The Memento
It
was a long time between novels for Christy Ann Conlin, but her latest book, The
Memento, was well worth the wait.
Why so long between novels?
That’s a twofold answer. From a craft perspective, it took me about
twelve substantial drafts to weave together all the elements of The Memento. I did a huge amount of
research and every draft led to more research. There are some thrilling twists
and turns, and unexpected moments in the novel, all of which came together
through process of layering, so to speak. The
Mementois a bit of a hybrid, a literary novel combining elements of a mystery
and historical novel with gothic ghost story elements. From a life perspective,
a lot unfolded in the years between novels, from having a young family at the
same time as my father being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. In 2012, I
also co-created and hosted CBC Fear Itself, a national radio show where we
explored the role of fear plays in day to day life, and in art and culture. That
consumed me for a long time. Great radio is all about storytelling and so it
was wonderful to have my ear so carefully tuned. I then took all I learned and
poured it back into the last two drafts of The
Memento!
What inspired/motivated you
to write The Memento?
Quite literally, a china tea set my mother told me was haunted. She
really believes that objects become endowed with the spirit of the person who
owned them, mementos of a special sort. And I was also inspired by a childhood
steeped in ghost stories told around summer beach fires and winter fireplaces. My
mother used to take us for picnics in historic graveyards and we would do
tombstone rubbings after we had our cucumber sandwiches. My grandmother had
very strong feelings about my mother and I being sensitive to spirits. To me,
this means I am keenly aware of the stories people tell, and the ghosts and
memories they carry with them. My grandmother was from Upper Stewiacke and she
loved to tell Scottish ghost stories. She was a curious blend of superstition
and pragmatism and I think you need both to write a ghost story. You need to be
open to the marvelous and unexplainable but you also need a dose of skepticism.
I also had a remarkable experience in Ireland, in Drogheda, where I was with
some friends and we found a hole in the high stone wall of an enormous walled
garden on an abandoned estate. That moment stayed with me and was the genesis
of Petals’ End, the haunted garden in The
Memento.
What was the most challenging
aspect of the process?
Holding all the threads of the plot and not letting them drop. It’s an
experience like no other, holding an entire novel in one’s head, and weaving it
together, in the midst of everyday life, the ups and downs we all go through. Sometimes
I would be sitting at my son’s hockey practice but my mind was in the creepy
world of the story!I felt haunted by the book, and that if I didn’t finish it,
then it would loom over me for the rest of my days. Talk about characters
coming to life! It was also challenging working with the very serious themes of
exploitation of women and the marginalized, and yet capturing the magnificence
of summer, and the natural world. It is such a powerful contrast, the harshness
and the beauty, a fine balance to strike.
What was the most rewarding part of the experience?
Writing the last two drafts, where the story came together, and the
writing process was tantamount to sailing across the water in sweeping winds
under a starry sky. It was exhilarating. Also, having expert editorial guidance
is one of the most rewarding things a writer can experience. A great editor is
your North Star as you write and mine was truly sparkling.
What did you learn during the
process?
E.B. White, who wrote both Charlotte’s
Web, and the nonfiction The Elements
of Style, said, “A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to
work will die without putting a word on paper.” Writing The Memento taught me the
truth of this. There will always be ups and downs, and you write your way
through them. Writing a novel is about continuity and tenacity and discipline. You can have all the talent in the world but
if you don’t sit down and write on a regular basis, your talent and original
ideas don’t matter at all. Slow and
steady is my motto now, and the turtle my mascot.
How did you feel when
the book was completed?
Both euphoria and relief! It might sound like a cliché, but executing a
vision is so cathartic! Holding the book
in my hands was almost surreal. So many years of work, literally in your hands.It
was like being on a deserted island for years, and then suddenly being in the
bustle again. And then as soon as my mind was free, my new book idea came
pouring in like a flood tide!
What has the response been like
so far from those that have read it?
It’s been wonderful and so heart-warming after all the years of working
like a castaway. It’s fascinating to see how different readers experience the
book. The most exciting response I’ve had so far was a comparison to Downtown
Abbey meets The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo!
What makes a good book?
Unique characters, masterful use of language, and an enveloping story
which sweeps readers into the world of the book. When I finish a book and it
feels like I’ve been a part of the story, that I’ve been inside another world,
that’s what I love. And the book becomes a part of my memory. It’s the same
experience for me with any art form.
Is your creative process more
'inspirational' or 'perspirational'?
That’s a funny, but apt way to phrase the process! For me, it’s hard to separate
those two aspects of my creative process. There is an initial inspiration and
then the work beings as the words are laid out on the page and the story
unfolds and the draft writing begins. You have to do the day in, day out
solitary writing and the inspiration stays alive, a lantern in the sometimes
dark process of writing. When you don’t write on a regular basis, the
inspiration begins to extinguish. A novel is a huge commitment of time and
thought and absolute dedication. It’s no different than any other art from,
from music to painting or dance. The final product, or performance, has years
of training, practice and devotion behind it. I also find that it helps balance
out the very internal act of a writing session to go for a long walk or run
outside. It provides a huge contrast and contrast is a vital part of my
creative process.
What are your thoughts on the
current state of Canadian literature?
It is a rich and expanding domain in so many regards. Canadian writing
is nothing but diverse and I feel more than ever, Canadian writing is
reflecting our changing society and diverse culture. It’s ripe for new voices,
approaches and ideas, and a deepening of more established voices and experiences.
It’s fascinating to see the world of social media and technology touch
literature both in its development, form, and accessibility.
What's next on your creative
agenda?
I’m working on another ghostly novel, The Flying Squirrel Sermon. It
shares the same setting as The Memento,
and tells the story of an ex-con who discovers a message in a bottle, a clue to
his sister’s mysterious disappearance.
