A professionally edited literary journal for 14- to 21-year-old writers is a rare thing, and Quist’s editor-in-chief, Jen DeLeskie, really upped the ante when she suggested that every writer who submits work should get editorial feedback. What better way to help develop and encourage talented young writers!
We at the Quebec Writers’ Federation (QWF) see Quist as a forum for highlighting the best work by young English-language writers in our province no matter where it comes from. We anticipate that Quist will unlock the world of publication for about 20 talented young writers each year, including, yes, some in Concordia University’s highly esteemed creative writing program, but also some who pass through our Writers in the Community program or participate in our soon-to-be-piloted project of one-on-one mentorship for promising writers from traditionally underserved communities.
We are thrilled to see Quist making its debut with such a strong collection of work. The pieces in this issue make a great case for the need for—and the value of—this outlet. This body of work includes pieces that are poignant, searing, witty, and in some cases, devastating. All of them demonstrate a mature command of the English language and a commitment to creating art at a level beyond the years of their authors.
We are proud to present Issue 1 of Quist, and to welcome its authors into the QWF community with a free, one-year membership. We expect great things from you!
Lori Schubert
Executive Director
Quebec Writers’ Federation
Lori Schubert is the executive director of the Quebec Writers’ Federation, where she has worked since 2003. From 1998 to 2017 she was also a member and general manager of VivaVoce, a professional chamber choir. Prior to her work in arts management, Lori was a singer and corporate communications trainer in the New York metropolitan area. She has taught written and oral communication at Columbia, McGill and Concordia Universities. She was instrumental in the founding of the English-language Arts Network of Quebec and has served two terms on its board of directors. Through QWF, Lori co-founded the National Juries and Awards Working Group in 2021. She has also served in an advisory capacity for YES Montreal, the Blue Metropolis Foundation and the Atwater Writers’ Exhibit, and currently chairs a roundtable for the Working Group on Arts, Culture, Heritage organized by the Montreal office of the Department of Canadian Heritage.