I work with authors every day who are second-guessing their work, walking that uncomfortable line of being really pleased with what they’ve created, but terrified that it’s not good enough. My response is always the same: creation is vulnerable work.

The complete table of contents for the June 2024 issue of Blank Spaces magazine.

It was upon my high school library bookshelves that I discovered Leonard Cohen. In the angst of my first real heartbreak, I felt seen by his words and he’s been etched into my life ever since.

The complete table of contents for the June 2023 issue of Blank Spaces magazine.

Over the last few years, the book that has most informed my decision-making—both personally and in business—is Start With Why by Simon Sinek. It was recommended at a side-hustle seminar I attended and I immediately bought myself a copy: not because I want to be a great leader, but because I wanted to channel my passion in a way that championed others.

The complete table of contents for the June 2022 issue of Blank Spaces magazine.

I feel blessed by a constitution that allows me to embrace beauty even in the ugliest situation. Ontario’s lockdown has been extended. Again. And as our government limps along and people rage on social media, I don’t find it hard to swallow a sigh and say, ‘they're just doing their best,’ even if I don’t really believe it.

The complete table of contents for the June 2021 issue of Blank Spaces magazine.

Thankfully, the function of Blank Spaces has been little affected by the restrictions of Covid-19. We exist mostly in an online space and will be able to maintain our regular volunteer positions for the foreseeable future. And though the dreams of a physical location are currently on hold, there are many other ideas stirring in the pot.

The complete table of contents for the June 2020 issue of Blank Spaces.

The complete table of contents for the June 2019 issue of Blank Spaces.

Snow still fell at the beginning of May as I put the last touches on this issue’s layout. I felt burdened by the weather, by this weighty long winter that threatened to pull at every silver-lining I struggled to cling to. My motivation was thin, my office was chilly, and it felt like the sun would never return to its full summer glory.

Years ago, a conversation with my husband about our personal passions went a long way towards helping us better understand one another. That discussion taught us to make space in our relationship to pursue those things, ultimately resulting in both of us being happier. I would even go so far to say Blank Spaces wouldn’t exist without that conversation.

This edition of Blank Spaces marks the eighth issue. That’s eight collections of Canadian art and literature launched into the world!

The complete table of contents for the June 2018 issue of Blank Spaces.

The complete table of contents for the June 2017 issue of Blank Spaces.