Write Out Loud: Novel by Gayle Smith chronicles her love for horses
Gayle Smith’s novel Thickwood (Shadowpaw Press, 2022) follows protagonist Willomena Swift as she remembers her past career playing professional baseball in the US while struggling to realize her dream of raising horses on her family’s leased land in Saskatchewan’s rugged Thickwood Hills. Willo faces challenges such as sexual assault, a rogue stallion and his abusive owner, her father’s death, escaping a wildfire, and more. Thickwood was shortlisted for the 2023 Saskatchewan Book Awards’ First Book Award.
Ms. Smith grew up on a mixed farm in Alberta, where she developed a love for animals, especially horses. In 1989, she married a Saskatchewan farmer and rancher, settling in the Thickwood Hills. Gayle and her partner undertake annual wilderness pack trips and ride in the mountains. She competes in numerous equestrian events and owns and operates a horseboarding facility. In 2015, Gayle earned a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from the University of Saskatchewan and writes a blog at gaylesmith.wordpress.com.
Because of ongoing renovations at the Lyric Theatre, Write Out Loud is scheduled to be held at the Swift Current Museum on April 17, 2024. Doors open at 6:30, and local musician Celia Hammerton will entertain at 7:00. Ms. Smith’s presentation will follow. Admission is $8.00.
Write Out Loud appreciates sponsorship by the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild, Stark & Marsh, and Anderson & Co.