39 MB - University of Toronto Magazine

28-31 3/2/05 5:00 AM Page 28DISA P P E A R I NGActSHEILA HETI HAS A WAY OF MAKING YOU FEEL AS IFyou’re the most interesting person in the room. Sheand I are waiting in line at Future Bakery & Caféon Bloor Street where we’ve met to talk about hernew novel, Ticknor, but already she’s asking me all thequestions. “How do you like freelance writing?” sheinquires. “Who have you written for?”When Heti’s hot cider is ready and I’ve filled mymug with coffee, we find a place to sit, and I put adigital recorder on the table between us. I want tobegin by asking Heti about the inspiration for hernew book, but the miniature device catches her attention,and I soon find myself telling her about a creativeproject I’m involved in: recording voice messagesfrom people on the street and posting the messagesonline. Her voice rises as the questions pour out. “Arepeople able to be free enough with themselves?” sheAfter years at theheart of Toronto’sindie culture scene,author Sheila Hetiis leaving townBY MICAH TOUB28 UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MAGAZINE