On Thursday I had the great pleasure to attend a taping of the CBC Book Club for North by Northwest.
I’ve enjoyed listening to Sheryl MacKay host the Book Club for some time, and when my new friend Doris Ackerman on Saturna Island mentioned that her friend’s husband, the illustrious William Gibson, was going to be co-hosting a program, I decided to try and attend.
Then, a week after our trip to Saturna, Aaron shouted from the shower about something on the radio (we have a radio hooked to the lightswitch in the washroom, to provide CBC brand entreatment whenever the light is on). I went to CBC.ca/BC/BookClub and entered to win tickets. Days later, we were being escorted down into the thankfully air-conditioned CBC Studio One.
Admittedly, prior to her appearing on the Book Club, I was unfamiliar with Sarah Salway. I did some reading up on her before the taping, and was delighted to see that she writes both novels and short stories. I decided to ask her about her perspectives on writing them at the same time, and was delighted to hear both her and Mr. Gibson answer about their own writing process.
She was wonderful to hear, and I am going to get her book of short stories, Leading the Dance. She read some excerpts, and they were funny, charming, real, and well written. I enjoyed listening to her answer other questions from the audience as well.
I was on cloud nine for the whole night: real live authors, people who make money by writing! Listening to both Sarah Salway and William Gibson share their insights was a treat that will stay with me, and inspire me, as I continue this journey to become an author.
Tune into North by Northwest on CBC Radio One (690 AM in Vancouver, or right here online), Saturdays, September 3rd & 10th, between 8 and 9 am both days to hear this Book Club. You can hear her lovely readings, and me nervously asking my question!
Thanks for reading.
Heidi out.
H.G. Bells 