A few weeks ago I had a visit here from the talented Tele Aadsen, fisher person and writer, trolling the dangerously magnificent waters off the coast of Alaska.
Today I’m happy to introduce you to Anneli Purchase, a writer whose life these days also very much revolves around the ebb and flow of the ocean. A fellow Canadian, Anneli and her husband live on breathtaking Vancouver Island, a part of our country that is very dear to my heart.
My late parents loved living there for five years in the 1970’s and two of the women from my real-life Bridge Club are now settled fairly close to each other near the town of Comox. When my Bridge Club had a one-week reunion on the Island two years ago, I took my parents’ ashes with me and scattered them in the majestic Pacific from the shore of a ruggedly beautiful beach. Our family all agreed that would have pleased mom and dad, so we felt we had truly honoured them.
If I had known Anneli then, we might have had a chance to meet up for a chat. Next time!
To demonstrate, yet again, the fabulous global reach of the online writing community, Anneli and I met through a writers/readers’ group that originated in the U.K.
LoveAHappyEnding.com is the bright idea of British writer, Linn B. Halton and is now a strongly established literary community … with a tremendous knack for hilarity and having a good time, as well as serious writing and offering great support to each other!
On June 15th, they hosted their first literary event, A Summer Audience, in Tetbury to outstanding reviews. Although some of us were not there in person, our novels were on display. Anneli and I watched with pride along with other members of the group from this side of the Atlantic.
P.S. Welcome, Anneli! I’m delighted to have you here for a visit.
A.P. Thank you for having me as a guest on your blog, Patricia.
P.S. Let’s begin by talking about your novel, The Wind Weeps. One review states, ” This is a Canadian tale of love, betrayal, and triumph, told with gusto, humour, and bold insight.” What an intriguing story! What prompted you to write this novel and how long did it take you?
A.P I’m a retired teacher, but in the summers I sometimes went along to deckhand with my husband on his salmon troller in the Queen Charlotte Islands. For me, fishing in waters that were anything but a glass pond was torture because I always got seasick in the slightest bit of rough water. Nausea aside, the experience of being a part of unspoiled nature is unforgettable. We were talking about the ups and downs of the fishing life, and all the colourful characters we’d met on the coast. I thought, “There’s a story in this,” and away I went scribbling down the outline of a story. Three years and many, many rewrites later, I finished “The Wind Weeps.”
P.S. Please tell us about your life on Vancouver Island and your involvement with your husband’s work as a commercial fisherman. Your writing has such a strong environmental voice that brings the savage beauty of British Columbia vividly to life.
A.P. After a few summers of trying to fish in spite of my seasickness, my husband said to me one day, “You look awful. Why don’t you go home?” I guess he thought I would be as tough as he is and say, “Oh, no. I couldn’t leave you to do this all alone.” Instead I shocked him with a small, quavery, “Okay….” I became a landlubber and have only gone on boat trips closer to home, in the summer vacation spots around Vancouver Island. But even these “sissy” trips provided wonderful adventures and background for my stories.
P.S. I know you grew up in Peace Country in northern British Columbia. How would you define the differences between life there and on the coast of B.C.?
A.P. The Peace Country has a beauty of its own, but life there can be hard, especially in the winter. I loved it there, but I do like to be warm and I would miss the ocean if I moved back. Surviving in the harsh northern winters makes it necessary for people to care for each other. In the populated areas of southern BC people are more insular and shut themselves off with an “every man for himself” attitude, but you’ll find that as you travel up the lonely coast, and survival becomes an issue again, coastal characters are there for each other.
P.S. Are you working on any new projects at the moment?
A.P. I’m in the process of publishing a second book. Like The Wind Weeps, this one is a contemporary love story complicated by unexpected twists and by the characters’ undisclosed secrets. This novel is set in the remote areas of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula.
P.S. How has your perspective on writing changed since you became a published author? Is there something from your experience you might want to share with other writers?
A.P. Becoming a better writer is a continuous learning curve. Writing groups, critiquing groups, writing conferences, and workshops all have their place. If we pay attention to writing tips from the experts, we can always improve our own writing style. I’m glad I didn’t publish my first book as soon as I thought it was finished. The Wind Weeps is actually the third novel I’ve written. I feel good about what I’ve learned since writing my first unpublished novel. I’m now rewriting the first two and am pleased with how they are shaping up. I see too many poorly written books out there, especially, but not only, self-published books. That’s not to say, “Don’t self-publish.” I do believe it’s the way to go. But get yourself a good copy-editor!
