Different styles converge on a common passion

Passionate about watercolor and nature, the two artists found a way to merge their very different styles and to initiate an inspiring new collection, set to launch on May 24th, 2018 at West Elm Montreal. 

"This new collection represents this passion that we share for color and botany. It is the union of two artistic visions and the birth of a unique new style that represents us both," hence the name of the collection Joannie & Lysa. "We want to add a little beauty to people's daily lives. This collaboration is gentle and light. Our compositions are soothing and we believe that it is a feeling that people seek to add to their lives."

Artistic collaborations can be a fascinating journey for individual artists, as they not only involve blending styles and techniques, but also personalities, feelings and life experiences.

​Joannie and Lysa let us in on that experience. 

"It's really interesting to see how our methods, techniques and how we paint is different," says Lysa, explaining how working together was fascinating. "To give you an example, Joannie works sitting at her desk, often with a picture for inspiration and music and on my side I work on the floor, without images and without music!"

"We explored, made many tests and made several mistakes. These often brought us new ideas, which were more conclusive. When the result was satisfactory, it was really nice to share this wonder together."

Community over competition

Their collaboration as watercolor painters in Montreal is a refreshing reminder that community is (and should always be) stronger than competition. "We both believe in the importance of mutual help, kindness and respect. Visual art is a difficult field, which comes with its ups and downs. We think competition is unnecessary. It's important to find your own way, to chart your own path and to define your own artistic approach."

Joannie and Lysa are inspiring in how they have found their own artistic approach, as individuals and as collaborators on their beautiful new collection. Their advice to other artists is to patiently explore what they wish to explore, until a personal style emerges. "Don't put effort into trying to invent a style; if you do, you will create a series of inauthentic works. It's best to work on something you want to explore and see what comes out of it. You will begin to see your own personal style after working on numerous pieces," Lysa says, although she admits that it does not come easily.

"Nobody knows for you. You must find your own way." ​

Don't miss the launch party

When I probed Joannie and Lysa a little more on the collection and their favorite piece within it, they were reluctant to answer, keeping us in suspense a little while longer. We will have to attend their launch at West Elm Montreal on Thursday, May 24th from 5-9pm, where they will finally reveal the fruit of their labor and more anecdotes about their beautiful collaboration. Don't miss it!

Click on each event to find out more and to add it to your calendar.

West Elm Montreal Pop Up Shop: 29.04.2018
Etsy Montreal Marché Créatif Spring Printemps: 12&13.05
Marché de Mai On Sème: 19&20.05
Etsy Fait au Québec Printemps (Quebec City): 26&27.05
 Etsy Made in Canada Spring by Cheerfully Made (Ottawa) : 9&10.06
West Elm Montreal Pop Up Shop: 16.06.2018

A couple of weeks ago, I revealed my new collaboration with the Smitten Italy & Co shop and introduced you to Heather Carlson, a fellow Italophile who became my pal on Instagram. In case you missed it, Heather interviewed me about my love for Italy on her Merry Feast Travels blog.

For the second part of our Smitten Italy series, I interviewed Heather on her love for Italy and her advice to novice Italy-travelers. 

​"It’s based on our love of Italy and is for everyone who is #smittenwithitaly.

The shop officially launched in early 2017 with a small line of clothing for adults & kids. Now the shop has expanded with tote bags, mugs, art prints & digital art. We are thrilled to be adding our first collaboration with Veni Etiam Photography in 2018."

Heather describes how she fell head over heels with not only "vacation Italy" but also Italy's daily, authentic side that she discovered over time. 

"The first time it was all the typically romantic things. The street musicians, the architecture and art. Each time I returned, I learned more and appreciated additional things like the language, the people, the light, the history, and always the food. Food is so different from region to region and also from village to village. It blows my mind
how many wonderful and unique things there are to eat in Italy that many people have never heard of!"

Read Heather's Ultimate Bucket list for Food Lovers

"While living there, I saw a completely different side to Italy - crazy and frustrating yet continuously beautiful. And while I still love “vacation Italy,” living there really enriched my love and passion for the people and the country."

"Definitely Milan. While living there for several years, I really grew to love it. And I always love returning and continue to discover new things each time. It’s an amazing spot to base yourself, just a short train ride away from many wonderful destinations like the Lake district, Parma, Modena, Bologna, the Dolomites, Torino..." 

