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• May 1, 2023 Topics2023 author interview Book Clubs Book Fairs books May

Exclusive Chat with ‘Scholastic Canada Biography’ Author Elizabeth MacLeod

What inspired you to write Meet Buffy Sainte-Marie?

Buffy is often in the news and I thought kids should know more about this amazing Canadian and all that she has accomplished. Also, the second book in this series is Meet Tom Longboat, an incredible Indigenous marathon runner, but until now, he’s the only Indigenous person we’ve profiled. I felt it was time not only to include another Indigenous person in the series, but also to write about an Indigenous woman. Buffy was the first person who came to my mind. My editor agreed! (By the way, Erin, my fabulous editor, and I went to hear Buffy performing live and had a great time. Buffy is amazing in concert!)

What did you enjoy most about writing Meet Buffy Sainte-Marie? What were some challenges that you faced while writing?

I think what I most enjoyed about writing about Buffy was having a good excuse to re-listen to many of her songs. I also loved watching the clips of her on Sesame Street and seeing how she interacted with all those characters we know so well. Buffy has achieved so much in her life and I loved the idea of sharing her story with kids.

All of the books in this series are read by an expert before they’re published. The hardest part about writing this book was knowing that Buffy would be the expert reviewing the book before publication. Would she like what I said about her? How would she feel about the book? Would she like what I had her saying in the speech balloons? I was really nervous. So I was very relieved to hear that Buffy was pleased with both the writing and the great illustrations by Mike Deas.

Another great thing about writing about Buffy was that I actually got to talk to her. What a treat! I was told by her staff that I could only speak to her for 30 minutes but at the end of that time Buffy asked if I had more time to talk. Of course I said yes!

Buffy and I had a great conversation. We’re both cat lovers so we had lots to chat about.

What do you hope your readers will take away from Meet Buffy Sainte-Marie?

I hope this book will encourage kids to listen to Buffy’s music, find out more about some of the Indigenous programs she’s created and learn about other great First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. Buffy has overcome a lot of obstacles and has incredible determination so I hope her story will inspire readers to be strong and do what they can to make the world a better place.

What’s next for you?

The next two books in the series are Meet Clara Hughes and Meet Jim Egan. Clara is an Olympic-medal winner in both speed skating and cycling. She’s the only athlete in the world — in the world! — to have won more than one medal at both the summer and winter Olympic games. Clara has an inspiring story and now works to make people more aware of the importance of mental health.

Jim was a gay rights activist. In researching his story, I realized how little information kids today likely know about the discrimination gay people have faced. I’m glad to have a chance to make them aware of it and introduce them to another brave Canadian.

For Meet Buffy Sainte-Marie and all of your Scholastic Canada Biography titles, you do incredible amounts of research to make sure your books are as accurate as possible. Can you describe your research process for us? Where do you even start?

Researching is my favourite part of writing any book — I think most nonfiction authors would agree. I’m always looking for that amazing fact that will astound kids and capture their imaginations. I read as many books as I can find, check lots of websites, read magazines and newspapers and talk to experts.

For Meet Buffy Sainte-Marie, an important book for my research was a biography of her that was published recently. Buffy was very involved in the writing of the book so I knew I could rely on the facts in it.

As soon as I know who will be the subject of my next book I hit the internet and start researching. I buy books, put holds on books at the library (I use my local library a lot!) and start thinking about what to include in my book. The first thing I write is the timeline at the back of the book. That way, when I plan out the rest of the book, I can refer to the timeline to get a sense of how many events I need to include in the book and make sure I’ve got everything in the right order.

Why do you think it’s important for kids to learn about Buffy Sainte-Marie and her life story?

I’m so proud to be Canadian and I love sharing the stories of amazing Canadians with readers. I think it’s really important that kids know these stories because they provide inspiration and encouragement. I hope I can help kids become as proud of our country as I am.

The prejudice Buffy experienced especially when she was younger is incredible. But not only did she never give up, she also set up programs so other Indigenous people, especially kids, wouldn’t have to face the same discrimination that she has. It’s important that all kids — Indigenous and non-Indigenous — know about Indigenous rights so Canada can move forward in a healthier, fairer way.

Buffy is a very generous, giving, inclusive person. She’s such a great example to kids and adults.

What is your favourite of Buffy Sainte-Marie’s songs and why?

“Until It’s Time for You to Go” and “Up Where We Belong” are two beautiful love songs that Buffy wrote and sang. And her song “Universal Soldier” gives you a lot to think about. These are all great classic songs by Buffy. But I think my favourite song by her is a more modern one — “You Got to Run (Spirit of the Wind),” especially when she performs it with Inuit artist Tanya Tagaq. It always makes me want to get up and move and I love how the two women sound together. Give it a listen!

BONUS QUESTION: What music influenced your childhood?

Definitely the Beatles! I especially loved (and I still do) their early songs, such as “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “From Me to You” and “I Feel Fine.” What’s your favourite Beatle song?

Discover more of Elizabeth MacLeod’s award-winning Scholastic Canada Biography series highlighting the lives of remarkable Canadians, whose achievements and legacies have inspired and changed the lives of those that followed them here!