I Love Canadian Authors discussion

Hey, we've convinced Scott to answer your questions on his book, Blind Luck and his writing.

Scott has had a very interesting career and I recommend you check out his website http://www.blindluck.ca/, before you start hammering asking him questions. His resume includes editor, screenwriter, poet, teacher, and oh yeah, writer.

I've got Blind Luck on my to-read list and I can't wait to check it out.

So, say hello to Scott and ask away.

Hello all,

Thank you to the group for having me. I've been touring the book around parts of Canada this summer, and I look forward to answering any questions that people have. Thanks again to Renee and Ali for being passionate about Canadian literature.

Scott

Grrr. I had a very good question and I was all articulate and shit and the damn thing wouldn't post. So, there goes that. Sigh.

I'll ask again, and I'll attempt articulate but I make no promises. I noticed that you have been an assistant editor, screenwriter, and teacher (as I mentioned above), and I wondered if you have written fiction (as in novels) along with this or is this something new for you? If it is, what was it that made you switch focus to writing books rather than film?

When I finished undergrad I set out to be a novelist, but then I found myself in the world of film by chance. A friend of mine was an aspiring director in L.A. and he asked me to adapt one of my published short stories into a short film script. That short film ended up winning an award and played in a number of film festivals which led to being asked to write feature scripts and working on scripts in development. Film is a lot of fun but a slow roast. Development can take years and that's considered normal, so after a number of film projects and a number of years, I decided to get back to my original goal. I had been writing and publishing short fiction the whole time, but it was very satisfying to focus on a novel.

Is it difficult to switch between writing scripts, short fiction and novels? Are there similarities in writing in those different forms?

Great question. It's more similar than people might imagine. The creative process, planning and developing characters tend to be the same. Obviously, film is a visual medium and you are aware that the camera replaces words in many situations. Film also has very strict conventions and plot points, so it's a very collaborative process. In terms of dialogue, a novel is more freeing in some ways in that you can take your time with conversations. In film, scenes are short and if you aren't concise, your story editor will be for you. But all in all, the basic process of planning, creating and revising are the same.

Your protagonist has blind luck, which suggests to me that the stakes will forever get higher and higher, with an outcome that can go either way. What made you decide to explore the idea of luck?

There are a few reasons. As a storyteller, I wanted something fresh. I've read so many books and watched so many movies about people that discover they have a gift, abuse that gift and then learn to appreciate it. I became fascinated by the idea of a character denying that they are special, only to find themselves in situations that make them appear that they are.

And then there's my curiosity about a link between happiness and risk taking. The protagonist doesn't take risks because he was raised by a gambling addict. As a result, his life is functional but unsatisfying. When he is forced into taking risks, his life intensifies.

This sounds like a lesson in extreme life skills as he discovers this lucky streak but tries to control it so as not to go over the edge --sounds like he is trying not to be his dad but has come to understand him at the same time, Was this another theme you were trying to explore as well?

Your book just arrived in the mail today, Scott. I'm taking a peek because I can't resist the new book smell. I have two to read ahead. Well, one really. The Sookie Stackhouse books are a guilty pleasure for when I'm watching the kids swim/play/fight.

Can I just say I love the cover? I don't know why, probably a)because it's dark and b)because it's very simple. I know the cover doesn't really matter, but this one I think I'd pick up in a store based on the cover alone. Just saying.

Did you have any input into the design or was this decided for you?

Hi Karen,

Absolutely. The relationship between father and son was what interested me first before the luck. I am very fascinated by lineage and how the past influences the present and the future.

Hi Renee,

I can take no credit for the design. In-house designer, Emma Dolan, came up with it and I fell in love. Waiting on the cover was the most stressful part of the publishing process because if you have a bad cover you're stuck with it for life, but she did an amazing job and I'll be forever thankful for her genius. In fact, someone on Goodreads nominated it for best cover of 2010, so go Emma!

Scott wrote: "Hi Renee,

I can take no credit for the design. In-house designer, Emma Dolan, came up with it and I fell in love. Waiting on the cover was the most stressful part of the publishing process becau..."

I agree Scott I agonize most over the covers myself.

Was just wondering. Somewhere online I saw your book categorized as Crime Fiction. Would you agree? From the posts, it seems it's more than that. Also, do you use elements of humour?

Great observation. The book was reviewed by Quill and Quire as Crime Fiction. I'm not sure why. I don't see it as crime fiction, but any exposure is good exposure. As far as humour, I love it and try to use it whenever possible. Pathos is very important. With the protagonist's father, humour is necessary to make him more human than just bitter.

Hey, I posted a review of Blind Luck here: http://www.examiner.com/publishing-in...
And Scott was even so kind as to give another interview as well. Great book, Scott. Awesome debut novel. I enjoyed it.

Renee wrote: "Hey, I posted a review of Blind Luck here: http://www.examiner.com/publishing-in...
And Scott was even so kind as to give an..."

Great review, Renee, and congratulations to Scott! Wow. This book's going on my TBR pile.

Debra
Fatal Encryption
Taxed to death

Really good review of Blind Luck, Renee.

Thanks guys. I had fun reading. I do have a 'thing' about luck, so it was interesting to see how Scott made it a part of the plot for this story. I could easily imagine Blind Luck as a movie.