Barry Spilchuk

My grade-11 English teacher encouraged me to write (I think she may have suggested that - just so I would stop talking in class). I said to her, Mrs. Shortreed, when will I ever have to know how to write stuff?

Fourteen books later, I can honestly say, Mrs. Shortreed, you were right! Or should I say....You were WRITE.

I am constantly amazed by the fact that the written word can move and speak to so many people.

I also love speaking to audiences large and small and I am not afraid to discuss intimate details of where and how I've been stuck. It's fun to be in a live environment and hear the laughter and the tears.

There is something magical about the written word that takes people to a deeper place. I assume it is because it's just me and them, one on one, and they can take time to embrace each thought and think about how their lives can be different. Knowing that there is hope - is a great place to start.

Discussing the 'Tough Stuff' in an open and vulnerable way invites the readers into a deeper level of intimacy - (in to me I see). I feel I am doing my job when I can help the reader find the 'bless' in any mess.

Whether it's from being abused by a baby-sitter, betrayed by a dear friend, surviving cancer (twice) or the mistakes that I am responsible for - let's talk about them. You are not alone. There is always hope.

Many blessings to you,

Barry