Book update: editing complete, first launch event scheduled

Only three more months until publication

After two rounds of editing that began over a year ago, I submitted my revised manuscript of A brief relief from hunger to my editor yesterday.

This poetry collection has been in the works, in one form or another, since 2016, and it’s hard to believe that the editing process is now complete (or very close to complete—it’s possible I could receive a few more notes).

Over the years, the poems have grown and evolved through feedback from my creative writing peers and instructors at VIU and UBC, my thesis advisor at UBC, Bronwen Tate, and now my editor at Gordon Hill Press, Shane Neilson.

I think the poems have improved quite a bit, and I’m both excited and anxious for you all to read them when the book comes out in September.

First book launch scheduled

I'll soon be moving from Vancouver to Winnipeg for a new job at the University of Manitoba.

It feels a bit strange that the book, which largely focuses on the toxic drug supply crisis in B.C. and my experiences there, will be released while I'm not living in the province.

At the same time, living in Winnipeg makes it easier for me to launch the book in my hometown, Regina.

(It also makes it easier for me to do other important things, like afford the cost of living).

I’m excited to announce that my first book launch will take place at The Penny University bookstore in Regina on September 23rd at 7 p.m.

The book launch will now take place at Tuppenny Coffee and Books in Regina on September 23rd at 7 p.m.

I'm also working on securing a Vancouver bookstore for another launch, so stay tuned for updates.

Poem included in new chapbook

A poem from the collection, "Small deaths," has been included in a new chapbook called mo(u)vements., edited by Kevin Andrew Heslop.

This tetralingual chapbook serves as an accompaniment to a film from Astoria Pictures.

I love the cover, which is made from wildflower seed paper.

The toxic drug crisis today

Since I began writing the book in 2016, the same year B.C. declared a public health emergency, the toxic drug supply crisis has worsened.

Over the past seven years, over 11,000 British Columbians have died from toxic drugs.

I know a little book of poems might not bring about dramatic change, but I hope it can shed light on my experiences and the lives of my friends who lost their lives.