ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode, host Megan Cole talks to Monique Gray Smith. Monique's book I Hope was a finalist for the 2023 Billy Duthie Booksellers' Choice Award. In their conversation Monique talks about the author-illustrator relationship, and why she wanted to write a book about hope for young readers. Visit BC and Yukon Book Prizes: https://bcyukonbookprizes.com/ About I Hope: https://bcyukonbookprizes.com/project/i-hope-nipakoseyimon/ ABOUT MONIQUE GRAY SMITH: Monique Gray Smith is a proud mom of teenage twins, an award-winning, best-selling author and sought after consultant. Monique’s most recent novel, Tilly and the Crazy Eights was long listed for Canada Reads 2021. Monique has 9 books ranging for readers across the life span. Children’s books include My Heart Fills with Happiness, You Hold Me Up, When We Are Kind, Lucy and Lola and I Hope. Young Adult and Adult books include Speaking our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation, Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience, and recently released, Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults. Monique’s books are used to share wisdom, knowledge, hope and the important teaching that love is medicine. Monique is Cree, Lakota and Scottish and has been sober and involved in her healing journey for over 32 years. She is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience. ABOUT MEGAN COLE: Megan Cole the Director of Programming and Communications for the BC and Yukon Book Prizes. She is also a writer based on the territory of the Tla'amin Nation. Megan writes creative nonfiction and has had essays published in Chatelaine, This Magazine, The Puritan, Untethered, and more. She has her MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of King's College and is working her first book. Find out more about Megan at megancolewriter.com ABOUT THE PODCAST: Writing the Coast is recorded and produced on the territory of the Tla'amin Nation. As a settler on these lands, Megan Cole finds opportunities to learn and listen to the stories from those whose land was stolen. Writing the Coast is a recorded series of conversations, readings, and insights into the work of the writers, illustrators, and creators whose books are nominated for the annual BC and Yukon Book Prizes. We'll also check in on people in the writing community who are supporting books, writers and readers every day. The podcast is produced and hosted by Megan Cole.
