“My first published story appeared in The New Quarterly in the winter of 2006. I don’t think it’s overdoing it to say that that moment changed everything. Seeing my story in print was so energizing and validating, especially because I was worried that I had no idea what I was doing. It was like I had finally been asked to join the conversation at a party where I knew no one. Which is not to say that the literary journal scene is some sort of elitist club. Far from it, in my experience. I worked for a time at Descant magazine, and never have I seen such generosity, passion, and commitment. Literary journals in Canada are a major part of the artistic community, and the conversations that go on, both live and in print, are essential to the growth of new writers. The encouragement and criticism I received from literary journals over the years has been key to my professional development, and I honestly don’t know how I would have built up my confidence or my bibliography without these publications.” —Laura Boudreau, The Journey Prize Questionnaire