CWC is heading to the Toronto Indie Author Conference (April 18–19). We’re thrilled to support this mission of local education and networking.
The Toronto Indie Author Conference is a two-day event tailored exclusively for independent authors. Their mission is simple: to empower Canadian indie authors with essential education and networking opportunities, eliminating the need to venture beyond our borders for specialized knowledge.
At the heart of our conference lies a commitment to delivering top-tier, Canadian-specific content tailored to the unique needs of our indie author community. They take pride in curating a rich program featuring a wealth of Canadian speakers, ensuring that our attendees gain insights from experts deeply rooted in the local literary landscape.
Come say hi at our table and discover how we support your writing journey!
Lorne Tepperman, a long-time resident of Toronto and distinguished figure in academia, ventures into the realm of fiction with his debut work. As an Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Toronto, Tepperman has authored, co-authored, edited, and co-edited 88 academic books, delving into topics ranging from social inequality to deviance and crime.
1: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
When I started writing novels, I was a nearly-complete pantser. Then two things happened. First, my nephew Joe introduced me to the plotter-pantser distinction, and I realized the alternatives. Second, I discovered a plot kind of meandered when I hadn’t planned it thoroughly enough. So, I guess I’m a mix now – say, 30 percent planner, 70 percent pantser. But I still love putting my brain on auto-pilot and seeing where it takes me.
2. What inspires you to write?
I’ve always enjoyed writing as a creative act, though I spent the first fifty years of my adult life writing academic non-fiction. Though, surprisingly, even academic non-fiction has a creative element. Especially if you care whether anyone understands what you’re saying. Or whether they want to continue reading what you’ve written. So, there has always been that creative aspect in my writing.
Besides that, there’s the social aspect. All of my novels contain a social message – something about the problems we face as humans. In connection with that, they are all (so far) part of a series about an academic protagonist in an imaginary university – so, they’re all a commentary on the idiocies of academic life in an age of commercialism.
More than anything, perhaps, there’s a political aspect to my writing. I’m trying to cope with – make sense of – the horrors of everyday life in a certain President’s USA. So, many of my books contain characters loosely modelled on American-style moguls. I make sure they get their comeuppance in my books, if nowhere else.
3. What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most? (i.e., first draft, outlining, editing)?
I haven’t mentioned writing craft yet, yet increasingly, I take delight from honing my craft. Finding better ways to express what I want to say, describing my characters, inserting little jokes and jibes like landmines. The more I write, the more I realize how hard it is to write well – interestingly, clearly, evocatively. I’m still miles from where I want to be, though.
As part of this, I love editing – reviewing and revising and improving what I’ve already written. I don’t find it hard to fill a blank page with words, but I know that revising is 90 percent of a writer’s job. I continue to marvel at the way something I wrote – something I thought I’d perfected -- seems ugly and drastically in need of editing, rewriting, rewording just a week or a month later.
I don’t consider myself a natural story-teller. So one thing I’m trying to improve is my wordplay. By that, I don’t mean eloquence so much as variety and surprise.
4. Has a real person ever inspired a character in your stories?
Yes, a certain US President – let’s call him Little Boy -- and his henchmen have inspired some of the characters in my stories. Usually, I have Little Boy (or a clone) in the back of my mind when trying to craft a blowhard, a braggart, a grifter, a windbag, a gangster, or a liar. Though, of course, none of my characters has all these characteristics. No writer could invent a Little Boy – only experience him. Though, if only I were a better, more experienced writer, I might find the words to replicate him more fully.
5. Has a real person ever inspired you to kill them (in your book)?
I have known people with some of the same qualities as Little Boy. Arrogance, greed, self-absorption, self-righteous indignation over perceived slights, endless need for praise and acquisition, and so forth. So, I have put some of these people in my novels. If you look for them, you’ll find them. And they do tend to get themselves killed. In fact, the protagonist in my Rachel Tile Series of novels (currently four novels completed) is fascinated with rage as a political phenomenon. Rachel is also fascinated with revenge as a human motive.
