Latitude 46 Publishing, Northern Ontario’s English-language publisher, is launching Melanie Marttila’s debut poetry collection “The Art of Floating” April 6.
The event takes place in-person from 7-9 p.m. at Place Des Arts as well as by livestream. Those who are unable to attend in person can join by livestream here.
Marttila has been writing since the age of seven, when she made her first submission to CBC's "Pencil Box."
She is a graduate of the University of Windsor’s masters program in English Literature and Creative Writing and her poetry has appeared in Polar Borealis, Polar Starlight, and Sulphur. Her short fiction has appeared in Pulp Literature, On Spec, Pirating Pups, and Home for the Howlidays.
She lives and writes in Sudbury, in the house where three generations of her family have lived, on the street that bears her surname, with her spouse and their dog, Torvi.
Marttila captures the solace and healing she has found in the terrestrial landscapes, flora, and fauna of northeastern and southwestern Ontario while balancing the ebbs and flows of her mental health.
There is similar reprieve in looking skyward as she shares in beautifully crafted poems the reflections of celestial patterns on moods, perceptions and relationships. Through the often insignificant and mildly miniscule moments in life, Marttila demonstrates the truth and hope that lie within each, whether connecting with land or sky.
The Art of Floating is dedicated to the poet's father, who taught her how to surrender to and survive the rough waters of mental illness.
Books will be available at the launch for purchase for $22.95 (plus tax) or can be ordered from a favourite bookseller.
