Bruce Hanson

Member Profile

Short Description of Yourself

I enjoy the creative process of writing, but believe I am somewhat of an anomaly because I also enjoy editing and research. A “pantser”, I try not to think beyond the current line materializing on the screen. When not writing, I enjoy swing dancing, travel and relaxing on the dock, usually with a craft beer in hand. (You thought I was going to say “a book in hand”, didn’t you. That would be in my other hand.)  In grade school, Spelling classes gave me my lowest marks. Close behind were Grammar and Literature. To me, Shakespeare wrote in a foreign language, one that I didn’t understand. And Dickens? Well his novels were just way too long for a book with no pictures. As such, I am living proof that there is hope for all, regardless of what the school system says.
Writing Focus or Interests

Multiple Genre Short Fiction – Adult, Middle Grade/YA and Children
Professional Skills

Electrical Engineer (Retired)
Published Works and Recognitions

Double Cross is a YA novella that any age reader of mysteries and adventure will enjoy. It has received 5 Star reviews on Goodreads from readers in 4 countries.

  • “What a page turner!…This was a gripping story, an unusual, interesting setting, wonderful, well-rounded characters. The pacing was excellent. I loved the secret message in the aunt’s phone call, directing them to where she was being taken hostage. Clever!”Shelley Hrdlitschka, (CAN)  —  shortlisted for a Governor General’s Literary Award with Sister Wife. Author of 11 books

 

  • “I’m just gobsmacked, amazed at the authors imagination, writing skills and his sense of adventure and plotting skills that had me on the edge of the couch…This is a YA novella, full of heaps of adventures. I had to pause and go outside to catch my breath as such tension was mounting in the cave. This is also a book that adults that are young at heart would enjoy too.”Pauline Reid, (New Zealand)
    Book Reviewer

My short stories have been published in anthologies including those of the Canadian Authors Association.

Recognition includes:

First Place – Muskoka Authors Assoc. Melody Richardson Memorial Contest, 2020
First Place – Royal Canadian Legion (Coldwater Branch) Seniors’ Literary competition, 2020
Long list – Ontario Writers Conference Story Starter Contest, 20163rd place (non-fiction)

Third Place – Writers Community of Simcoe County/Lifestyle magazine Northern Living contest, 2013  (non-fiction)
Three Honourable Mentions:
– Canadian Author’s Association CanWrite! competition, 2014
– Winners’ Circle Int’l (CAA) Short Story Competition, 2000
– (within the top 3)  Mississauga Library Writing Contest,1998
Second Place – Brendon Donnelly Award For Children’s Literature, 1996
Bio

I am a member of the Barrie Writers Club, the Muskoka Authors Association, Writers Community of York Region and the Coldwater Writers Group.

I am a past member of the Canadian Authors Association (Toronto Branch) and the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP)

I have attended many creative writing courses including some offered by Geroge Brown College and by Brian Henry.

I have been a featured reader at Word Up Barrie, and was interviewed on “Daytime” (Rogers cable) together with Bianca Lakoselijac, author of Stone Woman

As an introvert, I believe that growth is achieved by stepping outside one’s comfort zone. As such, I took improvisational acting from Toronto’s Second City and from Dave Thomas (aka hoser, Doug McKenzie). This led to being an extra on TV and film, including Flash Point and Warehouse 13. A friend and I have been featured on Cottage Cheese (Cottage Life TV) for our “Beer-Me zip-line”.

I have provided business seminars in IBM Canada and for SkillPath Canada, and was a keynote speaker and guest Lecturer at Queen’s University’s Science and Technology MBA program. Each time I go in front of an audience, I do so with a mix of excitment and terror.