Read Heather's articles about Milan and daytrips to nearby towns

"Rome and Umbria," it seems Heather couldn't pick just one!

​"I love them both so much and instantly feel at home whenever I return. I now lead food and wine tours in Umbria with my Italian partner who owns a cooking school and Agriturismo near Assisi. I love helping food-loving travelers plan their own delicious Italy adventures."

Heather offered 3 tips for first-time Italy travelers:

1. Slow Down. Less is more for your daily schedule and in your itinerary. Allow breathing time to really sink into a place and experience it. Don’t dash from one site to another, or one city to another. Try to imagine that you will be coming back and don’t try to pack everything in to one trip.

2. Make Dinner Reservations. Book your first night’s dinner reservations before
arriving. I started doing this early on in my travels and have never regretted it
(especially when traveling with my kids) I love the thrill of the hunt of a good place to
eat, but get very grumpy if there is no plan and everyone is tired and hungry from a
long day of travel. Having a plan before we arrive takes the pressure off, and helps us
enjoy easing into our new location.

3. Eat dinner late with the locals. After your first night, adjust your dining times. Italians eat late compared to what we are used to in America. We struggled with that our first trip to Italy, and learned quickly that if you make a reservation for 7:30 when many restaurants open for dinner, you will be the only person there! What fun is that? To truly experience a bustling trattoria, adjust your time. By showing up at 8:30-9 (or later) you will soon be surrounded by the locals, enjoying your delicious homemade tagliatelle complete with delicious Italian ambiance!

Do YOU have an Italy travel tip to share? Leave a comment below. Heather and I would love to hear from you.

Visit the Smitten Italy shop for lots of fun Italy-related gift items, clothes and of course the Veni Etiam collection of Italy prints! 

To learn more from Heather, be sure to follow Merry Feast and Smitten Italy over on Instagram. She's always adding new goodies to the blog and the shop!

From my heart to yours.

You may also like:

Version française

This is a raw, personal, heartfelt post - I hope you can read it to the end. 

Many – in fact, most – of you don’t know that for eighteen years, I have been a sufferer of severe endometriosis and other related health conditions - experiences that have changed me and my life forever.

Although I’m a writer at heart and have written about almost everything, this is something I’ve never put into words until now, not even in my own journals, and something I certainly did not imagine doing so publicly. But after nearly twenty years of this complex story, and after seeing so many other women struggling in similar ways, it is time now.

Unexpectedly and in almost one sitting, I have written my first real book – cover to cover – complete with things I’ve never written for a book, like a preface, an author’s note and acknowledgments. In it, a raw, candid, descriptive account of my personal journey - one that will surely resonate with many women and men around the world.

Why? And why now?

This March, I will be launching an inspiring new initiative called Alba – a new dawn.  The website will showcase – through photographs, words and products designed for the cause – women entrepreneurs who have been affected by endometriosis, female cancers, chronic pain and infertility.

My goal with Alba is to help us shift the dialogue on women’s health and achieve a brighter dawn with more pro-active, holistic, systematic approaches for all, as well as to raise funding for research.

​I have chosen to launch it in March in time for endometriosis awareness month and for Women's Day (March 8th).

The e-book is now available for pre-order through my Etsy shop.

By pre-ordering today, you will receive it in your inbox on its release date, March 8th. All proceeds from the book will go to starting up and maintaining the Alba project, which in turn will help many women find their voices and will collect funds for research on female cancers and endometriosis. Needless to say, you'd be donating to an important cause. 

Whether you have been directly touched by the challenges of endometriosis and related health conditions (such as chronic pain, female cancers and infertility) or whether you are curious to learn more about this misunderstood and complex illness from the outside in, the poignant and brutally honest passages in "It's Time." are intended to educate, empower, inspire and heal. 

Please follow @alba.a.new.dawn on Instagram and share this post as widely as possible, as we prepare for the launch of the initiative and the e-book!

If this resonates with you and you would like to find out about opportunities to become a member, affiliate or sponsor, please send me an e-mail to alba.a.new.dawn@gmail.com and I’ll walk you through how the initiative will work. All opportunities will also be detailed on the website when it is launched in two weeks.

This post, and this whole mission, comes from the most vulnerable, rawest part of me. I’m taking a deep breath and hoping you’ll join me on this journey. 

From my heart to yours,
Kristina

Whether you have been following me for some time or you have just stumbled upon my world, you may have noticed that Italy plays a huge part in my collection, my writings and my days. 

