London authors show off their work in new anthology

For the first time, a book of short stories, poems and creative non-fiction featuring an all-London cast of writers is available as your first summer read.

It's likely going to be a page-turner because the person who chose the pieces is none other than acclaimed Irish-Canadian author—and fellow Londoner—Emma Donoghue.

"One of our authors said at the launch the other night that she was on the fence about submitting. But when she saw that Emma Donoghue was the judge, it spurred her on to write for the chance to have Emma's eyes on her work," London Writers Society's Martha Morrison said.

The anthology, called Out of the Woods, features a diverse range of work from 35 local authors. The writers submitted anonymously to a panel of judges who shortlisted their favourite pieces.

Ultimately, the decision laid with Donoghue, who was nominated for an Academy Award in 2016 for the adapted screenplay of her novel, Room. A master of historical fiction, her latest book Paris Express is based on a black and white photograph of a train disaster.

LISTEN | Emma Donoghue boards a train destined for disaster

The title of the anthology, Out of the Woods, is a clear nod to London's moniker, the Forest City, said Morrison, adding that the theme was broad enough to encompass all genres.

Writers had to tie their work into the theme, but it was open to interpretation. Some stories are set in the actual woods, and some writers took it in a more metaphorical sense, like overcoming hardship.

Morrison's poem, The Rollercoaster, was selected and it tells the story of dealing with a loved one's cancer diagnosis. She described hearing the news that she'd made the cut to be part of the book as a great moment in her life.

"There's a lot of passion," Morrison said. "These [writers] are the folks that are doing your taxes or serving your coffee, but staying up late to write."

The book is available to purchase online but Londoners can also find it at Tuckey Home Hardware in Wortley Village.

While a hardware store may not be the most obvious place to browse for books, owner Dave Tuckey has been offering up his shelves to local authors for more than a decade, and sponsored this project. It's all about giving back, he said.

"My family has been in this community for almost 80 years now," Tuckey explained. "We appreciate the support that they give us."