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Archived - Smallwood, Bill
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I was very interested in the history that was being taught to my children in the schools. Every now and then I would ask them about their readings and study. They said they found history to be dull and pointless.
When my grandchildren said much the same thing about their Canadian history and also exhibited a dreadful knowledge and understanding of our past, I began to write about our country's history in what I hoped would be interesting and informative way; I began to write historical novels.
It took me thirteen years to complete enough research to write the first book and then I rewrote that first book every time I sent it out to a publisher while continuing to do research and writing new books. Eventually two publishers said they were interested. I now have seven Canadian historical novels in libraries right across Canada… but not in Chapters. No, Chapters will not stock the books but will order them if a client is willing to wait 6 to 8 weeks and pay a little extra for them. I get no support from outfits like them or Shoppers Drug Mart. I do hear back from readers saying what a wonderful history Canada has. That's great!
I am writing better now than I ever did. I will finish the 8th book… I know I will… but health problems and age are catching me up. I have won no honours and little recognition from anyone other than my readers. What I do have that is tangible and gives me some support is my copyright. I need it.
Bill Smallwood
