Today we have with us writer Pauline Kiely talking about her book - No poverty between the sheets! Read on what she has to tell!
Me: Why did you write this memoir?
Writer : My father and grandmother had a lot of energy, comical adventures, and one liners. I wrote this book to entertain and capture the essence these vibrant characters for future generations and people who have a sense of humour to enjoy.
Me: How did you do research for your book?
Writer : I read a lot, and as a curious kid at family gatherings I would ask elder relatives to tell me about their lives. Some of these stories I jotted down, but most I was able to draw from memory. I include, "The Cremation of Sam McGee", as an example of how my grandfather was able to exercise his memory by committing this very large poem to memory.
Me: Were you worried that family members would be offended by anything you wrote about them?
Writer : Actually, I was so overwhelmed about trying to fit it all in while writing the book that it didn't even cross my mind. At my book launch I sold just over two hundred copies. From this I had three family members, and one friend, come forward to say they didn't like something. When I explained the tone to my friend, she was fine after that, but these same three family members remain upset for what they say is, "The family secret," being exposed. In my heart and conscience I knew that I'd simply told my story, and the truth. I communicated to them that in my life I didn't have the luxury of secrets. Other than this the reviews and comments have been very positive and encouraging. Most family members say, "You nailed it!" To date only two people noticed or have commented on how the writing gets progressively better, especially towards the end. To them I was able to explain that this was intentional as my voice transcends from a child through to adulthood.
Me : What was the hardest part about writing your memoir?
Writer : Finding my unique voice. I wrote chapters of this book in fiction, and in third person, but when I discovered memoir it poured out the way I wanted it to. The story is told as if we were sitting around a campfire. The other part that was hard was disciplining myself to sit and write, plus all the hours of revision.
Me: What was the easiest part about writing your memoir?
Writer : Utilizing the convenience of a computer. Today we are so fortunate to have this resource and technology.
Me : What was the funniest thing that ever happened to you? The scariest? The strangest?
Writer : I have had a lot of funny things happen to me. Most recently, on my birthday, my seven year old grandson came over. He hugged me, and said, "Granny I counted to seven, and then I counted to fifty-three. It's amazing you're still alive!"
The scariest thing was in January of 2014 when I was in my car, sitting at a light, and got rear-ended by someone texting. The driver was in a big truck and hit my car full force while I was stopped. This happened with no warning, and I wasn't myself for the better part of six months.
The strangest was when I moved into my new home, and gave a copy of my book to a neighbour in gratitude for him plowing out the driveway. Four days later he said, "The guy who was decapitated by a snowplow in the chapter titled, "The Bee's Knees", that's not his real name."
I admitted, "No, because I had no way of contacting his family so chose to go with a fake name." And then he said, "I know this because that guy was my brother!"
Me : If you could go back in time, where would you go?
Writer : I would go back to May 7th, 1995, and I would hold my father's hand while he passed away.
Me : What is the last great book you've read?
"The Great Escape - A Canadian Story" by Ted Barris. I believe this book should be a mandatory read for all students at the high school level. It really gives a sense of the harsh conditions that prisoners of war endured, and the brilliant ingenuity, camaraderie, and courage of our Canadian Armed Forces during WWII.
I thank Pauline a lot for taking time out to answer questions! Wishing her best of luck with her book.
The writer has promised 5 copies of her book and 5x $10 amazon gift card up for grabs as giveaway! What are you waiting for?!
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