Josh Stewart to Release Poetry Collection 'Kawartha Gothic' in April 2027

The forthcoming collection will span approximately 75 pages and include around 50 poems, primarily written in free verse. This will be Stewart's third poetry chapbook, following 'Temptation as a Technical Difficulty' released by Anstruther Press in 2015 and 'The Invention of the Curveball' from Cactus Press in 2008, which featured 10 to 12 poems each.

Stewart's new work draws heavily from personal experiences at his family's cottage in the Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario, a place that has been in his family for generations. "It’s been in my family since my great-great-grandfather had it built," Stewart noted, indicating that he is the fifth generation to have access to the property.

The cottage embodies a rich family history of writing; both of Stewart's parents are journalists, and he comes from a lineage of published authors. "Two of my great uncles were publish-off authors; my great grandmother wrote a book on Agnes Macphail, an early suffragette in Canada," he shared. Stewart observed that he grew up amidst a literary environment, establishing a lifelong connection to books.

Initially, Stewart began by writing individual poems about the cottage without a plan to compile them into a collection. Over the past three to four years, these separate pieces evolved into 'Kawartha Gothic', which reflects themes of family history, nature, and the passage of time. The collection explores a contrast between the timelessness of the cottage and Stewart’s evolving perspective with age.

"The gothic side of the book comes from the idea of having this place that’s been timeless, yet every time I return, I'm older, looking at it from a new perspective," he explained. The collection is organized into four sections—spring, summer, fall, and winter—each mirroring different emotional tones and seasons.

Some poems capture traditional cottage experiences, such as the seasonal rituals of opening and closing the cottage, while others delve into family history. Stewart expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming release, noting the long wait since his last chapbook. "Waiting to publish this was a really good decision because this work holds a lot of personal meaning to me," he said.

Stewart is particularly pleased to publish with Phylum Press, a local independent publisher that focuses on environmental themes, which resonate with his collection. The press, founded by Cameron Sauder and Gabriel Graham Piessens, recently expanded from publishing a literary magazine to book publishing. Stewart became involved with their writing community through local readings and writing circles.

'Kawartha Gothic' will be Phylum Press's first full-length poetry collection, following the recent release of a novel. Stewart hopes the book will enhance readers' appreciation for the interplay between nature and their individual experiences. He encourages potential readers to approach poetry with an open mind, emphasizing that poetry facilitates a connection between personal and universal experiences through imagery.

The collection is set to release alongside National Poetry Month, featuring both soft-cover and e-book editions, while hardcover options are still under consideration. Pre-orders will be available soon on the Phylum Press website.