Carolyne Van Der Meer’s chapbook Birdology is an exploration of loss of memory, of autonomy—and ultimately of the loved ones themselves. Against a backdrop of urban and natural environments filled with everyday birds, she considers how our relationships with our parents evolve as they age, need us more—and eventually leave us. Through a quintet of flash essays and a handful of poems, Van Der Meer moves through what she calls the “spell of grief,” accompanied by flocks of gulls, house sparrows and rock pigeons.
Ever think about publishing a chapbook?
Chapbooks are short collections of poetry that can range from just under 10 pages to just under 50 pages—and we love them! Chapbooks can be a perfect one-sitting poetry immersion.
We are delighted to have Montreal poet Carolyne Van Der Meer join us for an appropriately brief but powerful interview on chapbooks.
Carolyne’s wonderful chapbook, Birdology, will be published in May by Montreal-based micro-press, Cactus Press.
Why publish a chapbook? Why not wait and publish a full book of poetry?
Publishing a chapbook is a great way to get your stuff out there, especially if you are an emerging poet. And for any poet, it’s a way to experiment with new work without committing to a full collection. The other thing is it’s fast! The lead time for publishing a chapbook can be quite short so you are not waiting a year or three to see your work in print. And finally, you can decide to self-publish a chapbook, which is an inexpensive way of doing all of the above: getting your new, experimental work out there quickly. Nothing says you can’t also be pushing towards publishing a full collection and you are doing this while you wait.
What is one piece of advice you have to poets thinking about publishing a chapbook?
Make sure you do your homework. Have a good look at all the chapbook publishing options in Canada so you can see where your collection fits best. And also, decide whether you actually want a publisher or whether you want to go it alone. There are plenty of reasons for doing one or the other. Just make sure you explore your own goals, desires and expectations before you decide.
What are some of your favourite chapbook presses in Canada?
Of course, I am rather biased about Cactus Press as they have taken me on. But that’s not all there is to it—Cactus has given a home to both emerging and experienced poets—this combined with their beautiful designs has given a real richness to the Montreal poetry scene.
But other Canadian chapbook publishers I like are Raven Chapbooks (imprint of Rainbow Publishers) on Salt Spring Island in BC; Agatha Press in Edmonton; Anstruther Press in Toronto; Gasperau Press in Kentville, NS; Turret House Press in Montreal; and Baseline Press in London. All these publishers produce original concepts on beautiful paper—and some are hand-sewn. Stunning to hold—and behold.