What a thrill last month to take part in Ryeberg Live Vancouver.  I had no idea what to expect of the event; this pretty much guarantees a good time.  Which was had by all — me, Kevin Chong, Steven Galloway and Maiko Bae Yamamoto.  Here are pictures of the event.  To experience my talk, click on this grandiose title: Re-Enthralling the Picture in Motion.

One of the great pleasures of Thursday is Russell Smith’s literature column in The Globe and Mail.  A gifted fiction writer, author of probably the best satirical novel to come out of Canada, Muriella Pent, Smith takes on subjects that just thrill me, such as comma usage.  So it was a particularly pleasure this Thursday, to make his column.  Read it here.

“Erection Man” from my on-going novel-in-stories, Ellen in Pieces, has been longlisted for the world’s richest short story prize.  Never mind the £30,000!  The real prize is to share space on a list with Junot Diaz and Ali Smith.  Read about all the finalists.

I received my copy of Canadian Notes and Queries, which is always a guilty pleasure.  The added bonus this time is to see my own story “Ellen-Celine, Celine-Ellen” published there.  Check out this naughty and nice magazine.

Which is the title of my latest story just out in Eighteen Bridges. Have a look or, better yet, subscribe to this dynamic new magazine.

I’ve just received my contributor’s copy of Best Canadian Stories 12.  In it are the ten stories the venerable editor John Metcalf has selected as the best of the year.  I’m honoured that my “Poppycock” is included along with stories by writers whose work I’ve long admired – Shaena Lambert, Douglas Glover, Stephen Heighton,  Lynn Coady, Keath Fraser – as well as stories by newer writers.   Visit Oberon Press for more details.

Which is the title of my new story just published in Numero Cinq, the inimitable Douglas Glover’s on-line magazine.  Glover is just about the smartest and funniest writer-critic around.  I’m thrilled to be on his site.

Read “Your Dog Makes Me Smile”

The Porcupine’s Quill of Erin, Ontario, published my first book, Bad Imaginings, in 1993, on acid-free Zephyr Antique Laid stock, sewn into signatures.  It’s still in print.  I was recently interviewed by PQ intern Kathleen Icely and here is the result.

Here’s a very fine review of In the Flesh from the Globe and Mail.  Congratulations to all the contributors!

Pleased to Meet You is available as a full-length ebook, or as “singles” in this new initiative from Thomas Allen Publishers and Cormorant Books.  Take a look.