The New Zealand Earthquake

Hello and my apologies for the delays in releasing the second issue of Wildberries.

With the continuing earthquakes we have been experiencing here in New Zealand, in addition to family illness, this issue is very late indeed. With the most recent 6.3 earthquake on Friday, 22nd of February, there will unfortunately be even more delays. 

This national tragedy has claimed jobs, homes and lives of people close to me. My own job is now lost, as the health shop where I worked was brought down to rubble along with countless other buildings and businesses. It will take time and energy to rebuild, and even more time and energy to heal. 

Let me finish my saying that while these are dark times for New Zealand, my home, it is also a time when creativity, inspiration and hope are needed most. While Wildberries and other projects will take longer then originally planned, they will still go ahead, and like life, they will move on. 

My love to everyone out there, and my thanks for your support and understanding. I will be posting more regular updates on progress at my blog The Rabbit Hill. 

Joel Le Blanc

Editor 

P.S. If anyone can spare funds for a donation to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, please go to: http://www.redcross.org.nz/cms_display.php.  Thousands of families are still without clean water, electricity, sewage and shelter. Every little bit helps.

Wildberries Issue 2 Submissions

It's that time of year again - and no, I don't mean Christmas.

The inaugural issue of Wildberries was a huge hit and with barely a stolen moment to catch my breath, it's time to start going through submissions for Issue 2, which is due to be released in January 2011. It is my hope that Wildberries continues to provide even more fantasy art, short fiction and poetry - contributed by readers, for readers.

If you have some original work that you would like to see published, send a submission to wildberriesjournal(at)gmail dot com. Have a squiz of the submission guidelines first and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail me.

And a big thank you to everyone out there for your support, encouragement and assistance. I've met so many people throughout this experience who have been warm and helpful and I truly appreciate them.

Look forward to hearing from you all soon!

Joel Le Blanc