Author: ALU Editor
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Two Poems: Elementary Particles
Sneha Madhavan-Reese’s new collection Elementary Particles (Brick Books) is part family history, part scientific exploration of the world. The poems take us from India to Michigan and consider ancestral language, planetary histories, transformations, and loss. We share two poems from the collection, below.
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Writer’s Block: Lucy E.M. Black
Acclaimed short story writer and novelist, Lucy E.M Black (recentlyThe Brickworks from Now or Never Publishing) shares the alchemy that goes into developing her characters, practical writerly advice, and why character-driven writing is the ultimate goal.
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We Need More Older Protagonists in Speculative Fiction – and Beyond by Samantha Garner
I was 18 when I decided to pursue my goal of becoming a published author. Twenty-three years later, my goal was achieved with my debut literary sci-fi novel The Quiet is Loud. I was 41 when it was published, but 36 when I started writing it, so making its protagonist 28 was a natural thing…
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First Fiction Friday: The Economy of Sparrows
In his debut novel The Economy of Sparrows, (Thistledown Press) naturalist Trevor Herriot offers an innovative look at climate change and our shared grief over the loss of our natural habitat. Read on for more about the novel, and why readers of Guy Vanderhaeghe will especially appreciate it.
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Writer’s Block: J.R. Burgmann
J.R. Burgmann—author of Children of Tomorrow (Great Plains Publications) a cli-fi novel that shows us hurtling towards a grim future reality while remaining hopeful in its portrayal of our collective humanity—shares with us what he’s working on next (“involving a lot of Tarantino-esque Nazi punching!”), the toughest part of being a writer, and his tips…
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National Speak Up for Victims of Sexual Abuse Day: An Excerpt from Shop Class Hall Pass
Content warning: This post mentions instances of sexual assault. If you need help, visit Ending Violence for a list of resources. For National Speak Up for Victims of Sexual Abuse Day, we’re highlighting a passage from Karin Martel’s Shop Class Hall Pass (Signature Editions), a survivor memoir that delves into the author’s difficult eighteen months…
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Two Poems: Magdaragat
An anthology of Filipino-Canadian writing Magdaragat (Cormorant Books) collects poems and other writings that highlight Filipinx experiences, histories, and identities in Canada. Read two poems from the collection from Steffi Tad-Y and Karla Comanda.
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Horror, fairy tales, and writing the surreal: An interview with Paola Ferrante
In her genre-bending short story collection, Her Body Among Animals (Book*hug Press), Paola Ferrante uses horror and fairy tale conventions to challenge the boundaries placed on women’s bodies, while also highlighting how toxic masculinity devastates women and our planet. We talk to Paola about her book, how poetry has taught her how to do fabulism,…
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Homegrown: Locally Produced Reads (October 12)
Our final batch of Homegrown fall releases from your favourite independent Canadian literary presses, include pop culture essays; queer, Black stories; a debut novel, and more.
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Where in Canada: Dancing in Small Spaces
In her heart-wrenching memoir Dancing in Small Spaces, Leslie A. Davidson discusses how she and her husband Lincoln went from ardent outdoor enthusiasts to the shock of a devastating double-diagnosis. In this essay Leslie shares how their community of Grand Forks, BC, became Lincoln’s final resting place.
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Homegrown: Locally Produced Reads (October 10)
We’ve picked some of the highlights and best of the fall season and recently released with weekly batches of fresh new books. Equally stoked to spotlight some of the Canadian indie publishers we know and love—all with their own unique identities—we’ve chosen one exciting book each from over 40 indies. In this penultimate Homegrown feature,…
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First Fiction Friday: Untethered
In her debut novel Untethered, Ruth Rakoff offers a heart-wrenching look into the relationship between two sisters as they enter their adulthoods. Read more about it (and which emotionally devastating novel it brings to mind) in our feature below.
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Homegrown: Locally Produced Reads (October 5)
We’ve picked some of the highlights and best of the fall season and recently released with weekly batches of fresh new books. Equally stoked to spotlight some of the Canadian indie publishers we know and love—all with their own unique identities—we’ve chosen one exciting book each from over 40 indies. What’s on today? A gripping…
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Two Poems: North of Middle Island
From Lenape poet D.A. Lockhart, North of Middle Island (Kegedonce Press) is a collection with a fascinating structure: the first half contains poems about the landscape, history, and culture in and around Pelee Island where the author lives part time; and the second half is an epic poem inspired by the format and style of…
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Homegrown: Locally Produced Reads (October 3)
We’re back this week with an all-new batch of fall releases from your favourite independent Canadian literary presses. Today’s books include much-anticipated literary fiction, a Stranger-Things-esque YA novel, magical realism, and short stories.