(Fort McMurray, AB, April 22, 2019) It’s a big day for the Northern Canada Collective Society for Writers (NCCSW), publishers of NorthWord – A Literary Journal of Canada’s North. The group is celebrating 10 years in the community this Friday, April 26, 2019 marking the launch of their 20th issue aptly themed “Celebration.” Everyone is invited to the free event happening at Station Event Centre – next to Avenue Coffee from 5-7 p.m. A short program will start at 5:30 p.m. Readings, and an open mic will round out the festivities with a few surprises, and refreshments from Avenue Coffee as well.
NCCSW is a non-profit group made of local writers and poets. Ten years ago the literary journal began as an idea in Jennifer and Blair Hemstock’s living room. The couple has now moved to BC, but their legacy remains in NorthWord’s form. An estimated 200 literary pieces – poetry and prose have been published over the years, with all 20 covers by local artists – a NorthWord policy. Local realist painter Sarah Mckendry exclusively created a cover for the 20th issue, which will remain under wraps until the launch event.
“Ten years ago, we were watching Mad Men, listening to Susan Boyle on American Idol, and wondering whether it was time to upgrade to the new iPhone 3. And in Fort McMurray, Jennifer and Blair Hemstock, along with a dozen other lovers of the written word, started a small literary magazine. Suzanne McGladdery (our past president) came up with the name: NorthWord. We figured we’d publish one issue and see what happened next,” recalled Jane Jacques, Managing Editor, NorthWord.
“Ten years later, we’re about to launch NorthWord Issue 20. We’ve published twice a year for the past decade, with 20 different local artists on the covers and over 100 writers and artists featured inside. We’ve had submissions from across Canada and the US. With 10 years and 20 issues of NorthWord, it’s time to celebrate and to look forward to the next decade,” Jacques added.
Dawn Booth, President, NorthWord, looks forward to the event.
“Each edition reveals like a special gift for our community and to those who love the art of words. We invite NorthWord's past guest editors, storytellers, poets and artists to join us for an evening of celebrating this literary milestone,” Booth noted.
NorthWord is available free of charge at MacDonald Island, Suncor Energy Centre for Performing Arts, Blue Mountain Bistro, Keyano College, Points North Gallery, and the Thickwood YMCA.
For real time updates, like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/northword and follow us on Twitter: @NorthWordYMM. Visit our website: www.northwordmagazine.com.
