Publication Update

As I diligently work away at some of my big writing projects, it’s always nice to pause and celebrate the smaller works that have made their way out into the world. Here are some of my publications from the end of 2014 and the beginning of 2015:

  • “The Quiet Rebuild” Portraits – Bellingham Review, Washington University, Bellingham, Washington, USA
  • “Legacy of Love,” Perspectives Magazine, TSC Alliance

Alexis Marie Chute Perspectives Mag blog

 

What have you been working on lately?

 

Save the Date for a NaNoWriMo Write-In with the Canadian Authors’ Association in Edmonton

First of all, Happy Halloween! This spooky season is sure to ignite your creativity with haunting characters and unforeseen plot twists.

If you didn’t already know, NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) starts tomorrow – November 1st. I want to invite local writers for a fun event coming up on November 15th. Save the date! This year I am helping coordinate a half day NaNoWriMo write-in with the Canadian Authors’ Association Alberta Branch in Edmonton – and the event is open to both members and the general public.

 

Here are the details:

 

NaNoWriMo

Goal: Write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. Track your progress on the NaNoWriMo software and connect with other writers. You’ve had a novel idea in your head and now is the time to bring your story to life.

Check out the NaNoWriMo website for more information.

 

Canadian Author’s Association Write-In

Date: November 15, 2014

Location: Idylwylde Library, 8310 88 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, (780) 496-1808

Time: Doors open at 12:20pm with event starting at 12:30pm. The event will conclude at 5:30pm.

Cost: FREE

Things to bring: a snack to share, friends (the event is open to everyone), and your pen and paper or laptop and charger.

Check out the Canadian Authors Association Alberta Branch website for more information.

 

Myself, along with the CAA Writing-Coach-in-Residence, Suzanne Harris, will encourage you as you find inspiration to get over the halfway hump of NaNoWriMo. Write alongside others also penning their novel (or just looking to get words out on the page) and find inspiration in the presence of shared struggles and successes.

It will be a day of breakthroughs in a focused community environment. Who said writing has to be a lonely endeavor? Short, facilitated breaks will give you motivation and energy to pound out the words.

Even if you are not participating in NaNoWriMo, come out and join in the fun and creative atmosphere.

I look forward to writing with you!

 

Isolation and the Writer

I am just about to finish my second residency as a creative writing grad student. I loved being on campus with other writers and immersed in seminars that stimulate my art and hone my craft. It has been a fabulous break from working alone in my office (or alone in my art studio).

Once residency is over I know I will be headed back to work in the required isolation of my passion/profession. I’m already feeling a little lonely just thinking about it – but I have a plan!

 

coffee hand photo copyright alexis marie chute

Ideas for Writers to Annex the Isolation:

 

  • Work in a place where people will surround you. A coffee shop. A library. On the train. There is a children’s play café I like to go to where my kids can do their thing and I can write. It’s a nice environment because we still get to interact frequently yet I somehow still manage to get a lot done there.

 

  • Be a part of an online community of writers. I feel lucky to have multiple groups on Facebook where I can go and interact with other writers. These places are touchstones of virtual camaraderie.

 

  • Be a part of a flesh-and-blood community of writers. This is a challenge for me since I have little kids and not as much flexibility to go out every night – but my resolution is to pencil in the events around my city and make a good effort to get out of the house. I am a part of the Canadian Authors’ Association and the Writers Guild of Alberta. These are my communities. What are yours?

 

  • Make keeping in touch with others a part of your writerly discipline. I plan to write emails, text messages and cards (gotta love the hand written card) to my friends and fellow writers. It takes effort but is worth it. The goal should be to encourage, celebrate and commiserate together and to form friendships that will benefit both parties. Cheerleaders and honest critics are like gold.

 

  • The most important point: Make peace with being alone by recognizing the difference between solitude and loneliness. Solitude is a gift. Being alone in your skin and comfortable there, solitude is the place where life’s noise can be hushed and true focus and even inspiration attained. Solitude recognizes that while physically separate from others we are never truly alone and that the love from those that care about us always remains close.

Are their any ideas that I missed? How do you stay sane as a writer (as any kind of creative person) during the hours of solitary work? Let’s brainstorm!