Now don’t get me wrong – I like Rachel, even love her. I understand why she’s so fascinated with the role of rage and revenge in everyday life. Especially, political life. But Rachel can also be adorable, loving, and loveable, when she wants to be. I think she’s an admirable person. I would never want to kill off Rachel.
6. On average, how long do you write in a day?
Increasingly, my energy is a scarce resource – like water in the southwest US. So I cannot write for an entire day, as some people claim to do. (Or maybe that’s an idle claim on their part). I write every day of the year for three or four hours, tops. Usually, I intersperse the writing with other activities – reading, cooking, eating, doing chores, going to the gym, occasionally seeing friends, watching TV in the evening. A few hours of writing in the morning, a few hours in the afternoon. That seems to work for me.
7. Are you proud of the first novel that you wrote? And did you let other people read it?
I am cautiously proud of my first novel, Deadly Donation. Yes, other people have read it. In fact, the book is published, so anyone can read it. I haven’t read it in a few years, so I’m not sure I’m proud of it, though. I would probably change lots of things if I were writing a similar plot today. The result might be better.
That said, I am proud to have started writing novels. Proud to have launched my lead character, Rachel Tile, and her obsession with rage. Proud to have given fictional form to my concerns about social and economic injustice. The point is, I have made a start, knowing I could only get better. I hope I have – gotten better, that is.
8. If you could choose only one, would you rather be a wealthy writer or a famous one?
This question is surprisingly easy to answer, since I am certain I will never be either wealthy or famous. For that reason, I can indulge my fantasy to the full. I’ve always had enough money and enough fame, but if I had to increase one of the two, it would be fame. And I do mean fame, not notoriety. I wouldn’t like to be famous as the worst writer in Canada (let alone, the worst in the world). Ideally, in this fantasy world I am concocting, people I respect would praise my work. They’d come up to me and say “Lorne, I loved your new novel. Are you writing another one? I will surely read it.”
The thing about humble goals, unlike wealth and fame, is that they are humanly attainable. Not always easy to attain, but feasible. And feasibility is one of the things that makes human beings happy.
9. What is your goal as a writer?
My primary goal as a writer is to entertain myself, improve myself, and educate myself. My secondary goal is to entertain others, improve others, and educate others. If you have read my previous answer(s), you will understand why these are my goals.
If I were much younger – if I had many more decades of writing ahead of me – I would offer more grandiose answers. Or merely, more ambitious answers. I miss the grandiosity, the vastness, the impetuosity of youth. So much energy, and (sometimes) such good outcomes when you are young. As a person of twenty-five or thirty, I would have said my goal was to transform writing. Perhaps even, transform society. Of course, I would have done neither. But it is exciting to have such plans.
Today, my goal is to continue exploring Rachel Tile. To better understand her rage. To witness the costs and benefits of that rage, but also the pleasure Rachel takes from her little family. Maybe I have learned something from living, as well as writing.
10. Other than writing, what is your passion?
Since the age of five, I have played the piano. I love music, especially classical music and jazz. At one time, I even thought of becoming a composer. I have worked as a semi-professional musician throughout much of my life. But, repeatedly, I have subordinated my passion for music. First, subordinated it to academic sociology – my source of income for fifty years. Second, since retirement, I have subordinated it to novel-writing. Occasionally, I have regretted these choices, but mostly not.
Our next webinar is on March 10th, 7 pm ET/4 pm PT. All CWC members in good standing will receive an email on March 4th.
Whatever your genre, understanding marketing is essential to your success as a writer, whether publishing traditionally, self-publishing, or both. During this interactive workshop we'll look at the four components of a Marketing Plan, as well as networking, goal setting, and the power of cross-promotion. There'll be opportunity to put pen to paper, and for in-depth Q&A.
Bio:
Bill Arnott is the BC Book Prize bestselling author of the Perfect Day Walks, the Season memoirs, and the award-winning Gone Viking travelogues. For his expeditions he’s been named Fellow of Britain’s Royal Geographical Society and serves as Ambassador for Canadian Geographic and Adventure Canada. Bill also writes for numerous magazines and presents for universities, TV and radio. When not trekking, Bill can be found around B.C. where he lives on Coast Salish land.
