(Fort McMurray, AB, April 22, 2021) Word lovers converged for an afternoon of beautiful poetry and prose as NorthWord’s Issue 23 “Solstice,” was virtually launched on April 17, 2021.
Guest edited by Florence Weber; the stunning beadwork cover art was created by local artist Treasure Cooper. She designed the cover exclusively for NorthWord. Both ladies commented on their inspiration.
“Solstice is always a magical time of the year for me when the seasons change quickly. I love it and it’s part of who I am. While editing the magazine I learned that not a lot of people have the same experience, and that was really cool. They go inwards to be creative. And the changing seasons effect people emotionally too. There were so many beautiful words, it was difficult to choose, but I enjoyed it,” explained Weber.
For Treasure Cooper, creating the cover was an “honour.”
“It’s the biggest piece I’ve ever done so it was quite challenging. I tried to give her movement by adding the tassels. I added swirls to the sun – so you feel the heat coming off of the cover,” she shared.
Dawn Booth, President, President of the Northern Collective Society of Writers (NCCSW), publishers of NorthWord was delighted with the event.
“We are happy to have had so many guests join us for our launch and have them share their words in celebration of National Poetry Month. NorthWord continues to prove how needed its platform is for our community as it unites lovers of the literary arts and creates a space for them to express themselves; their pain, their joy and everything beautiful in between.” Jane Jacques, Managing Editor, NCCSW agreed.
“We were delighted by the response to the launch for Issue 23 of NorthWord! People gathered to listen to one another's work, share their own, and support the literary arts community in Fort McMurray. It's been a challenge for NorthWord to retain its audience and continue publication throughout the pandemic, so we were especially pleased to see our loyal friends and contributors there. When we resume face-to-face launch events, we'll be even happier to celebrate NorthWord with them in person!”
The call for submissions for the next “Amalgamation” issue is already out with a deadline of May 30, 2021, at midnight. Issue 24 will be guest edited by Luay Eljamal, Programs Manager, Arts Council Wood Buffalo.
Short stories or excerpts from current projects, fiction, or non-fiction (3000 words maximum), verse of no more than 50 lines, along with anything original and inventive can be submitted to the editors at northword@hushmail.com. Due to COVID closures limited copies of NorthWord Magazine are available free of charge at Mitchell’s Café and the Urban Market only. For real time updates, like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/northword and follow us on Twitter: @NorthWordYMM. Visit our website: www.northwordmagazine.com.
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