Policies, Reflections on Water

volume 1, number 1

When I worked in Ontario, I developed a patter about coming from Northern BC that went something like: "Well, yes, there's the snow, but you can live ten minutes drive from work, and if there's anything missing in the way of big city perks -- we just invent our own version."
Reflections on Water exists because coeditor Sue Matheson made me see that this was equally true of publication vehicles.
This mattered to me because my own breakthrough in selling a novel, written with co-author Dr. Alison Sinclair of Calgary, has exposed me to other writers --emerging, established or just starting -- with their own stories to tell. It struck me then that there is no lack of interest in the written word. We just need to reclaim the right to tell each other our own stories, in our own place, instead of sending out for the global blockbuster every night of the week.
It is my hope that Reflections on Water will contribute to the health of artistic expression in the North by introducing those of us who care so much to each others' work, and engaging the interest of readers and viewers who might not otherwise have thought to turn to fellow Northerners for a cultural interlude.
Reflections on Water is not, of course, alone in expressing the spirit of Northern self-sufficiency. Caitlin Press is the obvious veteran. The more I learn about the business of editing, the more appreciative I am of those who care enough to achieve the results that Caitlin has. I would also like to mention Still Winter, the online journal produced by Don Precosky of the College of New Caledonia.
No region can have too much culture. In fact, through the "views" section of ROW and future editorials, I hope to improve my own awareness of Northern forums for talent.
If any of this strikes a chord, please post your reaction to our "views" section. We want your feedback and we want the benefit of your knowledge of "what's happening" in your piece of the North, geographically or otherwise.


	Lynda Williams						volume 1, number 1 When I worked in Ontario, I developed a patter about coming from Northern BC that went something like: "Well, yes, there's the snow, but you can live ten minutes drive from work, and if there's anything missing in the way of big city perks -- we just invent our own version." Reflections on Water exists because coeditor Sue Matheson made me see that this was equally true of publication vehicles. This mattered to me because my own breakthrough in selling a novel, written with co-author Dr. Alison Sinclair of Calgary, has exposed me to other writers --emerging, established or just starting -- with their own stories to tell. It struck me then that there is no lack of interest in the written word. We just need to reclaim the right to tell each other our own stories, in our own place, instead of sending out for the global blockbuster every night of the week. It is my hope that Reflections on Water will contribute to the health of artistic expression in the North by introducing those of us who care so much to each others' work, and engaging the interest of readers and viewers who might not otherwise have thought to turn to fellow Northerners for a cultural interlude. Reflections on Water is not, of course, alone in expressing the spirit of Northern self-sufficiency. Caitlin Press is the obvious veteran. The more I learn about the business of editing, the more appreciative I am of those who care enough to achieve the results that Caitlin has. I would also like to mention Still Winter, the online journal produced by Don Precosky of the College of New Caledonia. No region can have too much culture. In fact, through the "views" section of ROW and future editorials, I hope to improve my own awareness of Northern forums for talent. If any of this strikes a chord, please post your reaction to our "views" section. We want your feedback and we want the benefit of your knowledge of "what's happening" in your piece of the North, geographically or otherwise.