Laure Baudot on the power of a rich support network
Laure Baudot’s debut collection of short stories is This One Because of the Dead (Cormorant Books 2019). Her work has appeared in publications including The Antigonish Review, The Danforth Review, Found Press, Prairie Fire, and Wasafiri Magazine of International Contemporary Writing. Her karate blog can be found here. Currently a psychotherapist-in-training, she lives in Toronto with her husband and three children.
What is the biggest challenge for you as an emerging writer and why?
LB: When I had my first child several years ago, I struggled to write. Raising children is important work that deserves my full attention, but I wasn’t prepared for how a tiny being would consume my mental space and my time.
I’ve now begun writing my next book. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the schools are shuttered and I am, once again, at home caring for our children and trying to cram my writing in the gaps between working gigs, parenting, and home schooling.
What is the best thing you've experienced as an emerging writer?
LB: A rich support network. I have had mentors over the years, including Susan Swan, who is the co-founder of the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction. Susan did more than encourage me. When I was a student in her memoir class she hired me to do some research so that my then-future husband and I could pay our rent.
The other wonderful part of being a published writer is the chance to connect with readers and writers. Writing is a conversation with those who have come before you. One of my great joys was reading at the Eden Mills Festival, where I had the chance to talk to authors I admire. I came home from the festival persuaded that I was made for this life, the life of an author. This, despite the fact that I had only sold two books!
What have you learned as an emerging writer that surprised you about editing or publishing that you didn't know previously?
LB: The thrill of working with a skilled editor. Working with Bryan Ibeas at Cormorant Books was a rich collaborative experience. I also learned that having your book published doesn’t mean that anyone is going to buy it. Not many people buy short story collections, and I am an unknown author.
I came to realize that prizes are an important aspect of a writer’s life because prize nominations drive book sales. Unfortunately, like book reviews, prizes continue to be dominated by white, male authors. At the time of my publication, the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction didn’t exist. I think my book was submitted for a Jewish book award, which may have brought it to the attention of a Canadian Jewish News editor, who then wrote a review.
I’ve sold 451 books, which I’m told is not bad for a short story collection by an unknown author. I’d love to reach 500! But like most writers I’m not in it for the money. Now that I’m working on my next book, I can set aside marketing thoughts and re-acquaint myself with the pleasure of writing.