I’m a poet and member of the League of Canadian Poets published in Ottawa journals and online. Three poems have received honourable mentions in Arborealis 2008, Ontario Poetry Society, and the Canadian Authors Association National Capital Writing Contest in 2008, 2011 and In 2012, my poem, Walking in Thomson’s Red Sumac, won third place in that contest. I began writing on a manual green Olivetti typewriter, but I don’t miss having poems flavoured with correction fluid and cross-outs. On August 14th, 2012, I released my second chapbook, Architectural Variations. You can find the information about ordering here: http://quillfyre.wordpress.com/architectural-variations-chapbook-2/
Carol A Stephen (that’s me!)
So where could a brother get a signed copy?
Well, I guess a brother would have to find his way back to Eastern Ontario!
Carol
Hi, Carol. I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your collection. To begin, the title is really wonderful — and the poem from which it originates (“It Changes the Hour”) is one of the strongest in your collection. I love the dry wit, sly smile quality of certain poems, such as “Secrets of a Poet” and “Town Gossip” — a personal favourite — as well. Even simpler poems in the book, such as “On Giorgio…” have the ability to invest the smallest moments — such a handshake, for instance — with so much importance. However, there are two poems which are truly well-crafted. “Finding cobalt blue 3″ is incredible. The use of sound — consonance, assonance, alliteration — coupled with the overtly visual quality of the poem really works well. “Left Hand Turn” is the other. Great work.
Thanks, Brent, I can’t even think of the words I need to express how much your opinion means.
I have never forgotten your workshop in April 2006 for Canadian Authors. It was a birthday treat to myself, at a time when I was just starting back to write poetry, and wondering if I had any real talent for it. I had not, up to that point, ever called myself a poet. But your encouragement through comments about my work in the class led me to continue. Even so, I still have those doubts about my writing. But I do call myself a poet, and have done so since your class. Thanks, so very very much. Carol
You are so talented and I look forward to reading more!
Ta, Gilly. I appreciate the vote of confidence! :)
Carol: I am a league of poets member, TOPS too and CAA member who organizes a national poetry contest . Can you mention deadline is coming up . thanks dave here is press release.
DR WILLIAM HENRY DRUMMOND POETRY CONTEST 2012
One of the oldest national poetry contests (established 1970) is accepting entries. With $1200 in cash prizes, an anthology of winning poems, a trophy, and award ceremony at the Cobalt Public Library during the spring pulse poetry festival on Friday May 11. Please check the festival website at http://www.springpulsepoetryfestival.com for entry details. Send any inquires or questions to mybrydges@yahoo.ca Dr. William Henry Drummond Poetry Contest 2012 Deadline: April 2
David, it is actually in the list under contests. Has been for at least two weeks. But because there are so many I have to keep the blurb fairly small and make sure I have the reference to website info. Thanks for contacting me though. I don’t always catch them of course, as there are a lot of contests!
Carol
Hello Carol,
I wanted to stop past and thank you for showing my poetry blog some love. I must say I admire how humble you are. Why is it that the subtitle of your blog reads “aspiring to poet,” when you’re already such an achieved and talented poet? I guess we are all just works in progress right? If your work is the work of someone just aspiring to poet, then please do by all means continue to aspire and inspire!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I suppose I undervalue my writing, but I also believe we are always becoming. I remember not wanting to sound too confident when I first chose that subtitle. I wonder when I will feel I can move to Practicing Poet? Carol oh and yes I enjoyed your blog post very much. I had been doing a ModPo summary each week, but last week the course caught up with me and I have yet to do my final post on it!
Just thought I would leave a comment on your blog! ;-)
I love your poem….”Early Spring Landscape”——it is beautiful!