Janet Wilson in the Northwest Territories

A Book Week tour is quite hectic with not much free time. This year I was fully booked in three communities in the Northwest Territories. I was told to bring a heavy coat and warm boots; it was frigid and snowy up there. Naturally, when I arrived so did Spring—the week was unusually warm and lovely. Very overdressed! The day before I left home, my publisher asked for some rewriting of my latest manuscript, and wanted it done by the day after I was to return from the tour, on Mothers Day. This meant that when I got to my billets at night, I had to get right to work on the ol' HP—no time to call home to chat.

With two days left to go, I was taken to do an unscheduled interview at CBC North after my day of school visits, and then to a memorable meal featuring fresh caught fish from Great Slave Lake—neither stop listed on the itinerary copy that was back home. Of course, I did not have my cell phone turned on in that time and neither did my host/escort. Just as we arrived at the Yellowknife Library for a public evening presentation, I was told by the librarian at the front desk something that invariably will cause any heart to plummet, “Your husband phoned. You must phone him right away.” Pound! Pound! Pound! I was taken to a private room to call. After several botched attempts with shaky hands to dial the intricate long distance code, I asked for help. The line was busy. It seemed obvious to me that Chris was notifying next of kin of tragic news. “He said not to worry,” said the librarian who had taken his call. “Of course he would say that!” Beep, beep, beep—still busy. After several calls, it is now the time to start the presentation. The staff kindly waited. Our phone is ringing now, but the machine kicks in. Has my husband left to identify the body? A breathless staff member runs into the room. “He’s on the line at the front desk.” I rush to the desk and take the call. I immediately shriek and burst into tears. The librarians are gathered around, their hands wringing, looking helpless. The message from my husband, “Louise couldn’t wait.” For the first split second I was confused, too. Then the brain light switched on. My first granddaughter had just arrived two weeks early! Without me. Mom, Dad, baby, big brother, all are fine. The presentation went well, too—I’m told—although I was still, occasionally,” leaky”.

As for my deadline, in the end, my luggage and the power cord for my laptop was lost in transit in Edmonton, so I wasn’t able to send in the updated manuscript when I got home. My advice to other touring authors—just say no to extra homework! And make lots of backups!