We’re one month away from our very first publication of Portland Book Review! The excitement is building… like a kid waiting for Christmas morning. I’m finding every aspect of putting a publication like this out fun and intriguing. As I was pulling books off the shelf to ready them for the Reviewers, I couldn’t stop smiling. I went to the library and they were enthusiastic to receive the publication. As I left, I couldn’t stop smiling. Some dear friends offered their help and I couldn’t stop smiling.

Another friend and previous co-worker and her husband met with me over lunch to talk about Portland Book Review. They wanted to get involved with something special, something that made a difference in people’s lives. By the end of the luncheon, they couldn’t wait to get started! Now, they have joined the team and in fact, have become part owners in this adventure. Take a moment to check out Meet the Staff under About Us on the home page to meet them for yourself. Brad and Janet Wright are wonderful, endearing people with the perfect skills and desire to do this with me. 

As I delve into this newsletter and how it can make a difference in the neighborhoods, I’m finding so many opportunities to touch people and what they do, how we can partner with one another to make Portland Book Review successful but also their businesses and so on. One thought that came to me one night was having a section on the webpage for people to submit their own short stories or poems for others to see and critique. How fun would that be?! We’re also going to do some author interviews and an events calendar that we can share the goings on in our great city. Watch Portland Book Review’s website for these and more exciting things to bring us together.

I feel beyond blessed to be living in such a wonderful city, with so many creative people who freely give their talents, opinions and share their joys with others. I see so many ripe opportunities to bring people together as a community with Portland Book Review. And the thing is, I just can’t stop smiling!

Chris Johnson, Editor-in-Chief

Chris Johnson, Editor-in-Chief

Chris Johnson, Editor-in-Chief