Members have access to previous webinars in the members-only section of the website.
Do you have a completed crime or mystery manuscript sitting on your hard drive? Are you looking for professional eyes to help you sharpen your hook, tighten your plot, or navigate the path to publication?
The Crime Writers of Canada is thrilled to announce that applications for our new Mentorship Program are officially open!
This is a unique opportunity for Associate Members to work one-on-one with a seasoned professional author. Whether you are aiming for a traditional deal or preparing for an indie launch, our mentors are here to help you establish a solid literary foundation.
What the Program Offers:
Are You Ready to Apply?
To ensure a productive experience, this program is exclusively for authors with a completed manuscript. To apply, you will need to submit:
Program Details:
More Information Apply to be a Mentee
Note: With only five mentorship spots available for this session, we encourage you to submit your application early!
Questions?
If you have any questions about the program or the application process, please reach out to Ludvica Boota at ed@crimewriterscanada.com.
The CWC is a proud sponsor of the third annual Montreal Mystery book festival in downtown Montreal, where the worlds of French and English literature meet. This event brings together English and French language writers for a weekend dedicated to the mystery and thriller genres.
The event will take place from May 29-30, 2026. The full ticket gives you access to 10 panels featuring over 20 authors from Quebec, the rest of Canada, the United States, and abroad, as well as several book signing periods. Panels will take place in both French and English. Tickets are available now.
Crime Writers of Canada is a proud sponsor of this year’s Bouchercon, an epic mystery fan convention for readers, writers, and lovers of crime fiction. For over 50 years, Bouchercon has been the world’s premier crime fiction convention, bringing together top authors, publishers, and fans from around the globe. The event offers an interactive and immersive experience, featuring numerous expert panels on topics such as policing, investigative techniques, and editing, creating a vibrant literary gathering. The CWC will have a sponsorship table and will host the event’s media room. Two of our members, Louise Penny and Vicki Delany, are among the Guests of Honour.
More information at: Bouchercon 2026
Jass Aujla is a Canadian South-Asian author of suspense-thriller fiction. Jass studied creative writing as an undergraduate at the University of Toronto and later earned a Certificate in Creative Writing from the School of Continuing Studies @ UofT. When she isn’t working on one of her twisty novels, she can be found writing poetry & prose on social media.
Ten Questions for Jass
Who is your favourite Canadian author (live or dead, doesn’t have to be mystery)?
Michael Ondaatje. His lyrical, evocative prose and the way he weaves memory, identity, and quiet intensity have always spoken to me—especially as someone navigating layered cultural roots and the immigrant experience.
What is your favourite book?
I’ve read hundreds of books, so it’s hard to pick a favourite, but one that I read in 2025 was Thursdays by Aretha Wilson. It’s a raw, real-life story of heartbreak, scandal, and finding strength through faith and determination. It has stayed with me long after I turned the last page.
What is your favourite movie?
The Lake House with Sandra Bullock & Keanu Reeves. There’s something so poignant about the way it plays with time, longing, connection, and second chances—it hits an emotional sweet spot every time.
If they were making a movie from one of your books, who would play the protagonist?
For Next Of Twin, with its dual protagonists—the reunited identical twins Anjali Murphy and Riah Arora—I’d love authentic Indian casting. An actress like Priyanka Chopra comes to mind. She has the depth, intensity, and range to capture the emotional layers, cultural nuances, and quiet power my protagonists carry. The story’s duality and twists would shine in a Netflix-style adaptation with strong, layered performances highlighting sisterly loyalty versus rivalry.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I’m primarily a pantser! For me ideas often grow organically—like how Next Of Twin expanded from a ten-pages written for a writing retreat in Italy into a full draft, mostly composed on my daily Toronto train commutes. The story unfolded as I wrote and discovered the characters’ choices, but a long editing/polishing stage shaped it into a tighter, twisty plot.
What inspires you to write?
