You may have seen the recent news from The Walrus announcing the launch of six regional bureaus across Canada, part of the magazine’s commitment to deeper reporting from across the country. I’m thrilled to be leading news coverage for the Atlantic bureau, covering stories from all corners of PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
You may have seen the recent news from The Walrus announcing the launch of six regional bureaus across Canada, part of the magazine’s commitment to deeper reporting from across the country. I’m thrilled to be leading news coverage for the Atlantic bureau, covering stories from all corners of PEI, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
I’m very excited to share the news that my short story “Lost Boys” has joined a shortlist of 28 writers from 19 countries for this year’s Commonwealth Short Story Prize.
“Lost Boys” tells the story of a gay teenager sent to a re-education camp by his religious parents. In the story, I ask questions about masculinity, desire, and how particular ideas of what it means to be a man are challenged or reproduced by each generation.
The story was selected from over 6600 entries from an international judging panel chaired by Pakistani writer and translator Bilal Tanweer, who said, ‘On behalf of the jury, I am thrilled to reveal the shortlist for the 2023 Commonwealth Short Story Prize. This year’s shortlist is a concert of voices from across the Commonwealth, showcasing the richness of its writing traditions, histories, and perspectives. These stories brim with the energy and urgency of the present moment—read them to experience the beat and pulse of contemporary storytelling.’
Five regional finalists will be selected in May, and the overall Commonwealth Short Story Prize winner will be announced in June.
Listen as I discuss my short story “Lost Boys”.
Scholarship deadline for Maritime writers is April 16
Applications are now open for a unique writing and creative residency program in Prince Edward Island. The Hideout Residencies welcome writers, artists, yoga instructors and self-care practitioners to a quiet rural retreat on PEI’s south shore each spring and fall. Residencies are a week in length and allow for uninterrupted time to work on a creative project.
In order to support Maritime writers and practitioners, one full scholarship covering residency costs is available to an emerging or established writer or practitioner with financial need. The scholarship deadline for 2021 is April 16. Writers or wellness practitioners who identify as BIPOC or LGBTQ are especially encouraged to apply. For more information about the Hideout Residencies, the application process, or the scholarship, visit www.thehideoutpei.com.
About The Hideout
Created by writer Trevor Corkum and yoga teacher Joshua Lewis, The Hideout offers retreat and vacation options for writers, creative folks, and visitors from across Canada and around the world. The Hideout is located on the scenic South Shore of PEI, a few minutes outside the village of Victoria-by-the-Sea. The Hideout Residency program was founded in 2020.
Further information
Writers and other residents should plan to work on a project or engage in practice for a minimum of one week (6 nights). Residents will arrive on a Saturday afternoon and depart the following Friday morning. Both the Hideout Cottage and Tryon Suite feature queen-sized beds and bedding, self-catering kitchens, wifi access, yoga mats and props, space to write and practice, outdoor space, and access to trails and bicycles. Because of the rural nature of The Hideout, residents should normally plan to have their own vehicle for the duration of their stay.
Have more questions? Check out our handy FAQ page, or be in touch for more information.
I understand what it’s like to be stuck in a writing project, or unsure of where to begin. I’ve edited some of Canada’s leading literary journals and have worked extensively with those coming to the page for the first time, driven by a story that needs to be told. Currently I coach both emerging writers and professionals at any stage of a writing project—from conception to realization, or the messy space in between. Sometimes we all need a helping hand.
What does coaching look like? One to one coaching for writers might include support structuring or planning a book, developing and enhancing an ongoing writing practise, troubleshooting a complicated project, or getting particular feedback and editing advice on a shorter piece of writing. It may simply be a way to hold yourself accountable to a longer term project with regularly scheduled check-ins. If you’re unsure what you need, we will work together to tailor the coaching sessions to best meet your needs. This is an excellent way to work together if you’re not yet ready for a full manuscript evaluation or if you simply need some one to one support.
Coaching rates are available by the hour ($90 + HST), with discounted rates for pre-paid packages of six and ten hours. Each season, I work with a very limited number of writers in a one to one capacity. Through January, 2021, I’m offering a special rate for pre-paid coaching packages of six and ten hours. Packages must be pre-paid in advance and working times are flexible.
Coaching rates (available until January, 2021)
Six-hour package: $495 + HST
Ten-hour package: $825 + HST
Be in touch for more information or to schedule a free consultation to see if working together is right for you.
*Please note that this retreat has been re-scheduled to Sunday, May 24
It’s been a full winter. As we tiptoe more fully into spring, do you find yourself longing to feel more grounded? Are your body, mind, and spirit yearning to shake off the cobwebs and feel more vigorously alive?
Join yoga instructor Joshua Lewis and author Trevor Corkum for Time to Awaken, a one-day virtual retreat. As much as possible, we’ll replicate the quiet serenity and restorative benefits of an in-person retreat. Over the course of the day, we’ll engage in revitalizing yoga, deep meditative practice, and a series of reflective writing practises designed to nourish your body and sharpen your sensory awareness. Together we’ll embrace the energetic calling of spring, leaving you anchored in body and mind. Special musical guest, kirtan artist Lana Sugarman, will join us for the day.
No prior yoga or writing experience necessary. While participants will practice from home, we’ll offer suggestions for easy hacks for at-home equipment you can use, so if you don’t have yoga props or equipment at your disposal, no worries! We’ll also provide some special healthy recipes and additional activities to help support your day.
PWYC Sliding Scale Fee: $50-$75 per person
*If you have the desire and means to sponsor somebody to attend this retreat offering at the full price, we would humbly accept a donation on your behalf above the $75 fee noted above.
OVERVIEW
Sunday, May 17
10:00 AM Arrive & Opening Meditation
10:30 AM Hatha Yoga for Awakening Vital Energy
11:30 AM Writing Activity
12:15-1:00 PM Health Break
1:00 PM Writing Activity (continued)
1:45 PM Gentle Movement and Restorative Yoga
2:15 PM Music & Mantra with Lana
WORKSHOP PRICE INCLUDES:
-3 yoga/meditation sessions
-reflective writing and journaling exercises
-healthy plant-based recipes and optional exercises
-special musical guest performance
-discounts on future workshops, writing and yoga sessions
-yoga nidra audio recording
REGISTRATION
Please contact Joshua Lewis at yoga@joshualewis.com to reserve your spot. Full payment is due upon registration.
Payment Methods
1. Email money transfer (send to yoga@joshualewis.com / no password required as I’m set up for autodeposit)
2. Paypal via: www.paypal.me/yogawithjosh
