The second evening of the spring 2023 Grimsby Author Series marks a very exciting occasion: we are all back together again. Moving forward, the series will take place at the Grimsby Public Library where authors and guests can share in the unbeatable elation of in-person events. Series host, Ken Boichuk says, “I knew you were all out there. I couldn’t see you but I did miss you.” This sentiment is all the more special as the evenings guests are two familiar faces, Amy Stuart and Anna Olson.
Amy Stuart
In 2020 Amy Stuart joined the Author Series virtually and we saw a glimpse of her writing process as pink sticky notes filled the frame behind her. Three years later, Stuart shares that her sticky notes mean she is adrift at sea and trying to piece it all together. Grateful that she did, we now have A Death at the Party, her first stand-alone novel. Chief Librarian Kathryn Drury made easy conversation with Stuart as they discussed the inspiration for her new novel. “Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf really set up the concept for this one…the entire book takes place over one day during a party and its preparations,” Stuart acknowledges. After her former Still series came to an end, Stuart admits she leaned into the challenge of confinement, not just to tell a story in one book, but in one day and in one place with one narrator.
“I feel bad…that they got no sleep [finishing the book] but that means it worked.”
The audience listened attentively as Drury inquired about future books, especially after A Death at the Party was devoured by many over hours, not days. “I feel bad…that they got no sleep [finishing the book] but that means it worked,” says Stuart, reflecting on her readers and their rapid journey through her words. Stuart is forthcoming and open about her writing and how her ideas are formed. She shares meaningful advice that “[the] process is built on periods of daydreaming and thinking,” igniting inspiration in those hoping for it. It is a part that cannot be skipped or cheated as a book requires a deep well of imagination and thought. We will eagerly await the next work by Stuart as she continues to dream up more thrilling stories to share.
Anna Olson
Anna Olson’s most recent cookbook is a culmination of the knowledge she has acquired over many years and translating that to wisdom in its simplest form. Although we cannot put a worth on all that Olson has taught, we can surely put a weight to it. It is five pounds; her new book Anna Olson’s Baking Wisdom can be used to do squats or strengthen wrists in between practicing her many techniques and recipes. As a pastry chef, writer, creator, television host and more Anna Olson continues to lead the way as Canada’s baking sweetheart.
Gordana Mosher connected with the audience as she shared her lemon curd faux pas with Olson who made all the bakers feel seen and heard as she shared that most mistakes can often be rectified with a tub of vanilla ice cream. A baker for the people if there ever was one! After a solid three-minute discussion on butter it became clear Olson values the ingredients as if she were a chemistry teacher finding the perfect blend to stabilize her experiment. The book contains croissant equations, essays and “how to” sections on various elements. If it weren’t for the beautiful outcomes, exquisite photos and creative paths, this new baking book might just seem like a scientific textbook in the most artfully designed packaging. But it truly is, isn’t it? Olson’s exactness is what draws us to her recipes no matter the complexity.
Olson is a pillar of her Niagara community, visiting the farmer’s markets and using local ingredients as the seasonal shifts occur in our bountiful fruit-focused region. With field rhubarb coming into its prime and a full menu cookbook in the works for Olson it is looking like an abundant summer ahead with so much to look forward to.
Thank You
Thank you infinitely to our authors Amy Stuart and Anna Olson for filling the evening with Cakes and Crooks, both equally intriguing and fulfilling, it doesn’t get much better! Thank you to Epic Books for setting up shop at the library so guests could purchase books to be signed by their authors. It was a pleasure to see the lines of eager readers holding their copies open and chatting excitedly to both Stuart and Olson. Thank you to our sponsors to whom we are so grateful for the support: Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Objects to Desire, Joanne Gaulton Royal LePage, The Peanut Mill and The Grimsby Gateway NewsStand. Our wine sponsor this evening is The Good Earth Food and Wine Co.
This blog post was written by our wonderful guest blogger Teanne Teeft, thanks Teanne!
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