Poetry Chapbook
Zipless
845 Press, 2021
Finalist for the 2021 Bisexual Book Awards
for Poetry, and for Bi Writer of the Year
“Catherine Lewis’ Zipless wears femme armour.”
~ Amber Dawn
Thrilled to announce that my debut queer poetry chapbook Zipless has been published by 845 Press (the publishing arm of The /tƐmz/ Review) as part of their 2021 lineup!
So stunned to announce that Zipless has sold out its first two printings (its first within only eleven days) and that its third printing is now shipping! Thank you to everyone for your amazing support!
October 2022 update: Zipless has just been chosen as a finalist at the 2021 Bisexual Book Awards in two categories, for both Poetry and for Bi Writer of the Year!
Order Zipless from 845 Press (in print or digital editions):
Zipless is also available at:
◆ Massy Books, Vancouver (including autographed copies)
◆ Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium, Vancouver
◆ Vancouver Public Library
Check out my readings from Zipless below…
Launch details below…
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Huge thanks to publisher Aaron Schneider and his entire 845 Press team for taking a chance on an emerging writer.
A big thank-you to cover artist Síle Englert—I gasped the first time I saw this stunning cover.
Catherine Lewis’ Zipless wears femme armour. These poems are fortified by Valentino stilettos and sundresses in August’s heat. The thick-skinned and vivid voice firmly leads the reader to fertility clinics, first dates and Pride parties. Zipless leads us further still—into the complex positionality of a mature polyamorous Asian bisexual navigating a queer world that is often too narrowly-focused to see her multitudes. Lewis widens the landscape of queer poetics, punching 4-inch-deep heel marks into the ground as she goes.”
Amber Dawn, author of My Art Is Killing Me and Other Poems and Sodom Road Exit
In this brief volume, Catherine Lewis articulates the emergence of writer and lesbian from the burnt offerings of her intended ordinary life. When the expected abandons the narrator, her eloquent quest for joy begins. Affirming, moving, intelligent poetry. Open your heart and read.”
Joanne Arnott, author of A Night for the Lady
In Zipless, Catherine Lewis invites us to stride many miles in a pair of Valentino heels. By crafting a poetics around experiences of failed fertility treatments, dating queer in a middle-aged, racialized body, and lack of cultural and ‘intrafamilial consensus,’ she carefully ‘unzips’ the ways we can attempt to love somebody, or ourselves, and how to continue to hope when those avenues lead to an end without closure. Poignantly heartbreaking and tenacious, this debut is a courageous embrace with honest wisdoms.”
Isabella Wang, author of Pebble Swing
Readings from Zipless
2022 Verses Festival of Words
How to Film a Live Performance Workshop (Apr 28, 2022) hosted by Wonderful Ida
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Wax Poetic radio interview (Mar 9, 2022) hosted by RC Weslowski and Kevin Spenst
Vancouver Co-op Radio 100.5 FM
LISTEN NOW
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Real Vancouver Writers’ Series (Nov 28, 2021)
WATCH NOW
(my portion starts at the replay’s 41:45 mark)
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Surrey Muse (Nov 26, 2021)
WATCH NOW
(my portion starts at the replay’s 1:04:55 mark)
Launch Events
A virtual launch event for Zipless was held on Monday, November 29th, 2021, featuring special guests Yong Nan Kim, Jacqueline Willcocks, and Zofia Rose.
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A virtual launch event for the 2021 chapbook lineups for 845 Press and Rose Garden Press was hosted by London, Ontario’s Words Festival on Sunday, December 5th, 2021, featuring readings from Nadia Froese, Jeremy Luke Hill, Catherine Lewis, David White, patti sinclair, Andrew French, and Laurie Koensgen.
