July 2025 update: Chicken Soup Podcast, Baseball Poetry, and an Audiobook

A story titled “Going with the Flow,” about our Border Collie mix Sneeks, was included in Chicken Soup for the Soul: What I Learned from My Dog. Amy Newmark discussed this story, along with one other story from What I Learned from the Dog, on a recent Chicken Soup for the Soul podcast . You can find the link here:

https://www.chickensoup.com/podcast/

To listen to this episode, click on “podcast” in the upper menu, then click “Listen to the Chicken Soup for the Soul podcast.” Select “What a Clever Dog” from the episode list. Though Sneeks has been gone for a number of years now, it’s great to see that her memory lives on! Many thanks to Chicken Soup for the Soul for including this story in their podcast.

Thank you also to the National Baseball Poetry Festival, who included my poem “An Aging Athlete Holds Their Ground” among the poems to be recognized as part of the adult poetry competition. This was the third National Baseball Poetry Festival, held in early May 2025. For those who would like more information at the event, you can find it at https://baseballpoetryfest.org/

NewMyths has released an audiobook version of the Passages anthology, which includes my story “Roxy” and a poem titled “Fidelis Reinvented.” You can find more information here: https://www.amazon.com/Passages-Best-NewMyths-Anthology-I/dp/B0FC4L5C41

Also, Cats and Dogs in Space received two recent reviews. James Fisher of The Seaboard Review of Books on Substack reviewed the book, with the link as follows https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/cats-and-dogs-in-space-by-lisa-timpf. Nina Munteanu also posted a review at her site https://ninamunteanu.me/. Link to the review is here: https://ninamunteanu.me/2025/06/29/cats-and-dogs-in-space/. A big thank you to both James and Nina!

Recent Publications

Cartoons:
“First Contact Goes Awry,” Scifaikuest May 2025 print, https://www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/scifaikuest-may-2025

Fiction:
“All Thumbs,” Polar Borealis Issue 34, June 2025, https://polarborealis.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/POLAR-BOREALIS-34-May-2025.pdf

Nonfiction
“Indigenous art exhibition opens at Lynnwood Arts,” “Senior Support Services offers a range of programs,” “Physiotherapist stresses the importance of staying active,” “You’re not getting older, you’re getting better,” Simcoe Advocate, June 5, 2025.

“Lynnwood Arts holds ‘doubleheader’ opening,” Simcoe Advocate, June 19, 2025.

Poetry:
[stuck in the past], Scifaikuest May 2025 print, https://www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/scifaikuest-may-2025

“Ladder,” “Spider Webs,” “Winter Solstice Ceremony at St. Luke’s,” Sublimation 2.3, May/June 2025, A Midsummer Day’s Nightmare, https://islandofwakwak.com/2.3-a-midsummer-s-day-nightmare.html

“Last Stand at the Coffee Shop,” Solstitia Issue 3, Coffeeshop!AU, published June 2025, https://www.patreon.com/fictionfanspod/shop/solstitia-issue-3-1825862

“Tucking the Garden In at Night,” Still Points Arts Quarterly, Summer 2025, https://www.shantiarts.co/SPAQ/SPAQ58/files/timpf.pdf

Reviews:
Bruce Meyer: Essays on His Works, edited by Ben Berman Ghan, The Seaboard Review of Books, June 23, 2025, https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/bruce-meyer-essays-on-his-works

Goalie, by Ben von Jagow, The Seaboard Review of Books, June 9, 2025, https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/goalie-by-ben-von-jagow

Sacred Flute, by John C. Mannone, SpecPo Blog, posted June 25, 2025, https://specpo.wordpress.com/2025/06/25/sacred-flute-a-review/

Unravelling MAiD in Canada: Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide as Medical Care, edited by Ramona Coelho, K. Sonu Gaind, and Trudo Lemmens, The Seaboard Review of Books, June 30, 2025, https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/unravelling-maid-in-canada-euthanasia

What I’m Working On
Lots of reviews and a couple of articles in the works, as well as some poetry for upcoming submission calls.

Coming Soon
Recently Tyche Books did a cover reveal for the Starship Librarians anthology, due for release August 19, 2025. Edited by Shannon Allen and JR Campbell, the anthology includes my story “The Space Librarians Code.” Looking forward to seeing the completed book!

 

 

Kay's "Written on the Dark" and June 2025 update

I recently had the opportunity to read Guy Gavriel Kay’s latest book, Written on the Dark. As always with Kay’s books, I found it intriguing. Written on the Dark is set on the same fantasy world as some of Kay’s previous works, including All the Seas of the World and A Brightness Long Ago.

 

As Kay notes in the acknowledgements section, this novel was inspired by Earth’s Renaissance era (particularly France in this case), though it clearly takes place in a different, imaginary locale, a world with two moons and unique geography, religion, and customs. The book also includes the presence of a Joan of Arc figure, albeit with a happier ending. Those who enjoyed Kay’s other books with similar settings should enjoy this one.

