This story has been decades in the development. It has had many different forms: first a short story, then a one-act play for young audiences, and, finally, a novel. Since the concept first appeared to me back in the early 90s, there have been a lot of influences in its evolution, both conscious and direct and some not so conscious and direct.
Let’s start with Ms. D. Kappele, who provided me with the original concept oh so long ago. See what you caused! From a vague dinner party discussion, it grew, eventually ending up in a collection of my short stories, Fearless Warriors, published by Talon Books, originally christened “Girl Who Loved Her Horses”. Thanks to Karl Siegler and Talon Books for giving both Danielle and the Horse their first opportunity to run free.
But the story, and Danielle’s plight, wouldn’t leave me alone. One story in a collection of other stories wasn’t enough for it. It kept nagging me … if that’s the correct word. Eventually I wanted to explore the universe of the story more. Girl Who Loved Her Horses, the play, came out a few years later. For that I have to thank Theatre Direct. Thanks to those who helped me further develop the story, I’m talking about the late Larry Lewis (a personal mentor) and Richard Goldblatt, who directed the first production. The following year, the play was also published with Talon Books as part of two one-act plays, along with Boy in the Treehouse.
When asked, I would frequently say this story, in both forms, was one of my favourite things I have ever written. Every once in a while, when I would for one reason or another reread either of its forms, I would frequently say to myself, somewhat surprised, “Wow, I wrote that!” Now I get to say that again.
Danielle and the Horse lay dormant for a number of decades, but they would not leave me alone. They had more to say. At one point a few years back I said to myself, “Just write it as a novel. See what happens.” So I did. Alas for a while I thought I was alone in my enthusiasm for their unique tale. I had great difficulty finding a home for that book. Then one afternoon, in a rather lovely hotel bar, I had a conversation with Marc Côté, publisher of Cormorant Books. Actually I had meant to pitch him another story I thought might make a half decent novel, but as I settled into that first glass of wine, I found myself talking about this secret dream/project of mine lying unappreciated in both my computer and my mind. I still remember my delight when he looked me in the eye, a definite expression of immediate interest, saying “You mean there’s an unpublished Drew Hayden Taylor novel out there?” I would have married him right there. So thank you, Marc, and Cormorant Books for giving my little girl and her mighty Horse a larger pasture to explore.
And of course, a special thanks to those who have supported and encouraged all of my literary efforts for as long as I can remember: my agent, Ms Cheeseman who has guided my career through its ups and downs. Also the lovely Janine, who has always been incredibly supportive of my flights of fancy, and my mother, whose efforts in the real world provided me the opportunity to play in my make-believe world.
I thank you all, and if I have left anybody out, my apologies. The older I get the more details seem to fall between the floorboards of my mind. I blame it on the 80s.
Drew Hayden Taylor
Curve Lake First Nation
June 2019