Review
Everything's Coming Up Clover at
Everything's Coming Up Clover at
Editors Pick Award
The winner of our 2013 "Editor's Pick" Writing Contest is, "Everything's Coming Up Clover," by Dora Preston!
Published with love by Dora's daughter, Glenys Preston Blackburn, this is a heart-warming read, rich with shrewd insight and irresistible charm about a senior woman 'thrown' by her family into a retirement centre. It's Lucy Arnez in book form! Burst out-loud laughter will follow. Available at Amazon, Createspace, and Barnes and Noble
Ann Westlake ~ Writer's Cramp Editing Consultants
The winner of our 2013 "Editor's Pick" Writing Contest is, "Everything's Coming Up Clover," by Dora Preston!
Published with love by Dora's daughter, Glenys Preston Blackburn, this is a heart-warming read, rich with shrewd insight and irresistible charm about a senior woman 'thrown' by her family into a retirement centre. It's Lucy Arnez in book form! Burst out-loud laughter will follow. Available at Amazon, Createspace, and Barnes and Noble
Ann Westlake ~ Writer's Cramp Editing Consultants
Renaissance Book Review
The invitation read: “Book release party event for Everything’s Coming Up Clover! by Dora Preston”. Vancouver writer Ruth Kozak was listed as the event host at Renaissance Books Store in New Westminster.
Being a sucker for used books stores, emerging authors, British humour and sunny Sunday afternoon jaunts, I set off in search of an interview. Upon arrival there were two surprises.
First: Dora Preston wasn’t coming. She passed away two years ago. Second: Dora’s gone, but she sure isn't forgotten.
Thanks to her daughter, Glenys Preston Blackburn, and Ann Westlake, a Ladner editor, Dora’s dream of publishing her book, Everything’s Coming Up Clover! is now a reality. The storyline, her dedicated fans told me, reminded them of Dora in disguise.
Clover Rayton, a feisty senior with a wicked sense of humour, decides to retaliate when her four children have her “incarcerated in an old folks home” Her tell-all diary will, she vows, pay them back when the world reads it. She’ll go, she decides, but not quietly.
Clover, who sounds remarkably like Dora, according to those who knew her, documented one hilarious escapade after another. Honeystone Mansion was clearly in for a rude awakening when dauntless Clover marched over their Vancouver doorstep. “I won’t make it easy for them,” she vowed. And she didn’t.
Thanks to Dora Preston’s irrepressible Yorkshire wit, wisdom, and writing talent, Clover could easily star in a British sitcom, or onstage with the Vancouver Arts Club.
For ten years Dora, a popular care aide and advocate for seniors, crafted cantankerous Clover’s escapades based on observations, experiences and an irrepressible sense of fun. Eventually, when diagnosed with terminal cancer, Dora confessed to her daughter that she regretted that her manuscript remained unpublished.
Assisted by Writer’s Cramp Editing Consultants, Glenys proudly made it happen. In January, Ann Westlake selected it as winner of the Fourth Annual Editor’s Pick Writing Contest Award.
By Ursula Maxwell-Lewis -- Society of American Travel Writers: Travel Writer. Photographer. Videographer
TRIBUTES from the SCRIBBLERS WRITING GROUP
Through the tales and innocence of Clover, the charm and vibrancy of this a-dora-ble character, Dora’s spirit, zest and ‘young-at-heart’ personal style remains alive. Clover’s adventures remind us that in our golden years, zealous youth can endure and rise above the anchors of time… life can begin again after 60.
Beverley O’Neil
Dora, the author, charmed us for many years with her Clover tales. Her legacy will live on in this gem of a book that is outrageous and laugh-out-loud funny with a heartbeat of warmth.
Lara Sleath
The wit, charm and humor of Clover kept our Scribbler's group in giggles and outright snorts of laughter. Thank-you, Dora, for teaching me that no matter what your age, you can always bush-wack through the forest singing at the top of your lungs.
Lea Ricketts
It was always a special treat when Dora read a Clover story. I can still hear her delightful Yorkshire accent as she regaled us with Clover's hilarious exploits. It was like listening to treasured bedtime stories over and over. My very favourites were the writing classes with Mr. De-Lamont, in which Clover wrote the absolute most over-the-top Gothic romance. I will never forget Deirdre and Hades making hot, slippery love amidst banana peels in the banana plantation. Both Dora and Clover will live forever in my heart.
Susan Zuckerman
Even now, I swear I see her, this tiny bright-eyed woman with her tam and backpack. She was always, it seemed, in a hurry to get somewhere: a class, a meeting, a choir group or who-knows-where. Every Monday, I still see her sitting at that little table near the window at the V.C.C cafeteria before we would head off to Scribblers. I used to refer to her, affectionately, as Edith Bunker when I heard her singing in the bathroom. And at times when it seemed as if she would not, or could not, stop talking, I know, I am not the only one who would give anything to hear her sweet, distinctive voice again. To hear her say oh, give over, just one more time. And although she herself may be gone, hopefully, with this work, Clover, and her creator, will live forever.