 

Also, many thanks to Nina Munteanu for her review of my speculative poetry collection, Cats and Dogs in Space. Nina’s review was posted on Goodreads May 4, and can be accessed at: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7543301522

 

Recent Publications

Nonfiction:

“Spring wildflowers abound in Backus Woods,” Simcoe Advocate, May 22, 2025.

Poetry:

“Earth Mother,” Forgotten Ground Regained: A Quarterly Journal of Alliterative Verse, Issue 6, Spring 2025, https://alliteration.net/poetry/earth-mother/

Reviews:

Corporate Control, by Nora Loreto, The Seaboard Review, posted May 19, 2025, https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/corporate-control-by-nora-loreto

 

Homing: A Quest to Care for Myself and the Earth, by Alice Irene Whittaker, The Seaboard Review, Posted May 5, 2025, https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/homing-by-alice-irene-whittaker

 

Indigenous Rights in One Minute: What You Need to Know to Talk Reconciliation, Bruce McIvor, The Seaboard Review, Posted May 26, 2025, https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/indigenous-rights-in-one-minute-bruce-mcivor

 

A Kid’s Guide to Plants of the Great Lakes Region, by Philippa Joly, The Seaboard Review, Posted May 19, 2025, https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/a-kids-guide-to-plants-of-the-great-lakes-region-philippa-joly

 

We, the Others, by Toula Drimonis, posted on The Seaboard Review, May 8, 2024, https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/we-the-others-by-toula-drimonis

 

What I’m Working On

I have a couple of book proposals I’m working on. I can credit a Zoom call I had recently with a former colleague for getting me thinking along these lines again!

 

 

May 2025 Update

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul has featured the stories of hundreds of Canadians over the years—790, as of the release of What I Learned From My Dog last month. I’ve been fortunate to be included in the author list (8 stories in 7 anthologies). 

 

I just finished reading the recently-released Chicken Soup for the Soul: What I Learned From My Dog (which includes a story about my border collie cross Sneeks), and was impressed by the variety of themes and the emotional resonance of the stories included.

 

Recent Publications

Nonfiction:

“Art exhibit seeks ‘progress over perfection,’ ” Simcoe Advocate, April 24, 2025.

 

“Flying squirrels featured at Norfolk Field Naturalists’ talk,” Simcoe Advocate, April 24, 2025.

 

“Spring banding underway at Long Point Bird Observatory,” Simcoe Advocate, April 10, 2025.

Poetry:

“I’d Like to Go,” The Martian Wave, April 2025, Hiraeth Publishing.

 

“If They Call,” Star*Line 48.2, Spring 2025.

 

Reviews:

The Art of Floating, poetry by Melanie Marttila, The Seaboard Review, April 7, 2025, https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/the-art-of-floating-poetry-by-melanie

Hockey on the Moon: Imagination and Canada’s Game, by Jamie Dopp, Sport Literature Association book reviews, posted April 25, 2025, https://sportliteratureassociation.wordpress.com/2025/04/25/hockey-on-the-moon-imagination-and-canadas-game-by-jamie-dopp/

Minimalism: A Handbook of Minimalist Genre Poetic Forms, edited by Teri Santitoro, Illumen, April 2025.

 

Pit Stops and Proton Beams, by Aurelio Rico Lopez III, Star*Line 48.2, Spring 2025.

 

Sign of the Dragon (print edition) by Mary Soon Lee, Star*Line 48.2, Spring 2025.

 

What I’m Working On

This year, I’ve been focusing on non-fiction and poetry, so I don’t have much fiction in the works. During April, I attempted the Poem a Day challenge, and managed to write thirty-plus poems, thanks to the prompts provided on NaPoWriMo and the Poem a Day Challenge (Robert Lee Brewer).

 

April 2025 update: “Martian Cats” and Chicken Soup

Artwork by Fran Eisemann.

In March, my poem “Martian Cats” was published on Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores, accompanied by artwork created by Fran Eisemann. I loved the artwork so much I’ve included it, at the left. It was a perfect accompaniment to the poem! A link to the poem is included below, under the “Poetry” section.

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul: What I Learned From the Dog debuts April 1, 2025. Once again, it includes a story about our border collie cross Sneeks. Delighted to be in this issue, as always! 

 

I recently participated in a Zoom call with Chicken Soup leaders and other Canadian writers, discussing potential impact of the current trade conflicts between Canada and the United States. Chicken Soup books have historically averaged about ten percent Canadian content (work written by Canadian authors).

 

Unfortunately, the current sentiment might cause people who don’t realize that Canadians benefit too to boycott Chicken Soup books, thinking they are American. This would be a concern for Chicken Soup, who suggests that things would be tough for them if the Canadian market disappears. Fingers crossed that won’t happen. I’ve really enjoyed being included in Chicken Soup over the years (eight stories, seven books).

