The backstory

The concept for Scorpion Grass can be contributed to three things: the Writers at Woody Point conference, Canadian author Elizabeth Hay…and Covid. While my sister-in-law and I attended this festival of Canadian authors in Gros Morne National Park in 2023, I became enthralled with an interview with Giller prize-winner Elizabeth Hay. Her book Snow Road Station was hot off the press. When I approached her for a signed copy, she asked, “What interested you in this book?”

I didn’t hesitate. “I can relate to the main character. She is an older woman whose world has changed, and she has to start over.” I swallowed hard. “I’m going through a similar experience currently.”

Elizabeth Hay, with the warmest countenance I’ve ever had the pleasure of sitting in the shadow of, answered, “You will be wonderful. You are beautiful.”

I smiled. “That is a kind thing to say.”

“No, it’s not kind. It’s the truth.”

I think that was the moment I decided I would write a novel.

Two days later, I tested positive for COVID. Staying in the home my great-grandfather built in Central Newfoundland alongside my elderly father, who was also vacationing there, I opted to take up residence in a shed, avoiding my dad like the plague. I guess, technically, I was trying to avoid giving the plague to my dad. All was well until night number two when a mouse showed up. I affectionately named him Skipper Dolph and promptly moved.

My next home was my brother’s sailboat moored in the North Atlantic. People came and left plates of dinner and cups of coffee on the wharf in exchange for my leaving dirtied plates and stained mugs…for five days. Five days of isolation. Five days of living in my head. Five days of running ideas by my niece Wendy who was staying close enough that I could yell my musings at her for input. The concept of Scorpion Grass took took shape during this time, and just as importantly, I managed to not give my disease to my father—or anyone else, for that matter.

It is often said that reading a book can change you. However, writing this book changed me and my perspective. I began this project thinking labels were essentially bad because they put people into boxes. My perspective changed, however; and I began seeing the value of them. I also realized I was writing about aspects of myself in many regards. There are overlying traits of the main character Jorie and me. While researching neuro-divergence for this book, I realized something profound and decided to seek testing. What a surprise! Through this writing process, I discovered Jorie was who I currently am and Kae (her daughter) was my inner child wanting to be recognized and supported.