Fiction Scribe

Back in July I had the pleasure of interviewing Glenice Whitting, the author of a book that encompasses war, depression, and an Australian German’s life: Pickle to Pie.

Early this month, I had the honor of attending the book launch of Pickle to Pie. Glenice is back on Fiction Scribe talking about this stage of her book being published and her future plans.

Hello Glenice! Welcome back to Fiction Scribe.

I had the pleasure of attending your book launch, and I think it went fabulously. What was the experience like for you? Were you nervous?

Hello Jaime. It was great to see you there. It was such a wonderful day. I love the old redbrick malt house that is now home for the arts in Melbourne, and the main venue for the annual Melbourne Writers’ Festival. Ilura Press had to apply in May to have the launch there and we were thrilled when Pickle to Pie was accepted. It was a gloriously sunny day, the place was crowded, anyone who was anyone in literary circles was there and I felt honoured to be a part of it. But the best thing of all was that I had all my family (Jason and Karen and granddaughter Tahlia had flown down from Queensland) and my friends and colleagues were there. I was totally happy and that wonderful feeling killed any nerves that threatened the occasion. The memory will keep me warm for the rest of my life.

How did you feel signing copies of your own book?

It was wonderful, but I found I was more nervous then than in front of the podium. I wanted each inscription to be personal and a ‘thank you’ for all the wonderful support that I have received from everyone there. One friend laughed and said, ‘Why don’t you just sign Best Wishes, instead of writing a short story’. Maybe I should have taken her advice.

Congratulations to you for your book being pick of the week in The Age. Were you hoping for that, or did it come as an unexpected surprise?

I must admit that we were hoping that Pickle to Pie would be reviewed by the Age newspaper, but to have it named ‘Pick of the Week’ was an unexpected bonus. I was also thrilled that it was a positive review. I’ve known some writers who have crawled under the doona for a week after a scathing review.

Here is Cameron Woodhead’s review

Glenice whitting’s Pickle to Pie was inspired by a box of German postcards dating back to the 19th century. Having them translated opened a window onto the German side of her cultural heritage and provided countless stories.

In her novel, the 80-year-old Frederick Fritschenburg lies dying in hospital, recollecting his long life. Dominating his memory are fragments of his childhood and his special bond with the grandmother who raised him after he was abandoned by his mother. It’s a tale that takes in the tumultuous events of the 20th century, and crafts them into poignant and intimate episodes: Being bullied by schoolboys during the First World War, or finding a job in a Toorak mansion during the Depression. Whitting’s novel creates a terrific sense of place, one that lies at the intersection of two cultures but remains quintessentially Australian. A vivid and moving exploration of the immigrant experience.

What are your overall thoughts and feelings on the whole experience (from postcards written in German to now having launched your book)?

I have an incredible feeling of satisfaction and relief. After ten years of writing, work shopping and perseverance, the stories of the children of German descent living in Australia during the last century have been permanently recorded and Pickle to Pie has finally made it into print. Out of it all has also come a peace within myself and I realize that it has also been a long personal journey that has resulted in my acceptance of my German/Australian ancestry.

Is there a most valuable piece of experience or advice you have taken from your journey thus far?

To always send work off to any opportunities that might be out there. Never wait until you think that a piece is perfect, because it never is. I find that I can always go back into a story and change it, no matter how many times I’ve thought that I’ve got it just right. Work shop whenever possible; as writers we need to share experiences and ideas. I’ve found that a writer has to be able to accept rejection and that perseverance pays off in the long run.

Finally, where do you go from here in regards to Pickle to Pie and your writing career?

I’m currently working on a story about two women, two countries, one dream. The title is Hen’s Lay, People Lie. It is the story of my longstanding friendship with an older American Poet. We met in 1975 at the Bourke and Wills Dig tree in outback Australia. Mickey has just turned ninety and lives by herself on five acres in an adobe house in Portal Arizona. She is a feisty, inspiring woman and has been my mentor for many years.

Thank you again for your time.

Thank you for having me here, Jaime.

For more information on Glenice and her book, stop by Glenice’s site.