London authors show off their work in new anthology
Jack Sutton
| CBC News | Posted: June 8, 2025 9:00 AM | Last Updated: 2
hours ago
Out of the Woods is a collection of poetry, fiction and
creative non-fiction
Image | LWS Out of the Woods authors with Emma Donaghue
Caption: The local writers featured in Out of the Woods with
finalist judge and award-winning author Emma Donaghue.
(Submitted by Martha Morrison)
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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
Media Audio | London Morning : Emma Donoghue talks about her
new book, Paris Express
Caption: Award-winning author Emma Donoghue stopped by London
Morning to talk about her latest book, Paris Express.
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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.
Image | Martha Morrison
Caption: Martha Morrison holding her copy of Out of the Woods.
Her poem, The Rollercoaster, is featured in the anthology.
(Submitted by Martha Morrison)
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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."
Buy it at the hardware store
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."
Image | Out of the woods copies
Caption: Copies of Out of the Woods for sale at Tuckey Home
Hardware in London's Wortley Village. (Jack Sutton/CBC)
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