Since our debut issue, The Skipping Stones have continued an unabated schedule of online collaboration, all the more noteworthy considering the formidable life interruptions brought on by an international move (Scott), the arrival of a new baby (Rob), getting married (Chad) and journal publishing deadlines (Jason - Roadrunner) This demonstrates one or a number of things...our devotion to the haiku experience, the compelling power of the internet as a communication tool, or that everyone has been neglecting their families!
We had a wonderful response to our first issue and thank everyone who sent us words of praise and encouragement. We also appreciate the helpful notes readers made on errors and corrections. The little controversy over one of Scott's haiku (now removed and replaced) was especially entertaining. With this second issue we welcome readers to send us comments, reactions, corrections or whatever else one might dream up. We look forward to hearing what you think.
As with the first issue, we are fortunate to be able to feature the work of another well known and highly regarded guest editor, Vanessa Proctor. Vanessa has come to prominence in recent years, most notably through her appearance as a featured poet in 'A New Resonance 3: Emerging Voices in English-Language Haiku' (Red Moon Press, 2003). She also edited 'A to Zazen', an anthology of New Zealand Haiku in 2004 and co-edited the 'Second Australian Haiku Anthology' in 2006. It has been our pleasure to work with Vanessa on this issue and we hope you enjoy her selections from our work. Vanessa has also recently become a mother, so, along with Rob's recent arrival, this issue of The Skipping Stones has been put together between many a nappy change!