(Late) Spring 2024 Update
An update from a human Going Through It mostly as a reminder for themselves that even in the midst of despair, there are good and joyful things happening
Reading time: about four minutes
I am focusing on my mental health in a big way right now, so it’s unlikely I’ll be posting much to my blog for the coming weeks, but I do want to share a late-Spring update with ya’ll. Especially since that January update feels like a whole lifetime ago. Short and sweet, here is a look at All The Things going on in my creative working life.
AWP Writer to Writer Programme:
The first big exciting thing is that after four years of applying to AWP’s Writer to Writer mentorship programme, I’ve finally been selected! Or more accurately, there was finally a writer who was a good match for my manuscript who wants to help support me. For the next twelve weeks I will be partnered up with Neema Avashia, author of the memoir essay collection Another Appalachia: Coming up Queer and Indian in a Mountain Place.1
I’m thrilled at this chance to connect with a published author to get support and guidance on revision and submission of the memoir I drafted last summer.
Another Podcast!:
A creative non-fiction piece I wrote was featured on the new Queer in Treaty 7 podcast!
I am super grateful to Mattie for sharing this story and reading it so beautifully. Their reading and celebration of my work has made me want to write another memoir.
CAD Application:
I applied for an art grant! I don’t know that I did a very good job and I really am not sure that I’ll get it, but I APPLIED and that was neat. Whether I get it or not, I’m going to work on letters to ancestors and a colouring book to accompany Avalokiteshvara.
Thangka progress:
Speaking of… I am now in a testing phase for Avalokiteshvara. I’ve made a small standing Amitabha for mounting on some test board. This will give me a chance to play around with how I will paint the galaxy background, which glues are best, and the sealant spray to protect it all.
‘Zines!:
And finally, Issue 2 of From The QILT2BAG: The First Pride Was An Uprising is now available! Just in time for June!
This issue is printed in full colour and features artwork by Kimone Francis, Cece Chow’s speech for the Trans Day of Visibility, writing by Daphne Hart (founder of Black Pride YYC) and yours truly, and poetry and photography by Lyn Langille. As with the last issue, the sale of this ‘zine helps me fund more in the future and ensures the contributors get paid for their labour.
As ever, thank you for your support and interest in my creative work. It means a lot to me that folks value my writing and art and that I am able to share it with ya’ll here.
K.
Which is an EXCELLENT book.
This is an incredible amount of Things Done!! I'm so glad you're in an upswing!