The girl who could: Gwen Smid, a writer, a teacher and a friend.
Gwen Smid is originally a Winnipegger, she now resides in Ottawa with her husband. She is all smiles and laughter every time I hear from her, the type of girl whose smile could light up the entire universe and a girl who'd crack a joke whenever she could. She's such a hilarious gal. I can proudly say I know someone famous, a Canadian writer! Plus, it's even cooler when she's a former high school teacher of mine.
Her first book "Mary's Atlas: Mary Meets Manitoba", was published in 2008 by Peanut Butter Press, and placed a spot on McNally Robinson's bestseller list. The following book to her series came out in 2010 called "Mary's Atlas: Mary Meets Ontario."
I got the opportunity to ask the Winnipeg-born prairie girl a couple of questions.
Q1) If you could work with any author who would it be?
G: Margaret Atwood...she's just so enormous in the Can Lit scene. I also think Drew Hayden Taylor is a riot. I met him at the Ottawa Writer's Festival last spring and he is as funny in person as he is in writing. Having these two Canuck giants at the same table would be great. But, I also love Melanie Watt's
Scaredy Squirrel picture books. Can I have her at my author party, too?
Q2) Who is your favourite author?
G: Oh boy. This is like asking a rainbow what its favourite colour is. Obviously I love Margaret Atwood (see above), but in regards to non-Canuck authors, I'd say Gregory Maguire. He's the author of the Wicked Wicked is about the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West (from Oz). You'll hate Dorothy by the end of the book! Can I add in one more person? Jonathan Saffron Foyer. He's young, funny, and oh so poignant. trilogy (I think a 4th book's coming out) and a number of other amazing books.
Q3) What inspired you to write the Mary's Atlas Series? and are you planning to write Mary's adventures for all the provinces and territories of Canada? G: The MA series was born out of my travels through Alberta one summer. My hubby, Borden, works for Parks Canada, and we spent two months bombing through AB's national parks in a minivan, sleeping in various campgrounds. We were driving along the Icefields Parkway and I was sure that the mountains winked at me. I knew there was magic in dem hills. I'd always search for province-related picture books in the local bookstores, but didn't come across one that was about the province written in a fun, playful way. Therefore, I took up the challenge and the MA series came to me.
Q4) Where do you look for inspiration to write? G: I look everywhere. I do work best at the little Bridgehead coffee shop near the school (Nepean HS) I teach at in Ottawa. Writing outside of my home prevents me from procrastinating. Otherwise, I find myself doing anything other than write: wash dishes, organize the tissue paper I've saved from previous birthdays, etc etc etc.
Q5) When do you usually write?
G: Some days I write late at night, but I find I'm good with writing during the day (when I'm not teaching).
Q6) How does living in Ottawa compare to living in Winnipeg?
G: I'm addicted to the political nature of Ottawa. Parliament is a bike ride away (albeit a long bike ride...haven't biked there since the International Zombie Day in October due to the rainy snowy weather).
Ottawa's also a lot more transient than Winnipeg. Since 3 out of 5 people work for the government, there are a lot of transfers. All of my good friends here weren't born in Ottawa. I do miss the prairies, though. And 7-11. There are none here anymore. Boo.
Q7) Did you always wanted to be a writer when you were a wee girl? or did you have other aspirations?
G: I always loved writing, but I always loved teaching as well. What can I say: I'm the oldest kid of 4. I was born to tell others what to do. hee hee
Well, and there you have it folks! Gwen Smid and all her glory. Funny and hilarious.
Check out her
Mary's Atlas Blog
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