Notes and thoughts for October, 2020
This month: saving democracy with local journalism, visiting vineyards in the time of Covid, seeking grant-writing inspiration.
Network news: Ink-Stained Wretches
I’ve recently been inspired by former colleague Mirko Petricevic’s new project, Ink-Stained Wretches, and wanted to share.
Working with a group of former and current journalists from the Kitchener-Waterloo Record, Mirko has launched a change.org petition and also been advocating with local city councils to pass resolutions acknowledging that robust local news media are essential for democracy to thrive. Hear hear.
As someone who worked in journalism for a number of years, I can attest to how genuinely devastating the struggles of that industry over the last 15 years have been not only for journalists but for the public conversation. Kudos to Mirko for his inspiring work on this.
Obsessions: Miroki Tong on the winery circuit
I asked list member and multi-talented creative force of nature Miroki Tong what’s been keeping her engaged during Covid-era down times. Here’s what she had to say:
Throughout all my careers, there has always been one constant, my love for wine, from the monumental efforts behind its agriculture, the art and science of winemaking, to the final efforts that take a single bottle to the shelf and into the hands of an eager customer.
I have a particular affinity to the wine regions of Ontario. We have been carving out a space in the global wine community, and really, who the hell makes wine this good while battling the throes of killer winter frosts?
Visiting wineries in Niagara, Prince Edward County, Lake Erie North Shore and more is probably one of the most perfect distancing activities you can engage in this year. Nature, good company, food and wine, what more can you ask for?
You can follow Miroki’s adventures and see her wine reviews and recommendations on Instagram @9ouncesplease.
Quote I’ve been pondering
“The element of risk in making art isn’t that artists will fail to say clearly what they want to say; it isn’t technical, it isn’t a lapse in precision, it isn’t leaving loose ends, it isn’t the threat of excess. The risk, rather, is in giving too little, in seeing a project through with skill and care in a way that reflects one’s talent rather than challenging it.”
-Richard Brody
Half-baked idea: grant club
Sort of like a creative writer’s circle, but for people who are (or should be) working on grant applications. Connects once every few weeks or so to go over what we’re working on and share ideas for success. I have been dragging my feet on the grant-writing front and could use some external accountability – perhaps you feel the same way? Let me know if interested.
That’s all, folks. Thanks for reading this far, have a safe and enjoyable Halloween, and let me know with updates from your end, questions, thoughts, story ideas, hot tips, etc., at nicholascarldinka [at] gmail.com.