MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY – Waking up one morning somewhere between a memory and a dream, a Sundre-area author found himself with the sudden inspiration to start writing a new book.
Tim Kirby, who hangs up his hat in the Harmattan area of Mountain View County, said he woke up with an idea that compelled him to put pen to paper, albeit on his computer.
“It was just on my mind, and I just started writing,” said Kirby.
“I took a look at the environment that we’re living in and what has transpired over the 70-some years that I’ve been alive, and it just came to me,” he told the Albertan when asked what had inspired his latest literary endeavour.
The scribe initially sought simply to get his thoughts down and worry about restructuring the story afterwards.
“It was a good three weeks to get the rough copy down,” he said.
“At first when I got finished there were 67,000 words, which I had to thin down,” he said with a chuckle.
Ultimately ending up with 198 pages, the novel that he called Look East: The Vicious Battle for the Claydoms was initially released in late October through a Christian book publisher based out of Winnipeg called Word Alive Press.
“But it took about three weeks to get the books shipped.”
When asked to share some insight as to what he means by “Claydoms,” the former chaplain of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #223 in Sundre remained tight-lipped.
“Well now that is the story, and I don’t want to give away the story,” he said.
“It’s fictional, but it’s really to deal with the real-life situation we’re living,” he offered. “It’s all the events around the world and what’s taking place.”
Pressed for a hint as to whether perhaps he was referring to the political polarization, historic wealth inequality, and environmental degradation unfolding around the world, he said, “it’s all in there.”
Reluctant to reveal or spoil the book before those who might be interested have had a chance to read it, he pointed to the publisher’s description.
“This fascinating novel tells the story of our battle between ‘Powerful Darkness and Pure Light’ – our selfishness and doing the best for others no matter the cost,” it reads in part. “Enter this vicious battle between Pure Light and Powerful Darkness and be forever changed.”
Kirby preferred not to say any more about his novel and added those who are curious will just have to read the book.
The writer who also dabbles in poetry and short stories had planned, however, to provide a sort of sneak peek of his latest release on Dec. 11 at the Olds Municipal Library during an author’s presentation featuring an excerpt as well as a question and answer session.
While Kirby does have other ideas in mind for the next project, he’s taking things one step at a time.
“I need to look after Look East first before I adventure off into another one.”
