A local author has earned recognition for her debut novel, A Reluctant Mother, which has been shortlisted for the 2025 Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize, part of the BC and Yukon Book Prizes. Deirdre Simon Dore, a resident of Nakusp, was nominated for the prestigious literary award, which celebrates outstanding original works of fiction by B.C. authors.
Published by Vancouver’s Ronsdale Press, A Reluctant Mother tells the story of Frida, an artist and wife grappling with the emotional aftermath of a traumatic childhood. She and her husband, Blake, have chosen not to have children. However, their lives are turned upside down when a stranger arrives at their doorstep, bringing with her a child she claims is Blake’s daughter. As Frida navigates the overwhelming emotions and complexities of this revelation, she finds herself at a crossroads that leads to personal transformation.
Dore explained that the inspiration for her novel came from a chance encounter: “The seed of the idea started when a woman knocked on my door and said she’d just hit a deer, and it was suffering in a ditch, and did I have a gun?” Dore recalled in an interview with The Valley Voice. “Add a child to the mix, and the story came about from there.”
Though A Reluctant Mother is Dore’s first novel, she is no stranger to the literary world. The author has an extensive background in writing plays, poetry, and short fiction. She gained recognition for her short story “The Wise Baby,” which won the prestigious Journey Prize while she was completing her MFA in Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia. Her plays have also been staged, and she has received numerous accolades for her short fiction.
The Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize is awarded annually to the B.C. author of the best original literary fiction. Named in honor of the late Ethel Wilson, whose works are known for their unpretentious and lucid style, the prize recognizes narratives that explore the complexities of the human condition. As noted on the BC and Yukon Book Prizes website, Wilson’s characters often grapple with the paradox of personal freedom versus the need for meaningful connection with others.
Dore shared her thoughts on the creative process behind A Reluctant Mother, describing how her characters developed their own identities throughout the writing process. “I like how the characters started to take on their own personas,” she said. “They really came alive for me. That’s what keeps you going, I think: when the characters start to take over, and they tell you what they’re going to do and how they feel.”
Frida, the novel’s protagonist, has proven to be a divisive character. Some readers find her behavior objectionable, while others admire her complexity. Dore believes that Frida’s flaws contribute to her depth and highlight the contradictions inherent in all individuals.
Looking ahead, Dore is revisiting a play she hopes to produce and is seeking a publisher for a forthcoming short fiction collection. Additionally, she continues to work on another novel, further establishing her as a multifaceted writer.
A Reluctant Mother is available for purchase through various retailers, as well as directly from the publisher. The winner of the 2025 Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize, along with other BC and Yukon Book Prizes, will be announced on September 21 during the 41st annual gala.
