Spreading the Word

Copies of my book Ramapge:the pathology of an epidemic can be found at three locaitons on the Island so far.
Volume One Books, Duncan
Ten Old Books, Duncan
Salamander Books, Ladysmith

See info on Arty Award information below!

There is a great website http://www.peacexpeace.org/ and they have just published a portion of my piece Can We End Violence Against Women--check it out.  This is the second time they have included my work on their pages and I am honoured by that. Women from all over the world share their stories and concerns on these pages.  I am also publishing health and life-related articles on my Hub Pages-check that out as well. Don't forget my original site http://www.ragmag.net/ where you can find a ton of stuff including some of my lighter and funnier pieces.

There are a lot of self-published writers out there who are finding it hard to promote their books--a friend of mine Shelley Haggard just released her book of poetry The Haggard Road and I would like to offer these pages to other writers as well--send me your stuff and let's create a space to share our work.

Shelley Haggard was born and raised in Fort St. John, BC and has since lived in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, and now resides in Mission. She began writing at an early age and likes to say she has left no inner or outer stone un-turned. She has won several prizes in poetry contests and has been published widely in various anthologies; many of those poems are included in this first book effort. Another creative interest is photography and some of her photography is included as well. Reading her poetry and stories in public is another area of strength for Shelley. Please check out her video poems at www.youtube.com/shelleyhaggardpoems Shelley Haggard

"I have tried with this first book to share my love of writing and occasionally the spark of where an idea germinates from. I feel there are many poems in this volume for the reader to connect to. The photos stand alone as stories and sometimes punctuate the poetry. I am very proud of this effort and hope you'll enjoy the ride on The Haggard Road. The cover photo ended up inspiring the book title; it is a real road sign from Barriere, BC (with a 'The' photoshopped in) where my father's side of the family has its roots."

In keeping with promoting writers and other creative folks Art Matters Society is planning a Human-Made Event this Fall in Abbotsford--a chance for artists, writers and photographers to show their stuff--if you are interested, get in touch.  gwynne1@telus.net

Although the Arty Awards have been postponed until October 22 2011 (Abbotsford Art's Council)--we had a reception to receive our Arty Award Nomination Certificates (May 28)-I received one for Literary Arts. They took a few photos and I posted the one above of me -in black, in front and a couple of other nominees.  The only other person I know at this time who has been nominated is Dave Farmer for Art's Supporter-the Art's Council has yet to release the names. My apologies to my fellow nominees in the photo, I will list everyone's names as soon as I receive them.