Born out of the intention to write a poem a day for a year, Elizabeth Zetlin's newest book Prompted by Happiness uses poems and prompts as jumping off points in the crafting of each poem included in this collection. Following the narrative of the year, the poems seem to ebb and flow the way the mind moves, never settling on one emotion directly. There is really no closure, just a guided meditation on the small moments of sorrow, joy, and happiness that make up a year. Deep, poignant, and timeless, Prompted by Happiness will bring the reader into a deeper understanding of themselves through Elizabeth's quiet contemplations of mood and moment.

Elizabeth Zetlin’s previous publications include Said the River (Penumbra Press, 1995), Connections (Always Press, 1994), and Ghost of Glenelg (Always Press, 1995), all collaborations with visual artists. Her chapbook The Gourd Poems received the 1999 Canadian Poetry Association’s Shaunt Basmajian Award. Her poetry has also received a Stephen Leacock Award (1998), and her first short story an honourable mention at the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival.

In addition to writing, Elizabeth works as a visual artist, creating installations such as ornamental gourds inscribed with images or words.

Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, she now lives in Toronto and Traverston, Ontario.

Elizabeth Zetlin's profile page