Why?

What's the deal with Italy? What gave rise to this "obsession"? How is Italy part of my life story? What's my favorite spot in Italy? All these questions and MORE are answered in an interview I did for the lovely Heather Carlson from "Smitten Italy" as part of our new collaboration.

Heather Carlson is a fellow italophile. We "met" in a magical place called Instagram, connected by our shared passion for Italian travel, food and culture. I stumbled upon Heather's shop of whimsical Italy-inspired goods, and later discovered that she is also behind "Merry Feast Travels", organizing culinary tours and offering travel planning services to any beginner or seasoned Italy-bound traveler. 

To find out more about why Italy is infused into my creative work, and to learn some Italy-related quirks about me that you probably did not know before, head to the Merry Feast Travels blog to read the full interview!

My mission with Veni Etiam has always been to inspire you, and help you find a piece of art that represents your own journey. 

If Italy resonates with you as it does with me, I think you'll be excited to discover the collection that is now live in the Smitten Italy shop!

Which one is your favorite? Heather and I would love to know!

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series where I will interview Heather about her story and her tips for travellers to Italy. Don't miss out on goodies: follow us!

This past weekend, one of the most scorching September weekends on record in Montreal, Etsy Montreal hosted the fourth edition of Etsy Fait au Québec, a nation-wide event (called Etsy Made in Canada in other provinces) that showcases the talents of Canadian artists, designers and crafters and encourages the population to shop local.

As one of the leaders of the Etsy Montreal team and as a participating vendor with Veni Etiam Photography, various tasks in planning for this event had filled the pages of my agenda for months. It is always an amazing cause to celebrate (and a bit of a relief) when over 7000 visitors come through our doors and happily discover the creations of over 100 artists. The energy in the room is almost indescribable, the smiles all around are truly contagious, and the feedback that comes from vendors and shoppers is uplifting. The show is a true community endeavor, and puts forward so many important values that strive to make our community - and our future - better. 

During the event, I snuck away from my booth to snap some candid action shots of shoppers and vendors interacting. On my Facebook page, you can find the full album of photos (nearly 200 of them) of the event, with artists' tagged in the images and a full vendor list for you to peruse.

​But if you've only got a minute or two, here's a video compilation of some of the shots. 

As a vendor, participating in Etsy Made in Canada / Fait au Québec is one of my favorite parts of the year. I am always uplifted and humbled by the support, enthusiasm and love my work receives from attendees and fellow artists alike. 

I am not quite sure where the dream came from, this dream to make inspiring art for your homes and your heart. It just sort of snuck up on me, like the best dreams do, I suppose. A couple of years into having launched my business, some of my absolute favorite places have found a place on your walls, in your homes, in your daily routines. What could I possibly say to that? It's amazing. And what could I possibly say about the truly inspiring exchanges I have had with other incredible members of the artistic community? For everything you have taught me and continue to teach me, thank you!

It's mid-September, although the weather gods are still totally convinced it's mid-July (fine by me!). And mid-September means one thing for certain every year: it's time for Etsy Made in Canada and our local edition Etsy Fait au Québec Montréal.

Over 100 artists, designers and makers from the Montreal area will gather under one (historic) roof to showcase and sell their incredible products with the community, which is becoming increasingly interesting in buying local.

To see the full list of vendors, follow this link.
To RSVP to the event (it's free!), go here.

Veni Etiam Photography will also be there all weekend long with tons of new items in the Montreal collection, the brand new Havana collection, magnets and gift items, coffee tables, a surprise new product (come see for yourself!) and new frames available on the spot in the exact sizes of my prints! I'll have reduced prices on prints and custom orders, so if you have questions about sizing or anything else, feel free to reach out even before the event!

P.S. If you're curious, this post belongs to the theme #TradeThursday, part of the Etsy Montreal Social Media Challenge. The artists who are participating as vendors in the annual Etsy Fait au Quebec (Made in Canada) market are encouraged to share behind the scenes posts as they prepare for the show. Follow along with all of us on Instagram with the main hashtags #etsyfaitauquebecmtl and #etsymtl. 

We all hope to see you there!

From my heart to yours.

Entrepreneurship, like anything in life, involves quite a lot of trial and error. It starts with passion, curiosity and a vision. It requires a leap of faith, jumping into the void, experimenting, listening, adjusting. It takes a lot of motivation, patience and - yes - even a bit of luck.

