I’ve been writing since I was kid. Fanfiction, mostly, though we wouldn’t have called it that. Adventure tales about building robots in the backyard, axe murderers, ancient demons, street gangs. You know, everyday life.
I improved a bit as I grew older, as one does, and ended up at McMaster University where I studied English, drama and film. I started a band called five becomes four (no caps, because artsy!) and then took my love of music and combined it with my love of writing, reviewed records for the McMaster Silhouette. I volunteered at McMaster’s radio station, 93.3 CFMU FM, where I still work today as the Program Director. I wrote a column about Generation X for the local daily and otherwise dabbled in tour management and unemployment.
A novel called Stumbling appeared in my early 20s, a tale of time spent in vans and music venues across the country. It was pretty good but remains unpublished. I wound up a publicist and freelance writer in Toronto, working for magazines such as View Weekly, Chart, the Toronto Sun and others.
Much like River in my new novel, I was shaken by my dad’s death and I moved to Japan. It had a profound effect on my life. You can learn more by buying my book 😀
Over the years, I have hosted radio programs, co-founded the Hamilton Independent Media Awards, and became engaged in projects such as the 2015 JUNOs, the Polaris Prize (big ups Grand Jury 2013!), and Japan`s Fujirock Festival. In 2009, I was nominated for a National Magazine Award.
My first novel, The Captain of Kinnoull Hill, was released in 2016. That same year, I began producing and hosting a literature program and podcast on which I interview authors, poets, booksellers, publishers, event organizers and anyone else who wants to talk books. As of October 2022 we are on episode 307.
River, Diverted was released on October 1st, 2022.