Though known as a Canadian writer, Kenneth J. Harvey is an international bestselling and prizewinning author. His most recent book, Inside, was released last month to critical acclaim (see the accompanying Knight News review). In it, Harvey takes his readers into the life of an exonerated criminal after serving 14 years of a prison sentence for a crime he did not commit. Harvey's editorials have appeared in many national Canadian newspapers, as well as CBC Radio and The Times (London). His next book, Blackstrap Hawco, is scheduled for release in 2008.
Q: Your writing style is very interesting, almost like one long train of thought. What inspired you to write in this style, as opposed to the traditional narrative?
A: I simply sat down and wrote the book. I never gave much thought to the actual style, although the rhythm of the narrative soon developed and became my guide.
Q: Your continuous theme of inside/outside is apparent throughout the book. Is there any message or story behind this?
A: It's as easy to get trapped in a life on the outside as it is to be trapped inside a prison.
Q: Are your characters based on people or instances in reality, or are they purely from your imagination? Perhaps a hybrid of the two?
A: There have been a number of wrongful convictions in Canada in the past, particularly in Newfoundland, where I live. However, the actual characters in Inside are invented. They are a mix of a number of individuals I have met over the years. Characters are often like Frankensteins, a feature taken from one person, another feature from someone else.... The character Ruth, for example, was constructed from four or five women I have been involved with over the years.
Q: Inside presents an unusual (perhaps correct) view of justice, such as Randy's revenge against Grom and his cronies and Myrden's against Willis. What are your comments on this justice?
A: In these sorts of circles, justice is often dealt out at the hands of individuals rather than by institutions. There is an aversion to the justice system because it discriminates against people from particular types of neighborhoods. The police rarely visit an upscale neighborhood and wrongfully arrest someone for murder.
Q: What was the hardest part of writing this novel? What part did you specifically enjoy the most?
A: It was not a very difficult novel to write. The first draft took two weeks and I added another section, which took another week. So, three weeks in total. There was little rewriting and little editing. It was a gift from somewhere I have no true knowledge of. What I enjoy most about Inside are the touching moments. Tears were running down my face when I wrote certain sections in the book, which has never happened to me before. I am rarely moved by my own writing.
Q: Was there any time during your writing/publishing process when you had doubts or fears about Inside? How did you push yourself past such moments?
A: No, I had no doubts about this book. I loved it from the start to finish. In fact, Myrden is probably one of the only characters I created that I truly love.
Q: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?
A: Keep writing. If you are going to be a writer it will be impossible for you to stop. It will be in your DNA. You cannot be taught it. You will simply do it. You will have no choice.
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