The anonymous woman in bed beside me adamantly shakes my shoulder. She had a name last night. She must have, as part of my hook-and-line I complimented her “pretty name” and said, “it suits you.” Unless a woman’s name is Mavis, I normally compliment her pretty name....
#MeToo backlash is here, and it is exhausting. Backlash against the #MeToo movement had to come—it is part of a recognizable cycle in social change: (1) A long period of people individually speaking out. (2) Organization of groups of people who press for systemic...
Our 2017 Fiction Contest Honourable Mention. Dead Amy Amy could be heavy-handed with obscure trends like silver hair or emerald green lipstick but when she showed up for brunch that Sunday morning, it was plain as day that she was dead. She was gorgeous but years...
Our 2017 Poetry Contest Honourable Mention. mother's tongue They often ask: Will you teach your children your language? As if it is a weapon I carry. Of course I will, ensure they are more fluent than I was. Hope that they can read and write it too....
We are thrilled to announce the winners of our 2017 Poetry and Fiction Contests, as selected by our esteemed judges Jónína Kirton (poetry) and Sigal Samuel (fiction). Please join us in congratulating the authors! Congratulations to the winners of our 2017 Annual...
We are thrilled to announce the shortlists of our 2017 Poetry & Fiction Contests! Judges Jónína Kirton and Sigal Samuel selected these pieces from the long lists for special recognition. Please join us in congratulating the authors! Room's Annual Poetry & Fiction...
She built a tower for herself. What a waste of sand, they all thought, and to not lower her hair down—who waits, in a desert, to be overcome She built a tower for herself. What a waste of sand, they all thought, and to not lower her hair down—who waits, in a desert,...
Waterloo-based artist Amanda Rhodenizer won our 2016 Cover Art contest with her painting “Attachment.” We spoke to Rhodenizer, whose winning piece appeared on the cover of Room 40.2, Our Rubble, Our Loss, about her process and inspirations. Waterloo-based artist...
The eviction notice came in the middle of a long winter, on one of those afternoons when M just couldn’t warm up, no matter how many sweaters and blankets she piled on her shoulders. The eviction notice came in the middle of a long winter, on one of those afternoons...
With unique humour and style, Paper Teeth introduces us to a fresh voice in Canadian short fiction. Paper Teeth by Lauralyn Chow, NeWest Press, 178 pages, $19.95, 2016 Alberta writer Lauralyn Chow opens her debut short story collection Paper Teeth with a description...
ROOM 48.1 WITS END
In times of crisis, we laugh to offer tenderness, to ward off despair— so we can be brave. Gather round ROOM 48.1 WITS END and let humour be a mirror held up to the state of the world as we continue to resist.
ROOM 47.4 FULL CIRCLE
Step back with Room into the past, to parents, to childhood homes, and to people once known and loved; dig into themes of grief and healing; and ultimately explore what it means to come full circle in literature.
Seeking members who love literature, events, merchandise, and supporting marginalized creators.
Wits End | 48.1
$10.00 – $20.00
Full Circle | 47.4
$15.00 – $25.00
Bodies | 47.3
$15.00 – $25.00
Seedpod | 47.2
$12.00 – $25.00
Utopia | 47.1
$12.00 – $25.00
Sponsor a Contributor
$250.00
Sponsor a Writer
$100.00
Sponsor a Poet
$50.00
Fever Dream | 46.4
$12.00 – $25.00
Fever Dream Tote Bag — Limited Edition