of the fall Bywords Quarterly Journal. I hope to see you there.

I hope everyone who visits the site has a chance to check out all our great links and news items. It’s a literary treasure trove. And don’t forget to stop by our e-store to purchase poetry and music from Ottawa’s finest.

The four poems this month by Kim Stouffer, Loretta Flemming, John De Genova and John Cloutier reflect our obsessive interest in the weather that people from other countries cannot understand, the homey nourishment of a Chinese restaurant--something we are going to need to ward off the coming chill. Grab a spoon and sample some of our fine Bywords broth.

Thank you to August’s selection committee: Joe Goski, Stéphanie Lafleur, Sarah Ruffolo, Betty Warrington-Kearsley and Christine Zadorozny.

I’m looking forward to meeting you all at fall readings around town. If you have any comments, questions, kudos or donations, please email me at editor@bywords.ca.

Amanda Earl