Chris is available with new releases and 'greatest hits' for literary festivals and related events. He has participated at past events as a reader, speaker and MC, and has hosted several Pitch the Publisher events.

Chris is available for speaking engagements and workshops on topics including the history and impact of the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School, economic transition to a sustainable Atlantic Canada, and a wide range of writing topics related to journalism, memoir, short and long fiction, and writing about social, political and environmental issues. 

Chris has more than a decade of experience providing inspiration and education on these issues. He has twice been a writer-in-residence with public libraries in Nova Scotia, where he provided weekly workshops for aspiring writers. He has also twice taught a non-credit series of fiction-writing seminars for the University of King’s College, once online and once in person. Topics have ranged from conducting great interviews, character development, linking theme and character, constructing short stories, developing your novel, the editing process, finding a publisher, magazine writing, and many more. 

Speaking Testimonials

"Chris's role as "Writer in Residence" at South Shore Public Libraries was pivotal in advancing the literary scene within our area. By offering guidance and constructive feedback, he helped many local writers make significant progress in their endeavours. His expertise in various genres and writing styles made him a versatile mentor, capable of addressing diverse literary needs.”
Christina Pottie South Shore Public Libraries
"There is a warmth and kindness in Chris’s nature that made it easy for writers to share their concerns and their writing. That, along with his writing insights and professional understanding of publishing, made attending classes very helpful as well as enjoyable.”
Janet Barkhouse Salt Fires, Sable Island Fieldnotes
"Chris not only knows the basics of story, character, and audience, but he is an excellent teacher. He has an easy and positive communication style that keeps you motivated and excited about your project."
Dr. Dana Mount
"As our keynote speaker at the Earth Common Journal Launch, your insights and wisdom regarding sustainable choices in business and in our lives were excellent to hear and more importantly honest and transparent to learn about. Your book, Eco-Innovators provided some great examples of how we can change the way we do business, the way we live our daily lives, and the way we make an impact on others' lives."
Lucille Mazo Managing Editor, Earth Common Journal
"I worked with Chris on my manuscript revisions for five months and with his expertise and cheerleading, I got more accomplished than I could have ever imagined! His ability to envision the novel as I saw it, and to help me achieve that, was what made our work so worthwhile."
Dr. Dana Mount
"Chris provides writing workshops requiring teenagers to dig deep into social issues that resonate with them. He challenges teens to understand the importance of research (even when writing fiction) and educates them about the value of writing with clarity and passion. "
Linda Hudson
"Chris's non-credit fundamentals of fiction workshop was very well-received by his students. These workshops can be a challenge to teach, since students range widely in their projects and experience. Chris did a great job of managing that breadth, and students praised his clarity, organization and the quality of his feedback."
Kim Pittaway