Ideas about healthy eating have changed over the years and so to have our ideas about exercise. How a person decides to exercise is dependent on the individual and options abound. Some prefer vigorous workouts others, choose something more gentle and fluid. Why choose one option over another? Generally it depends on two things - what’s available in the community and secondly what the individual themselves see as a comfortable way to fit exercise into their daily or weekly routine. Walkers, yoga enthusiasts, swimmers, dancers and circuit exercisers, today there are many options when seeking a good and healthy workout.
Part of what is collectively called ‘wushu’ Tai Chi is no longer used for self-defence, but rather as an either part of an exercise program or as a complement to health care. Often described as a ‘ballet’, ‘poetry in motion’ or ‘shadow boxing’ this graceful form of exercise has excellent health benefits especially for older people. Health benefits that include stress reduction, better balance and increased flexibility.
Starting among the Shoalin priests of China over two thousand years ago, Tai Chi involves stretching the spine, with each move starts from the feet up. During what is called a Set you perform a defined series of movements, slowly and with each move flowing into the next. In the Beginner class the goal is simply to learn the moves and to make the mind-body connection. Long time instructor Barb Howardson says the main challenge at the beginning is to do the moves slowly and smoothly; but as a group progresses the class becomes more meditative and the collective synergy more apparent.
And what are the health benefits of this ancient type of exercise? Various studies have shown that for older adults all forms of Tai Chi can definitely improve balance, flexibility and reduce the risk of falls. Because the movements are low impact, they put minimal stress on muscles and joints, while increasing muscle strength. For these same reasons, if someone has a condition such as arthritis, MS or is recovering from an injury, special Health Recovery Tai Chi classes can prove helpful. Getting out into the community and interacting with people of various ages does wonders for a person’s state of mind and so because classes are often mixed both in age and gender there are also untold social benefits.
Confucius said centuries ago that, ‘the firm, the enduring, the simple and the modest are near to virtue’. Tai Chi’s fundamental principles and poetic movements reflect this ancient Chinese wisdom through its gentle dance of mind, body and soul, and with that dance a sure way to a long and healthy life.
Carol Baird-Krul
Writer, Presenter and Retirement Planner
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Reading and Writing - an author's life
To write or not to write was never the question, but rather, when to write, for this doctor cum published novelist. Roy Innes always enjoyed writing but during the time he worked as an Ophthalmologist he lacked the time. Roy looks back on his primary career with pride and pleasure but his retirement career is even more enjoyable as he explores his creativity and writes, writes, writes.
Always a lover of murder mysteries Roy Innes’s first published novel, ‘Murder in the Monashees’ was set in southern BC and is what is called a locked door mystery that presents the protagonist, RCMP Corporal Blakemore with a seemingly impossible scenario of the murder victim literally ‘falling from the sky’. Beneath the main storyline is a tangled web of human sadness and lost dreams making this enjoyable and easy read touching to the extreme.
Roy is a quiet, modest man who definitely does not look at all like someone who spent the many working summers of his youth in the rough and ready world of a logging camp. Although he considers himself to be a rather poor public speaker who is more comfortable communicating through his writing he definitely does enjoy people, as well as, telling stories about his varied life.
Roy credits both the Saskatchewan Education system of the 40’s and early 50’s for giving him a good start in the world of writing and his Mother for fostering his love of reading by spending hard earned dollars on a second hand set of encyclopaedias. Although isolated in many ways because of being the son of an itinerant farm worker Roy’s bright mind and a series of serendipitous events and various school friends got Roy into university where his favourite subject was always English. However, having decided to pursue a career in medicine he eventually had to stop taking English courses and concentrate on the Sciences. With that decision he also put his creative writing on hold, although he continued to weave plots in his mind and write papers and correspondence that often seemed to be short stories to the reader. With a touch of wry humour, Roy puts it this way, “My writing during my career was all non-fiction with a touch of fiction thrown into the budget proposals.”