 

“CLUBHOUSE: Guest Review” in Amazing Stories published a review, written by Melanie Marttila, of my poetry collection Cats and Dogs in Space. Many thanks to Melanie and Graeme Cameron, who provided the “Guest Review” space, for this review! Link is below:

 

https://amazingstories.com/2025/03/clubhouse-guest-review-cats-and-dogs-in-space-poetry-collection-by-lisa-timpff/

 

Many thanks also to Third Wednesday, where I have been previously published, for offering the opportunity to do a YouTube reading from my poetry collection Cats and Dogs in Space. A link to the video is below:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrtHGalF1Nk

 

Third Wednesday was also kind enough to put a profile of the book on their website:

 

https://thirdwednesdaymagazine.org/2025/03/21/cats-and-dogs-in-space-lisa-timpf/

 

Recent Publications

Artwork:

“Full Steam Ahead,” Scifaikuest, February 2025 print, Hiraeth Publishing, https://www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/scifaikuest-february-2025

“The Goldenrod Girls,” Little Old Lady Comedy, posted March 1, 2025, https://www.littleoldladycomedy.com/all-works/the-goldenrod-girls

“Illustrated Guide to Eating Preferences,” Little Old Lady Comedy, posted March 30, 2025, https://www.littleoldladycomedy.com/all-works/illustrated-guide-to-eating-preferences

 

Nonfiction:

“ ‘Fun begins at 50’ at Simcoe Seniors’ Centre, Simcoe Advocate, March 27, 2025, page 7.

 

“ ‘Light at the end of the tunnel’ for Phragmites control,” Simcoe Advocate, March 27, 2025, page 7.

 

“ ‘No looking back’ for Norfolk female entrepreneurs,” Simcoe Advocate, March 13, 2025, page 14-15.

 

“Non-stop action at Norfolk Knockouts’ home opener,” Simcoe Advocate, March 27, 2025, page 16.

 

“Offering hope for stray and surrendered cats: Purrfect Companions of Norfolk Cat Rescue and Adoption Facility,” Simcoe Advocate, March 13, 2025, page 10.

 

“Vintage jacket donation sparks trip down memory lane,” Simcoe Advocate, March 13, 2025, page 17.

 

Poetry:

“Bucket List,” “Time Travel Triumphs,” and “[escape velocity]”, Scifaikuest, February 2025 print, Hiraeth Publishing, https://www.hiraethsffh.com/product-page/scifaikuest-february-2025

 

“Martian Cats,” Cosmic Roots and Eldritch Shores, March 18, 2025, https://cosmicrootsandeldritchshores.com/fiction-all/science-fiction/martian-cats/

 

“Old Stories,” NewMyths.com, Vol. 19, Issue 70, Spring 2025, https://sites.google.com/newmyths.com/newmyths-com-issue-70/issue-70-stories/old-stories

 

“Rural Rhapsody,” Still Points Arts Quarterly Spring 2025, Issue 57, My Favorite Things, Shanti Arts, https://www.shantiarts.co/landing_SPAQ.html

 

Reviews:

“ ‘Abundance’ Offers Both Critique and Hope,”  a review of Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, The Seaboard Review, March 2, 2025, https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/abundance-ezra-klein-derek-thompson

 

“AJ Hackwith’s TOTO Provides a Fresh Take on an Old Classic,” a review of Toto by AJ Hackwith, Interstellar Flight Magazine, March 21, 2025, https://magazine.interstellarflightpress.com/hackwiths-toto-provides-a-fresh-take-on-an-old-classic-9a01a651b7b2

 

“Green to Gray Explores Environmental Impacts Through Short Fiction,” The Seaboard Review, March 9, 2025, https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/green-to-grey-explores-environmental

 

“Safekeeping Offers Helpful Advice for Book Planning and Launch,” a review of Safekeeping: A Writer’s Guided Journal for Launching a Book With Love,” by Chelene Knight, The Seaboard Review, March 17, 2025, https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/safekeeping-chelene-knight

 

“Rayner’s “The Gates of Polished Horn” Takes Us to Places Strange and Familiar,” a review of Mark Rayner’s The Gates of Polished Horn, The Seaboard Review, March 24, 2025, https://www.theseaboardreview.ca/p/rayners-the-gates-of-polished-horn

 

What I’m Working On

I’m continuing to work mostly on nonfiction and a bit of poetry, although April will see some time dedicated to the Poem a Day challenge.

 

Coming Soon

I’ll be doing a workshop at the Simcoe public library on writing a “Chicken Soup for the Soul” story on April 14^th. It’s a way of giving back to the community, and hopefully will support other area writers in seeing their own work published in a Chicken Soup anthology.