'Labour of Love' Poetry Magazine published by Norman Cristofoli

On my second open mic reading ever, last November, after all the writers had read, when the lights came back on, a man came over and handed me a card and said, "I want to publish that poem."

This is how I met the Toronto poet and publisher, Norman Cristofoli.

The issue of Labour of Love with my poem is now out, and, since the story of how the magazine itself  came to be is so interesting, I thought I would interview Norman so you could hear it too.

Labour of Love publishes poetry, prose, short short stories, artwork and photographs. Norman formats it himself and prints it twice a year, each issue having a print run of 400. The magazine is given out freely. It is fully funded by Norman himself.

He has published 35 issues since 1994! Labour of Love publishes high quality work. Norman himself is not only a great poet, but is said to be one of the best editors around.

The interview takes place outside the Annex Live at Brunswick and Bloor, just before a spoken word reading, on Wednesday, March 21st 2012, and was recorded with my iPhone4.

To enquire about submissions to Labour of Love, or to request copies (he only asks that you provide postage), please go to Norman's website, labouroflovemagazine.com.

Direct link: 'Interview with Norman Cristofoli on 'Labour of Love'' (13:48min)

PLEASE NOTE: It is now July 2016, and Norman has published the last Labour of Love.