Independent publisher book awards recognizes local author, Pauline Kiely, for her riveting memoir
No Poverty Between the Sheets
Pauline Kiely was made in the dark, in a hurry, in the backseat of a 1953 Buick – Hudson Jet. Her Irish father is the fourth of ten children, and her French Canadian mother the baby of twelve. These young parents are described as two sticks of dynamite, and the rollicking romp through Kiely’s childhood and adolescent years includes the introduction of siblings, a Maltese terrier named Pixie, and her faithful horse, Jet. This true story may stir memories and emotions you might have forgotten you had. It spans four generations and brims with lively animated characters. Readers are treated to holidays in Ireland, camping adventures at Bon Echo Park, and quality time spent on Frog Island at Belmont Lake. Kiely describes her book as sort of a cross between “All in the Family” and “The Walton’s”. When the author poses the question, “If you were so poor why did you have ten kids?”, her witty Granny Kiely replies, “To be certain, there was no poverty between the sheets!”
Inspired by Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes, and Jeannette Walls’ The Glass Castle, this author has been chipping away at her sassy memoir for 20 years, consistently taking relative courses at Trent University, University of Toronto, Fleming College, and workshops offered by The Writers’ Union of Canada. In 2011 a yearlong bi-weekly evening course, A Novel Approach to Memoir, facilitated by Susan Reynolds, produced a rough first edition in time for her mother’s 70th birthday. Once Kiely digested feedback she applied some suggested changes, polished her manuscript, and reached out for a professional edit by Ruth Walker of Writescape.ca A brilliant new cover was designed by Robyn Barton of Barton Creative. At long last the file went to press, and Kiely’s books were ready for pick-up on February 15th. Her entry reached the Independent Publisher competition coordinators, The Jenkins Group, in Traverse City, Michigan, a day before the deadline of February 23rd. On April 10th when the winners were posted, Kiely asked her husband to review them while she paced holding her breath. When he looked up and said, “Lovey, you won, you won Silver for nonfiction, Canada East Region!”, tears tumbled down her face – all the years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work had finally been validated.
The 23rd annual Independent Publisher Book Awards ceremony took place on May 28th, 2019 at The Copacabana in New York City. Medal winning books are listed from around the world: five Australian states, seven Canadian provinces, forty-two United States, District of Columbia and Guam, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, and seven winners are from the United Kingdom. Gold, Silver and Bronze IPPY medallions were awarded in 85 national, 24 regional, plus 11 e-book categories. This year’s contest drew 4,500 entries. (www.independentpublisher.com)
Jim Barnes, Director of the Awards, says, “The creators of our IPPY medal-winners are truly out to make a difference. With inspirational storytelling, independent publishing is all about compassion for people and dedication for improving the world. Congratulations to all medalists for their independent spirit!”
The author enjoys doing readings and speaking engagements, and No Poverty Between the Sheets is a gem for book clubs. This book is currently available at: Books Galore – Port Perry, Kent Bookstore and Coles – Lindsay; Chapters and Hunter Street Books – Peterborough; Celtic Connections – Lakefield; Zen Den – Bobcaygeon; and The Book Lady – Fenelon Falls. It is offered at Peterborough, Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Brock and York Region Libraries, and from the author.
CHEX Television Alumni/CTV Weather forecaster, Dave Devall, says, “I couldn’t put this book down! I started laughing on the very first page and couldn’t wait to get to the next paragraph. What also impresses me is Kiely’s style of writing which is so honest and down-to-earth.”
Actor/Author/Comedian, Neil Crone, says, “A lovely read through. Very conversational, and all those wonderful people are painted beautifully. Kiely’s love for them shines through on every page.”
Author/Equestrian, Hugh Morshead, says, “Kiely tackles a hilarious heritage with both hands on the reins and sparks flying from her spurs!”
No Poverty Between the Sheets is the first of a trilogy series. The sequel title, The Ricochet Rodeo, is sited to launch towards the end of the year, and Kiely’s third book, The Heart of a Horse, in December 2020.
