s APGS = did §=ENGErODNMeNG Pearls 2005 Creative writing anthology launched in New Westminster Amanda Aikman, Managing Editor pe BD acence atonal Great opportunities make all the difference Des possibilités formidables font toute la différence Your college Vos études collégiale n Feb 25, 2005, the 24th edition of the Douglas College creative-writing anthology, Pearls, was launched in the Douglas Room of the New Westminster cam- pus. Pearls 2005 is a truly impressive collection that demonstrates the strength and quality of the writing being produced in Douglas’s cre- ative-writing courses—a true testament to our talented pool of students and instructors. And I’m not just saying that because Opinions Editor Colin Miley and myself grace the pages of this year’s edition, After having the pleasure of read- ing most of the book, I can honestly say it’s an honour to get between the covers with all of these writers—the covers of the anthology that is, keep your dirty thoughts to yourself, perverts. As in past years, the “Evening of Pearls” fea- tured readings by several of the anthology’s contributing student writers. Two memorable highlights from this year’s crop were Margaret Bollerup and Malachi Croy, whose powerful, emotional, and colourful stories reminded me why I was so jealous of them in Calvin Wharton’s intro to fiction course last summer. Lines such as, “They move like drunken balleri- nas: spinning and bumping into one another” have been permanently imprinted on my brain since Bollerup read an excerpt of her short story 14 | www.theotherpress.ca “MerLady.” Damn, I wish I had written that. And Croy’s rendition of his intense personal narrative “Hayride” was so moving it’s a wonder we weren't all plunged into darkness as the can- dles lighting the Douglas Room were extinguished by audience members’ tears. Following the student readings, creative-writ- ing instructor Mary Burns presented student Todd Parker with the Maurice Hodgson Memorial Award. This is an annual award com- memorating the late Maurice Hodgson, a Douglas College instructor for 20 years. Each year a panel of creative-writing faculty members selects one deserving creative-writing student on which to bestow this significant honour. Based on the readings Parker favoured us with at the launch, he is more than worthy of this recogni- tion. The evening’s festivities culminated with a special reading by Douglas College’s 2005 Writer in Residence, Leona Gom. Gom is the prize- winning author of several volumes of poetry, the recipient of the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize for her novel Housebroken, and a former instruc- tor at Douglas. Music for the evening was provided by Douglas College music student, Spencer Bresnick. education can be your ticket to an exciting career with a difference in the Canadian Forces! We’re looking for high-tech specialists in a number of disciplines. You could be eligible for a signing bonus when you graduate or have the rest of your education paid for, with salary while in school, plus a guaranteed placement after graduation. Contact us today to find out what opportunities we have in store for you. Pag CANADIAN FORCES | Strong. Proud. Today’s Canadian Forces. Découvrez vos forces dans les Forces canadiennes. 1 800 856-8488 www.forces.gc.ca pourraient vous mener a une carriére passionnante et différente dans les Forces canadiennes! Nous recherchons des spécialiste en haute technologie dans piusieu disciplines. Vous pourriez étre admissible a une gratification a la signature de contrat apres 'obtention de votre dipléme, ou au paiement des frais afférents au reste de vos cours, avec rémunération pendant vos études et a un emploi assuré aprés Pobtention de votre dipléme. Pour découvrir les possibilités qui vous sont offertes, veuillez communiquer avec nous dés aujourd’hui. March 2/2005