Okanagan Life June 2015 Q&A CropThanks to Okanagan Life magazine for featuring me and Emily Carr’s BC: Vancouver Island in the June 2015  issue, author Q&A. Read on for the full interview.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Okanagan Life June 2015 Q&AWhat inspired you to write this book?

As a travel writer I was fascinated by Emily Carr’s epic treks, more than 20,000 kilometres in BC alone. Without her wanderlust, I think it’s fair to say she would never have become the author and artist we revere today. I decided to follow her path.

How much research was required?

Tons! Over the last three years I’ve travelled to nearly every place in BC where Emily lived or worked; spent hours in the BC Archives and studied everything she wrote — books, journals, letters, dog kennel accounts — as well as all the biographies. I’ve combed through art books and visited numerous galleries in BC and Ontario.

What have you learned?

I’ve discovered that Emily Carr was an even more remarkable woman than I imagined, a worthy role model in so many respects. I’ve learned interesting details about the history of our province, met fascinating people (often in remote locations) and gained valuable insight into First Nations issues and aspirations.

Who are your intended readers?
Emily Carr’s B.C.: Vancouver Island works for travellers en route or on the sofa. I’ve let Emily speak for herself through quotes about the places I visit, while I fill in the historical background and modern experience. The book also includes maps and photos to complement the narrative.

Do you have plans for more books?
Emily Carr’s B.C.: The Mainland and Haida Gwaii is slated for release in 2016.

Author photo by Bruce Kemp.