Hold on. I'm trying something here. I think it's gonna work.

Presenting my first self-published chapbook in 20 years!

I taught a class on the history of self-publishing, DIY culture and the literary micropress this past semester, and as part of their final project my students made short print runs of their own chapbooks and zines. Inspired by their fabulous work, I decided to make my first self-published chapbook in twenty years!

Further Communiqués from the Imaginary World

A poetry chapbook by Paul Vermeersch

Dimensions: 8.5" x 5.5" 

24 pages 

Cardstock covers with printed endpapers. 

Numbered in an edition of 50, this chapbook contains new, previously uncollected poems: a sneak peek of some of the new material scheduled to appear in Shared Universe: New and Selected Poems 1995-2020 (ECW Press, Fall 2020). To order a copy (ten bucks plus shipping), click here. 

I am profiled on Sheridan's Curiosities blog

My friend Cherie Dimaline and third-year Creative Writing & Publishing student Brianna Wodabek talk to Sheridan News staff about my writing and teaching work, and Cherie goes into detail on the night we met at Rideau Hall. Read all about it here.

 Reading a poem at the launch of Cherie Dimaline's novel Empire of Wild
at Lula Lounge in Toronto. Photo by Kevin Hardcastle.

The Joseph Bloor T-Shirt is Back!

Toronto history buffs, this is for you. The Joseph Bloor T-shirt is back, better and more affordable than ever. Available now on the Saint Bigfoot Redbubble store in a variety of options.

To learn more, or to order, click here.

Wolsak & Wynn Toronto Fall Launch on Nov 5

Please join Wolsak and Wynn for an evening of poetry, fiction and memoir: 

Facebook even page here.

Reading at the Art Bar Poetry Series this Tuesday

I'm doing a reading at The Art Bar Poetry Series this Tuesday at 8pm. I hope this poster captures the right vibe. I'm never sure.

I am honoured that an excerpt of my poem "Motel" from my recent book Self-Defence for the Brave and Happy supplies the epigraph to Cherie Dimaline's new novel Empire of Wild (September, 2019).

I will be joining Cherie in Toronto this September, along with Canisia Lubrin and Catherine Hernandez, to help launch Empire of Wild at the Lula Lounge. I will be reading my poem, while Canisia will join Cherie on stage for a conversation about her new book, and Catherine will perform burlesque. Details below.

JOIN US FOR THE LAUNCH OF THIS SPECTACULAR NEW NOVEL! 

SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

TORONTO, ON

Launch for Cherie Dimaline's novel Empire of Wild

Lula Lounge

Doors at 6pm, event at 7pm

1585 Dundas Street West

With guests Canisia Lubrin and Paul Vermeersch. 

Special burlesque performance by Catherine Hernandez.

HAPPY MUTATIONS, the debut album by LASERGNU, is now available

Two years ago I was talking to A. G. Pasquella about his band Miracle Beard. I love their music, so I asked A. G. how they worked together. He told me, but I wanted to see for myself. "Show me," I said. 

In September, 2017, he showed me. We met at his house and talked about music and we collaborated on our first song. I had just created the LASERGNU logo for my book Self-Defence for the Brave and Happy, so I suggested we form our own band and call it LASERGNU.

We did. 

Today, nearly two years later, we are releasing our first album HAPPY MUTATIONS. Collaborating with A. G. on this project has been a joy. I think it's a fun record, and I'm excited about making more music with LASERGNU in the future. If you like spacey, oddball electronica, then I think you'll like this. Click on the image below to visit our website and get the album. There are a limited number of free downloads available. 

And thanks to A.G. for showing me the way.

Visit LASERGNU.com