fiction

Q&A with Jennifer Crump, author of Canada Under Attack

How did you come up with the idea for this work?
A few years ago I stumbled across a Washington Post article in which author Peter Carlson proclaimed that, “Invading Canada is an old American tradition. Invading Canada successfully, is not.” I was reminded of Carlson’s words last year when I was in a meeting with several producers who were hoping to produce a documentary on the War of 1812. These first generation Canadians, who came from a country with a 3000-year-old history, marvelled at what they perceived to be Canada’s modesty regarding its own rich history. Canada Under Attack is my contribution to the celebration of that rich history and the defence of Canada against all attackers even when the odds seemed insurmountable, as they so frequently did.

Did you have a specific readership in mind when you wrote your book?
Definitely. I wrote this book for the young adult market.

What was your first publication?
My first book was a travel guide – Frommer’s Toronto with Kids. It was a tremendous amount of fun to write given that the research required my five daughters and I to spend an entire summer sampling the best restaurants in Toronto, testing out the best accommodations and exploring Toronto’s numerous attractions.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received as a writer?
The best advice I have ever received came from novelist Jennifer Crusie who advised me not to target a particular genre but to write a Jennifer Crump book, one that tells the stories I need to tell. Jennifer’s advice has honed my identity as a writer and Canada Under Attack tells the stories I feel are critical to my identity as a Canadian. I’ve often shared Jennifer’s great advice with my students and other audiences.

What are you reading right now?
Like most writers I am reading several books right now and making my way slowly through a lengthy “To Be Read” pile. I’m currently reading The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova.

What is your next project?
My next project focuses on one of the most infamous invasions of Canada: The War of 1812. Canada on Fire tells the stories of the Canadian heroes who were caught up on the conflict and who played a critical role in the successful defence of Canada against the American invaders.

Jennifer Crump’s work has appeared in magazines such as Reader’s Digest and Canadian Geographic. Her previous books include Amazing Stories: The War of 1812 and Frommer’s Toronto with Kids. She lives in Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario.

© 2010 Defining Canada.