Don Peyton
I met Dora over twenty years ago at a Wednesday Night Writing Group and through her writing came to appreciate her sense of humour, wit and charm. Lucky for me, when I joined Scribblers a few years ago, the camaraderie continued. Dora knew how to live one blessed day at a time. Her laugh was wide open, her zest for life, infectious. She was honest and accepting. These traits embroider her main character Clover, the eccentric troupe of side-kicks, and it stitches together the narrative of each lively story Dora penned.
Laurel Mae Hislop
Because we lived in the same neighbourhood, Dora often rode home with me. I will never forget the Monday evening we left the Scribblers meeting in Vancouver’s West End, an area I hadn’t navigated for years, and I commented that I wasn’t quite sure how to get to the Burrard Street Bridge. Without another word, Dora began to sing – a hilarious rhyming ditty about Old Man Denman chasing Miss Nicola, following Mr. Jervis who was at Bute until Mr. Thurlow attacked Mr. Burrard. She also had a song for remembering the cross-streets. Thus she found her way around Vancouver, British Columbia, without a map. How I wish I had asked her to write the words down for us. Oh, Dora, we miss you and will always remember your wonderful sense of humour!
Renate Ford
When I first heard Dora read her tales of Clover’s adventures in the Senior’s Home, I thought she was practicing for an audition in a British sit-com. Her delivery was so lively and expressive, and her thick Yorkshire accent successfully transported me to a place with floral wallpaper, tea cozies and lots of tweed. In person, Dora was as cheerful and big-hearted as Clover and she always had a kind word to say about other people’s writing. I miss her terribly, but I’m so happy that Dora lives on through Clover in this book.
Mari Kane
The last time I saw you I wanted to say goodbye, to tell you what a privilege it was to have known you, but I couldn't find the words. So I'm telling you now, Dora. Your unfailing positive attitude, your warm-hearted nature and, above all your amazing sense of humour, made you one of the most extraordinary people I have ever known. Goodbye, Dora. I hope to see you soon.
Rick Neal
Dora was one of the most consistently cheerful people I have ever known. I have many happy memories of her at Scribblers meetings and retreats on Mayne Island, always laughing and joking, how she would wake us in the morning with a song in her wonderful singing voice, and get us to join her in the evenings to serenade the wild life in the cove nearby. Her stories of Clover had us all weeping with laughter. I think it is wonderful that a wider audience will have a chance to share in her ability to see the funny side of life.
Dianne Maguire Dry Land Tourist and other stories
It was September 1989, West End Community Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia when I stepped into the washroom and a woman came in singing in a most lovely voice. I wondered who this happy person was and when I went into the West End Writer’s meeting, there she was—Dora! I will always remember Dora for how she loved to sing. On Mayne Island retreats she’d be up early trilling cheerfully until the rest of us got up. She was a talented humorist too, and whenever I taught a writing class, when it came to the humour writing, Dora was invited to come and share her stories. She always made us laugh!
Ruth Kozak
Driving Dora home at the end of our Scribblers weekly meetings was not only enjoyable but inspiring. She was never a silent passenger and her 'joie de vivre' always transpired in our conversations, which could be intimate at times. She seemed to have an easy, down-to-earth solution to all problems. Her appreciation for little things in her daily life will remain an inspiration for what constitutes true happiness. Thank you, Dora, for your legacy.
Diane Chouinard
When I remember Dora, I hear her laughter, I see her elegant features and colourful clothing, and feel her genuine love of life. She was a born comic and writer and I shall never forget her tales of Clover in the nursing home told with such wit and warmth. Dora wielded her brand of humour and persistence like a gentle sword. I will always miss her cheerful presence.
Val Gregory
When I think of, Dora, I have a whimsical image of all things English, tea, hats, songs of long ago, dress up, and Clover. Dora was songstress, funny girl, confidante, kind soother of fragile ego, humourist and friend.
Wayne Gatley
Beverley O’Neil
Dora, the author, charmed us for many years with her Clover tales. Her legacy will live on in this gem of a book that is outrageous and laugh-out-loud funny with a heartbeat of warmth.
Lara Sleath
The wit, charm and humor of Clover kept our Scribbler's group in giggles and outright snorts of laughter. Thank-you, Dora, for teaching me that no matter what your age, you can always bush-wack through the forest singing at the top of your lungs.
