“Sticks and Stones” Makes Waves on CBC Radio One!
I’m thrilled to share that the latest CHP anthology, Sticks and Stones, was featured on CBC Radio One’s Ontario Morning on June 25th. Host Nav Nanwa welcomed editor and Grey-Bruce resident E. Yvonne Pelletier for a brief but insightful conversation about how this new collection of short fiction rethinks the old saying “sticks and stones may break my bones” and uses words to explore themes of trauma, healing, and human resilience.
Nav Nanwa, the interim host of Ontario Morning with CBC Radio One, brings a rich background in journalism and storytelling to his role. Previously the host of Windsor’s flagship radio program, Windsor Morning, Nanwa has also worked with CBC Toronto’s Brampton Backpack Bureau as a Reporter/Editor, where he produced stories about the city’s BIPOC population under 40. His thoughtful approach to interviewing made for a wonderful conversation with editor E. Yvonne Pelletier as they dissected the metaphor at the centre of this compelling collection.
Sticks and Stones represents the culmination of the fourth Blank Spaces/Chicken House Press short fiction contest, bringing together eight compelling stories from talented Canadian writers. During a live Zoom event in December 2024, Pelletier—who served as the grand prize judge for the contest—awarded the cash prize to K. R. Wilson for his story “Ovomancy.” In addition to her judging role, Pelletier also wrote the thoughtful foreword for the collection.
Each story takes a fresh look at resilience, memory, and the power of language. From Phoebe’s therapeutic journey through traumatic memories to a young girl’s secret garden built from salvaged dreams, these narratives prove that sometimes what doesn’t break us does indeed make us stronger—but not always in the ways we expect.
Ready to dive in? You can grab your copy of Sticks and Stones from Chicken House Press, Blank Spaces, request it at your local independent bookstore, or order online through your preferred retailer. Each story is a testament to the craft of Canadian short fiction and the resilience of the human spirit.
Speaking of Canadian Stories...
The 5th annual Fiction Anthology Contest opens July 1st with the theme “THE LONG DARK.” This year, I’m looking for exceptional Canadian fiction that explores this evocative theme in all its possible interpretations—whether literal, metaphorical, humorous, or haunting.
The contest offers 50% of entry fee proceeds to the winning story, plus publication in the next anthology, automatic Pushcart Prize nomination, and a manuscript critique with potential publishing opportunities. Even better? I especially love stories that are distinctly Canadian—so this is your chance to let that Canadian voice shine.
Contest Details:
Opens: July 1, 2025
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Word Count: 1,000-3,000 words
Entry Fee: $10
Theme: The Long Dark
Grand Prize Judge: Benjamin Rempel, celebrated horror author of INFECT and upcoming MUTATE
Whether you’re drawn to winter landscapes, emotional darkness, the long nights of the soul, or something entirely unexpected, I want to see how you interpret “The Long Dark.” Visit blankspaces.ca for full contest details and submission guidelines.
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