It is rewarding, empowering, frustrating, liberating, discouraging, maddening, inspiring, head-consuming, thrilling and doubt-provoking. Entrepreneurship is often a journey involving many risks and resilience, a path that curves through unexpected but beautiful territory, a collection of several rights and many wrongs. 

When I launched my travel art shop, I initially didn't even realize that I was launching a business. I was a full-time scientist and had never ventured into entrepreneurship in any form, aside from selling lemonade like your average five year-old.

​I learned by doing, by being and by meeting inspiring individuals along the way.

It's easier said than done when we are consumed with hundreds of other voices each day. But, this remains the golden rule. Just be you. That is when you can be most consistent, most unique and most magnetic. No one else is you, so no one else can quite offer what you offer, in the way that you offer it. In the overwhelming face of competition, learn to shift your focus back onto who YOU are and how that fuels what you create. There is a place for everyone, because everyone has their own unique twist. It seems rather basic, but it takes mental training to hold onto this mindset in the business world.

We are storytellers. We gather, we tell, we live by sharing and consuming stories. It's only natural, then, that stories help people connect with us and what we offer. Stories allow your voice and your personality to shine through. They help people get to know you and want to keep you in their life - whether you are half a block or half a world away from them. It helps them relate to you and trust you. On your website, in your social media posts, in your tutorials, share the stories behind your brand.

When we first create our businesses, we base ourselves on our vision, our talents, our training and our values. We work SO hard before launching our special offering (whether it's a new collection or a new course), it's tempting to just shout out, "Here it finally is! Go get it!" and to want to sink back into our chairs and wait for the rest to take care of itself. But if you speak to very successful entrepreneurs, they will confess that it was not an overnight success. The key for many business owners has been to, simply put, give the people what they want, even if their first launch was something completely different (and often a true flop). 

It's really key to welcome and use feedback from your ideal customers to fine-tune what you offer. Be attentive to how others' react to your work and how they describe your business.

If you sell physical products like I do, this is what is so great about being present at pop-up shops or shows. Who are you connecting with? What words are they consistently using? Which products spark conversation or evokes an emotive response in them? If you mostly sell online, consider sending a short survey to your customers or encourage them to leave you a review. Listen to the traits they focus on when they describe you. Then, work to amplify those traits in everything you create and the way you present your creations. 

Whether we like it or not, this is how we roll. Social media with a strategy is vital to getting our message out there, interacting with our target audience, and sharing our story. Without a strategy, social media is ineffective at best and actually harmful to the brand at worst. It can suck up a HUGE amount of time, energy and motivation. To avoid feeling stuck on a hamster wheel, it takes thinking, planning and consistent execution. It is better to create content with a purpose in mind then to spread yourself thin by pouring effort into showing up just for the sake of showing up. 

Some of us might really hate putting ourselves out there online. It's one thing to put together a website or Etsy shop with descriptions about ourselves, our story, our business and our work, but the worst part is that once it is all out there, we still have to repeat it! It took me a while to realize that not everyone would know the text on my website by heart (ha ha!) and shoppers landing on my Etsy shop would probably not even read the product descriptions! It's important to repeat ourselves now and then, so that people who just stumble upon us have a sense of what we are all about. You'll notice that even your Facebook friends (who follow your personal page and regularly see your shares from your business page) may take time to become familiar with you and buy from you!

Trust yourself, what you offer, what your brand is all about and what your price-point is. It's easy to feel imposture syndrome now and then, not only when you are just starting out. But, at the end of the day, trusting your value and expertise will attract others to trust you as well. You are doing this because you believe in its mission. When something happens to shake that belief up, don't let it derail you.

You may not be an expert in ALL the facets related to your work, your craft and your business. That is okay. Actually, it's GREAT! You don't have to wait until you are an expert in order to be successful. It's better to start, dive in and learn by doing. You'll invest in yourself to develop those areas that are further outside of your comfort zone, or you'll collaborate with someone whose strengths are your weaknesses. As sole owners of our businesses, we have to wear so many different hats and do so many different tasks, so we come to expect ourselves to be good at all of them. But, that false belief can be paralyzing and can lead to a whole lot of procrastination. 

It's good to say no. Did I just say that? It took me SO LONG to learn this, in all areas of my life! If something is not sitting well with you, if it is causing you to want to vent, it means it is not aligned with your essence, your priorities, your values or your vision.

