A LITERARY DISTINCTION
Saskatoon’s Cassi Smith was selected by Estevan-born bestselling author Ross King for the $10,000 RBC Taylor Emerging Writer Award. Smith, a U of S master’s student, will also be mentored by King as she works on the first draft of her writing project.
Cassi Smith had an amazing story to tell — but she had to keep it to herself for two weeks.
The University of Saskatchewan graduate and current master’s student was announced Wednesday as the recipient of the $10,000 RBC Taylor Emerging Writer award, given to a Canadian author who is working on a significant project.
Smith, selected for the award by bestselling Estevan-born author Ross King, is penning a collection of non-fiction short stories based on interviews she conducted with First Nations elders in the province.
Finally able to talk about it, Smith spoke with The Saskatoon StarPhoenix’s Dave Deibert.
Q What was your first reaction when you learned you won the award?
A I was actually at work when I received the email from Ross King. I immediately jumped up and down, literally repeating, ‘Oh my god, I won,’ until I got to the end of his message, where I found out the information was confidential and wouldn’t be announced for another couple of weeks. I’m not sure my coworkers were entirely convinced I just won a text argument with my boyfriend.
Q It was through your mother’s second marriage that you were introduced to the Cree and Metis cultures. Is that where you got the inspiration for the subject of your book?
A It definitely came from my wonderful stepfather, Frank Impey, and his amazing family. My sisters and I got to work closely with our extended family and other Saskatchewan elders through the Ministry of Social Services and a process called Opikinawasowin. Because I wasn’t raised in a traditional household with grandparents and aunts and uncles all under one roof, collecting these stories for my project was like getting a childhood’s worth of lessons and stories in a year’s time.
Q What’s a memorable non-writing award you’ve won?
A The first one I remember winning wasn’t actually an award. I won a draw in Grade 2 for a cotton-and-wooden toy rabbit at school. I had never won anything before in my life. I wore white cowboy boots and a floral skirt with matching jacket.
Q Between the $10,000 and the mentorship from King, how much will this help?
A I think this award will definitely take some pressure off me financially and allow me to dedicate more time to my project. The opportunity to have someone critically look at your work with genuine interest and care is invaluable. To have someone as experienced and talented as Ross King put his eyes to my words is a rare and deeply appreciated opportunity.
Q You were a standout soccer player at Evan Hardy and the U of S. What’s a better feeling: scoring a game-winning goal or nailing a story?
A In 2012, my women’s team won bronze at nationals in Winnipeg in what was probably the worst October weather the Prairies have ever seen. We won in overtime and I’m proud to say I was on the field when that last whistle blew. That was the last nationals I played in ... and I was happy to end on that note. Winning this award is an incredibly high note, but I’d like to think it’s just the start. I think it’s hard to know when you’ve totally nailed a story. Writing is so subjective, everyone has their opinions — but it sure is hard to deny a goal once you see that ball in the back of the net.