Liz Johnston
@lizjohnston.bsky.social
She/her. Writer, book nerd & editor. https://liz-johnston.ca. THE FALL-DOWN EFFECT coming out from Book*hug Press in 2026. Pre-order here: https://shoplocal.bookmanager.com/isbn/9781771669627
Pinned
Liz Johnston
@lizjohnston.bsky.social
· Jul 16
I absolutely love the cover Ingrid Paulson created for The Fall-Down Effect, out spring 2026 from @bookhugpress.bsky.social: the retro feel and big red letters, the drama of the river crashing through the forest. 😍 I'm so lucky & super grateful! (Pre-order link in bio.)
Reposted by Liz Johnston
The Canada-Alberta deal pushes a pipeline AND
- Allows Alberta to delay cutting methane emissions
- Suspends clean energy regulations in Alberta
- Loosens restrictions on tax breaks for clean tech to encourage more oil drilling
- Allows oil tankers on the west coast
thenarwhal.ca/carney-alber...
- Allows Alberta to delay cutting methane emissions
- Suspends clean energy regulations in Alberta
- Loosens restrictions on tax breaks for clean tech to encourage more oil drilling
- Allows oil tankers on the west coast
thenarwhal.ca/carney-alber...
Carney’s Alberta pipeline deal weakens climate policies | The Narwhal
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s ‘grand bargain’ isn’t just about an Alberta pipeline —it also proposes rolling back a host of climate policies
thenarwhal.ca
November 28, 2025 at 12:35 AM
The Canada-Alberta deal pushes a pipeline AND
- Allows Alberta to delay cutting methane emissions
- Suspends clean energy regulations in Alberta
- Loosens restrictions on tax breaks for clean tech to encourage more oil drilling
- Allows oil tankers on the west coast
thenarwhal.ca/carney-alber...
- Allows Alberta to delay cutting methane emissions
- Suspends clean energy regulations in Alberta
- Loosens restrictions on tax breaks for clean tech to encourage more oil drilling
- Allows oil tankers on the west coast
thenarwhal.ca/carney-alber...
Reposted by Liz Johnston
More than six weeks after the Gaza ceasefire came into force, journalists are still prevented by the Israeli military from entering the Gaza Strip.
November 25, 2025 at 3:08 PM
More than six weeks after the Gaza ceasefire came into force, journalists are still prevented by the Israeli military from entering the Gaza Strip.
Reposted by Liz Johnston
"A novel of remembering, of the times in our lives we carry around like a precious and hefty rock in our back pocket. A novel about learning to be—for ourselves—who we want to be."
@junctionreads.bsky.social reviews celebrated writer Shani Mootoo's Starry Starry Night. tinyurl.com/mru8vept
@junctionreads.bsky.social reviews celebrated writer Shani Mootoo's Starry Starry Night. tinyurl.com/mru8vept
Book Reviews
For reviews of Junction Reads’ titles, check out the Homepage. STARRY STARRY NIGHT by Shani Mootoo, from Book*hug Press. What does a reader want from a novel that you know is connected in man…
junctionreads.ca
November 24, 2025 at 5:01 PM
"A novel of remembering, of the times in our lives we carry around like a precious and hefty rock in our back pocket. A novel about learning to be—for ourselves—who we want to be."
@junctionreads.bsky.social reviews celebrated writer Shani Mootoo's Starry Starry Night. tinyurl.com/mru8vept
@junctionreads.bsky.social reviews celebrated writer Shani Mootoo's Starry Starry Night. tinyurl.com/mru8vept
Reposted by Liz Johnston
The one thing I really miss about the 'older world' is browsing library stacks, and card catalogues. However much I appreciate databases and retrieving what I want in moments, the serendipity of 'the book next to the one I wanted' and 'the article in the same issue' cannot be replicated. #Libraries
November 24, 2025 at 11:39 AM
The one thing I really miss about the 'older world' is browsing library stacks, and card catalogues. However much I appreciate databases and retrieving what I want in moments, the serendipity of 'the book next to the one I wanted' and 'the article in the same issue' cannot be replicated. #Libraries
Is it really Nov. 20? How is time passing like this!
November 20, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Is it really Nov. 20? How is time passing like this!
Reposted by Liz Johnston
“LLMs aren’t going away” statements are wishes, not predictions, that they’re trying to make happen. Treat them as advocacy for a specific future, not observations of inevitability
November 20, 2025 at 4:21 PM
“LLMs aren’t going away” statements are wishes, not predictions, that they’re trying to make happen. Treat them as advocacy for a specific future, not observations of inevitability
Folks in Ontario, please email your MPPs and urge them to vote no on Bills 60 & 33. We need to our government to invest in repairing and funding our schools and support strong tenant protections and real solutions to the housing crisis: win.newmode.net/ontarionewde...
New/Mode | Make your voice impossible to ignore
win.newmode.net
November 18, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Folks in Ontario, please email your MPPs and urge them to vote no on Bills 60 & 33. We need to our government to invest in repairing and funding our schools and support strong tenant protections and real solutions to the housing crisis: win.newmode.net/ontarionewde...
