April 6, 2022 A couple of years ago, when Pandemic was fresh and coy, I was part of a three-person jury that convened — not even by Zoom, but by conference call — to assess the merits of some writing — fiction, poetry, essays — entered in a contest sponsored by PEN Canada. (There was a corporate co-sponsor, too, either RBC or Arby’s. I should look it up. On the other hand, ambiguity has its own allure. Let’s let it lie. ) The call for submissions was directed to “New Voices.” Typically — even though there’s no writerly reason why a New Voice can’t erupt from an old, even apparently dormant, body — such a designation suggests a competition intended for the young. This was a blind judging, no names or other identifying details were appended, but my sense was that the hopeful aspirants — hopeful as I suppose, otherwise, why enter such a horserace? — were unlined, unspotted, fresh of countenance.
Hello Bill! If I was still on Twitter I'm sure I would've known about this sooner, but am glad to have found it. Always nice to hear your voice! Have just read my way backward to this point and now will be waiting for more. Off I go now to fume over that editor who stabbed our Linnet in the heart.
Zut alors! I've never been in a hot-air balloon! My tray-table is up, seat belt fastened, mask on, and no pretzels or nuts-in-a-bag (!) around. There may be drinks....it'll be that kind of flight, I'm sure! Thanks, Slim.
Hello Bill! If I was still on Twitter I'm sure I would've known about this sooner, but am glad to have found it. Always nice to hear your voice! Have just read my way backward to this point and now will be waiting for more. Off I go now to fume over that editor who stabbed our Linnet in the heart.
Following this with great delight, Bill.
I hope I'm not too late
Zut alors! I've never been in a hot-air balloon! My tray-table is up, seat belt fastened, mask on, and no pretzels or nuts-in-a-bag (!) around. There may be drinks....it'll be that kind of flight, I'm sure! Thanks, Slim.