Stan Bevington, David Helwig, and Jack Hodgins named to the Order of Canada

As part of yesterday’s Canada Day festivities, Governor General Michaëlle Jean has announced 60 new appointments to the Order of Canada. Among this year’s new members are BC-based novelist and short story writer Jack Hodgins and poet and novelist David Helwig. Also honoured was Coach House Books founder and “head coach” Stan Bevington and Giller Prize founder Jack Rabinovitch, who was named an officer of the Order. The Quebec writers Wajdi Mouawad, Claude LeBouthillier, and Jean O’Neil were also recognized by the Governor General.

Author is turned into beautiful Swan for Gillers

The National Post had a full-page spread on Saturday entitled “The Great Canadian Literary Makeover,” in which novelist Susan Swan is shown being put through the wringer of makeup, hair treatments, and even Botox. The article itself is not online, but Swan’s diary of the experience is, and it shows that Swan did not exactly throw herself into the whole thing with enormous enthusiasm.

Oct. 23. I didn’t think about Giller preparations today. I marched with Community Air on Queen’s Quay protesting the opening of Porter Airlines at the Toronto Island Airport. [...] I protested instead of going to International Festival of Authors’ opening cocktail party — everything social seems frivolous and distracting, including the Giller make-over.

Oct. 24. I don’t want to write anything in my journal about make-over preparations for the Giller. My rebelliousness is tiresome but if I know anything about myself at the age of 61, it’s that I will ultimately oppose any enforced regime. Work on my new book is going well and I haven’t lost weight, although I am exercising a lot. I suppose I am getting ready in my own way.

For those Giller- or Giller Light-bound authors without a major daily newspaper willing to underwrite their preparations, Quillblog recommends the services of novelist Russell Smith, who offers “Image Consulting” on his website for the nominal fee of $500 (CDN) per day, plus expenses — the equivalent of dinner for two, with tip, as Giller founder Jack Rabinovitch might say.

As Smith’s website promises:

He will travel to wherever you are, evaluate your current wardrobe and help you find and shop for any items of clothing or personal style, whether formal, business-related or casual. He will see purchases of tailored items through to their final fitting.

He specializes in occasions: the wedding suit, the visit with royalty, the awards ceremony. Or he can suggest simple changes to subtly update your everyday look.

He also offers help with etiquette and protocol, particularly in formal situations.

That last bit would certainly come in handy for Tuesday night’s non-winning authors and editors.

Related links:
Read Susan Swan’s makeover diary
Read about Russell Smith image consulting