Book Review The Delusionist by Grant Buday

In 2006, with the help of my amateur sound-man husband, I self-published an audio book short story collection. It was my first publication of size; my first book. And I was so proud. After that, when people asked me what I did, I said, "...and I'm an author."

Grant Buday celebrating the release of The Delusionist

Grant Buday and I live on the same island. So it didn't take long for someone to point out, "You're not an author; Grant's an author." 

That's how Grant Buday became the walking, talking example of my goal--to become a traditionally published author. 

Last year or the year before, I attended a literary event where I listened to Anvil Press talk about their future publishing plans. "And Grant Buday's new book," they said and I didn't need to hear anymore. I was ready to buy that book even before it was published. A few months after that, I was a member of a captivated audience, listening to Grant Buday read excerpts from his soon-to-be-released book. This August I bought The Delusionist. And it was well worth the wait. 

Buy this book

The Delusionist is about a beginning: establishing a career in the arts; developing a loving relationship. 

In the opening chapters we are introduced to Cyril. And we learn that he is a gifted artist. But in order to claim this gift Cyril must discover who he is. He must learn to value himself. He must have the courage to stand-up and say, "Yes, this is who I am." How does he learn to do that without the example of a strong, adult male?

In the opening chapters Cyril is drawn to Connie. Unlike Cyril, Connie is unafraid of being different. In fact, she rebels in it. And Connie is driven to succeed. How can Connie build a relationship with Cyril and be free to reach for this success? 

These are the story questions but the tale is much more then the sum of these parts. 

The urban Vancouver setting comes to live at the hands of a master. The reader is treated to a complete sensory tour of the city--sights, smells and tastes. 

I would highly recommend The Delusionist to all artist--but especially to painters.

Thank you, Grant Buday, for this book. For me, it was a gripping ride--with lows of grief and highs of laughter. Please keep writing.

Grant Buday reading a scene from his new book--The Delusionist

More about this book...

Literary Press Group of Canada


Sharing my author journey...

Simon & Schuster's Incite-ful authors show me The Dark Side

Last Wednesday, March 19, I travelled by ferry from Mayne Island to Vancouver to visit my in-laws and to attend The Dark Side (a free literary event—part of the Incite series).

I walked into Vancouver’s central library and felt a change—it was no longer intimidating. I descended the stairs and walked into the Alice McKay room. Even though I was fifteen minutes early, many of the chairs were already occupied. I claimed a chair at the side of the room but decided to move so I could take better photos. Surprisingly, I was surprised to sit right behind Author Robin Spano.

Simon & Schuster had published all of the authors involved in this event.

The evening began with author readings. 

Sean Salder a.k.a. Sean Slater read the first two chapters of his book

Deryn Collier selected a reading that served as a introduction to her protagonist

Andrew Pyper read an exchange between two characters 

Nick Cutter a.k.a. Craig Davidson read the last two chapters of his book.

A question and answer session followed the readings. The audience was engaged and questions flew around the room. Here’s what I heard…

How did you start to write?

I wrote fan fiction.

Writing crime fiction was a desire I had since childhood.

My passion for reading inspired me to write.

The problems involved in writing under a pen name were discussed—especially in light of offering an author reading. (i.e. Who is on the stage?)

Is it easier to write your second book?

In certain ways, yes, because now I know my strengths and can rely on them.

Now I have confidence in my ability to write.

I find that it’s easier to structure my novel but I face more doubts and I impose higher standards on my writing.

When asked which book is their favourite, one author said that it was the one that was in the trunk. He was waiting for the best time to start a project that was dear to his heart. Most of the authors said that it was impossible to pick one favourite—they liked all their books, but for different reasons. “And all come home with different report cards.”

On the subject of formal training in writing, all authors agreed that it wasn’t necessary.

Reading is your education.

Seek out master storytellers and study their craft.

Attend writing events.

The lone author who was working on completing his PhD said that even though formal training wasn’t necessary it could prove valuable if looked at as working on your writing for two years in a supportive environment. Would-be students was cautioned against buying into one-upmanship.

The topic of research was discussed.

I draw on my life experiences.

I’m not writing a procedural.

I don’t hesitate to call up anybody—to answer my research questions.

I try to get the basic details.

Remember that there will be variances between professionals.

It’s the culture of the profession that is most important for me to capture.

When do you write?

Full-time 9 to 5 Monday to Friday

I write when I can. When my children were young, I woke at 4 a.m. and wrote until 7 a.m.

I write before I read emails.

I do what’s working when it’s working and that can vary.

I always leave something exciting to working for the next day.

The evening concluded with book signings.
***
Sharing my author journey...

Canadian Authors Association by Leanne Dyck

Canadian Authors Association

On Wednesday, November 13^th I sailed from my island home—Mayne Island—to attend a Canadian Authors Association meeting. As this was my first meeting, I wasn’t sure what to expect. And I was pleasantly surprised. My pen flew across the paper, taking notes, as the panel of executives generously shared their favourite writing tips.