Eventually retiring from his successful career in medicine, Roy and his wife Barrie relocated to Gabriola Island were the family had had a summer home for a number of years. It was during the early stages of this relocation that Roy decided he wanted to return to his writing, but ever the academic and always liking a challenge he also decided that he would take some creative writing courses online from Humber College. Good fortune shined on him yet again in the form of his online tutor who encouraged him to write, write, write; but assured him that if she ‘couldn’t see it’ she’d let him know. The end result of this collaboration was Roy’s first novel, which his tutor suggested he should get published. It wasn’t his first novel and it won’t be his last, as he has just completed his third published book and, not being satisfied with simply an adult mystery writer, Roy also has, in the works, a young adult book that is based on an event that happened while out walking along the beach with his granddaughter.
Among Roy’s favourite authors are Hemingway and Steinbeck, but he considers little know author Raymond Carver, who said ‘good writers don’t need tricks or gimmicks’, to be his guru. He also suggests that reading makes a good author because it stimulates and teaches the reader at the same time. While agreeing that a writer should write what they know about he also thinks they should write what they like to read, in his case, murder mysteries. While he enjoys writing he admits that creating natural dialogue can be a challenge, as is making sure all the threads of the storyline remain intact throughout the novel.
Unlike some authors Roy doesn’t have a schedule for writing, although he does write or edit every day. For him the best time to do this is in the morning and he has multiple ongoing projects at one time. When asked where his characters and plots come from Roy says frankly, nowhere and everywhere. None of his characters to date, are created from just one person he knows nor have his storylines come from a single event, rather they are made up from snippets of conversations and observations of people garnered over the years. He feels his diversified life experience, his need to be acutely aware and observant in his medical career and his enjoyment of a challenge has all colluded to make him a successful author.
Roy Innes is a contented man. He enjoys his life, his family and friends both new and old. He enjoys hunting, classical music and although very trim he is also a ‘foodie’. Roy has no regrets about his life either his choice of a primary career or the convoluted path that eventually led him to his new one as an author. He says simply, “A writer is a reader and I’ve always loved to read and I love to write.” and write he will for some time to come.
Books by Roy Innes are published by NeWest Press
http://www.newestpress.com/catalog/authors/innes-roy.html
Written by: Carol Baird-Krul
Always a lover of murder mysteries Roy Innes’s first published novel, ‘Murder in the Monashees’ was set in southern BC and is what is called a locked door mystery that presents the protagonist, RCMP Corporal Blakemore with a seemingly impossible scenario of the murder victim literally ‘falling from the sky’. Beneath the main storyline is a tangled web of human sadness and lost dreams making this enjoyable and easy read touching to the extreme.
Roy is a quiet, modest man who definitely does not look at all like someone who spent the many working summers of his youth in the rough and ready world of a logging camp. Although he considers himself to be a rather poor public speaker who is more comfortable communicating through his writing he definitely does enjoy people, as well as, telling stories about his varied life.
Roy credits both the Saskatchewan Education system of the 40’s and early 50’s for giving him a good start in the world of writing and his Mother for fostering his love of reading by spending hard earned dollars on a second hand set of encyclopaedias. Although isolated in many ways because of being the son of an itinerant farm worker Roy’s bright mind and a series of serendipitous events and various school friends got Roy into university where his favourite subject was always English. However, having decided to pursue a career in medicine he eventually had to stop taking English courses and concentrate on the Sciences. With that decision he also put his creative writing on hold, although he continued to weave plots in his mind and write papers and correspondence that often seemed to be short stories to the reader. With a touch of wry humour, Roy puts it this way, “My writing during my career was all non-fiction with a touch of fiction thrown into the budget proposals.”
Eventually retiring from his successful career in medicine, Roy and his wife Barrie relocated to Gabriola Island were the family had had a summer home for a number of years. It was during the early stages of this relocation that Roy decided he wanted to return to his writing, but ever the academic and always liking a challenge he also decided that he would take some creative writing courses online from Humber College. Good fortune shined on him yet again in the form of his online tutor who encouraged him to write, write, write; but assured him that if she ‘couldn’t see it’ she’d let him know. The end result of this collaboration was Roy’s first novel, which his tutor suggested he should get published. It wasn’t his first novel and it won’t be his last, as he has just completed his third published book and, not being satisfied with simply an adult mystery writer, Roy also has, in the works, a young adult book that is based on an event that happened while out walking along the beach with his granddaughter.