Ask yourself: Is this going to bring me closer to my goals? Is this something that will be brand affirming? Will it take me in a direction I'll be happy about? Do I have time for it without burning out or compromising my other priorities? 

Pay close attention when the answer to any one of these questions is NO. And, if it is, please remember that you have your reasons and your reasons are always valid. Although you may be tempted to express them as a justification to the person you are turning down, you don't really need to justify your choices. 

We are constantly learning. That is the beauty (and curse) of life! Train yourself to look at every circumstance, success and failure as constructive, as fluid and as a blessing. Adjusting as you go along is part of the process. Feeling proud of little milestones - even negative ones, like your first bad review or first refund request - is important. Growth is never all positive, all the time. 

Invest in your professional development. Schedule it in. Create opportunities for learning. It is daunting but necessary to take up opportunities that are outside of our comfort zone and that involve a certain degree of risk. Sadly, there cannot be growth without risk. When you don't risk anything, you get too comfortable. If you take a risk to invest in yourself financially or with respect to your time commitment, you naturally strive to succeed to pay back that investment. It helps to add a little extra fire up your butt! 

It's important to leave breathing room in your schedule to create empty spaces for reflection and re-alignment. Carve out the time to revisit some approaches and practices - even the content on your website. Either schedule this time regularly or give yourself mini hiatus every year to systematically evaluate what worked, what worked less and where to go from here. 

Lately, I've made it a priority to pause and make a mental note of the simple joys that make a difference in my day. It helps me become better attuned to what influences my mood, my mindset, my health and my productivity. 

On Instagram, I shared one of my simple recipes for a positive day:
(click on each item to learn more about it)

• Strong morning coffee in my #LoveIsLove heart mug
• A perfect book of lists by Moorea Seal to open on a random page and feel empowered and inspired
  
• ​A blank to-do list, ready to host the day's ambitions
• ​My favorite notebook which houses my outlines and notes for my book, my blogs and my scientific aspirations
• The blue pen I carry e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e.

What are some of your tools for a positive day? Leave a comment and let me know. 

From my heart to yours.

This past spring, I was proud to be one of the participating artisans of the One of a Kind Spring Show. I met so many wonderful people during the show, and our conversations about travels and life were mutually inspiring. It made me happy when they found a piece of the world (and of my heart) to take home with them, but I have ESPECIALLY loved hearing from them after the show. I love it when they tell me where the piece hangs and how it brings them joy every time their eyes land on it, or how my art and my stories offer a perspective that they may have missed before. 

It is for this precious "connectedness" that I was so excited to set up my *new* One of a Kind Online Shop.

​Now, show-goers (and anyone, of course!) can easily find me year-round. 

Here's a peek:

If you are stumbling upon Veni Etiam for the first time, WELCOME! Through my travel photographs from near and far, my mission is to inspire and transport you, while enlivening your space. Each piece can be created for you on canvas, aluminum, acrylic, wood or fine-art paper, in the size of your choice. There is something for every decor, mood, memory or dream.

On the OOAK shop, you'll find a selected collection of my prints and wall art from Montreal, Toronto, parts of Europe and Asia, and - coming very soon - Havana. 

So, until we meet again at a future OOAK show, you know where to find me! 

From my heart to yours.

Last weekend, I took part in the Etsy Canada Day market that was (perfectly!) organized by Emily from Cheerfully Made, in partnership with Etsy Canada. The market took me to Almonte, Ontario for the first time.

The two-hour drive was a wee bit stressful, because the sky was dropping bucketfuls of rain - so much so, that we were forced to pull over on the side of the road for a few minutes and drive with flashers part of the way. The weather literally put a damper on some of the day's plans, and the venue had to move from outdoors to indoors. As we all set up, we hoped the community would still brave the weather to enjoy the market and discover all the Canadian talent gathered in the Town Hall. 

Right when the doors opened, it became clear that the community would not disappoint the organizers and artists! Shoppers came in with smiles and tote bags, most of them all dressed up in red and white, with glitter on their faces and leis around their necks. Despite being elbow to elbow, everyone was in a fantastic mood and the atmosphere was so cheerful that I doubt anyone truly missed the sun. It was heartwarming to meet the residents of Almonte and its surroundings, and to see first-hand how much they appreciated and supported handmade goods.

