Local author publishes new book

May 1, 2014 · 0 Comments

For local author, Don Hayward, a four and half year endeavour has finally come to fruition as his book, After the Last Day has not only been published, it is also being readily enjoyed by the public.

Hayward’s 626 page book explores the effects of a global economic crash and the fall-out experienced by a small town located in Dufferin County. Location sound familiar? The setting in which the novel takes place will strike a chord with Shelburne and the surrounding area as well it should as Hayward readily admits the idea for the book was conceived sitting on a bench in Jack Downing Park.

“I wanted to make it realistic,” said Hayward adding, “I don’t want people to think I am making a prediction, I’m telling a story. I suppose my message is one of optimism, a viable account of the positive when people work together.”

A story worth intellectual discussion and debate as the plot is highly relatable. Hayward recommends the book to grade 8 students and up ensuring there is no profanity or use of harsh words. The book by Hayward’s description spans generations, encapsulates intrigue, drama, survival, victories and loss while examining the extent to what a human being can endure during tragedy previously unimagined.

“The book is about a community of people working together to survive. I created strong female characters. A lot of my friends are feminists. I’ve never seen a difference between men and women with regards to intelligence in my life,” Hayward mentions the war for example citing that women competently ran factories while men were away.

Born in Sudbury, Ontario, Hayward has lived in Shelburne since 1984 and currently lives on the outskirts of Shelburne. With vast life experience, having backpacked Australia, this photographer/farmer eventually worked in the electrical industry, and was active in founding a renewable energy co-operative. It was this work that lead Hayward into the issues of peak oil, and the instability of the global financial system. Now retired in addition to his writing, Hayward keeps busy driving a local wheelchair school bus. Hayward and his wife, Diane now live in Grey County, Ontario.

And why go the very popular self publishing root? “As an author it’s great to have editorial control and I found after researching, self publishing is a very economical way to go,” Hayward explained. “I’m very pleased with Virtual Book Worm in regards to the paper version of the book and also very excited about the e-book available at Smashwords.” In today’s society Hayward feels the necessity to publish in both traditional and contemporary manners of publishing to accommodate all methods of reading. And thankfully, yes, “A sequel is in the works for the future,” Hayward offers and in a jovial comment reflecting on the possible reality of his work of fiction, “Who knows? Climate change may get us before the economy!”

Currently Hayward’s book is available locally at Jelly Craft Bakery, The Second Fiddle and A Cut Above. After the Last Day can be purchased online at www.smashwords.com for the ebook version, and is available online at most book outlets including Hayward’s publisher, Virtual Book Worm at www.virtualbookworm.com.

For more information visit Hayward on Facebook, e-mail afterthelastday@gmail.com or call 519 925-3286.

By Alex Sher