Among Roy’s favourite authors are Hemingway and Steinbeck, but he considers little know author Raymond Carver, who said ‘good writers don’t need tricks or gimmicks’, to be his guru. He also suggests that reading makes a good author because it stimulates and teaches the reader at the same time. While agreeing that a writer should write what they know about he also thinks they should write what they like to read, in his case, murder mysteries. While he enjoys writing he admits that creating natural dialogue can be a challenge, as is making sure all the threads of the storyline remain intact throughout the novel.
Unlike some authors Roy doesn’t have a schedule for writing, although he does write or edit every day. For him the best time to do this is in the morning and he has multiple ongoing projects at one time. When asked where his characters and plots come from Roy says frankly, nowhere and everywhere. None of his characters to date, are created from just one person he knows nor have his storylines come from a single event, rather they are made up from snippets of conversations and observations of people garnered over the years. He feels his diversified life experience, his need to be acutely aware and observant in his medical career and his enjoyment of a challenge has all colluded to make him a successful author.
Roy Innes is a contented man. He enjoys his life, his family and friends both new and old. He enjoys hunting, classical music and although very trim he is also a ‘foodie’. Roy has no regrets about his life either his choice of a primary career or the convoluted path that eventually led him to his new one as an author. He says simply, “A writer is a reader and I’ve always loved to read and I love to write.” and write he will for some time to come.
Books by Roy Innes are published by NeWest Press
http://www.newestpress.com/catalog/authors/innes-roy.html
Written by: Carol Baird-Krul
Friday, January 1, 2010
Scuba Diving Veteran
To say that Vic Lindal has a zest for life, boundless energy and a sense of adventure would be making mere understatements. Freshly back from scuba diving in Wakatobi Marine Park, Indonesia, Vic is full of the fabulous new experiences he had, “it has to be the best dive trip ever. The most fantastic coral, sponges and fish. The life under water was truly from another world,” he enthuses.
Vic is the kind of person who soaks up every thing that an experience has to offer. Not seen by him before were, amongst others, lion fish, flat head crocodile fish, sea snakes and in particular a pygmy sea horse which he appreciated being shown by the guide so small was it. He loved the attention to detail that was offered to the divers and the quality of the dive briefings, which, being one to want every possible scrap of information Vic very much appreciated. Clad in a light full or shorty wet suit he’d spend about 60 or 70 minutes on a dive; wall dives mostly of some 80 feet or so.
It might be considered lucky that Vic went on the drive trip, but to his way of thinking it’s synchronicity. A while back his dive buddies and he were at an event which involved underwater filming and one of them won a prize which just happened to be to diving in Wakatobi. Time went by and eventually they decided to make good on the offer and asked Vic along and naturally he jumped at the chance; through some fortunate timing and arrangements he was able to go.
Ever ready for an adventure or new experience Vic embraces all the opportunities that come his way, and if they don’t, he creates them. He himself is not a victim of what he calls AADD Adult Adventure Deficit Disorder and he urges others not to become afflicted by it. “I hear people say things like, someday I would like to take that trip or do some particular thing. But when the time comes they are not prepared or fit enough to take that adventure,” he says. “It is my crusade,” he affirms, “to help people get on with their lives and have adventures.”
Vic’s adventures run the gamut from cycling with his grandchildren, to scuba diving in tropical waters, to seeking out his Icelandic roots, to hunting for trilobites and much, much more. One of the biggest commitments he’s made is to “be fit for my grandchildren” of which he has ten. “I want to be fit for the experience,” he says. But whatever that experience happens to be Vic will embark on it with the grandchild in question from the moment the idea is sparked. “We do the research into the project from the beginning to the end,” he says, and they plan it carefully and visualize what it is they want to achieve. For instance, a recent adventure involved teaching two of his grandchildren how to ride bicycles. All three of them set times for the coaching and learn everything about the skill of cycling, rules of the road, equipment etc. before undertaking the first journey from Victoria to Mill Bay, via the ferry.
Always emphasizing the positive Vic thrives on planning these adventures with his grandchildren. He carries this enthusiasm through to his other activities some of which include refereeing volleyball and basketball teams. And, he has a tip for parents who have children participating in sports, “always carry a notebook while you are out there watching your children and write down all the things that they did well. Make these known to the children and help them relive all the positive experiences they had rather than the negative ones.”
