E778 - Patrick d'Entremont - Acadian Shorelines, the Acadian expulsion of 1755

EPISODE 778 - Patrick d'Entremont - Acadian Shorelines, the Acadian expulsion of 1755 A former columnist with the Chronicle Herald newspaper and belong to the Writers’ Council of the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia. Acadian Shorelines is my debut novel. I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where I spent the bulk of my professional life as an IT entrepreneur and business writer. Having lived to this grizzled old age means I have perspective on life, which I put to good use in narrating the thrills and misfortunes of Tommy Breau, a teenage Acadian boy who just wants to get out and see the world. But I know now what he didn’t know then, and there’s the story. I grew up in West Pubnico, Nova Scotia, a fishing community founded by returning exiles following the Acadian expulsion of 1755. I write stories that depict growing up in such a milieu and how it shaped who I became as an adult. I have found that this coming-of-age reminiscing resonates with many people, whether or not of Acadian descent. A brief excerpt from my novel was shared and thumbs-upped over three thousand times on Facebook. Acadian Shorelines is being published by OC Publishing in the summer of 2026. I am also working on a sequel to this novel as well as a prequel. Acadian Shorelines relays the hijinks and heartaches of teenager Tommy Breau growing up in the late 1960s in a small Acadian fishing village in Nova Scotia, where American radio broadcasts of pop music, world news, and baseball come in more clearly on his transistor radio than the Habs games from Montreal. Hilarious and heart-breaking in equal measure and featuring a rich cast of smart but clueless friends, wished-for girlfriends, and a loving if strict family, Acadian Shorelines has the adult Tommy looking back and wondering whether the French, Catholic upbringing he was so eager to escape may have been the best years of his life. As a child of the Sixties and of rural Acadian descent, this story is deeply personal to me and I believe I offer a unique cultural and historical perspective. Readers who enjoy energy, wit, and a touch of darkness will find Acadian Shorelines appealing, as will anyone who seeks temporary escape to simpler times. Or anyone who wants to drop in on a realistic, vivid setting they might previously have known nothing about. This episode features a reflective and deeply personal conversation with an author from Halifax, Nova Scotia, who shares the long and patient journey behind writing his first novel, Acadian Shorelines. Growing up in a small fishing village, his story is rooted in lived experience, cultural identity, and a desire to capture a way of life that shaped him. He speaks candidly about the realities of writing, emphasizing that storytelling is not about perfection but about persistence, curiosity, and a genuine love for the craft. At the heart of the discussion is the history of the Acadian people, including the forced expulsion in the 1700s and the lasting impact it had on generations. He explores how this history was often left unspoken within families, only to be rediscovered later through research and reflection. His novel brings this context to life through fiction, blending personal memory with cultural heritage. By setting the story in the 1960s, he highlights a period of transition where traditional French Acadian life began intersecting with broader English-speaking influences, creating identity challenges for young people coming of age during that time. The conversation also dives into the creative process behind the book. What began as a simple coming of age story evolved into something richer when he embraced his own cultural background. Through workshops, writing groups, and feedback, he learned that setting is more than location. It includes culture, history, and global influences that shape characters and their worldview. He shares how collaboration with family and revisiting memories helped bring authenticity and depth to the story. Listeners also get a glimpse into the characters, particularly the contrast between a naive protagonist and his confident best friend, which adds humor and relatability. The episode closes with updates on upcoming book launches, future writing projects including a sequel and prequel, and an open invitation for readers to connect and engage. Key takeaway: meaningful storytelling comes from patience, embracing your roots, and doing the hard work to bring authenticity and depth to your voice. https://patrickdentremont.com/ Support the show ___ https://livingthenextchapter.com/ podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks! https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca