The sub-theme for the evening was writing fiction vs. non-fiction as all authors have written both. Maureen Jennings said she loves researching real facts. It's one of the best parts of writing for her. Oakland mentioned taking history and injecting fiction. It wasn't until I read over my notes that I realized what they were referring to when they said fictionalizing history is becoming a growing trend. I am currently reading a book called In Falling Snow by Mary-Rose MacColl which speaks of WWI and a real place called Royaumont. It wasn't until I googled it that I found it was a real place. Oakland's story takes place in Mexico where he went to research and use old buildings in his story. Don Gillmor uses Toronto as the setting for his story but avoided being too specific about places. Wayne Johnston wondered allowed whether the address he used in his book, 44 Bonaventure, is a real place and whether some psycho from that address would come after him.
When it comes to locations like London and Mexico, Maureen said she can hardly wait to get writing when she is there while Oakland said he preferred to be "away from the place" before he started writing about it. Maureen Jennings also shared photos she found in antique stores, photos of people who she brought to life as characters in her novels.
The Son of a Certain Woman is Wayne Johnston's tenth novel. It is an engaging, humorous yet naughty novel. Sex, homosexuality, religion, and incest are topics that could offend some people. When asked if, while writing the book, he feared any backlash he said it was not a book he would have written as his first novel especially since 20 years ago it would have created more of an uproar. But while writing the story he felt if he toned it down then why write it at all.
The story takes place in St. John's, Newfoundland, a strong Catholic community. He said he has heard nothing from the people there and as he was heading there the following week he jokingly asked people to pray for him.
An audience member asked about e-books. We were informed that e-books are not as big in Canada as they are in the U.S. Publishers believe it will not get as big. The purchases of e-books vs. hard copy books is 50% in the U.S. and 25% in Canada. Royalties to authors is about the same, however authors like to be in the subway, coffee shop, airplane, or anywhere else, and see someone reading their book.
I had the opportunity to chat with Don Gillmor afterwards about my work-in-progress. I admitted that I was stalled for several reasons - one being some sexually graphic scenes I wrote which have since frightened me off. Mr. Gillmor, after hearing a brief outline of the story, insisted they are pertinent to the story and I must carry on. "Go way out there," he said. "Even with my first novel?" I joked. Another issue I had was that the novel, I was told by an agent, is too short at 55,000 words. He pointed out that another successful author wrote a novel that was only 52,000 words. He encouraged me to carry on.
I have been attending this event for the last 5 or 6 years. I will never miss one. This is the most enjoyable author evening. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I am always astounded as to how funny all these authors are. I said to one of my writing colleagues, "Are all authors this funny? They always seem to be so funny." She has attended several of these events as well and agreed with me. We always laugh our way through the evening. Getting to meet the authors one-on-one afterwards is a bonus.
Nancy and author Maureen Jennings
Nancy, Judy and Sonja
