Writers Reveal

Tim Welsh was born in Ithaca, New York and raised in Ottawa, Canada, where he completed an MA in English Language and Literature at Carleton University. He now lives in Toronto. Ley Lines is his first novel. Tim shares how he fully committed to being a creative writer and began saying he was writing book. These things were significant in a psychological shift that made it possible to write Ley Lines.

Vicky Ball is the author of Powerless and Abandoned, both young adult thrillers. Vicky went viral after posting on X that she sold two books at an event in December. The post was viewed 25 million times and received more than 740,000 likes. This tweet helped propel Vicky's thriller novel, Powerless, to the top of Amazon's teen and young adult fiction chart. Vicky's talent and the four and five-star reviews from readers (many of whom are now die-hard fans) pushed sales higher.

Bruce Hunter is an active writer, editor, speaker and mentor. His award-winning novel, In the Bear’s House, is re-released by Frontenac House. Last year, the book was released in Italy as Nella casa dell’orso, (In the House of the Bear), published by iQdB edizioni. His advice to writers is to stay fit and have fun. Most of us have day jobs, kids or grandkids and other responsibilities. Writing can be draining work. Keeping fit is key to a healthy heart and creative brain.

Natalie Lim (she/her) is a Chinese-Canadian poet living on the unceded, traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples (Vancouver, BC). She is the author of a chapbook, arrhythmia (Rahila’s Ghost Press, 2022), and Elegy for Opportunity, her debut book of poetry, is forthcoming from Wolsak and Wynn in 2025. Her writing is political and she want to open questions about how grief and love intertwine to shape our time on earth.

Alison Chambers is the pen name of author Sandra Koehler, who first started writing when she was a teenager. Sandra was sparked by an interest in Nancy Drew books and a desire to tell a good story. Her latest novel is The Magician's Daughter, a thrilling novel of conspiracy, espionage, and intrigue which takes place on a US Army Air Force Base outside London in 1942 and published by Holand Press.

Paul Dettmann, AKA Crime Guy, details his path to publishing through social media, and how social media has helped him understand his audience and better connect with them. His advice to writers is to never edit when you a writing, because writing and editing require different brain processes.

Connor Lafortune is an Indiginous writer, musician, and artist who is the co-editor of A Thousand Tiny Awakenings with Lindsay Mayhew. The anthology is ollection of genuine and heartfelt expressions from young and marginalized creators. Connor is from Dokis First Nation on Robinson Huron Treaty territory of 1850 in Northeastern Ontario. Connor works primarily in Life Promotion, harm-reduction, mental health, and Indigenous education.

Emma Woodhouse of On Creative Writing fell in love with Victoriana as a child. She writes historic novels and nonfiction set in that age.

Thomas Leduc explores how feedback has helped him evolve as a writer, and why he was fortunate to connect with publisher Latitude 46.

Canadian author and professor James Cairns shares his personal struggles, his love of essays, and the evolution of his writing.

Alexis von Konigslow describes the challenges of fitting in writing when her baby arrived, and the influences and themes in her work.

I Remember Lights Author Ben Ladouceur explores how coming out has shaped his writing, and getting words on the page,and then editing later.

Allister Thompson reveals his wrestling with the human condition and climate change and how this inspires his Sci-Fi and fantasy writing.

Canadian author Anthony Bidulka gives solid, practical advice to writers, emphasizes importance of social media and always having hope.

Writer Lindsay Zier-Vogel discusses how motherhood has inspired her writing, and the importance of a writing group in shaping her work

Canadian author Saad Omar Khan discusses his poetic style, and reveals his focus on precision, depth, storytelling, and guiding the reader.

Hollay Ghadery's writing is irrevocably feminist, rooted in personal and domestic spheres. Explore her writing journey and work.