Reposted by Liz Johnston
Yes!! I want to put down my phone and get more subscription s.
I do love my magazines.
I got out of the habit of reading magazines bc of the social pressure of writers reading what's trendy/popular or frankly expected of you.
This year, I've dedicated myself back to reading magazines and I'm truly having the time of my life.
This year, I've dedicated myself back to reading magazines and I'm truly having the time of my life.
November 16, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Yes!! I want to put down my phone and get more subscription s.
Reposted by Liz Johnston
Palestinian families call for help as Israel's two-year military assault has left hundreds of thousands vulnerable.
Palestinians reel under winter rains as Israel blocks Gaza shelter supplies
Palestinian families call for help as Israel's two-year military assault has left hundreds of thousands vulnerable.
bit.ly
November 15, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Palestinian families call for help as Israel's two-year military assault has left hundreds of thousands vulnerable.
Reposted by Liz Johnston
$1 billion data centre to maybe create 100 jobs. That's likely an overstatement.
It is truly not worth draining the living word for this vampiric tech and people are starting to realize it.
www.wisn.com/article/meta...
It is truly not worth draining the living word for this vampiric tech and people are starting to realize it.
www.wisn.com/article/meta...
Meta plans $1 billion data center in Beaver Dam
The facility is expected to be completed in 2027 and will support 100 jobs, according to state officials.
www.wisn.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:17 PM
$1 billion data centre to maybe create 100 jobs. That's likely an overstatement.
It is truly not worth draining the living word for this vampiric tech and people are starting to realize it.
www.wisn.com/article/meta...
It is truly not worth draining the living word for this vampiric tech and people are starting to realize it.
www.wisn.com/article/meta...
Save the date—Dec. 8—& celebrate the latest issue of @brickliterary.bsky.social with us: simpli.events/e/brick116
Brick 116 Launch | Simpli Events
On Monday, December 8, at Flying Books, join us in celebrating the launch of Brick 116. There will be readings from Angelo Santos and Josiah Nelson, plus refreshments!
Flying Books, 784 College Street...
simpli.events
November 12, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Save the date—Dec. 8—& celebrate the latest issue of @brickliterary.bsky.social with us: simpli.events/e/brick116
"B.C. forests were four times more likely to be logged inside recommended deferral zones than outside over the past four years." Wow.
A new Sierra Club BC report reveals gaps between B.C.’s forestry promises, including old-growth deferrals, and reality. thenarwhal.ca/bc-forests-l... #bcpoli
How logging has sent B.C. forests into freefall | The Narwhal
A Sierra Club BC report reveals a gap between B.C.’s forestry promises, including old-growth deferrals, and reality
thenarwhal.ca
November 12, 2025 at 3:32 PM
"B.C. forests were four times more likely to be logged inside recommended deferral zones than outside over the past four years." Wow.
Reposted by Liz Johnston
I'm doing 2 workshop webinars for 1 price for the Writers Guild of Alberta on Writing Very Short Narratives and Book Publicity (that you can live with)
Open to all! Recording available after.
writersguild.ca/tickets-avai...
Open to all! Recording available after.
writersguild.ca/tickets-avai...
Tickets Available Now: Kathryn Mockler 2-for-1 Webinar Bundle
writersguild.ca
October 2, 2025 at 9:18 PM
I'm doing 2 workshop webinars for 1 price for the Writers Guild of Alberta on Writing Very Short Narratives and Book Publicity (that you can live with)
Open to all! Recording available after.
writersguild.ca/tickets-avai...
Open to all! Recording available after.
writersguild.ca/tickets-avai...
Reposted by Liz Johnston
I would rather listen to a cat walking across a piano than any song made by generative AI
November 11, 2025 at 8:26 PM
I would rather listen to a cat walking across a piano than any song made by generative AI
If you're a renter in Ontario, tell the FRPO to back off and withdraw support from Bill 60 (and email MPPs too, even if you already have!). share.nwmd.social/s/Si47Vbnp
FRPO: Hands off our rights!
share.nwmd.social
November 11, 2025 at 2:05 PM
If you're a renter in Ontario, tell the FRPO to back off and withdraw support from Bill 60 (and email MPPs too, even if you already have!). share.nwmd.social/s/Si47Vbnp
Reposted by Liz Johnston
Available for one more week.
I encourage people to listen. Sonic protection. Acoustic healing.
I am still vibrating from last night’s Alchemy Lecture. The video is available for 2 weeks. Please join us in this chorus.
Sound—at the Interregnum.
Glen Coulthard
Madeleine Thien
Canisia Lubrin
Immanuel Wilkins
Whew. What they did!!!
m.youtube.com/watch?v=EqpH...
Sound—at the Interregnum.
Glen Coulthard
Madeleine Thien
Canisia Lubrin
Immanuel Wilkins
Whew. What they did!!!
m.youtube.com/watch?v=EqpH...
