Gary Stickles was born and raised in Ontario’s Niagara Region. A graduate of the University of Guelph’s Hons. Bachelor of Commerce programme, he built a wide-ranging career in the hospitality and tourism industry, working in management, accounting, and ownership. He later contributed as a writer and copy editor for Niagara Today Magazine, where his recurring column, “In Your Own Backyard,” showcased the hidden gems of Niagara.
Now an empty-nester with two grown children living in Vancouver, Gary shares his Niagara home with his wife and their loyal—if occasionally diabolical—cat. With Purging of Paradise, he turns his creative energy toward fiction, launching both his debut thriller and the beginning of the Eric Wakefield thriller series.
Gary is a proud member of Crime Writers of Canada, International Thriller Writers, and Crime Writer’s Association.
Website: https://gdstickles.com/
1. Who is my favourite Canadian author?
L.R. Wright — My introduction to adult mystery novels came through The Suspect (1985), the first book in her Alberg and Cassandra Mysteries series, and I was hooked from the very first page. Over the years, I eagerly read the other eight books in the series, always looking forward to my next visit with Karl Alberg and Cassandra Mitchell. What I loved most about Wright’s writing was her ability to create deeply human characters and immerse readers in the atmosphere of small-town Canada. Her stories felt authentic, thoughtful, and unforgettable, and they played a big role in shaping my love of crime fiction.
2. What is my favourite movie?
The Mission (1986) — Jeremy Irons, Robert De Niro, Liam Neeson. Set in 18th-century South America, the story follows a Jesuit priest who establishes a mission among the Guaraní people. He is joined by a former slave trader seeking redemption for a violent past. When colonial politics threaten the mission and the Indigenous community it protects, the two men face difficult choices about faith, justice, and resistance. Brilliant acting, stunning cinematography, and haunting musical score.
3. If I could move to any province (or specific city in Canada) where would I live?
Vancouver, without hesitation. I’ve been visiting since my brother moved there in 1979, and over the years the city has come to feel like a second home. With both of my adult children now living there, it’s where my heart would take me.
4. Am I a plotter or a pantser?
A bit of both. I begin with a story idea, a loose roadmap, and an ending in mind. After that, I mostly follow the characters and see where they lead me. Some developments are carefully planned, but many appear out of nowhere. Fortunately, those unexpected moments are often the most rewarding. That's what makes writing so much fun.
5. What part of the writing process do I enjoy the most?
Writing is truly a labour of love. It can be exhilarating one moment and frustrating the next. I especially enjoy the research phase and writing the first draft, when the story is fresh and full of possibilities. Editing, on the other hand, is my nemesis. As a perfectionist and self-confessed control freak, I can spend far too much time tinkering with sentences and second-guessing my choices. It's a necessary part of writing, but it's definitely the stage that tests my patience the most.
6. On average, how long do I write in a day?
I put in an eight-hour day at my desk, but if we're talking actual writing time, it's probably closer to three hours. The remaining five are usually spent researching, fact-checking, wandering down fascinating rabbit holes, and expertly avoiding the blank page. Fortunately, writers are allowed to call most of that "work."
7. Have I ever travelled somewhere and thought, I’m going to set my next novel here?
That’s any easy one: Hawaiʻi. From the moment I first visited, I knew it was where I wanted to set my novels. It offers a fascinating blend of the exotic and the familiar, where tropical beauty and island culture exist alongside the everyday rhythms of North American life. That contrast creates a rich and compelling backdrop for my books, and it’s a setting that continues to inspire me.
8. Do I have any unfinished manuscripts in my drawer/computer?
Absolutely. My computer is home to several manuscripts in various stages of completion. There’s The Last Light of Kahuku, the third novel in my Eric Wakefield thriller series, the beginnings of a fourth Wakefield book, and a three-part historical fiction saga called Maiden Voyage. I like to think of them as projects “simmering on the back burner” rather than unfinished.
9. Am I proud of the first novel/story that I wrote? And did I let other people read it?
Of course, I am. Every writer has a special connection to their first novel, flaws and all. I was proud enough of mine to send it out into the world and seek publication. Before I did, I asked family, friends, friends of friends, and even neighbours to read it and tell me what they thought.
Sharing your work can be intimidating, but it’s one of the best ways to grow as a writer. Some of the most helpful insights came from those early readers, and their feedback helped shape the book into something much better than I could have achieved on my own.
10. Other than writing, what are my passions?
Besides writing, I love reading, listening to music, gardening, cooking, photography, and travelling. I enjoy activities that spark creativity and provide new experiences. Sometimes, they also provide inspiration for my stories.