Welcome.
Jenna Butler was born in Norwich, England in 1980, but has spent the majority of her life on the prairies of western Canada. Her work has appeared in literary magazines, journals and anthologies around the world, and her poetry has garnered, among others, the James Patrick Folinsbee Prize, and has been produced by the CBC. She is the editor of more than twenty-five collections of poetry in Canada and Europe, and is the founding editor of Rubicon Press. More →
Updates
May 14, 2010
Reading into the Summer
It’s been an unbelievable month, in many ways.
It began with the eruption of the Icelandic volcano the day before I was meant to depart for a two-week series of conferences, readings, and book launches in England. After several delays, my flight was finally cancelled due to ash in the Jet Stream.
Many thanks are due to the wonderful folk at the Poetry in the Crypt Reading Series, where I was supposed to read while in London, who have offered me the chance to read there again the next time I am over the pond!
While in Edmonton for two unexpectedly free weeks, I was fortunate enough to take in the fabulous Edmonton Poetry Festival. If you are coming through town in late April, do make time to check it out…it’s really wonderful and there’s something for everyone.
Thus I find myself heading into summer and another quiet season on the farm, planting out our market garden and making time for writing in the cool evenings. But there are a few reading events happening before that:
Monday May 17: Interview on CKUA’s “Bookmark” program at 11 a.m.
Tuesday May 18: Reading to the 30 AP English class at Queen Elizabeth High School (the students I taught during my last year at the high school level, while they were in Grade 10!). Thanks to the school for buying a class set of Aphelion so that each student can take home a signed copy.
Wednesday May 19: Reading to all the English Department Heads of the Edmonton-area high schools at their professional development day.
And then for some downtime and quiet writing! I just returned from a retreat at Strawberry Creek Lodge during which I finished a new novel, so am looking forward to having the time to refine and edit that over the summer.
All good things,
— Jenna
April 15, 2010
Aphelion hits the road
This note needs to begin with thanks.
Many, many thanks.
To the folk at NeWest Press, for doing an amazing job on the book and for being kind, compassionate, and a whole lot of fun to work with.
To Doug Barbour, for being a perceptive editor and a good friend.
To my family and my husband, Thomas, for being with me every step of the way.
I’ve been fortunate indeed; Aphelion has had a great send-off in my hometown through two initial readings. The first was with Robert Kroetsch at Greenwoods in Edmonton in late March, and a second (formal launch) took place on April 9th at Cafe Leva in Edmonton. Thanks to all who came out to both readings for your kindness and your support.
I’m scheduled to fly for England next to present in three different cities and launch Aphelion in London at the wonderful Poetry in the Crypt series on April 24th. Right now, though, I am crossing my fingers that the ash cloud from the volcano in Iceland clears and my plane can get through (have had to rebook once already). This part of the launch journey has been a rather exceptional adventure already!
After England, there will be several readings in Edmonton for the Public School Board, plus upcoming readings in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Manitoba through the summer and autumn.
But none of it would be possible without the fabulous people who have helped me along the way: for the book, the readings, the funding, and the support, my thanks.
— Jenna
March 9, 2010
Aphelion has arrived!
I went down to the NeWest Press offices this afternoon to pick up author copies of Aphelion and sign those being sent out for review. Still can’t quite believe this little book is in my hands. The end result is so very much worth the wait; NeWest does a fantastic job and their staff is truly second to none.
For those who have asked, yes, a launch is indeed scheduled for Edmonton. It’ll take place on Friday April 9, 7:00 p.m., at the delightful Cafe Leva on the University of Alberta campus (home of the Olive Reading Series). I’ll post further details as they become available!
Still quietly walking on air tonight. Heading off now to write thank you notes and inscribe copies of the book to all those friends & family members who helped make this little collection happen. Aphelion wouldn’t exist without your love & support, guys…heartfelt thanks.
— Jenna
February 22, 2010
It's nearly here!
Aphelion is at the printers! I continue to be amazed by the whole experience and remain hugely grateful to the folks at NeWest for their talent, kindness, and expertise.
A launch is in the works for Edmonton, followed by readings in Saskatchewan, Toronto, and B.C. in the autumn. I’ll also be flying to England this April to read at the Poetry in the Crypt series in London alongside Alan Brownjohn, which is a tremendous thrill! Aphelion features sections about both North America and Europe, specifically Canada and England (my two homes), and I feel so very fortunate to be able to launch the book in both places.
Lots on the go…but there are two extra hours of daylight bookending the day, and who knows, that could mean spring is around the corner. With it comes this great rush of new energy…
— Jenna
