The series consists of material related to Blanche Howard’s writing career between 1968-2013. Materials include Howard’s fiction and non-fiction writings in various editorial and publication stages; correspondence regarding and related to her writing projects; contracts, agreements, and royalty or revenue statements; biographical, publicity, and promotional materials; research materials; notes and various collected ephemera. Writings include primarily typed and computer-generated manuscripts of novels and short stories; scripts of plays; and texts of non-fiction writings, including political articles written during Bruce Howard’s tenure as a Member of Parliament, letters-to-the-editor of newspapers in Ontario and British Columbia, and various essays and speeches. Many of these writings include hand-written annotations. Also included are project proposals, publications proofs, clippings or photocopies of published works, as well as outlines and notes regarding characters, plot, structure, and more. Correspondence in the series consists of email and traditional correspondence regarding writing projects between Howard and numerous publishers, editors, and theatre companies; literary agents; awards committees; and colleagues, friends, and family, among others. This correspondence includes letters accompanying manuscript submissions; acceptance and rejection letters; correspondence regarding permissions and publication; and endorsements and comments, among other correspondence. Biographical, publicity, and promotional materials include biographies and curricula vitae; printouts of online reviews; newspaper and magazine clippings; texts of remarks delivered during promotional talks or reading events; reader’s guides; and press releases, and other materials. Various collected ephemera includes clippings and other materials used for background research, flyers, play programs, certificates of appreciation, book catalogues, course brochures, literary competition guidelines, and photographs.
In addition to the records directly related to Howard’s writing career, the series also contains records related to more tangential or personal activities, such as her participation in a book club or her adjudication of the 2010 Saskatchewan Book Awards.