The Ambassador Poetry Project aims to showcase poetic talent from and about Ontario and Michigan. While many of the works featured will naturally offer regional insights, inspirations, and experiences, the publication aims to encompass more than a "border town" vibe. Just as the infamous bridge was created to link the two countries, The Ambassador Poetry Project aims to connect Canadian and American writers and readers who share a common fondness for poetry.

am·bas·sa·dor
n.
1. An authorized messenger or representative.
2. An unofficial representative: ambassadors of goodwill.

from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

There is no connection between this project and the Ambassador Bridge, but there is a metaphor at play. Connecting countries and poets, bridging common grounds and ideas, The Ambassador Poetry Project aims to act as a gateway for emerging and established writers, as well as readers of homegrown talents. For those whose passion is poetry the role of ambassador is often adopted, and with these ideas in mind the project was born.

Founding Editor Lori A. May is a native of southwestern Ontario. She now calls Michigan her home.

Lori is a poet, novelist, and freelance writer whose work has appeared in publications such as The Writer, Two Review, Tipton Poetry Journal, and anthologies such as Van Gogh's Ear. She is a member of the Modern Language Association, AWP, Michigan College English Association, Midwest Pop Culture Association, and The Poetry Society of America. She is the author of three poetry chapbooks, and two novels: The Profiler (Aug 05) and Moving Target (Jan 08). Her debut full-length poetry collection, stains: early poems, was released in 2009.

Lori is also the Founding Editor of The Western Literary Review at The University of Western Ontario and is a professional writing instructor with institutions such as Fanshawe College.

For more information about her current projects, workshops, and events, visit www.loriamay.com.

History in the making… The Ambassador Poetry Project was developed in the spring of 2009. The premiere issue was published in September 2009.