Vic works as a personal coach and over the past 17 years he’s travelled far and wide delivering motivational speeches and consulting with a myriad of organizations and individuals. “I enjoy it and will continue to do it – there’s no reason not to,” he says. He makes sure that his speaking skills don’t become rusty by participating at Toastmasters, “your skills will fall through your fingers and you don’t notice they are gone,” he warns, “so stay sharp.” After all, when you make presentations people expect you to do well and besides you are always evaluated, he adds.
Vic’s been a sports consultant for the Government of British Columbia and was a school teacher of Math, P.E. and Special Education in Vancouver. But one of the best things he’s done is to coach Canada’s National Women’s Volleyball team from 1969/1977. He says his goal then, which was achieved, was to become the best team in North America.
A more recent goal was achieved when Vic and another granddaughter took the B.C. Parks and Recreation Fitness Instructor course together. They met regularly to go over the material and exercise and eventually received their strength training certificates. “We had to do a practical and we were tested together. We might be the only grandpa and granddaughter strength training combo,” he laughs.
Raised in Cordova Bay, Vic comes by his boundless energy through his parents who were both very much interested in exercise, good nutrition and loved badminton. Vic’s dad was about 65 when Vic finally beat him at an ongoing personal contest the two had had going for some years – walking on their hands across the lawn at Royal Roads.
There are some moments in Vic’s life which might be recognized as relaxation: he loves to read books that are not part of his current studies, and he meditates every morning. And, “I’m a good dancer,” he says, adding with a laugh “I’m working on my modesty!”
Vic’s future goals include completing a bicycle adventure with another granddaughter from Nanaimo to Qualicum, diving at Cayman Brac, men’s volleyball and “to continue inspiring the clients I have and new ones that come into my life and provide guidance so they can follow their life paths.” But what if people don’t know what it is they want to do? Vic says, write down all the things that you don’t like or don’t want to do, and then write a list of the polar opposites, then ask yourself what each of those things is going to look like. As for Vic he definitely doesn’t want to climb Mt. Everest, but he does want to do some back country camping. Being fit for the experience is the key, according to Vic, in terms of the physical, mental and spiritual.
Looking out at the grey, wind-blown ocean at Ogden Point Vic compares the scene to his view of life, “you can see the ripples on the ocean and there’s not much there, you have to plunge in and there a whole other world is opened up, but if you want to see the fine details you need a guide.”
This article just scratches the surface of Vic’s adventures to read more check out his website.
www.viclindal.ca
www.wakatobi.org
Written by Enise Olding
Vic is the kind of person who soaks up every thing that an experience has to offer. Not seen by him before were, amongst others, lion fish, flat head crocodile fish, sea snakes and in particular a pygmy sea horse which he appreciated being shown by the guide so small was it. He loved the attention to detail that was offered to the divers and the quality of the dive briefings, which, being one to want every possible scrap of information Vic very much appreciated. Clad in a light full or shorty wet suit he’d spend about 60 or 70 minutes on a dive; wall dives mostly of some 80 feet or so.
It might be considered lucky that Vic went on the drive trip, but to his way of thinking it’s synchronicity. A while back his dive buddies and he were at an event which involved underwater filming and one of them won a prize which just happened to be to diving in Wakatobi. Time went by and eventually they decided to make good on the offer and asked Vic along and naturally he jumped at the chance; through some fortunate timing and arrangements he was able to go.
Ever ready for an adventure or new experience Vic embraces all the opportunities that come his way, and if they don’t, he creates them. He himself is not a victim of what he calls AADD Adult Adventure Deficit Disorder and he urges others not to become afflicted by it. “I hear people say things like, someday I would like to take that trip or do some particular thing. But when the time comes they are not prepared or fit enough to take that adventure,” he says. “It is my crusade,” he affirms, “to help people get on with their lives and have adventures.”
Vic’s adventures run the gamut from cycling with his grandchildren, to scuba diving in tropical waters, to seeking out his Icelandic roots, to hunting for trilobites and much, much more. One of the biggest commitments he’s made is to “be fit for my grandchildren” of which he has ten. “I want to be fit for the experience,” he says. But whatever that experience happens to be Vic will embark on it with the grandchild in question from the moment the idea is sparked. “We do the research into the project from the beginning to the end,” he says, and they plan it carefully and visualize what it is they want to achieve. For instance, a recent adventure involved teaching two of his grandchildren how to ride bicycles. All three of them set times for the coaching and learn everything about the skill of cycling, rules of the road, equipment etc. before undertaking the first journey from Victoria to Mill Bay, via the ferry.
