In 2008 – after a very long hiatus from creative writing – I decided I was going to take my writing more seriously. I reactivated my membership with the Nova Scotia Writers’ Federation and I began to write. Through the Federation I heard about a creative writing competition in Saskatoon. It was part of the We Are Many Arts Festival. I was intrigued when I heard that one of the judges was Yan Martel. Life of Pi had been one of my favourite books and the idea that Yan Martel would read one of my stories really inspired me to write something and send it off. Months later I was thrilled to receive an email from Yan Martel himself telling me that I was a runner up in the competition with my short story – On the Head of a Pin.

I was now incredibly motivated to write more so I again turned to the Nova Scotia Writers’ Federation to investigate writing courses that were being offered in my area. I was happy to hear that there was one being offered in the nearby community of Berwick. Best-selling author, Christy Ann Conlin, was offering a creative writing workshop at the Berwick Fire Hall. I enrolled and began classes with a diverse group of fellow writers. Not only did I learn a great deal in this workshop but it turned out to be the beginning of a friendship between Christy Ann and I that has lasted ever since. She is not only my friend, but a trusted mentor and a gifted editor. From the point in my writing journey where I met Christy Ann until now I can honestly say that my debt to her cannot be overstated. When I needed a gentle nudge or some subtle advice of what to do with  a story, she would offer it. When I needed to be kicked in the butt to get writing, she’d be wearing the boot.  I know my talent is my own and I know the time I spend on it is mine to spend but the best advice I think I could ever give an emerging writer is to find a mentor that is a talented as mine and carefully watch every move they make.

Best selling author of Heave and The Memento as well as the host of CBC Radio’s summer hit, Fear Itself,
Christy Ann Conlin