 

Canadian Authors Association Exporting AB Award

I had the privilege of attending the Canadian Authors’ Association Gala last weekend. Not only was it my first day on the job as Secretary for the CAA board, taking minutes for the AGM, but I had the privilege of photographing the main event: readings by authors nominated for the Exporting Alberta Award and the award presentation. I have to say, the evening was immensely enjoyable! Even my hubby who is not a writer had a great time.

The Exporting Alberta Award is given to the CAA Alberta Branch member who has the best book published in the last year. The $1,000 prize money assists with out-of-province book promotion.

The event was MC’ed by one of the current Writers in Residence, Lee Kvern, at the tail end of her term. Boy, does Lee have a huge personality! Here are some photos of the event.

 

 

It was a full house at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, a part of the ArtSpirit Festival.

It was a full house at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, a part of the ArtSpirit Festival.

Margaret Macpherson, founder of the ArtSpirit Festival, welcoming all for the evening.

Margaret Macpherson, founder of the ArtSpirit Festival, welcoming all for the evening.

Lee Kvern, the magnificent MC for the gala.

Lee Kvern, the magnificent MC for the gala.

President of the Canadian Authors' Association, Jana Rieger.

President of the Canadian Authors’ Association, Jana Rieger.

Lisa Anderson showing off her book, "Mom! There's a Lion in the Toilet" published by Dream Write Publishing Ltd

Lisa Anderson showing off her book, “Mom! There’s a Lion in the Toilet” published by Dream Write Publishing Ltd

Jenna Butler talking about "Wells," her book of poetry published by the University of Alberta Press

Jenna Butler talking about “Wells,” her book of poetry published by the University of Alberta Press

Joan Marie Galat showing off her children's book, "The Discovery of Longitude" published by Pelican Press

Joan Marie Galat showing off her children’s book, “The Discovery of Longitude” published by Pelican Press

Joan Marie Galat reading for Jacueline Guest, the book "Outcast of River Falls" published by Cocteau Books

Joan Marie Galat reading for Jacueline Guest, the book “Outcast of River Falls” published by Cocteau Books

Charmaine Hammond reading the book she co-wrote with Debra Kasowski, "GPS Your Best Life" published by Bettie Young Books

Charmaine Hammond reading the book she co-wrote with Debra Kasowski, “GPS Your Best Life” published by Bettie Young Books

Debra Kasowski reading "GPS Your Best Life" which she co-wrote with Charmaine Hammond, published by Bettie Young Books.

Debra Kasowski reading “GPS Your Best Life” which she co-wrote with Charmaine Hammond, published by Bettie Young Books.

All the authors received flowers.

All the authors received flowers.

Barb Howard reading her "Western Taxidermy" published by Newest Press

Barb Howard reading her “Western Taxidermy” published by Newest Press

Fran Kimmel reading her "The Shore Girl" published by Newest Press

Fran Kimmel reading her “The Shore Girl” published by Newest Press

Katherine Koller with an enacted reading of her book, "Voices of the Land" published by AU Press

Katherine Koller with a vibrant reading of her book, “Voices of the Land” published by AU Press

Jana reading for Gail Sidonie Sobat, "Not With a Bang" published by Magpie Books

Jana reading for Gail Sidonie Sobat, “Not With a Bang” published by Magpie Books

Leanne Myggland-Carter reading for Sheri-D Wilson, "Goddess: Gone Fishing for a Map of the Universe" published by Frontenac House

Leanne Myggland-Carter reading for Sheri-D Wilson, “Goddess: Gone Fishing for a Map of the Universe” published by Frontenac House

Lee Kvern has some fun with the authors.

Lee Kvern has some fun with the authors.

Jana Rieger rips open the envelope... a hush falls over the crowd...

Jana Rieger rips open the envelope… a hush falls over the crowd…

And the winner is... Barb Howard for "Western Taxidermy" published by Newest Press

And the winner is… Barb Howard for “Western Taxidermy” published by Newest Press

Barb Howard receiving her crown as the winner of the Exporting Alberta Awards! Congrats Barb!

Barb Howard receiving her crown as the winner of the Exporting Alberta Awards! Congrats Barb!