Saskatchewan author Shelley Fraser has already cleared one hurdle in the publishing world. Now she’s looking to clear another in the realm of film.
Fraser published ‘The Morning I Walked Home” in February, and said the response from readers has been fantastic. Now she’s looking to take another step and have the book turned into a movie.
“We’re just in the early development stages of it, so it will take some time,” said Fraser, who will be in Prince Albert on Thursday and Friday for a book signing. “(We’ve) got to do some applications and getting funding in place for it.”
‘The Morning I Walked Home’ was inspired by Fraser’s mentor—a Catholic sister who guided her through difficult moments growing up in Debden just northwest of Prince Albert. The two stayed in touch after Fraser graduated, but eventually lost contact.
Years later, Fraser learned the sister was living at Mont. St. Joseph’s in Prince Albert. That discovery helped the two reconnect.
Fraser said she’s pleased to see how readers have responded to the book.
“You’re always hoping for something that’s going to be a positive outcome,” she said.
“It’s very positive I think…. A lot of people just love the story because it’s real, and it’s based in Saskatchewan.”
Fraser said that last factor was a big part in helping her get a foot in the film world. While she stressed plans for a movie are very early in their development, she said there is a hunger for Saskatchewan-based stories.
“He (the producer) is really happy about the story. He says ‘you’ve got something here and we’re going to move forward with it’ … so It’s a great opportunity,” Fraser said. “He loves it because it’s Saskatchewan-based.”
‘The Morning I Walked Home’ focuses on the themes of grief, healing, resilience, and mentorship.
While Fraser was able to reconnect with her mentor, she found the sister struggling with dementia. The memoir draws on Fraser’s experience during their final few visits before the sister passed away.
Fraser said writing the memoir was a way of honouring her mentor, who helped her through some of the most difficult moments in her life.
“It really shows how one person can change the direction of a life,” she said.
Fraser will be at Lake Country Co-op in Prince Albert for a book signing on Thursday and Friday. The signings run from 12-5 on both days.
“I can sign their book. If they want to come visit I can talk to them about the book. It’s just going to be a nice relaxing day,” she said.
In addition to the movie, Fraser hopes her book will soon be available in Chapters, Indigo, and Coles book stores in Saskatoon.
–with files from Arjun Pillai/Daily Herald