By afternoon, the sun even decided it wanted to be part of the fun. Once the market closed, we joined the crowds on Mill street and enjoyed the charming feel of the town. There was a palpable positivity in the air! The local shops were bustling and people of all ages were enjoying the day, strolling with ice creams in hand and soaking up the unexpected sunshine. 

I had a lot of fun discovering Almonte, finding opportunities for photographs almost everywhere I looked. 

I visited the Cheerfully Made shop and also fell in love with the Tin Barn Market, where I honestly felt I could find a home for every item in the store. 

​If you have a chance to stop by Almonte for a few hours, it's definitely worth the visit! Thank you to all the locals of the town who made our Etsy Canada Day Market a success!

From my heart to yours.

As part of my brand new "Feature Friday" project to highlight inspiring members of the community, I interviewed Canadian author Jeremy Ethan Cohen to discuss his intriguing first novel "An Apocalyptic Legend".

Jeremy is an ESL teacher at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf in Montreal, and has been writing for as long as he can remember. While unpublished short stories and a children's book are tucked away in his home office, "An Apocalyptic Legend" is his first work to grace the shelves of several Montreal bookstores. Jeremy describes the novel as a descriptive, multilayered psychological fantasy, and gave me a tour of its style, themes and his process of writing in our interview. 

WITHOUT SPOILERS, WHAT IS THE STORY ABOUT?
In short, after a battle between divinities, one god has resurfaced and is trying to manipulate an individual to bring about the end of the world. Two adolescents have discovered what is going on and are trying to stop this from happening.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES IT SPECIAL AS A STORY?
I don’t think it’s a story that’s been told before, with its own organic twists, turns and unpredictability. Once you’ve finished reading it, you might feel a sense of satisfaction at seeing at how it all wraps up.

WHAT GENRE DO YOU THINK YOUR NOVEL FITS MOST IN? 
I like to call it a psychological fantasy, but it also mixes the mythological and spiritual. Plus, the style could be considered Gothic, to an extent, because of the tone and descriptiveness.

IF YOU THINK OF YOUR STORY, WHAT 3 WORDS COME IMMEDIATELY TO MIND? 
Complex, intriguing and descriptive.

YOU SAY YOUR BOOK IS MULTILAYERED. CAN YOU ELABORATE A BIT ON THAT?
I think the book looks at different levels of consciousness, awareness – so, levels of the psyche, in a way. Plus, there’s an understated level of magic, not quite at the forefront but which plays an important part nonetheless.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE MOST POWERFUL THEMES IN YOUR STORY?
Faith, brotherhood, memory.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PASSAGE IN THE BOOK?
I always think of one chapter. I like the imagery, the emotion, the raw naivety of one particular character in the scene. It takes place in a sort of purgatory.

IS THERE ANYTHING IN THE STORY THAT SURPRISED YOU OR TOOK A DIFFERENT TURN THAN YOU EXPECTED?
As I was writing, sometimes something would happen that would actually surprise me. It’s like the ideas were coming out and taking the plot in an unexpected direction. But, I can’t fully answer this question without giving too much away. Once finished, and seeing how the plot wrapped up, I was surprised to see little connections throughout the book that I hadn’t intentionally planned out.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR WRITING A BOOK?
I had originally written it as a short story. Then, one day, it’s like a door opened and I saw its potential and where it could go. From that point on my only inspiration was getting the story out, which was just pure enjoyment.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO WRITE IT? 
About six years. I’m quite a slow, meticulous writer. I started it back when I was at Concordia University – I spent a lot of time writing rather than studying!

WHAT AUTHORS OR STORIES DO YOU THINK HAVE SHAPED YOU AS AN AUTHOR?
Frank Herbert’s Dune, for instance, and other novels with the themes of “destiny” or “fate”. Also, Ursula Le Guin, especially for her Earthsea novels.

WHAT HAVE YOU READ THAT HAS MADE YOU CHANGE YOUR PERCEPTION ON FICTION?
For one, Alfred Bester’s The Demolished Man. It pushed me to look at the depth writing, the subtext and subtleties. I believe An Apocalyptic Legend has a multileveled style, which asks the reader to be a bit patient and attentive. Also, Margaret Atwood’s novels – her writing technique is at a level that awes and inspires me.

