Freelance Writing

Gatherer of Stories

For more than twenty years I’ve been freelance writing from my home base near Moncton, New Brunswick, sharing the stories of Atlantic Canada and its people. My articles and photos have been published in regional newspapers, national and international magazines, and other special publications.

I’ve explored topics that range from peregrine falcons and shorebirds to caribou and salmon, from bakers and woodcarvers to taxidermists and fisherwomen. During that time, I’ve narrowed my focus to specific areas of interest: conservation, nature, people profiles, and our relationship to place.

Here are a few examples of my work:

Awards & Recognitions

2022 – Second Place, Narrative Non-Fiction Prize in the Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick Competition for the essay,  ‘Ashes to Ashes.’

“This story is a gift with many layers. All are connected yet each layer has its own raison d’ être. The writer also combines strong narrative elements from using vivid scenes and metaphor, to incorporating dabs of dialogue and personal insights. As a reader, I came away with a larger heart. ” (Judge Sandra Phinney)

2021 – Silver, International Regional Magazine Awards, Nature & Environment Category, for We’re the Problem, (Saltscapes Magazine Oct/Nov 2020)

“A very necessary and powerful showcase of only a fraction of the devastation raging across the natural world.”

2017 – Silver, Atlantic Journalism Awards; Category: Atlantic Magazine Article for The Lightkeeper’s Daughters, (Saltscapes Magazine, April/May 2017)

2016 – Silver, Atlantic Journalism Awards; Category: Enterprise Reporting: Print for the two part series: Can we Save our Salmon? and Conserving Endangered Wild Salmon, (Saltscapes Magazine Summer 2016)

2016- Long List Finalist, CBC Non-Fiction Award for the personal essay, ‘Coyote Moon’. (Hear my CBC Shift interview)

2016 – First Place, Narrative Non-Fiction Prize in the Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick Competition for the essay,  ‘The Art of Seeing Clearly.’

2011 – Bronze, International Regional Magazine Awards for Tongue & Cheek,(Saltscapes Magazine July/August 2011)

2011 – Finalist for Atlantic Bookseller’s Choice Award for my biographical book, ‘Sanctuary: The Story of Naturalist Mary Majka,’ (Goose Lane Editions, 2010)

2011 – Honorable Mention, Features Writing from the Professional Writers’ Association of Canada for Tongue & Cheek, (Saltscapes Magazine, July/August 2011)

2007 – Silver, Atlantic Journalism Award, Category: Best Profile Category; Tour of a Lifetime, (Saltscapes Magazine July/August 2007)

Publications

  • Saltscapes Magazine
  • Nature Conservancy of Canada
  • Outdoor Canada
  • Atlantic Salmon Journal
  • Canadian Wildlife
  • Nature Canada
  • Atlantic Business Magazine
  • Homemakers
  • Progress
  • East Coast Living
  • CARP Magazine
  • Acreage Life
  • ISLANDS
  • Golf, Inc.
  • Ignite Magazine
  • Atlantic Books Today
  • Rural Delivery
  • Prime Time
  • Occasions
  • Retail News
  • Atlantic Co-operator
  • Opportunities NB
  • Chamber Vision Magazine
  • enBusiness
  • Atlantic Travel Guide
  • The Moncton Times & Transcript
  • New Brunswick Reader
  • Leisure Living
  • Sackville Tribune-Post
  • Metro Moncton’s ‘Success Happens’
  • Metro Moncton’s ‘Outlook’
  • County Chronicle & Moncton Westender