NQ in style

We at the NQ are all about style, obviously, look no further than our new logo, which is terrifically a la mode - as are all our writers and contributors; but sometimes, it is true, one needs a guide. Periods after "Dr" or "Ms" or not? Should we use "twelve" or "12"? What about such NQ-specific issues as when to use "Nfld" or "NL"? All valid questions, and all worth a thoughtful answer, which is coming in our new style guide, which is close, very close, to readiness.

(Image: crackofdawncreations.com.)

Winter Sparks

The NQ did some hobnobbing over the weekend; it was the third annual Sparks Festival, complete with poetry readings, author Q&As, booth displays and elegant receptions. Lots of chat, a glass or two of wine, and the NQs free chocolates also made a nice impression. Sparks is a nice event, and free yes free, worth watching out for, a bright literary light in late January.

(image: envato.com.)

Watch out for wildlife

Newfoundland and Labrador is a place of many (often wonderful) things, but biological abundance isn't one of them. Very few species are indigenous; adding those that have been introduced (or introduced themselves) still makes for a non-hefty catalogue. Still, we're developing a nice story list for the upcoming magazine, whose theme, as you have surely guessed, is fauna.

(Image: cbc.ca/larry colwell.)

Spring Issue storyboard

And here is an image that is all symbolic, not just of the issue's potential, but (hint) of its theme.

(Image: chestofbooks.com.)

Ready, set...

Welcome to 2012! Perhaps you've geared up for the New Year by declaring a resolution or two. Or maybe you're charting a Paris-style tack and preparing to mark St Sylvestre through to February. The NQ is looking towards Spring, the new issue but a glimmer of ideas, theme, art.

(Image: steamwhistle.ca.)

All the joys of the season

We're still going about our business-as-usual at NQ HQ, but we will be taking some Christmas time over the next week. So this is the last posting for the year; we'll see you in 2012! In the meantime, enjoy this Kate Rusby song, which is hitting a high note on this season's soundtrack.

(Image: www.paintinghere.com)

Distribution day

Today we'll be making our rounds of the retailers, dropping off caches of NQs hither and yon: Afterwords, Johnny Ruth, the Heritage Shops, The Rocket Bakery. We'll be in the mail to a few spots around the island and up to Labrador, too. Some people come right to the source - our office - and of course we're the ones to contact for your gifts. Three calls as soon as we unlocked the office doors this morning, which gives us that nice, warm, look-at-us-we're-helping-Santa kind of feeling.

(image: bigcartel.com.)