Anneli, I wish you the best of luck with your new novel and look forward to more stories and photos from your life on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’ve also been meaning to tell you I think your name is simply lovely!
Here are all the links we need to connect with Anneli, order her books or send her messages. Take note she also is available as a copy editor. She’ll be delighted to hear from you!
Webpage: anneli-purchase.com
http://wordsfromanneli.wordpress.com
Amazon.com (paperback or Kindle): http://amzn.to/KpAB7G
Smashwords (Kindle and other e-book formats): http://bit.ly/yPQvEP
Twitter: @anneli33
Facebook: facebook.com/anneli.purchase
The Wind Weeps is a great read and your knowledge of the coast and fishing certainly adds to the story. As well as being royally entertained by your book, I learned a lot. Thank you for this interview, Patricia.
Hi Anneli from another love-a-happy-ender. Lovely insight into your corner of the world which sounds gorgeous – and an exciting geographic leap for book 2 – will look forward to it!
AliB
Yes, Anneli is a great storyteller! Looking forward to the next one!
Ah, Anneli, as always your photos make me want to up stick and move across the pond. The space and the beauty of it all. Fabulous interview, Patricia, as always. Hope to meet you two ladies at the next LAHE event…. X
Thanks, Nicky. Lots of room here for you. Thanks for visiting the blog.
I have visited Vancouver Island. I remember wistfully thinking, I could live her. I can see why it would be inspiration, Anneli. Lovely post, girls – and, yes, I totally agree: do self-publish (it’s a viable choice in a tough publishing climate), but sure your work is as good as it can be. Good luck with your next project – sounds equally fascinating. 🙂 x
Thanks Sheryl. The next book will also be a love story, but I try to make my stories very readable for men as well as women. So far, so good. Glad you agree about the self-publishing. I’ve never regretted it.
Wonderful interview Patricia and lovely to met Anneli. Here’s to her incredible success. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
I think your pictures and your novel make us all want to get on a plane and see those wonderful, though harsh, landscapes for ourselves! A lovely post ladies, really enjoyed it.
Anneli, You did and awesome job on “The Winds Weep”!!!!! Can’t wait to read the next one, I’m sure it will be just as interesting. With ALL the stories you have to tell, no trouble to write a book :). Keep the writings coming!!! Love to go in on your blog now and then and read one of your captivating stories!!!!
An excellent interview Anneli.
I , too, am looking forward to your next self published novel. Will it have wonderful descriptions of rugged Baja and make us all want to reserve a pristine spot to park our new trailer??
Good luck on your next production.
I really enjoyed The Wind Weeps and the photos really helped me to visualise the setting. I shall look forward to your next book Anneli.
Sue
x
Thank you Natalie, Linn, and Sue. I hope you can come to the west coast of Canada sometime. Meanwhile you can enjoy a virtual visit in The Wind Weeps.
It’s great to see Anneli’s writing being appreciated so far away from home. I’m a west coast Canadian, and have been impressed at how well she captures our experience.
Love the photos Annelie!, always a pleasure to get lost in the memories that photos such as these rekindle.
I am looking forward to visiting the Baja thru your eyes!
Yosef
The Wind Weeps is a wonderful story filled with romance, adventure and drama. I am patiently waiting for the sequel!! The remote wilderness comes to life in the reader’s mind. Wonderful book!
Hi Patricia and Anneli. I thoroughly enjoyed this interview, went to check out the book and had to buy it! The reviews are wonderful and now I can’t wait to read about the fishermen!
Thanks so much, Marcia. I hope you enjoy The Wind Weeps.
I have read The Wind Weeps and it really brought the West coast alive for me and reminded me of my childhood and teenage years. That area has an incredible beauty all of its own. Anneli’s novel really captures this. I am looking forward to Anneli’s next novel.
Great interview. But, Anneli did not mention that for many years she was an excellent primary teacher. She has told us the funniest stories about her wee charges. Perhaps some time she will write some of them and share with all.
Congratulations, Anneli! I’ve always enjoyed reading your work, and
now so many more people are able to enjoy it as well! Carry on! Gina.
It seems you’ll have to invite us to this haven you have there. I know I could use some respite time. You’re so right about the importance of hiring a good copy editor; someone who can help shape the writing into a strong storyline. After being in a couple of critique groups, the tougher the critiques, the better.