More Summer Updates
P’Tit Train du Nord Cycling Adventure in Québec
Crossing the finish line, soaked, at Gare De Saint-Jérôme (July 3, 2025). Photo courtesy of Aaron Brown.
I did it, y’all. I biked the 200-kilometer P’Tit Train du Nord trail over four days in early July (Gare de Mont-Laurier to Gare de Saint-Jérome). To be even more specific: I biked a total 366 kilometers over six days, including jaunts around Montréal, Nominingue, Mont-Tremblant and Val-David.
Prior to this trip, the longest bike ride I ever logged was 30km. If I hadn’t tracked all my routes on Strava, I’m not sure I would’ve believed I accomplished it.
For four days, I was without my vehicle and limited to cycling with all my clothing and toiletries in a backpack and a pannier while riding for three hours a day (50-60km). The scenery was breathtaking. I climbed more than I expected to (816 meters) given that the route was downhill. I crossed the finish line at kilometer zero soaked and muddied from a torrential downpour, but downright giddy.
I took detailed, handwritten notes about the whole experience and I hope to shape it into a working manuscript over the coming months. My deepest thanks goes to Aaron Brown for organizing an amazing adventure!
Publication News
In my last blog post, I mentioned having two poems accepted by this year’s edition of The Bear River Review. Well, not long thereafter, the lit journal put out a call for artwork submissions and I took a chance and sent off a few photos I’d snapped this year that I’m particularly fond of. I’m so excited to share that not only were the photos accepted, but also that they’ll be gracing the front and back cover of the 2025 issue! Thanks to Mariya Zilberman and the editorial team at The Bear River Review for giving me my very first art acceptance.
Three Chairs (January 15, 2025). Mérida, Mexico; Calle 55 near the corner of Calle 60. This photo will be the front cover of the 2025 edition of Bear River Review.
Full Serve Sky (May 1, 2025). Windsor, Ontario; abandoned Olco station off Sandwich Street. This photo will be the back cover of the 2025 edition of Bear River Review.
Additionally since my last post, I’m grateful to share that my work has been published by Bottle Rocket. Thanks to editor Wilson Koewing for giving me the fastest acceptance of my life—less than twelve hours from submission! My two prose poems, “Sententia” and “The Spoils” went live on the magazine’s site June 24. Prior to publication, “The Spoils” had been rejected by another literary journal; on the same-day of that rejection notice, I resubmitted the poem to Bottle Rocket and got my yes. Try, try again.
Pagination Issue V Launch Party at Chapter Two Brewery
Come celebrate the latest issue launch of Pagination, Windsor Public Library’s literary magazine, on Wednesday, July 23 at Chapter Two Brewing Company.
Issue five is a cross-border collaboration with Detroit Public Library and I’m fortunate enough to be included here, with a prose piece titled “The Predictability of Feeling Sad While Untangling Blue Christmas Lights.” Some of the authors who’s work appears in this edition will give a live reading (I’m hoping to make it there!). Copies of the magazine, which features incredible collage work from area artists, will also be available for free during the event while supplies last. Guests aged nineteen and up are welcome.
Introducing the Creativity Cavern in Fontainbleu
After months of planning and preparation, I can finally announce that the Creativity Cavern, located in the basement of my Fontainbleu home, is officially open for creative writing classes, workshops, and retreats. Vanessa Shields and I are hard at work brainstorming our fall offerings, to co-present a collaborative teaching series held in conjunction with Gertrude’s Room. The Creativity Cavern can comfortably accommodate six writers for an intimate workshop experience. Refreshments and snacks will be available for all events. Please contact me for rental opportunities.
Last Chance to Enroll in Summer Creative Writing Classes!
We’re about to enter the second week of summer recreation classes at Mackenzie Hall Cultural Centre. If you’re interested in generating new writing, my Creative Writing course has two vacancies remaining; my Poetry & Play course has one vacancy.
To register for the remaining seven weeks of the semester, call the City of Windsor’s Central Registration at 519-255-1161 to reserve your spot.