Always emphasizing the positive Vic thrives on planning these adventures with his grandchildren. He carries this enthusiasm through to his other activities some of which include refereeing volleyball and basketball teams. And, he has a tip for parents who have children participating in sports, “always carry a notebook while you are out there watching your children and write down all the things that they did well. Make these known to the children and help them relive all the positive experiences they had rather than the negative ones.”
Vic works as a personal coach and over the past 17 years he’s travelled far and wide delivering motivational speeches and consulting with a myriad of organizations and individuals. “I enjoy it and will continue to do it – there’s no reason not to,” he says. He makes sure that his speaking skills don’t become rusty by participating at Toastmasters, “your skills will fall through your fingers and you don’t notice they are gone,” he warns, “so stay sharp.” After all, when you make presentations people expect you to do well and besides you are always evaluated, he adds.
Vic’s been a sports consultant for the Government of British Columbia and was a school teacher of Math, P.E. and Special Education in Vancouver. But one of the best things he’s done is to coach Canada’s National Women’s Volleyball team from 1969/1977. He says his goal then, which was achieved, was to become the best team in North America.
A more recent goal was achieved when Vic and another granddaughter took the B.C. Parks and Recreation Fitness Instructor course together. They met regularly to go over the material and exercise and eventually received their strength training certificates. “We had to do a practical and we were tested together. We might be the only grandpa and granddaughter strength training combo,” he laughs.
Raised in Cordova Bay, Vic comes by his boundless energy through his parents who were both very much interested in exercise, good nutrition and loved badminton. Vic’s dad was about 65 when Vic finally beat him at an ongoing personal contest the two had had going for some years – walking on their hands across the lawn at Royal Roads.
There are some moments in Vic’s life which might be recognized as relaxation: he loves to read books that are not part of his current studies, and he meditates every morning. And, “I’m a good dancer,” he says, adding with a laugh “I’m working on my modesty!”
Vic’s future goals include completing a bicycle adventure with another granddaughter from Nanaimo to Qualicum, diving at Cayman Brac, men’s volleyball and “to continue inspiring the clients I have and new ones that come into my life and provide guidance so they can follow their life paths.” But what if people don’t know what it is they want to do? Vic says, write down all the things that you don’t like or don’t want to do, and then write a list of the polar opposites, then ask yourself what each of those things is going to look like. As for Vic he definitely doesn’t want to climb Mt. Everest, but he does want to do some back country camping. Being fit for the experience is the key, according to Vic, in terms of the physical, mental and spiritual.
Looking out at the grey, wind-blown ocean at Ogden Point Vic compares the scene to his view of life, “you can see the ripples on the ocean and there’s not much there, you have to plunge in and there a whole other world is opened up, but if you want to see the fine details you need a guide.”
This article just scratches the surface of Vic’s adventures to read more check out his website.
www.viclindal.ca
www.wakatobi.org
Written by Enise Olding
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Out of the Warm Land - New Publication - A Collection of Poems and Stories
Claudia Tenold is used to packing and unpacking cardboard boxes full of books, curiously sorting through the tantalizing contents to see which volumes will end up on the shelves of her used and collectible book store in downtown Duncan. But there are several boxes different from the others which bring a sparkle to Claudia’s eye and quicken her pulse as she opens them for they contain the newly published “Out of the Warm Land” a collection of stories and poems from Cowichan Valley writers and of which Claudia is one of the editors and publisher.
It wall started when colleague Richard Neftin was discussing with Claudia a book he himself was preparing to publish. Her mind moved to the many writers she encountered through her work whose work might be gathered up and published in a book. “Hearing Richard talk about his book, I just thought, how hard could it be?” Claudia laughs, adding with hindsight, “ignorance is bliss!”
No stranger to taking on new challenges Claudia moved from Saskatchewan to British Columbia five years’ ago. Following up on a lead from someone she’d met in Mexico she explored the possibility of running a B&B in Chemainus, but research made it clear that it wasn’t what she really wanted to do. It was when a cousin showed Claudia and her sister Kathie around the local area that in Duncan they came upon “two very nice bookstores” which were available and they decided to just as she says, “do it” and now they each run one of those stores.
