December 2025 Newsletter: Embracing the Unknown

When I studied psychology, the idea of a schema (or script) really resonated with me. This refers to patterns we use to inform our behaviour in a given situation, usually based on previous experience. In other words, people like to know what to expect. But sometimes, not knowing can be a welcome surprise.

On December 7th, I attended an event in Toronto where the 2025 Guernica Prize for Literary Fiction was announced. As a short-lister for the prize, going in I was a bundle of nerves, excitement, and tempered expectations. I didn’t really know what to expect, or if any other short-listers would even attend (and from what I could tell, most did not). I worried that I was making this too big of a deal by attending, and that I would look rather foolish. (If you’ve read my non-fiction piece entitled Kissed by a Fish, you’ll know this is one of my fears!)

And since I had no real schema for this kind of thing, I questioned everything. Would the Guernica staff introduce us? Would the judge discuss the novels? Would I have to make myself known in some way? All I really knew is that the main event was not the announcement itself, but rather a series of readings to promote several books that had recently been released by Guernica Editions. I expected a stage and a microphone and a place to buy books. I expected author readings and opportunities for authors to sign said books. And I expected the announcement, scheduled last, to be the end of the line for me. Either I’d be thrilled because my novel was the one chosen, or I’d be disappointed and move forward with other plans. What I did not expect was new opportunity.

In the end, the manuscript chosen for the Guernica prize was a debut novel entitled Even the Birds by Ruth Taylor. From the description, this sounds like a fascinating exploration of the consequences of Guatemala’s civil war on three generations of women. It will be released next year by Guernica and I hope you will check it out when it becomes available! I had the opportunity to meet Ruth Taylor as well, and I feel very honoured to have short-listed alongside her. She, along with everyone else I had the chance to meet that day, demonstrated exactly what a supportive and encouraging literary community entails.

After the announcement, I also had the chance to meet and speak with the judge of the contest, Leslie Shimotakahara. She shared some lovely feedback about my novel, including that it was well-polished and close to publication ready. Then she asked if I had submitted it to Guernica through their regular channels (rather than only the contest). Wait. That was still possible? In literary submissions, usually it’s a one-shot deal. For example if you submit too early and receive a rejection, rarely will an agent or publisher give you a second chance to submit a later draft. In Guernica’s case, they only accept regular submissions in the month of February, so since I had missed that last year, I submitted through the contest instead. I thought that was my chance. And I thought not winning was moving on. I thought this meant they’d already passed.

But in this case, my script was wrong.

I followed up my conversation with Leslie by introducing myself to the head of Guernica Editions, Michael Mirolla. He confirmed that indeed I could submit the novel in the regular submission window and encouraged me to do so. Of course, it’s important to say that hundreds of books are submitted for consideration each year, so there is certainly no guarantee on publication. However, it means a door that I thought was closed, still remains open.

It means that even though I didn’t know what to expect, by taking a chance and going into the unknown, I became aware of opportunities I would have otherwise missed.

For now, the future of Fault Lines remains uncertain, but hopeful. As planned before, if the leads I currently have turn into passes, I will self-publish and return to the efforts of traditional publishing for my second novel. No matter what happens, I am eternally grateful for the many readers who have found favour with my work, and for the momentum it has gained. I will continue to cherish these experiences, continuing to learn and build from here.

Getting ready for the Guernica event.

Ruth Taylor, author of EVEN THE BIRDS, winner of the 2025 Guernica Prize for Literary Fiction.

Me and Ann Cavlovic, author of COUNT ON ME.

Me and Leslie Shimotakahara, judge of the 2025 Guernica Prize for Literary Fiction.

Other News:

Vine Leaves Press. A new piece of micro-fiction entitled Then will be published in early January through the 50 Give or Take mailing list. If you’d like to subscribe, you can do so here: https://www.subscribepage.com/vineleavespress.

Reading of Raising. Earlier this fall, the editors of Creation Magazine reached out to the contributors to Volume 8: A Blueprint Issue about a public reading of our stories. Since I was not able to attend in person, they offered to read it on my behalf and send a recording. Originally, this was supposed to happen on November 11th, but due to scheduling conflicts, it will now occur early in the new year. When I receive the recording, I will let you know through social media and in my next newsletter. Since the journal is not available to be sent to Canada, I’m excited to share it this way! (That said, if you’d like a physical copy, I have a few available. Just let me know!)

Happy Holidays! And finally, I’d like to wish you all a very happy holiday season. May you get lots of rest and relaxation, enjoy time with family and friends, and have the opportunity to do all the things that bring you joy! (And maybe get a book or two under that tree!)

Best wishes for 2026!