Local author opens new chapter on life with novel

CARRIE McFADZEAN
Examiner Staff

It’s been a labour of love for 13 years. And finally, Joseph Simons has seen his dream come to fruition.

In fact, he can even hold it in his hands. Under a Living Sky is his recently published book for young readers.

“The book came last Friday,” says Simons, only days after receiving the first copy. “When I was finally able to hold it, it felt so great.”

The St. Mark school teacher’s assistant initially started the book in 1992. Inspired by a tale of the Great Depression relayed to him by his father-in-law, Simons started the long writing road.

Set in Davidson, Sask., the book tells the story of two sisters, Judith and Mary. Through the eyes of Mary the readers are introduced to the characters, who are celebrating a tough Christmas.

Judith, the eldest daughter, receives a used pair of shoes, while Mary is given a homemade canvas doll, filled with oats.

“Judith recognizes that the doll shows the parents have put their time, energy and creative juices into this project,” says Simons. “She’s very jealous.”

Mary isn’t overjoyed with the doll, wishing she could have new shoes.

Eventually she comes to see the doll as a great friend and treasure. “When she accepts the doll is valuable, that makes her sister Judith even more angry,” he says.

In a fit of jealousy and anger, Judith buries the doll in the middle of the prairies.

The spring of 1937 brings rain to the dry Saskatchewan prairies.

The seeds in the buried treasure sprout, creating a green doll-shaped patch.

Knowing it was Judith who buried the doll, Mary is torn between her anger at her sister and the friendship they’ve created.

“It’s a hopeful story,” says Simons.

Meant for youth age eight to 11, Under a Living Sky would also be enjoyed by grandparents, he says.

The tale—which Simons says his father-in-law would swear is true—is filled with a number of themes, complex characters, and challenging vocabulary.

Reflecting on having his first book published, Simons says it wasn’t without a few bumps in the road. Under a Living Sky was initially accepted five years ago by a local publishing company that went bankrupt just before the story was about to be printed.

Simons found his second publisher in Orca Books, based out of Victoria. The partnership formed was truly meant to be, he says. “By a stroke of impossibly great fortune, I ended up sending it to an editor, Maggie De Vries, who wrote Missing Sarah,” he says of the Governor General award short-listed author.

“She worked on my humble little farm story.”

Orca Books accepted the story last summer and the finished version has just been printed.

More than 4,000 copies of Under a Living Sky will be sent to book stores across the country.

“It feels really good,” says Simons.

The writer has plans for his next book, but is waiting for the snow to fly to get started. His next tale will take place during the summer of 1937, but will be told from Judith’s point of view.

Readers can celebrate the launch of  Under a Living Sky and meet Simons Nov. 6 at Audrey’s Books, located on Jasper Avenue at 107 Street starting at 2 p.m. For more information about Simons, log onto www.josephsimons.ca.

© Edmonton Examiner, November 2, 2005, used with permission