The Wonderful Dogfish Racket ~ Part 1
Tom
Dawe is one of Newfoundland's most distinguished writers. He is an Order of Canada and Order of Newfoundland and Labrador
recipient, St. John’s Poet Laureate and he has published 17 volumes of work.
His
latest is The Wonderful Dogfish Racket (Pennywell Books/Flanker Press),
illustrated by fellow Newfoundlander, C. Anne MacLeod.
In this Q&A, Dawe shares some intriguing
insights into the children’s book (also beloved by adults), his creative
process and his life as a writer.
What motivated or inspired you to write
this book?
TD:
I have always
been interested in folklore and history.
“The Wonderful Dogfish Racket” had its genesis in a couple of images
from my childhood – an old man shooting crows for money because the government
had placed a bounty on these creatures in response to farmers’ complaints – and
my elders talking about the dogfish plague and the government bounty that got
out of control. So I constructed a tall
tale around the dogfish problem. As the
book progressed, the plot became richer with folklore, the usage of old
Newfoundland and Labrador words, legend, motifs of politics, witchcraft, gender
issues, etc.
Did the work come together quickly or did
you really need to work at it?
TD:
I was a long
time struggling with the ending until the charmer rescued me. Once she came into the story things moved
faster.
What was the most challenging aspect of
the process?
TD:
With so much
material in my head and notes and scraps of paper all over the place, the task
was how to sort it all out. Of course
there is always the problem of starting, confronting the blank page, that
dreadful space.
What was the most rewarding part of the
experience?
TD:
It was a
pleasure to work with Anne MacLeod. How
wonderful to be looking forward to her beautiful paintings, her refreshing
interpretation of the story. Additionally,
I had great fun playing with the language, making rhyme, etc.
What did you learn during the process?
TD:
I’m not sure
what I learned. Perhaps what I really
learned resides in that type of realm St. Augustine was talking about when he
said, “I know until you ask me.”
What has the response to the work been so
far?
TD:
I’ve seen no
review in print yet, though many people have said that they enjoy the book,
pointing out how much it is a volume for adults as well as children. Everybody seems to love the extensive
glossary for old words, phrases and folklore at the end.
What made you want to be a writer?
TD:
Whatever it
was gave me no choice in the matter. I
don’t remember when I didn’t want to create something.
Are they the same reasons you do it
today?
TD:
Yes. It’s something I have to do. I’m miserable if I don’t.
Is your creative process more one of
inspiration or perspiration?
TD:
This is a
difficult question. For me one is
critically relative to the other. Many
things inspire me but I tend to be lazy; yet a lot goes on for me in such
essential laziness. Once I get down to
work, I am inspired even more as other ideas crowd in on me. The most difficult thing of all is staying on
track. I’ve always been a more
Renaissance person than a specialist.
In your estimation, what makes a good
book?
TD:
Long after
the covers are closed, a good book still speaks to me. Often there are whispers inviting me back to
certain specific sections. Sometimes a
firmer voice calls me back to the whole.
I have a very large library because I find it difficult to part with a
good book.
What are your thoughts on the current
state of literature in Atlantic Canada?
TD:
I am no
expert on the topic of Atlantic literature but I read a lot and it seems to me
that the literature of this area is in great shape. The Atlantic Canada Book Awards seem to get
richer each year with many fine titles appearing.
What can we do better?
TD:
Just keep
doing what we are doing.
Do you have any advice for aspiring
writers?
TD:
Good writing
is a celebration of the concrete or the specific. Never be too abstract. And always write about what you know. Above all, keep journals and notebooks in
which you jot down everything that catches your fancy.
What’s next on your creative agenda?
TD:
I’m just
finishing up my legacy project as poet laureate for St. John’s (2010-2013), a
limited edition collection of poetry called, “Shadows in the Aftergrass: Poems
Sometimes Haiku.” Also, I am
contemplating some new poems, a journal and a children’s book based on an old
Christmas ghost story.