ARE THERE AUTHORS YOU DISLIKED AT FIRST BUT THEN GREW INTO?
Edgar Allan Poe’s stories and other Gothic literature. When I got more and more into reading classic science fiction, fantasy and horror, I picked up Poe’s stories again and really started to appreciate how the English language could be manipulated and used with such complexity and beauty. I started to see how English could be used in a more nuanced way.

YOUR STORY HAS POWERFUL CHARACTERS. HOW DID YOU CREATE THEM?
I’ve always been drawn to characters that are wise beyond their years – how knowledge and intelligence sets them apart, but brings with it challenges and conflict.

DO THEY REMIND YOU OF OTHER CHARACTERS OR ANYONE YOU KNOW? 
As I was writing, I didn’t have anyone in mind, but after rereading and talking about it with others who have read it, I realized, hey, there are people from my life who helped to form some characters.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES YOUR CHARACTERS RELATABLE FOR YOUR READERS?
Due to the conflicts they face, the devotion and emotions they feel, and the difficult choices they have to make.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF WRITING FOR YOU? HOW DID THAT EVOLVE OVER THE COURSE OF WRITING YOUR NOVEL?
​I think the grinding attention to detail – in every sentence or bit of dialogue – makes the writing process emotionally demanding for me! In terms of how it evolved…I think after having finished writing An Apocalyptic Legend, I felt a sense of accomplishment and relief, but I am sure it will still take as much creative energy (maybe even more) to write my next book. I feel a bit of self-imposed pressure. I’m mulling over new ideas and am excited about continuing to write, but sometimes I feel even more critical towards my own writing.

WHAT IS THE IDEAL MARKET FOR YOUR BOOKS?
Older teens who are perceptive readers, and adults as well.

WHAT ELSE MIGHT YOUR READERS HAVE READ AND ENJOYED?Well, Dune and the Earthsea novels, as mentioned, because of the similar style, and how the reader can gather a lot from the subtext and insinuations.

IF YOU COULD COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR READERS, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?
If you do choose to read my novel, give yourself a chance to get immersed in the story. If you feel that it’s at first challenging to read, I can pretty confidently tell you that you’ll find your rhythm and almost adapt to the style.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS AND DREAMS YOU HAVE FOR THIS NOVEL?
It would be great if a publisher picked it up. My immediate goal is just to get exposure and for people to read it, hopefully like it (haha!) and to, also hopefully, give me feedback.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?
Well, I’ve got a sequel in mind. In the first story, fairly hefty decisions were made and I feel that there might be some fallout. The idea is still brewing, but I’m getting close to breaking the ice. I also have some short story ideas that I’d like to get started on. They’re all linked by a common theme, but I’d like to try writing each story in a separate style.​

For more about the book and upcoming events, follow Jeremy on his blog and Facebook page. You can currently find "An Apocalyptic Legend" at Chapters, Indigo Books & Music and Drawn & Quarterly in Montreal. Thank you, Jeremy, for such an interesting and insightful interview! 

Are you an artist, author, travel destination, restaurant or café and want your story to be featured in "Feature Friday"? Send me a message and I'll share how it works! 

The "Vague de Concours" is a community initiative with a twofold mission: to help shoppers discover entrepreneurs from the province of Quebec, and to instill a feeling of solidarity and mutual support among local entrepreneurs. 

Launched last year by Karine Foisy, owner of Veille sur Toi, the Vague de Concours is essentially a series of giveaways happening in tandem among hundreds of entrepreneurs and artists in Quebec, following a common theme. Each participating business offers a free product that fits the designated theme, and shoppers can enter as many contests as they wish, on each individual business Facebook page. The official page of the Vague de Concours - Créateurs québécois showcases the hundreds of giveaways in one common photo album - a beautiful testament to all the talent in our province and a fantastic opportunity to shop local.

There are 4 giveaway waves per year, and the summer wave is HAPPENING NOW, between June 26th (8pm ET) and June 30th (8pm ET). 

The theme of this first giveaway wave is "Black & Blanc". About 700 local creators are participating in this joint giveaway, and there is so much talent to discover! The contest is taking place over on Facebook, where the process is extremely simple for a chance to win.

Veni Etiam Photography is one of the participating businesses of the Vague de Concours. The prize to be won is "Lincoln Park" - a photographic print on satin paper of my melancholic friend in Chicago. Easy to frame and versatile for any style of decor - even a nursery! 

To participate in the giveaway:
- Head over to the Facebook page
- Like the post
- Leave a comment: Tell me where you would hang it!
- If you feel up to it, share the post to help others discover Veni Etiam Photography!

