Heather Smith Wins Governor General’s Literary Award for ‘Tig’

Waterloo author Heather Smith has been awarded the prestigious Governor General’s Literary Award for her novel Tig, recognized in the Young People’s Literature category. This accolade highlights Smith’s journey from a reluctant reader with a speech impediment to a celebrated author, showcasing her remarkable talent and perseverance.

Understanding ‘Tig’

The novel Tig tells the poignant story of a girl named Tig and her brother Peter, who are taken in by their uncle and his partner after enduring months of instability and neglect. Smith explores themes of trauma, family, resilience, and the enduring hope for love and trust. In an interview with CBC Kitchener-Waterloo host Craig Norris, she reflected on the significance of the award and the inspiration behind her work.

Smith described the moment she learned about her win. “I woke up in the morning and I knew the announcement was going to be that day,” she said. Initially unaware of the notifications on her phone, she was surprised by the flood of congratulatory messages. “It struck me,” she added, revealing her disbelief at receiving such an honor.

Inspiration and Themes

When discussing the motivations for her writing, Smith emphasized her willingness to confront difficult subjects. “I think it respects the readers to go into deeper places and not shield them from things,” she stated. Her approach suggests a belief that young readers possess a remarkable resilience and can handle complex narratives.

The character of Tig draws inspiration from a real-life acquaintance of Smith’s daughter, who shared her own experiences of abandonment. Through this connection, Smith aimed to portray not only the challenges of her characters but also the potential for healing and support. “It’s don’t give up on yourself. There are going to be hard times and there is often a light at the end of the tunnel,” she remarked, underscoring the novel’s hopeful message.

Reflecting on her personal growth during the writing process, Smith noted, “It taught me that I can take risks with my writing.” She revealed that elements in Tig contain surprising twists that challenge conventional storytelling in children’s literature. Smith also recognized her own connection to Tig, sharing that both struggled with self-perception despite their intelligence. “I always felt like I wasn’t academic, but here I am writing books,” she mused, highlighting her journey to becoming a successful author.

This recognition marks a significant milestone in Smith’s career, affirming her place in contemporary children’s literature. The Governor General’s Literary Award is one of Canada’s most esteemed literary honors, celebrating outstanding Canadian writers. Smith’s achievement not only elevates her profile but also inspires other aspiring authors facing similar challenges.