Northern Poetry Review: Sources

There’s something new at Northern Poetry Review. On the main page of the site you’ll find the start of a series called “Sources.” Rick Patrick provided a piece about the loss of a beloved dog as inspiration for a particular poem, and when I replied to say it could be the beginning of a new series on the motivations behind writing, his wife Bonnie Sallans suggested the name of the series.

And, presto. Simple as that. Sharp-eyed scrollers may notice it’s the only update to NPR right now, and I think that’s because I’m going to make a few changes: in short, more updates with less material. I’ve traditionally done something closer to a magazine format, waiting until I have five reviews or articles, but I recently found a non-mention of Northern Poetry Review over at a new review blog called The Urge troubling. It’s dispiriting to have no mention in an opening statement about online poetry reviewing in Canada (though it wasn’t malicious, I’m sure) when you’ve been maintaining a site for five years. I’ve done my best to encourage honest, diplomatically critical reviews. They haven’t stirred up hornet’s nests of comments and replies, but I’ve occasionally heard from people over the years about how they appreciated a careful look at their book, and I’m proud of the work people have done for the site, particularly the attention given to poets who deserve more.

So why wouldn’t we be on the radar? I’ve been giving it some thought, and I think in an age where many sites are updated daily — if not throughout the day — a few updates a year with a tidy little pile of stuff doesn’t quite work any longer. As a result, I’d like to announce the site will now be updated as frequently as possible. Consider this an invitation to check in regularly, as there are seven reviews in the works (four will be written by women) and an interview with Lisa Robertson is coming soon. I’d also like to take this opportunity to renew our call for submissions (email northernreview [at] gmail.com) and submissions will be posted faster, which is ultimately more satisfying for all concerned.

Finally, none of this is to suggest grumpy feelings towards The Urge or Stewart Cole who is taking the time and space to write thoughtful reviews (and dude, can I send you a copy of The Least Important Man?). In fact, I’ve posted the link both to provide an explanation and to encourage people to check out his blog. And really, I have Stuart to thank for a change to Northern Poetry Review that I believe will work quite well. The formality of a full, magazine-style update makes little sense when it’s all eventually pushed to the archives page, and this way every submission gets a front-page moment. See you in the glorious world of online reviewing.