Don't forget to like the main page for the initiative Vague de concours - Créateurs québécois in order to be notified of future contest waves and to discover all the talented Quebec artists who are part of this giveaway.

GOOD LUCK!
​
From my heart to yours.

La fin de semaine prochaine, celle de la Fête des Mères (13-14 mai), On Sème organise leur 3ème Marché de Mai à Montréal. C'est l'occasion parfaite pour accueillir (finalement) le printemps et d'acheter des semis, des fleurs, des produits gastronomiques, des thés et des créations uniques conçues par 40 créateurs montréalais.

​L'entrée est gratuite et l'ambiance est familiale. C'est l'occasion idéale pour trouver un beau cadeau pour gâter Maman (et pourquoi pas vous gâter aussi?!)

Provenant directement de la Concordia Greenhouse, l'équipe de City Farm School vous offrira des semis de tous vos légumes: aubergines, betteraves, brocoli, cerises de terre, choux de Bruxelles, choux, chou-fleur, chou-rave, chou kale, fenouil, haricots, oignons, piments forts, poireau, poivrons, tomates, concombres, melons, citrouilles, courges, ainsi que plein de verdures, de fines herbes et des fleurs à découvrir sur place.

Vous pourriez aussi acheter des billets pour 5 ateliers:

• 13 mai, 12-12h30pm. Atelier-midi sur l'intervention par le jardinage (Pierre-Vincent Breault)
• 13 mai, 14-15h. Gestion du stress, énergie, concentration et plantes médicinales (Marie-Josée Vivier)
• 14 mai, 11-12h30. Nutrition Workshop: A Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet (Danielle Levy, Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner)
• 14 mai, 13-14h30. DIY Affordable & Sustainable Cleaning Products (Pamela Filion)
• 14 mai, 13-15h. Culture de champignons à la maison (Guillaume Benoit)​

Vous y trouverez aussi une sélection variée d'entreprises montréalaises et leurs créations d'art, bijoux, fleurs, confitures, épices et d'autres produits gastronomiques. Pour voir la liste complète des artisans, consultez la description sur la page Facebook de l'événement. 

J'ai super hâte de passer mon weekend dans une atmosphère communautaire dynamique, entourée de plantes, de fleurs et de personnes sympathiques! Venez nous saluer et célébrer l'arrivée du printemps à Montréal.

On Mother's day weekend (May 13-14), On Sème will be hosting their 3rd annual May Market in Montreal. It's a wonderful opportunity to finally welcome spring and buy your seedlings, flowers, local food, teas and unique creations by 40 Montreal artists.

​The event is free, totally family-friendly and the perfect opportunity to find a meaningful gift for Mom -- and perhaps also a treat for yourself and your beautiful home!

Directly from the Concordia Greenhouse, the City Farm School team will provide thousands of ecological seedlings. There will be eggplants, beets, beans, broccoli, cherries, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, kale, fennel, onions, chilies, leek, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squash, and all sorts of greens, herbs and flowers to discover at the event.

The edible and permaculture plant nursery Neumark Design will also be on site, offering fruit and nut shrubs, perennial vegetables and flowers, tea and herb plants, mediterranean and tropical edibles, permaculture landscaping plants and more. MicroHabitat will also be offering compost, ecological fertilizers, pots, as well as gardening advice. 

There will also be 5 workshops you could purchase tickets to attend. 

• May 13, 12-12.30pm. Atelier-midi sur l'intervention par le jardinage (Pierre-Vincent Breault)
• May 13, 2-4pm. Gestion du stress, énergie, concentration et plantes médicinales (Marie-Josée Vivier)
• May 14, 11-12.30pm. Nutrition Workshop: A Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet (Danielle Levy, Registered Holistic Nutrition Practitioner)
• May 14, 1-2.30pm. DIY Affordable & Sustainable Cleaning Products (Pamela Filion)
• May 14, 3-5pm. Culture de champignons à la maison (Guillaume Benoit)

A diverse selection of Montreal artists will be selling art prints, jewelry, flowers, jams, spices and other food items. To see the full list of exhibiting artists, hit "see more" in the description of the Facebook event page. 

What I am most looking forward is spending my weekend in a vibrant community atmosphere, surrounded by plants, flowers and kind people. Come say hi and celebrate spring in Montreal.