The Shadow Side of Success

I had the wonderful opportunity to speak on a panel at the 2016 Canadian Writers’ Summit in Toronto in June. We talked about the challenges inherent in the writing and creative life, to an amazing reception. It took a bit of bravery to be honest and vulnerable about certain realities in front of a crowd, yes, but it was standing-room only for our talk, and afterwards many authors had stories of their own to share with us.

My lovely and talented author friend Heidi Reimer took the initiative to turn our talk into an interview-style article for The New Quarterly. It’s a long, in-depth read, and we’re hearing other authors say how much it resonates with them, too. Within the writing community there a lot of issues that aren’t easy to talk about, but it’s important now, however, more than ever, to speak up.