Writer’s Block: Judith Silverthorne

What’s a question you wish someone would ask you about Convictions? I wish someone would ask what kinds of experiences did the research entail in writing this book. While reading the actual accounts of the treatment of prisoners on the convict ships was in turns enthralling and horrifying, I found the personal experiences the most gratifying because of the sensory aspects. Seeing the wharfs where the convicts boarded, the jails where they were held, and sailing on a tall ship to feel the brace of sea air and pitching of the ocean helped me become immersed in writing the story. What’s one book you always recommend?The Eight by Katherine Neville. The intricacies enthrall me.

Judith’s writing advice.If you wrote a memoir, what would it be called?Alien Encounter, and I might start it like this: “I suspect that aliens appearing to me at the backdoor of our family home when I was five has had something to do with the strange shaping of my life…” What are you working on now?An adult historical, mystical novel. Striving for many intricacies like my favourite book, the book I always recommend – but the author did it so well. Who else can achieve that level of complexity?

Judith’s workspace. Why do you write?Compelled. Tried to stop several times…gave up, gave in. Write for the pure enjoyment of creating other worlds.  What’s the toughest part about being a writer?Two things: Carving out the time to write while juggling a more than full-time job, several projects at once, and helping my mom and several other people in my life. And learning to turn on the creative juice at a moment’s notice when the opportunity arises.* * *The love of nature, culture, and history inspire Judith Silverthorne’s writing and help shape many of her award-winning books. Based in Saskatchewan, she has travelled about the world doing research that explores ancient and contemporary subjects. Whether it’s investigating haunted locations, parasailing above the Pacific or riding a camel across the Sahara, Judith uses her adventures to weave her engaging stories of adventure, mystery and surprise. When she’s not travelling from her sixth floor apartment in the heart of Regina to her favourite countries — England, Scotland or Spain – she loves to attend theatre performances and live music concerts. She has a demanding day job as the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild. After work, you may find her listening to Blue Rodeo, Mark Knopfler, Leonard Cohen, or Ed Sheeran and a host of others, including oldies from the 60s. She also loves trying new ethnic food restaurants with friends and spending time with her son and his family. Visit her website to find out more www.judithsilverthorne.ca.* * *Thanks so much to Judith for answering our questions, and to MacKenzie at Coteau for connecting us! For more author interviews, click here.