Community

I have been very fortunate to have received this practicum student position at Prairie Fire Press. I have learnt how to be a better and more empathetic communicator which has already helped me in my daily life. I have also learned some about the many aspects that go into publishing a literary magazine.

I have experienced great kindness from those that I have had the pleasure of meeting at Prairie Fire. Janine, Carolyn and Lindsey, as well as my fellow practicum student Dhriti have shared their experiences with me and I’ve learned so much and enjoyed my time at Prairie Fire immensely. I know I have made an important step towards my future career in editing as well as making many wonderful connections that I will cherish for a lifetime. 

Brooke Fehr
2024-2025

I am very fortunate and grateful to be included in the incredible practicum program at Prairie Fire. Janine, Carolyn, and Lindsay are warm and welcoming, and make me feel like I’m part of the team. During my time as the practicum student, I have learned so much about publishing, both from the publisher’s and the writer’s point-of-view. From selecting submissions for publication to brainstorming themes for upcoming issues, every day at Prairie Fire’s practicum is dynamic and interesting. The team has gotten to know me and my interests, and Janine has adapted the practicum curriculum to suit my goals and strengths. Beyond the knowledge I’ve gained in publishing, the practicum program is imbued with empathy; I’ve grown as a person since starting the program. I hope to continue to work in publishing, and Prairie Fire’s practicum program has given me the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in the field. Prairie Fire is an integral part of Winnipeg’s literary scene, and I am thankful to be included in it.

Lucie Von Schilling
2022-2024

I sometimes can’t quite believe I had the opportunity to be part of the practicum program at Prairie Fire Press. Besides providing an experience that I consider to be invaluable in understanding and appreciating Canadian Literature and the culture that surrounds it, this program also allowed me to gain confidence professionally, creatively, and personally. From reading and assessing submissions, discussing the importance of health and well-being in creative careers, and to seeing, first-hand, the ins and outs of one of Canada’s most respected literary magazines, Prairie Fire’s practicum program truly fosters all areas of development in its students. I am forever grateful to Janine, Lindsey, Carolyn, and my fellow practicum student, Misha for their knowledge, generosity, enthusiasm, and kind, kind hearts.

Hunter Miller
2019-2021

The practicum program at Prairie Fire has been a unique and wonderful compliment to my learning about the literary and arts worlds through my undergraduate work and writing practice. This program gave me hands on experience reading and adjudicating submissions and seeing the day to day work of how a literary journal operates. I am incredibly grateful to Janine, Lindsey, and to my fellow practicum student Hunter, for all their acceptance, encouragement, and sharing of laughter over coffee and tea each Monday morning through the last year. Prairie Fire is an invaluable platform for emerging and established writers to share their work and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to learn from and be a part of it for a time!

Misha Falk
2019-2020

Participating in the practicum program at Prairie Fire Press has been an uplifting and immensely valuable experience. I am so fortunate to have taken part in this unique program, which fosters students’ personal, professional and artistic development and encourages empathy and integrity in all endeavors. As a result of the thoughtful guidance provided by Janine and Lindsey, I am a better reader and communicator, and have gained a much deeper understanding of the publishing industry. The program has given me confidence in my abilities, and optimism for the future. Thank you Janine, Lindsey, and Andris for providing me with such a kind and knowledgeable support system. The Prairie Fire Press publishing practicum is truly one-of-a-kind, and a vital component of Winnipeg’s creative community.

Ferron Guerreiro
2018-2019

I am very grateful for my time as a practicum student at Prairie Fire. Through this program, I learned all about the day-to-day operations of a literary journal. Janine, Lindsey, and Andris are all incredibly warm and welcoming individuals with whom it has been a joy to learn with. The program itself challenged me to expand my skills, while its flexible curriculum allowed me to contribute to the magazine in ways that suited my strengths. Prairie Fire’s practicum program has provided me with an invaluable experience in the publishing industry and has shown me what an integral role a magazine can play both within the local arts community and the national literary scene.

Joel Robert Fergusson
2017-2018

I was at ease the moment I walked into Prairie Fire, and I have Janine, Lindsey, and Andris to thank for that. Throughout the course of this student practicum, I have always felt that my input is valued, and that every question is worth asking. In addition to teaching me about writing, editing, and publishing, Janine’s unique program has provided me with an incredible opportunity for personal growth. The leadership and communication exercises, along with Janine and Lindsey’s constant support, have increased my sense of confidence in all areas of life. Andris, thank you for sharing your knowledge with me and making me feel welcome. Janine and Lindsey, thank you for your enthusiasm and encouragement, and for making me laugh every week. I am endlessly grateful for this experience, and I hope that many more students will have the chance to participate in this program. There is no doubt in my mind that they will find it as life-changing as I have.

Emilie Derksen-Poirier
2016-2017

Prairie Fire’s practicum program has been an immensely meaningful experience, not only for affording me practical experience in the publishing field, but for its core emphasis on personal development. Throughout this past year, I have participated in Janine’s specially crafted training modules which along with exposing me to the industry, have helped to develop a skill set of increased confidence, leadership abilities, and improved wellbeing. Thank you to Andris and Heidi for welcoming me so sincerely. Thank you to everyone who has supported the magazine and have made this opportunity possible. And finally, thank you to Janine for your endless guidance, kindness and support— I am so grateful for this invaluable experience and I know that future students will benefit from their time at Prairie Fire as much as I have.

Natalie Podaima
2015-2016

Prairie Fire’s practicum program has provided Natalie and I with an incredibly valuable experience to work hands-on with the writing and publishing process. As an aspiring writer, it has been one of the best experiences for me to hone my skills and learn the editing and publishing process behind each issue of Prairie Fire. Under Janine’s tireless creative guidance and upbeat attitude each morning, I have been able to try new things with my writing and develop techniques for maintaining a consistent writing practice. Not only have I gained further insight into the writing and publishing process, but the professional and personal development portion of the practicum, based on Janine’s unique skill-set and interests, has truly changed the way I look at the world and communication. As a writer and future professional, communication skills are important and Janine has done a wonderful job with teaching us how to properly use language in sensitive conversations. Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to Heidi and Andris for their support and hospitality, as well as Barb for spending so much time with us on the poetry side of Prairie Fire. This has been the best opportunity, both as a writer and as a future professional, and has been the highlight of every week for the past few months. For the future students, I am certain they will find as much joy, enlightenment, and value in this program as I have.

Katrina Zmavc
2015-2016

The practicum program has afforded Jena and me an incredible opportunity to witness and practise the processes that are vital to a literary magazine — precious experience, as there is limited access to formal publishing training in Canada. However, the occasions for personal development were perhaps the most valuable. Janine’s untiring leadership and unique training modules have taught us to be confident, emotionally centred, passionate, and always kind. I’ve not only gained a useful skill set — I’ve become a better person. To say that I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program is a gross understatement. Thank you to those who support the magazine and its practicum. I owe so much to the amazing people at Prairie Fire, and I’m sure that future students will benefit from the program as much as I have.

Melissa McIvor
2014-2015

For a student interested in joining the literary profession, the Prairie Fire practicum has been an even better experience than I could have imagined. The support and encouragement from the staff have been the best introduction into publishing I could have asked for and I am so grateful. Prairie Fire is a cornerstone in Canadian literature, and learning all about its inner workings has been an absolute dream. Janine, thank you for your guidance, kindness and leadership. Your patience and generosity are truly inspirational. Heidi and Andris, thank you for making me feel so welcome and allowing me this great opportunity. I hope that whoever is lucky enough to be accepted into this practicum next will find as much support and guidance as I have.

Shanleigh Klassen
2013-2014