The fact that someone may read my words and find comfort in them. Whether it’s a poem that captures a fleeting emotion or a thriller that explores fractured family bonds and hidden truths, knowing my stories might offer solace, understanding, or a moment of recognition to even one reader keeps me going.
Has a real person ever inspired you to kill them (in your book)?
Yes. But doesn’t everything get fictionalized and twisted to serve the plot?
On average, how long do you write in a day?
It varies by project phase, but I aim for 1–2 hours of focused writing most days. During the first draft of Next Of Twin, it was consistently productive time squeezed into my daily train commute to Toronto (about an hour each way). I also love the quick satisfaction of drafting, editing, and posting micro-poetry or prose on social media, which can happen in minutes and keeps the habit strong.
Do you have any unfinished manuscripts in your drawer/computer?
Yes, several partial drafts and story concepts are steeping on my computer—mostly suspense-thriller ideas, one leaning toward a more ethereal quality. They’re waiting for the right organic spark or focused time to develop further, much like how Next Of Twin evolved from initial pages.
If you could only choose one, would you rather be a wealthy writer or a famous author? (ie, you can write and sell e-books and make over $400K/year, but your neighbour doesn’t even know you’re a writer or win lots of awards, but for some reason, it doesn’t translate into book sales)
I’d choose to be a famous author (awards, recognition, and connecting meaningfully with readers and the literary community, even if sales are modest). Growing up in an immigrant family taught me the value of hard work and resilience, but as a writer with a poet’s heart, validation through reader engagement, community celebration, and seeing my stories discussed or adapted would feel more fulfilling than anonymous financial success. That said, wouldn’t both be a dream?!!?
Every great detective has a partner, and every great author needs a guide. We are thrilled to announce the launch of the brand-new CWC Mentorship Program, and we are looking for five professional authors to help lead the way.
If you’ve ever wanted to share the "secrets of the trade" or help an aspiring writer navigate the twists and turns of a first manuscript, this is your chance to give back to our vibrant community.
Why Become a CWC Mentor?
Mentorship is about more than just craft; it’s about fostering the next generation of Canadian crime writing. As a mentor, you’ll enjoy:
Are You Our Next Mentor?
We are looking for five Professional Members in good standing who have a passion for the genre and a desire to help others evolve. Whether your expertise is in Noir, Cozy, Thriller, or True Crime—your insight is invaluable.
Key Dates
Applications are open from February 1st to February 14th, 2026.
Spaces are limited to five mentors for this inaugural session, so don't miss the window to apply!
More Information Apply to be a Mentor
Questions?
If you have any questions about the program or the application process, please reach out to Ludvica Boota at ed@crimewriterscanada.com.
Help us build a stronger, more connected literary community. We can’t wait to see the partnerships that form!
Dave Wickenden is a Canadian thriller author known for drawing on a life packed with real‑world intensity. Before becoming a novelist, he served in the Canadian Armed Forces and later spent 31 years in the Fire Service, eventually retiring as Deputy Fire Chief.
He’s as comfortable handling emergencies as writing about them—having saved multiple lives using CPR and a defibrillator. Outside of writing, he enjoys cooking, reading, and drawing, and even ran a custom art business specializing in pyrography; one of his pieces of former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien hangs in Rideau Hall.
His books often reflect the high‑stakes environments he knows so well, blending action, crisis, and human resilience.
10 Questions for Dave
If they were making a movie from one of your books, who would play the protagonist?
I have adapted by vigilante story, IN DEFENSE OF INNOCENCE, into both a feature film script and a TV pilot. Both are in the market currently, so if you know any producers… (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) Laura Amour is a Canadian PTSD therapist who begins a crusade, killing child exploiters worldwide. As part of my pitch package, I chose Alexandra Daddario as my main protagonist.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Definitely a pantser. Most times, I start with a story idea, and I may or may not have an ending in mind, but I allow the story to follow its own path during the first draft. I love being surprised where a character takes me and why should the reader have all the fun. I do a ton of research for my books, so often the research will lead me into totally unfamiliar ground.
In my screenwriting, I use an outline as this is the way I was taught thought the courses I’ve taken. I can see where it helps guide the writer, but I don’t like being contained when I’m being creative and usually allow the story to find its way, especially during the first draft.
