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Internet project takes novel to next level |
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Written by Patty Stewart, Special to The Citizen
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Thursday, 24 July 2008 |
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PRINCE ALBERT DAILY HERALDUNITED STATESCALGARY
He has introduced the world, via the internet (also available in soft cover at Books & Co.), to a set of new characters, living in a place called Gillam, Manitoba.
The central character, and title name of Hislop’s first work is Rensby - a hardcore, old school, man’s world, RCMP officer who’s pretty much seen it all.
Hislop says Rensby is a fictional character, and the story itself is one invented by the writer. The author, with details sure to engage audiences, especially Canadian readers, chronicles the main protagonist’s “fall from grace”.
The writer recently stopped in Prince George on a trip to promote the book, as well as its accompanying website. The visit also provided opportunity for another family reunion, as Hislop’s wife, Joanne Lawrence, was raised here.
But back to the book - Hislop describes it as a who-done-it, but with some pretty significant social implications.
“He’s really just a guy trapped in a world that has changed to where women are now in control. For Rensby, that’s a heavy challenge.”
He’s a hard-drinking, spittle-spitting tough guy in a world now run by women. His latest assignment has him returning to a town he once lived in - a town he had left 10 years earlier, with no intention of returning.
“I find an awful lot of Canadian literature is bloodless, with a lack of blood and guts and passion, as well as a sense of connection to the real world,” says Hislop.
The real novel approach here, however, is Hislop’s decision to share his character Rensby to the point where readers may decide his next chapter. Through the internet site (www.markhamhislop.com) readers can contribute future chapters to the Rensby story, or perhaps share original artwork or even music devoted to the continuation of the character’s story. One of the latest additions to the site comes from a former classmate of Hislop’s, El Ron Malton has contributed a remake of Shotgun Jimmie’s Dark Cloud.
“I want to build a relationship with each reader,” he said. “Most writers don’t want to have a personal relationship with readers, but my whole artistic model is predicated on turning readers into participants.”
Hislop self-published the 168-page volume, complete with photos of Gillam and the author’s favourite haunts referred to in Rensby. The novel is also available to read online. The author says the current volatile state of the publishing business convinced him to gear up for worldwide web distribution, and participation.
The Calgary-based writer, while new at novel publishing, spent early, formative years working at the Prince Albert Daily Herald in Saskatchewan, following that position with a communications job at the MP Ray Funk’s office.
Following the political foray, Hislop started up his own consulting business, focusing on marketing. He continues to assist clients throughout Canada and into the United States.
That is, when he’s not writing. Hislop already has another novel in mind - April Newsome, Cub Reporter. We worked together at the Daily Herald in PA back in 1989, and our desks faced one another. We leave our coffee and chat at CafÈ Voltaire with Mark mentioning some characters in the new book may remind me of the old days. In fact, he says, look for one that may remind me of myself.
Hmmm. At least with Hislop’s 2.0 internet approach, there’s always the opportunity to turn a story around, or tone a character down. Now that’s reader participation!
If you know of someone or something that should be In the Spotlight, contact Patty Stewart at
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 07 September 2008 )
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