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In the lead-up to the publication of Influenced: Stories from the Lockdown, we're sitting down to chat with all the contributors to the anthology, and give readers a bit of an introduction to everyone. In the first installment of interviews, we're talking with Conar Rae Harris, Shannon Lough, and Rudy Kelly.  Chris Armstrong (CA): I'm here with Rudy, Conar and Shannon, three of the writers of Influenced: Stories from the Lockdown. Thanks for joining us guys.  Rudy Kelly (RK): Great to be here.  Conar Rae Harris (CH): Great to be in your kitchen.  Shannon Lough (SL): Really good popcorn.  CA: Glad you like...

Muskeg Press is happy to announce the 10 final stories for its anthology Influenced: Stories from the Lockdown, a collection of short stories submitted during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was a very difficult decision to determine the final 10 stories for this collection, because we had so many high-quality submissions,” said Chris Armstrong, owner of Muskeg Press. “But ultimately these ones were chosen because they were the best fit for the anthology.” The original call for submissions went out in April 2020, asking writers for poetry or prose works of 5,000 words or less. There was only one requirement: the...

Each month, Muskeg Press will review one of our favourite books that we have on our bookshelf. We hope these reviews reinforce a love of literature for our readers, or perhaps give you some ideas for the next book on your list to read. Enjoy! The Lost Art of Scripture: Rescuing the Sacred Texts   by Karen Armstrong Alfred A. Knopf, 2019: 605 pages (includes glossary, bibliography, index)   One thing that can be said with absolute certainty is that it’s impossible to dislike Johnny Cash. Explaining his choice in wardrobe, the Man in Black sang: Well we’re doin’ mighty fine, I...

Each month, Muskeg Press will review one of our favourite books that we have on our bookshelf. We hope these reviews reinforce a love of literature for our readers, or perhaps give you some ideas for the next book on your list to read. Enjoy!   Anthill by E.O. WilsonW.W. Norton & Co., 2010: 382 pages   We’re not the only creatures that have found ways to work together. Some species have developed eusociality, a level of society that involves specialization of tasks and care of the young, among others. A few mammals are considered eusocial, but mostly this falls in...

Northwestern BC is one of the most sparsely-populated places on the planet. In an area about the size of Eastern Europe (give or take), most homes are located along the ribbon of Highway 16, from Prince Rupert in the west to Prince George in the east. Perhaps because of this remoteness, there is a strong sense of community in this neck of the woods. When the closest town is at least a few hours’ drive, people need to work together to survive.  It’s not all paradise. In particular, the retail industry has been struggling for at least the last 10 years,...