Has a real person ever inspired you to kill them (in your book)?
Yes. In HOMEGROWN 2018, my antagonist, an ISIS terrorist, kills Putin and his entire government during the Victory Day parade in Red Square. Ukraine should not be having all the trouble it is facing today.
In my original draft, I had Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton facing off at an election debate, which is then threatened by terrorists. I had studied Trump’s speech patterns and body language and wrote what I thought of as an accurate scene of how he would act under a real threat. My publisher warned me that if I kept it as it was written, Trump would sue me as he has everyone who has ever stood up to him. Consequently, I changed the ending. I now avoid using real people.
If you could only choose one, would you rather be a wealthy writer or a famous author? (ie, you can write and sell e-books and make over $400K/year, but your neighbour doesn’t even know you’re a writer or win lots of awards, but for some reason, it doesn’t translate into book sales)
I, for one, would never turn down money. I have no interest in fame. I am a real stay - at - home person. Rather than attending ceremonies, I much prefer driving across this fantastic country and soaking in the beauty. I can sit in a boat for hours on end without speaking. Catching a fish is just a bonus. It’s the peace and quiet I covet.
Not that I do not enjoy being with people. I look forward to getting together with friends and meeting new ones. I spend at least half the year attending markets to sell my books, and I love meeting my readers. Their enthusiasm for my stories is all the motivation I need to keep writing.
What is your goal as a writer?
My long-time goal is to find an agent to help me move into the bigger leagues. I would much rather do more writing and less time selling and marketing, not that I would give it up entirely. It would also get my books to more people through better distribution.
The other goal is to see one of my books made into a movie. For those of you who do not know, I have taken screenwriting courses for years now and have adapted several of my books into feature scripts and have placed in screenwriting contests, which is one of the major ways to gain recognition in the movie business. My TV pilot, Defending Innocence, which stems from my vigilante series recently placed as a quarterfinalist and we should know by the end of the month if it advances to the semis.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most? (ie, first draft, outlining, editing)
I love it all. Of course, the first draft is the freest and exciting as a writer. The re-writing can be daunting at first, but I know the end result will make the book better. For my last two novels, I worked with an editor who is a joy to work with. We have become friends and send jokes back and forth, even when we are in-between projects.
Who is your favourite Canadian author (live or dead, it doesn’t have to be mystery)?
That’s a tough one. I’ll be honest, until I joined the CWC, I never paid attention to where the author originated. I read anything that fell my way. After joining CWC, I saw an interview with Louise Penny. This was around the time she released STATE OF TERROR. I was impressed with her interview so gave the story a try and fell in love with her writing. I have read quite a few of her Inspector Gamache stories since.
I met Rick Mofina the same way, through a CWC interview. He was so laid back and easy going that jumped into his books with both feet. The first thing I read from Lynwood Barklay was Ford AbomiNation and I laughed out loud more times than I recall. I have been a real fan since including his first horror, WHISTLE.
Outside of the CWC, I love almost all of Scott Overton’s books. Scott is a Sudbury author and we have sold books together at different events for years now. Although his first novel is a mystery, his heart is in the SciFi genre. His books are action packed similar to Michael Crichton.
What is your favourite book?
That’s a hard one. I think it’s a toss-up between Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Identity and Robert R. McCammon. I have read both multiple times.
What is your favourite movie?
Another tie. Shawshank and Stand by Me. Both Stephen King adaptations.
Who was the best James Bond?
What kind of question is this? Everyone knows that there was only one true James Bond. Sean Connery.
Andrew Barbero lives and works in Calgary, Alberta, where he practices law and writes fiction on the side. A graduate of the University of Calgary’s creative writing and English literature program, his short stories and journalism have appeared across Western Canada. He is currently completing his first crime novel and co-authoring a young adult project with novelist Marc Herman Lynch. When he’s not working, Andrew is happiest browsing bookshops or reading by the lake at his family cabin.
10 Questions for Andrew
Who is your favourite Canadian author (live or dead, doesn’t have to be mystery)?
