“I wish first to thank Neil Philip, a hero of mine who became a friend and mentor because of Facebook. It is through his encouragement that Watkins Publishing and I created this book that you are reading. Also, thanks to Simon Spanton for moving me through the stimulating journey of publishing with Watkins.” (from the Acknowledgements)
I also wish to acknowledge my local bookstore, Audreys Books, who played a part in this story as well. I special ordered Neil’s The Watkins Book of English Folktales from Audreys and was informed that it would take some time for it to arrive here in Alberta. I was willing to wait and wait I did but when it finally arrived, I dropped Neil a note to tell him that I was thrilled with his book. He immediately replied with a surprise suggestion. He said that Watkins was considering a follow up to his book but one that focused on urban legends, placing them in the context of the broader sweep of the folktale, demonstrating that the instinct to interpret the world through story that may or may not have happened is alive and “a vital part of how we navigate our individual and shared experiences.” Neil wrote that it sounded right up my street and, if I was interested, he could put be in touch with the editor.
I was torn as I had promised myself, I would not undertake another book but after quickly talking with my friends and family, I replied in the affirmative (still the same day). Neil sent my name and email to the editor, Simon Spanton who Neil praised and confirmed that Watkins was a fantastic firm to work with. Two days later I had a proposal for a contact and the planning, writing, and editing was underway. I realized, while composing this blog entry, that this all took place exactly 11 months ago!
This book, my third concentrating on contemporary legends, had a different focus for me as a writer. I explored my relationship with and to the legends as much as I concisely explored the legends themselves.
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