VIU – Living Library

VIU’s Creative Writing Program: A Graduate’s Review

I enrolled at Vancouver Island University during the summer of 2014.

I’d been diagnosed with chemotherapy-caused nerve damage – something I still deal with to this day. I was being medically released from the military and had been offered two years of postsecondary education as part of a payout package.

My disabilities from the nerve damage include sensory pain, digestive issues, fatigue, and cognitive challenges, including slower memory recovery and occasional slurred speech. I feel hung over every morning. My vision can become blurry and it can be difficult to concentrate. As fate would have it, I was also diagnosed with PTSD. Continue reading “VIU’s Creative Writing Program: A Graduate’s Review”

Remembrance Day and Afghanistan

Can you share a little bit about your experience in the Canadian military (what regiment you were with, how you got involved, where you served, anything else you are comfortable sharing – for example, I think you’re writing a book about your experiences?).

I was part of the Battle Group in Afghanistan during Operation Athena from 2009-2010. I’d been a reservist with The Royal Westminster Regiment in New Westminster but was hired by 1 PPCLI Regular Forces in Edmonton. There were a few of us reservists attached to the Battle Group. My role overseas was as a rifleman and to carry a bomb jammer to block remote-controlled explosive devices. This sometimes put me in dangerous situations. Continue reading “Remembrance Day and Afghanistan”

Signing Books at VIU and Across Vancouver Island

VIU campus bookstore has The Haunting of Vancouver Island back in stock, so I stopped by Friday afternoon to sign their copies. Thanks to Tina for taking this video (more images below), and the rest of the staff for being both supportive and all around awesome. Continue reading “Signing Books at VIU and Across Vancouver Island”

The Haunting of Vancouver Island Book Launch

On October 27th we had the book launch for The Haunting of Vancouver Island. I wanted to share some of the photos taken for those of you who couldn’t make it and those of you who did but would still like to see them. Continue reading “The Haunting of Vancouver Island Book Launch”

Vancouver Island University Book Reading & Launch

Hi everyone, Here’s the poster for my reading at Vancouver Island University on October 27th at 5:30 pm. That’s the Friday of the Halloween weekend. The Arbutus Room is above the cafeteria in building 300 (campus map). For those of you unfamiliar with the Nanaimo Campus, the Cafeteria, Library, and Theatre are all situated around the central courtyard. This is not a closed event. Everyone who can make it is welcome! Continue reading “Vancouver Island University Book Reading & Launch”