Category Archives: Writing

Searching for Pieces on a Rocky Shore — Christy Ann Conlin’s ‘Watermark’

Watermark, the story collection from Christy Ann Conlin, is striking in many ways, but I was not prepared for the emotional resonance that sprung forth from its pages.

The collection is made up of eleven stories, many taking the reader into the Annapolis Valley, but it is not the place many of us may feel familiar with. This is a stark and sometimes dark place, hiding mysteries and threats that we may only be mildly aware of until it is too late.

It is a place of family legend, misty shores and family homes and secrets abandoned in the forest. Continue reading Searching for Pieces on a Rocky Shore — Christy Ann Conlin’s ‘Watermark’

The Art of Falling – Jennifer Houle’s Poetry Collection, ‘Virga’

Jennifer Houle’s collection, Virga, is many things at once. This startling collection of 55 poems begins rather softly with images of nature and magical winged creatures, but the drum beat of fierce, lyrical beauty soon gathers speed, and she begins to hit you where it hurts. Continue reading The Art of Falling – Jennifer Houle’s Poetry Collection, ‘Virga’

Halls of the Turnip King: Prince Edward Island Illustrator Crafts a Hearty High Fantasy Adventure

Following a successful kickstarter, Pegamoose Press has published Halls of the Turnip King, an original high fantasy graphic novel series created by Canadian comic artist Brenda Hickey (My Little Pony, Ward’s Valley). Continue reading Halls of the Turnip King: Prince Edward Island Illustrator Crafts a Hearty High Fantasy Adventure

Book Review: Jordan Trethewey & Marcel Herms’ ‘Spirits for Sale’ is Haunted by Your eBay Purchases

‘Spirits for Sale‘ is the new book from prolific Fredericton poet, Jordan Trethewey. Beautifully illustrated by Dutch artist Marcel Herms, the collection explores the uniquely modern and bizarre phenomenon of selling haunted objects online. Continue reading Book Review: Jordan Trethewey & Marcel Herms’ ‘Spirits for Sale’ is Haunted by Your eBay Purchases

Small in the City, Huge in the Heart – Halifax Illustrator and Author Sydney Smith Wins Governor General’s Award

Sydney Smith has pulled off quite a trick with his latest book, the first that he has both illustrated and written. Small in the City is a short and deceptively simple book, that does not prepare you in advance for the emotional ride you will find yourself on. Continue reading Small in the City, Huge in the Heart – Halifax Illustrator and Author Sydney Smith Wins Governor General’s Award