Tips…

'-No matter what your writing style, get a professional editor to review your work to help you say what you mean

-Organize your research and compose an original style of presenting your information

-Observe and analyze daily events that present magical moments

-Use proper grammar and strengthen your verbs

-Be consistent in your writing habits

-Know about the field and offer something that will capture the reader in that particular field. Humour and things that uplift and support the individual industry are welcome.

-Ignore your internal critic, and write anyway, because you have a story to tell.

-Reading your material out loud is the best way to get a feel for your story.

-Belong to a Writing Circle.

-A writer helping other writers—share your wisdom and support other writers

-Make your writing a business.'
quoted from the handout.

I highly recommended that all writers attended these meetings.

'Canadian Authors Vancouver holds monthly meetings on a variety of topics, all to do with aspects of writing. The public is welcome.' -quoted from News You Can Use

And for a slightly different account of the evening, please visit William Hay's blog

Geist Magazine's writers' workshop notes by Leanne Dyck

This adventure began when I received an email from Geist Magazine...

Last Saturday I attended two workshops—back to back—in Vancouver. Yes, this little island gal went to the big city. Culture shock, anyone?

Vancouver is a pretty city. Being of size, it could be encased in concrete. It could be but it isn’t. City planners have made room for green spaces—trees, flowers, grass. My eyes danced merrily through the autumn colours. Add to this the backdrop of majestic mountains and picturesque ocean views. Now you know why I call Vancouver pretty.

Simon Fraser University’s Harbour Centre was the venue. Thankfully my volunteer driver was not only equipped to manoeuvre through the traffic but also could easily navigated through the city. We found it.

My next challenge was finding room 400. Room 400 must be on the fourth floor, I reasoned. So I took the escalator upstairs. I looked around and couldn’t see any room numbers, at all--none. The first workshop starts at 9 am. It’s 9:10 now. I need to find help and fast. I looked down at the first floor and spotted the Information booth. I’d walked right past it.

Escalators aren’t my thing. I have a reoccurring nightmare of stepping on and plummeting to my death. Admittedly it’s an illogical fear. But aren’t most fears? Time was ticking away and I had no choose, so I stepped on. Once again fate spared me.

Like a chicken with her head cut off, I flew to the booth. “I’m so late. Please you have to help me locate my room.”

The young man in uniform spoke slowly and calmly. “I’m happy to help you. What room are you looking for?”

“400. I’m here for the writers’ workshop.” Please…please…please…please…we…have…to…hurry…I’m…so…l

“Well, you’re not late. In fact, you’re the first one here.”

Why has it been cancelled? That’s just my luck I came all this way and…

“The workshop starts at 10 am. But I’ll show you to your room.”

True to his word, he took me all the way there.

Flash forward in time to the workshop…

Getting It Into Print 

 Billeh Nickerson

This workshop was information-rich. Here’s what I gathered…

Why submit to literary journals?

To fulfill a Canada Council grant requirement.

(Your stories must be published in four literary journals.)

(Or you must have written a book that was later released by a professional publishing house.)

Gets your name in front of editors/publishers

Why not to submit?

It’s not a good source of income.

Long response time—due to the number of hands your story must be passed to.

Advice

-Writers write so write—and then submit.

-Do your homework. Know what type of stories the literary journal is seeking. Know the name of the editor you’re submitting to.

-Don’t send simultaneous submissions to literary journals. Editors are pressed for time. They may plan an entire issue around your story. So when you phone them and say, “Ooops, someone else printed that story.” They won’t be pleased. What you could do instead is offer them the story exclusively for a short period (four months).

-Use the stamp of the country you’re sending to…

(USA stamp to USA) (Canadian stamp to Canada)

-Hire an artist accountant to do your taxes

-Practice writing your bio (around 3 sentences)

-If you write to the literary journal’s theme you will probably have more success at becoming published.

Things to mention in your cover letter

-Where you live (i.e. what province)

-Every literary journal in which your stories have been published

-If you’ve received a personal note from them (the literary journal you’re submitting to) regarding an earlier submission, mention it

The Art of the Sentence 

 Stephen Osborne

Occasionally you’ll encounter a writers’ workshop that rocks you to your very core. The Art of the Sentence did this for me. I heard Mr. Osborne’s warning.

I heard him say, “Get out of your own way. Write simply. Write a 5 Ws sentence.”

I heard him but I wanted to wow all. So I didn’t listen.

A 5 Ws has the following elements: who did what, when, where and why

Now that I have a refreshed mind and a peaceful atmosphere, I offer…

The movie star swooned on her bed after the leading man kissed her.

Who:  the movie star

What:  swooned

When:  after

Where:  on her bed

Why:  the leading man kissed her

Sometimes it’s more important to listen than it is to wow. Lesson learned—I hope.


Oh, yes and among the eager attendees where the newly published...