Author Bio for HANK and Other Mild Neighbours – Janet Hamilton
Curiosity is the quintessential quality of a young child. It all starts in early childhood as Robert Fulghum reminds us in 1986 with his book, ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN. Having read hundreds of children’s books it is challenging to choose a favourite but the original Curious George stories of which there are seven written by Margaret
Rey and H. A. Rey demonstrate the main character’s qualities. George the monkey is curious, an efficient and resilient problem solver and has a strong compassionate side. Even though there are current concerns expressed around these storybooks, I believe his role model qualities should not be overlooked.
Another favourite character is from the story Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson in 1955 which also highlights resilience, innovative and creative approaches to challenges, and the ability of young readers to engage in philosophical thinking processes.
Well, you can see that I enjoy children’s literature both traditional and contemporary but for my own adult choices, my all-time favourite author is W. Somerset Maugham, an English writer known for his plays, novels and short stories. Why do I find his writing so compelling? For me, the stories sort of drone on and on in a level way but yet underneath, they are so intense and
complex that I feel tension during the entire book. I love that kind of slow stress as it takes me into the character’s world and keeps me hovering at a high concentration level. Try reading Of Human Bondage if you are so inclined.
At age 8 I started writing about my neighbourhood. Together with my best friend, we sat under a lilac tree with a coiled scribbler and a pencil in hand and we wrote stories. As we never shared or collaborated, I have no idea what she was writing about but I found my neighbours to be somewhat interesting and curious as they went about daily business in a mild and
sometimes humorous way. And you know what they say, “Write about what you know!” Then in 2021, a postcard from the City of Edmonton came into my Swedish postbox with an announcement about the City of Edmonton 107 Avenue Revitalization Project outlining a survey and the proposed plan.
AHA! My mild neighbours have come to life once again. Reignited my imagination. I started writing about key players in my 107 Avenue area and added a few embellishments to supplement my childhood memory.
My goal is to bring awareness to this historic Edmonton core community through stories. In my book, I have also included IPPPP ( Interesting People and Places Past and Present) which may be of interest to residents, family historians and Edmonton “loyalists.” I also plan to provide observations, updates, feedback and information from the City project as well as comments
from other interested individuals.
Janet Hamilton