CIF Project Summary

Off the Map

Off the Map is a forthcoming anthology featuring Vancouver writers with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use issues. With support from CIF, the anthology will be coedited by Seema Shah (CIF project leader), Betsy Warland, and Kate Bird. It will be published by Bell Press in the spring of 2025.

The key goals of the project are to:

• Highlight the unique voices and diversity of writing among individuals with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use issues
• Help participants who have never been published before take an important next step in their writing lives
• Share participants’ writing with a wider audience
• Introduce new talent to the literary community

Through the publication credit and exposure, including the opportunity for public readings, the editorial team hopes the project will raise the profile of contributing writers, help them make connections in the literary world, and open doors for future success. They also hope the anthology will help broaden societal perceptions of writers with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use issues.

Project Update: Off the Map has been published!

Join this free event to celebrate and support local peer writers!

Off the Map Anthology Launch and Reading

Saturday, June 7th, 1:00-4:00pm
Vancouver Public Library – Central Library
350 W Georgia St, Vancouver
Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level

Register: vpl.bibliocommons.com/events/68094ddc5d951f3600144062

To learn more about the anthology, the editorial team, and the contributors, view the Official Press Release.

Off the Map is available for purchase starting May 1, 2025 at BellPressBooks.com