Local writer explores the humour in motherhood in new book
Laura Rock Gaughan’s first book is a short-story collection
Local writer Laura Rock Gaughan has launched her first book.
Motherish is a collection of short stories that all touch on motherhood “in an expansive sense,” she says.
Some are about mothers and children, but others are about doting employers who act “motherish”, for example, or about siblings looking out for one another when mom’s not around.
The stories have humour, such as when a pair of high-roller grandparents in the 1970s take their young granddaughter to the betting track.
Another story cover how a Mexican woman, working in a sweatshop, conceals her pregnancy (she’ll be fired if her boss finds out). Even though her job seems bleak, the expectant mother is full of unalloyed joy.
It’s a book for moms – but for other readers, too.
“I think the type of people who enjoy a little bit of complexity will enjoy these stories,” she said.
The book was released by Turnstone Press, an independent literary publisher in Winnipeg.
Gaughan held a launch on Thursday evening at Hunter Street Books in downtown Peterborough. She’s planning another launch in Lakefield – where she lives – at Happenstance Books and Yarns. That’s happening on Sept. 30 at the store on Queen St. from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Gaughan, 54, has lived in Lakefield for 18 years.
She grew up in a small town in western New York state, and moved to Canada after university. She and husband Tim have three daughters and a son, ranging in age from 17 to 25.
Gaughan works as a consultant for Laridae, a downtown Peterborough firm; she works with non-profits, helping them with communication strategies.
She said the “book culture” in Peterborough and area has nourished her writing.
Trent University’s reading series, the Lakefield Literary Festival and Artsweek allow writers to meet and learn more about the craft, she said.
Gaughan can be reached through her website, laurarockgaughan.com