Claudia had previously been a teacher and finds much joy and satisfaction in books. Poets were encouraged to post their works in her bookstore’s poetry corner, and eventually Claudia’s file of local authors’ works grew very full so the idea triggered by Richard’s own publishing project was ripe for action.
Between them Claudia and Richard, who worked at Kathie’s store, took the first step towards gathering the works of local authors for a published anthology. They weren’t sure what would happen when in February 2009 they posted notices in the two bookstores requesting entries by May 2009, and waited.
“We were overwhelmed with interest,” Claudia exclaims. Some entries were typed, some handwritten and lots were received by email. “We ended up with too many,” she says, because they hadn’t put much of a criteria on entries. Mostly single entries were submitted, “but one person sent in 30 poems,” says Claudia, “and one high school student brought in a handwritten item with no name or contact information on it,” and so, she cheerfully admits, “there were a lot of things we learned along the way!”
Now they had to tackle the tide of submissions and get them into some semblance of order before taking on the onerous task of deciding which entries to use in the anthology. “Britanny Fraboni who works in store was really helpful, entering everything into the computer and printing up two copies,” explains Claudia. Over 200 entries were received and eventually 54 people would be featured with some 70 articles in the anthology.
Richard took one copy and Claudia took the other and they read through all the submissions. They each chose the ones they liked, “it was the only criteria we had,” says Claudia. Then they got together to compare preferences and work through the submissions deciding which would be too long, or better suited to other types of book, and to come up with a variety of works from a variety of writers. “We had differing opinions as to criteria,” says Claudia, “so many peoples’ work had possibilities and so decided we didn’t want to be worried about judging it but to put the emphasis on creativity.”
For Claudia it came down to one thing, “I just wanted to see peoples’ work in print to give them confidence to keep on writing. Not only for them to have their work published but for them to get exposure without having to write an entire book themselves.”
Jerry Read is typical of some of those whose work found its way into the book, “I told stories and wrote them for my kids and grandkids. One day I was talking with Claudia and she suggested I might submit one for inclusion in the book she was publishing. So I did,” he says. He’d never submitted anything for publication before but now he feels very positive and encouraged. As an added benefit Jerry says, “through it I’ve become aware of quite a few new local writers. We share manuscripts and help each other out.” The story which is featured in the book “The boy who wanted a Real Horse” has, he says, morphed into a book in which this story forms the first chapter.
Poet John Steven saw the ad and was pleased to have the “opportunity for some of my writing to be shown to people in the community,” he says. It seems like a good project, to show the writing talent of local people, and he says, having had this experience he’ll feel more confident to submit writing to other publications.
About now Claudia’s colleague, Richard, moved to Prince Edward Island but Claudia enthusiastically carried on with the project. She got encouragement from many including previously published Chemainus author Eliza Hemmingway, who Claudia recalls reminded her that the book is not going to be perfect, and don’t expect it to be. Photographer Jim Salt provided the book’s cover image, Britanny created some artwork, Jeff Downie, Pat Ormand and Kristi Koons of the book stores also set to on preparing the book for publication.
Learning each step along the way Claudia eventually got the book to the publishers, created the table of contents, page numbering and then went through a series of proof readings, making changes, and then modifications to the setup of the cover image before it all was signed off and went to print.
Now, some 500 copies of “Out of the Warm Land” containing the works of local authors can be shared with the community, and beyond. For Claudia the whole process was a big learning experience which called for patience and determination. Would she do it again? “Yep!” is the firm answer. “People come into the book store who I know belong to book clubs, or write stories and poems but they would not put them up in our Poetry Corner display. People just felt too shy to submit their work, but now I show them the book and they say ‘I should have’ and they promise to come forward for the next book, “says Claudia.
“Out of the Warm Land” is available at:
• tenoldbooks@telus.net
• www.gallowglassbooks.com
• Vancouver Island Public Library
ISBN 978-0-9812348-0-9
Written by Enise Olding
It wall started when colleague Richard Neftin was discussing with Claudia a book he himself was preparing to publish. Her mind moved to the many writers she encountered through her work whose work might be gathered up and published in a book. “Hearing Richard talk about his book, I just thought, how hard could it be?” Claudia laughs, adding with hindsight, “ignorance is bliss!”
