Linda Abbott’s The Hull Home Fire
In
October, Newfoundland author Linda Abbott released her sophomore effort, The
Hull Home Fire (Flanker Press), the gripping account of the deadly 1948 inferno at a
private hospital for the aged and infirm in her hometown of St. John’s.
Recently AE spoke with her about the book and all things literary.
What motivated and/or
inspired you to write this book?
LA:
Newfoundland's
history has always fascinated me as it is filled with tragic events that shaped
the people. My mother witnessed the fire in 1948 and mentioned it to me. I had
never heard of it and neither had anyone else I spoke to. I was quite shocked
by this as thirty-four people died in the fire which took place in St. John's
where I was born and raised. I felt writing a fictional story around the actual
fire would bring to light one of the most devastating fires in the history of
the island.
Did the work come
together quickly or did you really need to work at it?
LA:
Once I
had researched all the facts the story fell into place very easily. My mother
was a great reference for the time period which took place mere months before
we joined Confederation. The characters in the novel popped into head almost as
if they'd been waiting for me to do this book.
What was the most
challenging aspect of the process?
LA:
As the story
took place before I was born, getting the way of life and conditions for the
time period accurate was challenging to a degree. My mother and aunt were
teenagers in 1948 and supplied much of the information. It was amazing to see
their reaction as they spoke about those days with fond memories.
“The characters in the novel popped into head almost as if they'd been waiting for me to do this book.”
What was the most
rewarding part of the experience?
LA:
During
my research I thought about the extent to which many Newfoundlanders must have
been proud to be a separate country, to be a Newfoundlander. It must have been
difficult to have a country you loved assimilated into another country. Born
after Confederation I've always been a proud Canadian, but now understand the
fear and uncertainty felt at the time.
What did you learn
during the process?
LA:
Writing
this book gave me a clearer understanding of ordinary people and their struggle
to survive in times of hardship and change. Changes occur which we may or may
not agree with. We either have to accept them and move on or become lost in the
past.
What has the response to the work been like so far?
What has the response to the work been like so far?
LA:
Everyone
is surprised and even shocked; they've never heard of the fire as it is
considered one of the worst in the history of St. John's. Many are stunned,
appalled, by the unsafe conditions at the home which were known by the 'People
in Power' who basically did very little to remedy the situation.
“Everyone is surprised and even shocked; they've never heard of the fire as it is considered one of the worst in the history of St. John's.”
What made you want to be
a writer?
LA:
For as
long as I can remember I've loved to read and write. In school, writing stories
was the favourite part of the day for me. Writing brings me into another world
where anything and everything is possible. It's a great feeling when others
enjoy and get lost in a work you've created. My sister once told me after a few
hours of writing to stop and relax for awhile. Picking up a pencil (I write by
hand first) and filling a page with my imagination is relaxing.
Are they the same
reasons you do it today?
 |
| Author Linda Abbott |
LA:
My
reasons for writing haven't changed. Although as an adult, the challenge to
produce good quality work is a more conscious effort.
Is your creative process
more one of inspiration or perspiration?
LA:
Definitely
inspiration…An idea pops into my head and I begin to write. Of course there are
times when you're not sure where to go next or there's a problem you're not
sure how to solve. I've often gone to bed and woken up with the answer. It's a
challenge but one that I thrive on. I have tried to outline a full story or
plot and have come to realize that doesn't work for me. The ideas seem to flood
in while I'm writing.
In your estimation what
makes a good book?
LA:
In my
opinion a good book has to catch your attention and make you want to keep
reading, not only for the story but for the quality of the writing itself.
“It was once stated to me that someone in British Columbia probably wouldn't want to read about an event which happened in a small town in a province on the other side of the country. I disagree.”
What are your thoughts
on the current state of literature in Atlantic Canada?
LA:
As a
writer I'm aware there are talented writers in Atlantic Canada producing
excellent work which could rival any established writer anywhere in the world.
The different writing contests encourage and promote quality writing in young
and older people alike, whether it be poetry, visual arts, fiction,
non-fiction. It was once stated to me that someone in British Columbia probably
wouldn't want to read about an event which happened in a small town in a
province on the other side of the country. I disagree. People who are avid
readers will enjoy a good, well written story no matter where it comes from.
What can we do better?
LA:
I feel
work published in Atlantic Canada should be promoted across the country, not
just in the regional area. This wider spectrum will introduce the rest of the
country to the talent and skills abounding in Atlantic Canada.
Do you have any advice
for aspiring writers?
LA:
Keep
reading and writing. Don't let anyone discourage you. If you get rejected by a
publisher there is another one who will acknowledge your effort and work.
I can't say it enough. Keep writing.
What's next on your
creative agenda?
LA:
I like
to be versatile. I've just finished a fantasy novel and have begun a murder
mystery. Variety is certainly the spice of life.
