What is Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour finalist Laurie Gelman's biggest regret?
Erin Balser | Posted: May 31, 2018 7:12 PM | Last Updated: May 31, 2018
The call goes out every year in schools across the land: Who would like to sign up for class parent duty? Laurie Gelman volunteered and now she's transformed her experience into a funny novel called Class Mom. It follows a year in the life of a mother who has to navigate tricky school politics along with special requests to bring brownies to curriculum night. Class Mom is currently a finalist for the 2018 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. The winner will be announced on June 9, 2018.
Below, Gelman takes the CBC Books Magic 8 Q&A and answers eight questions from eight fellow writers.
1. Emil Sher asks, "What three words would you use to describe what makes a great story great?"
I think just having a story is a win — but a great story? Hmmm... I would say intrigue, romance and humour. Although not always humour because some things just aren't funny. In lieu of humour, I would say veritas.
2. Ausma Zehanat Khan asks, "What form of writing would you love to attempt even though you're secretly terrified by it?"
Actually, I was terrified to write humour! But now that the monkey's off my back, I think writing something autobiographical would be pretty scary.
3. Kate Cayley asks, "Are you hopeful?"
I hope so.
4. Tracey Lindberg asks, "Your latest novel is made into a movie. Who is on the soundtrack?"
Springsteen, Billy Joel, INXS, The Tragically Hip, Foreigner, and if I'm being honest, a little Barry Manilow.
5. Vivek Shraya asks, "What is your favourite writing snack?"
I generally don't eat while I write but my creativity is fuelled by Starbucks iced green tea with one packet of Sweet'n Low.
6. Karen Solie asks, "What do you do for fun? If you think writing is fun, what else do you do?"
I don't think writing is fun. It's the opposite of fun. I get my fun from exercising to great music and reading other people's work. And binge watching Netflix, natch.
7. Ray Bedard asks, "What is your biggest regret as a writer?"
That I didn't start earlier in my life. I wasted way too much time thinking about writing instead of just doing it.
8. Caroline Pignat asks, "How do you define success as a writer?"
Typing "The End." It was one of the greatest moments in my life.