“What is most personal is most universal,” –Alistair MacLeod, yet another truth. And the mosaic—picking up pieces and putting them back together again into people who are stronger and better than before—those are the fulcrums, the wheels, and philosophies that drive my writing. I hope you will find information of interest that leads to a partnership or invitation.

Author:

A Rose In November, collection of human interest stories, (1994); Where Did I Go? a memoir plus through OC Publishing, documenting my difficult journey navigating the world of brain injuries and how to get help.

And Momma Cried: I am presently working on a war book with Jon Tattrie (editor) Major Harold Skaarup (Military Mentor) that tells the story of four brothers who fought in the Second World War from the time they were boys in rural Canada, their struggles after enlisting as boys who become soldiers, and men, and which unlike other war books follows them to their deathbed whether in the war or after. The stories are funny, and serious, and devastating, and deal with battles on and off the frontlines. Called And Momma Cried, it will be published this fall (2026) by newly formed, Cape Breton Soul Food Publishing.

I also have a fictional manuscript that evolved from true feature stories with men who were sexually abused called Truth Be Told looking for a home and publication in 2027 It is necessary for those silenced too long to be heard. It carries an awareness and educational piece that needs coverage.

I also have collections of short stories, educational materials for high school students and teachers, a collection of poems, and several book length manuscripts from over the years. I would very much like to work with other professional writers or editors, and to fine a reputable agent for my writing. I would like to branch out as a columnist for human-interest or educational magazines. I guess now that I’m feeling better I want to, as I pace myself, do everything because for eight years I could not, until I found the right therapies and support and education, thus the memoir published in June 2025, by OC Publishing.

English teacher and Educator: 30 plus years, high school for the last 23 and as a substitute prior, while working in adult education and literacy; Masters in Education: Multicultural Diversity, Administration & Leadership, St. Francis Xavier University, 2013; Tribes Trained & Piloted …(2013–2015) Program created by Dr. Jeanne Gibbs, 2006 to help educational institutions and businesses become more successful; Winner of several national, regional writing and educational awards; Reviewer Pearson Canada of educational materials designed for grade nine students; Freelance Editor of several weekly and monthly rural magazines; Worked on several Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Department of Education committees…Literacy Success 11 & 12, Advanced English 12 Pilot, Provincial Advisory Board, Grade 12 Provincial Exam; Presenter: Numerous conferences through Literacy, Adult Education, and Public School System such as ATENS Conference 2013, Strait Regional Inservices, Provincial Literacy Conferences;

Consultant: (1994–1997) through my own business prior to coming back into the public education system, specializing in education, literacy, editing, and writing; Worked with CCLOW (Canadian Congress Learning Opportunities for Women) writing a chapter in a collective resource for female adult learners across Canada on issues such as self-esteem, confidence, motivation, and upgrading; Mentored by author Alistair MacLeod.

My intent, my hope with all of these books is to be a voice for those silenced too long because of invisible injuries, being different, and those who are called to step up to the plate and be courageous when they are anything but. Please check me out on my social platforms. Take care, Francene Gillis