Skarwood's original impetus finds its roots in  Empyreal Press, which was established by poet Sonja A. Skarstedt as an independent literary venue in 1990. The Empyreal Press catalogue  features new and established writers of poetry, prose and non-fiction whose voices range from the traditional to the experimental, from the passionate to the provocative. 

Empyreal’s devotion to aesthetic detail and unique literary vision ensure that these elegant volumes will be sought after and treasured for many years to come. Despite the fact that, given the current realities of the publishing world, Empyreal's activity has slowed to a near halt where new productions are concerned, its authors continue to be sought after for their books and public readings. Thus we invite you to visit Empyreal's Author Directory where you will find links relating to their latest activities.

One of Empyreal's most shimmering highlights will always be its publication of three works by the great Canadian man of letters Louis Dudek. When Dudek passed away in 2001, a number of his colleagues and friends contributed memoirs, poems and photographs to a keepsake volume entitled Eternal Conversations.

Preceeding Empyreal Press, from 1987 to 1990, Skarstedt founded the short-lived but potent Zymergy Review. Over the course of those five years, this little magazine captured, in words and photographs, what is now perceived to be a Montreal literary renaissance: a veritable avalanche of activity from readings, journals and books to an upsurge in interdisciplinary 'zines, spoken word and the establishment of Blue Metropolis.

Skarwood marked its official debut in 1997 with the publication of Geof Isherwood's futuristic science fiction adventure comic Lincoln-16. Since then, the phenomenally talented artist has extended his career path into film and the development of his own graphic novels. Although still in the works, Lani the Leopard Queen (for kids), Erox (for adults), Glydia and Krugall (a faerie fantasy) and Krudge (a kitchen sink comedy drama for adults) promise to rock the realm of popular entertainment. 

By the time Skarwood made its on-line début in 1999, Colleen B. McCool was carving her own creative pathway in the form of her première CD, Fiat Voluntas Tua. Ms McCool continues to evolve as a singer, venturing, most recently, into musical composition.

A New Twist

In early 2008, Sonja Skarstedt ventured into the realm of filmmaking, an activity which had fascinated her for years. Due to lack of adequate technology, she could not fulfill this dream until now. She is certainly making up for lost time, however. As of February 2009, there are over thirty-one of her short productions featured on YouTube's Skarwood Channel. Most rewarding to Skarstedt are those videos that feature Montreal and the people that make this magical city tick, from jazz genius Jean Beaudet to the legendary artist Peter Flinsch.

Take a moment to visit the following fascinating people:

The Peterborough Examiner's Photographer in Chief.

Meet Canada's most mesmerizing and provocative novelist, from the crackling terrors percolating within My Cold War to the mysterious proclivities of A Certain Girl.

Survivor Extraordinaire. The Most Delicious, Inspiring, Informative, Heartwarming & Beautiful Cook Book of 2009.

"I try to communicate the beauty of the body, of the male body, of the human body, and in a very positive sense. I'm not trying to take the body apart—I see it as a whole. I'm optimistic about the body. I say yes to the body—I don't deny it. I never have."

Author of What Nietzche's Mother Never Taught Him, Robert M. Smith's writings are "a testimony for a whole generation which is now aging, but still very much alive and kicking."

Somalia's Most Famous Poet.

Poet and Novelist.

The only literary magazine in America devoted strictly to long stories.

Beautiful paintings & sculptures.

Yes, that Tom Jones!

Ebullient Survivor.

Language Acts: Anglo-Quebec Poetry: 1976 to the 21st Century Edited by Jason Camlot & Todd Swift www.vehiculepress.com

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