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