November 7, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Available for one more week.
Reposted by Liz Johnston
One of the most beautiful things about the Irish is their respect for the arts. You find live music at most bars, I went to a literary pub crawl & saw monuments & museums dedicated to writers, poets, musicians, etc.
They understand the value of supporting artists & I wish Canada did, too.
They understand the value of supporting artists & I wish Canada did, too.
Ireland is locking down basic income for artists. Could Canada follow suit? | CBC Radio
Ireland has made permanent its three-year pilot program that gave monthly income payments to thousands of artists. Canadian artists are hoping to use that program's success to build momentum for guara...
www.cbc.ca
November 7, 2025 at 4:05 PM
One of the most beautiful things about the Irish is their respect for the arts. You find live music at most bars, I went to a literary pub crawl & saw monuments & museums dedicated to writers, poets, musicians, etc.
They understand the value of supporting artists & I wish Canada did, too.
They understand the value of supporting artists & I wish Canada did, too.
Reposted by Liz Johnston
"...Canadian progressives for decades have — like the Democratic establishment in the U.S. — looked at the success of right-wing populists...and figured if voters were considering going that far right, then the solution was to moderate themselves to appear less left."
Stop chasing the middle.
Stop chasing the middle.
www.thestar.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:33 PM
"...Canadian progressives for decades have — like the Democratic establishment in the U.S. — looked at the success of right-wing populists...and figured if voters were considering going that far right, then the solution was to moderate themselves to appear less left."
Stop chasing the middle.
Stop chasing the middle.
A webinar on writing Very Short Narratives was just the creative boost I needed last month. open.substack.com/pub/lizdsjoh...
How Many Doors Have I Just Ignored?
Two Very Short Narratives
open.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:55 PM
A webinar on writing Very Short Narratives was just the creative boost I needed last month. open.substack.com/pub/lizdsjoh...
Wow. So grateful for the words—and sounds!—of these alchemists. One week left to watch the lectures. Don’t miss your chance!
I am still vibrating from last night’s Alchemy Lecture. The video is available for 2 weeks. Please join us in this chorus.
Sound—at the Interregnum.
Glen Coulthard
Madeleine Thien
Canisia Lubrin
Immanuel Wilkins
Whew. What they did!!!
m.youtube.com/watch?v=EqpH...
Sound—at the Interregnum.
Glen Coulthard
Madeleine Thien
Canisia Lubrin
Immanuel Wilkins
Whew. What they did!!!
m.youtube.com/watch?v=EqpH...
The 2025 Alchemy Lecture: Sound—at the Interregnum
YouTube video by York University - Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
m.youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Wow. So grateful for the words—and sounds!—of these alchemists. One week left to watch the lectures. Don’t miss your chance!
Reposted by Liz Johnston
Read The World After Rain.
November 2, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Read The World After Rain.
Reposted by Liz Johnston
Reposted by Liz Johnston
Just a thought: How about we stop shaming the poor for buying things that may not be essential, and start shaming the rich for making a profit off things that are essential?
October 23, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Just a thought: How about we stop shaming the poor for buying things that may not be essential, and start shaming the rich for making a profit off things that are essential?
Reposted by Liz Johnston
Bill 60 is outrageous in a province already inundated with mass homelessness.
It further limits justice for tenants at the LTB, expedites evictions, and further incentivizes Landlord's Own Use evictions by slashing compensation to tenants.
Unconscionable!
news.ontario.ca/en/release/1...
It further limits justice for tenants at the LTB, expedites evictions, and further incentivizes Landlord's Own Use evictions by slashing compensation to tenants.
Unconscionable!
news.ontario.ca/en/release/1...
October 23, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Bill 60 is outrageous in a province already inundated with mass homelessness.
It further limits justice for tenants at the LTB, expedites evictions, and further incentivizes Landlord's Own Use evictions by slashing compensation to tenants.
Unconscionable!
news.ontario.ca/en/release/1...
It further limits justice for tenants at the LTB, expedites evictions, and further incentivizes Landlord's Own Use evictions by slashing compensation to tenants.
Unconscionable!
news.ontario.ca/en/release/1...
Reposted by Liz Johnston
Musician, writer and artist Leanne Betasamosake Simpson has a new album out this week. She talked to us about the need to "find awe and inspiration in every piece of the natural world ... regardless of how much harm they carry from extraction, neglect and exploitation." thenarwhal.ca/moose-questi...
‘The Great Lakes made me,’ says Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
Michi Saagiig writer and artist Leanne Betasamosake Simpson shares how she connects with the natural world — and what’s in her ‘emotional support backpack’
thenarwhal.ca
October 21, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Musician, writer and artist Leanne Betasamosake Simpson has a new album out this week. She talked to us about the need to "find awe and inspiration in every piece of the natural world ... regardless of how much harm they carry from extraction, neglect and exploitation." thenarwhal.ca/moose-questi...