Lea Ricketts
It was always a special treat when Dora read a Clover story. I can still hear her delightful Yorkshire accent as she regaled us with Clover's hilarious exploits. It was like listening to treasured bedtime stories over and over. My very favourites were the writing classes with Mr. De-Lamont, in which Clover wrote the absolute most over-the-top Gothic romance. I will never forget Deirdre and Hades making hot, slippery love amidst banana peels in the banana plantation. Both Dora and Clover will live forever in my heart.
Susan Zuckerman
Even now, I swear I see her, this tiny bright-eyed woman with her tam and backpack. She was always, it seemed, in a hurry to get somewhere: a class, a meeting, a choir group or who-knows-where. Every Monday, I still see her sitting at that little table near the window at the V.C.C cafeteria before we would head off to Scribblers. I used to refer to her, affectionately, as Edith Bunker when I heard her singing in the bathroom. And at times when it seemed as if she would not, or could not, stop talking, I know, I am not the only one who would give anything to hear her sweet, distinctive voice again. To hear her say oh, give over, just one more time. And although she herself may be gone, hopefully, with this work, Clover, and her creator, will live forever.
Don Peyton
I met Dora over twenty years ago at a Wednesday Night Writing Group and through her writing came to appreciate her sense of humour, wit and charm. Lucky for me, when I joined Scribblers a few years ago, the camaraderie continued. Dora knew how to live one blessed day at a time. Her laugh was wide open, her zest for life, infectious. She was honest and accepting. These traits embroider her main character Clover, the eccentric troupe of side-kicks, and it stitches together the narrative of each lively story Dora penned.
Laurel Mae Hislop
Because we lived in the same neighbourhood, Dora often rode home with me. I will never forget the Monday evening we left the Scribblers meeting in Vancouver’s West End, an area I hadn’t navigated for years, and I commented that I wasn’t quite sure how to get to the Burrard Street Bridge. Without another word, Dora began to sing – a hilarious rhyming ditty about Old Man Denman chasing Miss Nicola, following Mr. Jervis who was at Bute until Mr. Thurlow attacked Mr. Burrard. She also had a song for remembering the cross-streets. Thus she found her way around Vancouver, British Columbia, without a map. How I wish I had asked her to write the words down for us. Oh, Dora, we miss you and will always remember your wonderful sense of humour!
Renate Ford
When I first heard Dora read her tales of Clover’s adventures in the Senior’s Home, I thought she was practicing for an audition in a British sit-com. Her delivery was so lively and expressive, and her thick Yorkshire accent successfully transported me to a place with floral wallpaper, tea cozies and lots of tweed. In person, Dora was as cheerful and big-hearted as Clover and she always had a kind word to say about other people’s writing. I miss her terribly, but I’m so happy that Dora lives on through Clover in this book.
Mari Kane
The last time I saw you I wanted to say goodbye, to tell you what a privilege it was to have known you, but I couldn't find the words. So I'm telling you now, Dora. Your unfailing positive attitude, your warm-hearted nature and, above all your amazing sense of humour, made you one of the most extraordinary people I have ever known. Goodbye, Dora. I hope to see you soon.
Rick Neal
Dora was one of the most consistently cheerful people I have ever known. I have many happy memories of her at Scribblers meetings and retreats on Mayne Island, always laughing and joking, how she would wake us in the morning with a song in her wonderful singing voice, and get us to join her in the evenings to serenade the wild life in the cove nearby. Her stories of Clover had us all weeping with laughter. I think it is wonderful that a wider audience will have a chance to share in her ability to see the funny side of life.
Dianne Maguire Dry Land Tourist and other stories
It was September 1989, West End Community Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia when I stepped into the washroom and a woman came in singing in a most lovely voice. I wondered who this happy person was and when I went into the West End Writer’s meeting, there she was—Dora! I will always remember Dora for how she loved to sing. On Mayne Island retreats she’d be up early trilling cheerfully until the rest of us got up. She was a talented humorist too, and whenever I taught a writing class, when it came to the humour writing, Dora was invited to come and share her stories. She always made us laugh!
Ruth Kozak
Driving Dora home at the end of our Scribblers weekly meetings was not only enjoyable but inspiring. She was never a silent passenger and her 'joie de vivre' always transpired in our conversations, which could be intimate at times. She seemed to have an easy, down-to-earth solution to all problems. Her appreciation for little things in her daily life will remain an inspiration for what constitutes true happiness. Thank you, Dora, for your legacy.
Diane Chouinard
When I remember Dora, I hear her laughter, I see her elegant features and colourful clothing, and feel her genuine love of life. She was a born comic and writer and I shall never forget her tales of Clover in the nursing home told with such wit and warmth. Dora wielded her brand of humour and persistence like a gentle sword. I will always miss her cheerful presence.
Val Gregory
When I think of, Dora, I have a whimsical image of all things English, tea, hats, songs of long ago, dress up, and Clover. Dora was songstress, funny girl, confidante, kind soother of fragile ego, humourist and friend.
Wayne Gatley