No stranger to taking on new challenges Claudia moved from Saskatchewan to British Columbia five years’ ago. Following up on a lead from someone she’d met in Mexico she explored the possibility of running a B&B in Chemainus, but research made it clear that it wasn’t what she really wanted to do. It was when a cousin showed Claudia and her sister Kathie around the local area that in Duncan they came upon “two very nice bookstores” which were available and they decided to just as she says, “do it” and now they each run one of those stores.
Claudia had previously been a teacher and finds much joy and satisfaction in books. Poets were encouraged to post their works in her bookstore’s poetry corner, and eventually Claudia’s file of local authors’ works grew very full so the idea triggered by Richard’s own publishing project was ripe for action.
Between them Claudia and Richard, who worked at Kathie’s store, took the first step towards gathering the works of local authors for a published anthology. They weren’t sure what would happen when in February 2009 they posted notices in the two bookstores requesting entries by May 2009, and waited.
“We were overwhelmed with interest,” Claudia exclaims. Some entries were typed, some handwritten and lots were received by email. “We ended up with too many,” she says, because they hadn’t put much of a criteria on entries. Mostly single entries were submitted, “but one person sent in 30 poems,” says Claudia, “and one high school student brought in a handwritten item with no name or contact information on it,” and so, she cheerfully admits, “there were a lot of things we learned along the way!”
Now they had to tackle the tide of submissions and get them into some semblance of order before taking on the onerous task of deciding which entries to use in the anthology. “Britanny Fraboni who works in store was really helpful, entering everything into the computer and printing up two copies,” explains Claudia. Over 200 entries were received and eventually 54 people would be featured with some 70 articles in the anthology.
Richard took one copy and Claudia took the other and they read through all the submissions. They each chose the ones they liked, “it was the only criteria we had,” says Claudia. Then they got together to compare preferences and work through the submissions deciding which would be too long, or better suited to other types of book, and to come up with a variety of works from a variety of writers. “We had differing opinions as to criteria,” says Claudia, “so many peoples’ work had possibilities and so decided we didn’t want to be worried about judging it but to put the emphasis on creativity.”
For Claudia it came down to one thing, “I just wanted to see peoples’ work in print to give them confidence to keep on writing. Not only for them to have their work published but for them to get exposure without having to write an entire book themselves.”
Jerry Read is typical of some of those whose work found its way into the book, “I told stories and wrote them for my kids and grandkids. One day I was talking with Claudia and she suggested I might submit one for inclusion in the book she was publishing. So I did,” he says. He’d never submitted anything for publication before but now he feels very positive and encouraged. As an added benefit Jerry says, “through it I’ve become aware of quite a few new local writers. We share manuscripts and help each other out.” The story which is featured in the book “The boy who wanted a Real Horse” has, he says, morphed into a book in which this story forms the first chapter.
Poet John Steven saw the ad and was pleased to have the “opportunity for some of my writing to be shown to people in the community,” he says. It seems like a good project, to show the writing talent of local people, and he says, having had this experience he’ll feel more confident to submit writing to other publications.
About now Claudia’s colleague, Richard, moved to Prince Edward Island but Claudia enthusiastically carried on with the project. She got encouragement from many including previously published Chemainus author Eliza Hemmingway, who Claudia recalls reminded her that the book is not going to be perfect, and don’t expect it to be. Photographer Jim Salt provided the book’s cover image, Britanny created some artwork, Jeff Downie, Pat Ormand and Kristi Koons of the book stores also set to on preparing the book for publication.
Learning each step along the way Claudia eventually got the book to the publishers, created the table of contents, page numbering and then went through a series of proof readings, making changes, and then modifications to the setup of the cover image before it all was signed off and went to print.
Now, some 500 copies of “Out of the Warm Land” containing the works of local authors can be shared with the community, and beyond. For Claudia the whole process was a big learning experience which called for patience and determination. Would she do it again? “Yep!” is the firm answer. “People come into the book store who I know belong to book clubs, or write stories and poems but they would not put them up in our Poetry Corner display. People just felt too shy to submit their work, but now I show them the book and they say ‘I should have’ and they promise to come forward for the next book, “says Claudia.
“Out of the Warm Land” is available at:
• tenoldbooks@telus.net
• www.gallowglassbooks.com
• Vancouver Island Public Library
ISBN 978-0-9812348-0-9
Written by Enise Olding
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