There are so many excellent Canadian writers, but I’d spotlight my first favourite — Eric Wilson. He wrote those tremendous Tom and Liz Austen young adult books with titles like Murder on the Canadian, Vampires of Ottawa, and Code Red at the Supermall that made me fall in love with mysteries when I was a kid. The books were unapologetically Canadian, and for kids inundated with American culture, it hadn't occurred to us that our own country could be seen as an ideal setting for thrillers. Tom and Liz solved mysteries across most provinces and even a territory or two, bringing well-written, well-plotted crime stories to locales that young readers would know firsthand. He had a tremendous impact on many readers and writers of my generation, which the CWC recognized when Wilson was awarded the Derrick Murdoch Award for lifetime achievement in 1990.
What is your favourite movie?
It’s hard to narrow it down to just one, but my first thought was The Grand Budapest Hotel, written and directed by Wes Anderson. I love Anderson’s eye and originality, and I admire the character-driven, fun murder-mystery plot that explores a beautiful world, big themes, and sincere emotion. It’s a gem.
If you could move to any province (or specific city in Canada) where would you live? (You can choose to stay where you are)
I am Calgary-born and raised, but my family has a cabin in the Shuswap region of British Columbia, and there’s little better than being on the water and in the deep woods out that way.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I’m a hardcore plotter. My idea of heaven is my home office covered in beat sheets, a flow chart, diagrams of different levels of conflict, visual aids of five-act structures plotted out on a whiteboard, and scenes written on colour-coded index cards tacked up on the wall.
On average, how long do you write in a day?
My best progress comes from hitting a word target goal rather than a time goal each day. Working a full-time job, volunteering and living life, 1,000 words is a good day for me. If that takes 40 minutes, that’s great. If that takes 3 hours, that’s less great. But it is the number of words, not the time, that I use to mark a successful day.
Have you ever travelled somewhere and thought, I’m going to set my next novel here?
My travels once took me to Nazaré, Portugal, which is world-famous among surfers for its incredible 15- to 20-metre waves. However, what struck me was the funicular system that connects the portion of the town by the sea with the portion of town perched on the clifftop, the narrow streets, medieval churches, and a unique headscarf and flannel skirt combo worn by the town’s women (although the outfit is primarily used to pull in the tourists now). It was an unexpected burst of natural, mechanical and cultural intrigue. I broke off from my friends to sit at a cafe and cram as many notes on sounds, sights, smells and plot ideas on my phone as I could before getting dragged away for more sightseeing.
Do you have any unfinished manuscripts in your drawer/computer?
Absolutely. I’m like most writers, I imagine, in that I’ve had ideas that have lived in the back of my mind for many years, waiting their turn to be polished into what I hoped they could be, or to find the time to put the words on paper finally.
Are you proud of the first novel/story that you wrote? And, did you let other people read it?
I am proud of the first novel I wrote, more for the fact that I wrote it than the work itself. There’s something about proving to yourself that you are capable of producing that full-length manuscript, and once you clear that hurdle in your mind, every other idea seems executable. That’s invigorating.
I was fortunate enough to have a full critique of the manuscript in a creative writing workshop. I learned a lot about writing, so even if nothing ever comes of that manuscript, it will always be important to me and my development as a writer.
Are you part of a writing critique group?
I was fortunate to make life-long friends in my creative writing classes in university. That cohort of writers stayed together to form a writing group after graduation. We called ourselves “More Soup Than Man” (for reasons I won’t explain here), and it was a wonderful community for many years. We had more than twenty writers flow in and out of the group over the years, but the group saw its members through three published novels, master's and PhD theses, and dozens of manuscripts, comic books, and even a scripted podcast. Marriages, children, Covid, moves, and life have dwindled the membership in recent years, but that’s the group where I began working with my writing partner, Marc Herman Lynch, with whom I am currently working on a young adult project.
What is your goal as a writer?
Primarily, the goal is to fully express the ideas in my head and put in the effort to write a book that I can be proud of. That's what I can control, so that's where my focus goes.