Get to know Canada Reads author Madeline Ashby

Madeline  Ashby's visionary sci-fi novel Company Town entered the Canada Reads ring this year, making it all the way to the final round on Day Four.

Watch actor Tamara Taylor ask Ashby a series of personal questions to get to know the author a little better. 

Due to a scheduling conflict, Tamara Taylor had to step down from Canada Reads. Defending Company Town by Madeline Ashby during the debates March 27–30 was Measha Brueggergosman. 

What is your favourite word in any language?

Yes.

Is there a word you can't stand?

Nice.

What's your worst writing habit?

Using the same word over and over again.

What is your favourite place to visit in Canada?

My favourite bars.

What's the strangest thing you've done to research a book?

The strangest thing that I've ever done was to spend a lot of time watching the Korean women's Olympic team doing taekwondo in preparation for this book.

What's the best writing advice you've ever received?

Keep going.

Who or what is your favourite character from literature?

Jane Eyre.

Robertson Davies said writers are cat people. Agree or disagree?

Absolutely agree. I have two little black cats and they are my workmates. There's a cat tree behind my desk and they observe me while I'm working. They are my little furry office mates.

What is the last book you read?

The Art of Self-Compassion.

Name your favourite way to procrastinate.

Twitter. And re-watching Hannibal.

Describe your book in one word.

Violent.