The Birth of a Novel

On October 21, Louis gave a talk, “The birth of a Novel: Cedar, Salmon and Weed,” at Simon Fraser University. He concluded his presentation to a “standing room only” crowd saying, “I think this story gives Boomer the life that was stolen from him and I hope you find pleasure in this tale.” The audience left after buying a bunch of books.

spiral staircase
The spiral staircase in the fictional John Boom’s Cedar Palace.
The real staircase exists in the Wenstob home in Port Desire. Photo: Tom Bird
 
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Book Inspiration …

A driving force in the creation of Cedar, Salmon and Weed was the impact of John Boom’s death on me. I was devastated, angered. After striking out, every which way, I settled on this novel, setting John, in the form of Gaz, as the protagonist. As the story, the fiction grew, Gaz had the life, death deprived John of.  He got the girl; his house was finished, and he may well see grandchildren. This made me feel good.

 

Class of 1972, Boomer on far right.
The first BMS summer student body (1972). John Boom, aka Gaz is front right. The photo was taken during Fire Daze and everyone had to wear a fire hat or… punishment might involve water. Photo by Bill Austin.
     

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