Giller Spotlight: Elizabeth Hay
September 4, 2018
Elizabeth Hay was shortlisted in 2000 for her book, A Student of Weather. She won the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2007 for her book, Late Nights on Air.
What are you working on now?
I’ve taken a break from novel-writing by writing a memoir about my mother and father. All Things Consoled: a daughter’s memoir. It’s about the drama of the end of their lives, and the longer drama of being their daughter. It will be out in September of this year, 2018.
Where is your favourite place to write?
I like my quiet room in the early morning. It’s a second-floor study with windows facing south, west, and north. I never have quite enough space for my mess of papers and books, but the clutter is companionable and the trees outside rest my eyes.
Is there an activity you do to help inspire your writing?
I read. Reading poetry is the best. It takes my mind off myself and has me thinking thoughts I didn’t know I had. Before you know it, I’ve picked up my pen.
What is your favourite CanLit read?
Any of Alice Munro’s stories about her mother.