- Axis of Conversation
- Backbone of Science
- Michelle Bodnar
- Liz Clark
- Kimberlee Feick Lowry
- Dawn L. Ford
- Katharine Grace
- Gary James
- Neil Jennings
- Janet Kuypers
- Diana Fox
- Matt Gigg
- Dale Lee Kwong
- Christopher Lawrence
- Derek MacDougall
- Shannon MacKinnon
- Wendy Morton
- John Shuptrine
- Sound Gallery
- Matt Smith
- Tom Weager
- Salvatore William
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splinterswerve
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
splinterswerve.hotmail.com
Last Updated October 9, 2008
I hurt my back during the preparation of this issue of splinterswerve. Pushing myself too hard, two ribs popped out of place. My backbone was left compromised and my body felt tired, weak and defenseless. It made me realize in a literal way that I become susceptible to injury when I don’t stand up for what I need.
That’s what this issue of splinterswerve is all about: Backbone. It’s full of people standing up for themselves, being true to themselves, and expressing themselves. And yet there is a sense of vulnerability in hearing that inner voice that knows what one needs.
Culture has been big in the news lately. Art and culture is how society expresses itself. In order to have a strong society, a nation with backbone, it is as important to support creative endeavours. Otherwise we are at risk of being weak and defenseless as a nation.In this issue:
- Wendy Morton: splinterswerve is very proud to publish a new poem by Westjet's Poet of the Skies, The Oilpatch Girls -- a poem that speaks of the strength that arises from having a strong back. Morton is strong supporter of making art public. Read more about her work on the Creators page.
- Dale Lee Kwong, winner of the Calgary 2008 CBC Poetry Face-off, contributes her L-Berta, a poem she performed at Queer Conscience night during the 2005 Calgary International Spoken Word Festival in response to Ralph Klein's infamous notwithstanding threat against gay marriage legislation.
- Neil Jennings, published author and nature photographer, has contributed amazing close-ups of backbones in nature.
- New Music can be heard from Sound Gallery, as well as other Calgary bands, Axis of Conversation, and Backbone of Science.
- So much more: this is one of splinterswerve's largest issues. There's plenty to read, see and hear, so pull up a chair, kick off your shoes and get surfing. Oh, and sit up straight, will you.
Special Announcements:
- splinterswerve is happy to have Michelle Bodnar officially onboard as the Words Editor. An editing background in both fiction and non-fiction makes her a force to be reckoned with, as well as just a super awesome person to work with. Contributions for the Words section now go through the wringer before publication (oh but don't worry, Michelle is very gentle).
- I don't know why it took so long but splinterswerve is now a group on facebook. Please join!
Wendi Seskus-James, editor
p.s. a special thanks goes to Matt Smith, Dale Lee Kwong, and Michelle Bodnar for final edits this issue!
p.p.s. this issue is dedicated to my friends Bernard and Nkole who are on a journey of healing a literal backbone. Read their brand new blog here: http://bernardsnewback.ca/
"The Brain, within its Groove Runs evenly -- and true -- But let a Splinter swerve --"