Some time ago, I started a special category called “Storytellers” on my blog to highlight inspiring work and insights from talented artists, writers and filmmakers.  Today, I am sharing a most interesting speech by author, Andrew Pyper, who addressed the recent Ontario Writers’ Conference. I found this in one of my newsfeeds on FB and enjoyed it so much I had to pass it on. Andrew also happens to provide some very sound advice for those of us who have chosen to make writing a central part of our lives.

Most of what I read is non-fiction and includes old newspaper articles, rare texts, journals, diaries, court testimony and academic research.  Now that I have exposed my true nature, I can tell you that reading fiction is a treat and I am careful about what I choose just because of the limits on my time.

I came to know of Andrew Pyper when he was featured as a guest to discuss The Guardians on CBC’s The Next Chapter, hosted by Shelagh Rogers.

Andrew  is a very successful author with five bestselling novels: The Guardians, Kiss Me, Lost Girls, The Trade Mission, The Wildfire Season and The Killing Circle. Four of his novels are in active development for feature films and the most recent, The Guardians, will be released in the U.S. this fall.

The Writers’ Conference organizers chose well in having him for their keynote speaker, as you will see in the video clip.

Finally, a word about The Next Chapter.  This is the only radio show I actually listen to on a fairly regular basis. Shelagh has a warm and inviting interview style that makes her listeners feel as though they are eavesdropping on a delicious private conversation at the next table in a fine restaurant. Always intelligent and exceptionally well prepared, she puts authors at ease and delivers solidly interesting discussions that are so much more sastisfying than the customary two or three minute author segments we have on other talk programs. Warning:  The show is very addictive (and available in podcasts to access at your leisure).  Way too easy to justify as work avoidance for writers, readers and transplanted Canadians like me.