Hi there. Welcome to my website. To take a short-cut directly to information about one of my books, my research and credentials, examples of my commercial illustrations, my drawings, and my services, head to the menu at the top of the page now, where you will also find a career overview. Otherwise, keep reading. And visit my Blog for book excerpts, archived magazine articles, and original posts.
WHAT I DO
I am the author or co-author of about twenty works of non-fiction (and counting), and have published innumerable magazine articles. I’ve written widely on history, business, science and technology, the environment, and sport. While I have published recent works with academic presses, my writing is pitched at the discerning general reader, and I pride myself in explaining complex things for general audiences. You can find entries I have written for Henry Hudson, John Cabot, Nortel, and Tim Hortons at the Canadian Enclopedia, a resource aimed at school-age readers. Other clients include Cottage Life, ON Nature, Canada’s History, andUC Observer (Broadview). I provide editorial services to publishers and individuals. Those services include ghost writing, for projects that have included a major global brand, a leading figure in Canadian business, one of the world’s top consulting companies, and a leading global cybersecurity firm. I also work as an illustrator and a graphic designer. In my spare time, I’m a landscape artist. I also run the website Wild Great Lakes, which addresses news and issues for cruising boaters, kayakers, campers, cottagers, hikers, anglers, and whoever else might be interested.
Services
After more than thirty years in the business as an editor, freelance writer, researcher, communications consultant, and illustrator, I have a broad skill set that includes an award-winning ability to write compelling narrative prose, a disciplined approach to managing projects, a high level of scholarly achievement, original analysis, an ability to read French sources, and considerable experience in many different forms of research, ranging from first-person interviews to archival research to genealogical sleuthing. I’m mainly known for writing books and articles under my own byline, but I also help other people tell their stories, whether that’s at book or magazine-article length, and can craft speeches that capture the client’s voice and deliver an effective message. I have also provided consulting to museums on the content of exhibitions. I am available for public speaking on areas in which I’ve published.
In graphic design and illustration, I packaged three of my own books (A Breed Apart, Champions, and Yacht Design Explained), and designed Allen Smutylo’s award winning Wild Places Wild Hearts. I’m particularly known for my maps, which have appeared in many of my own books as well as those by other authors at leading publishing houses. See the Illustrations page for more.
How do you reach/follow me? And buy my books?
How do you find my books?
All of my books that are in print (including e-book format) are readily ordered through the usual retail options. I encourage readers to support their local independent bookstores. You can see what I’ve written (and sometimes what I’m up to) at Goodreads.
Are you on Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook, no. Twitter, more than I should be. @dwhauthor
How do you hire me?
I am happy to discuss any prospective assignment, without a meter running. On book-related projects, I am represented by Hilary McMahon at WCA.
How do I get in touch with you?
To contact me directly, email me here.
Blog
Losing Tom
On a late July evening in 1917, A.Y. Jackson was expecting orders to leave the 23rd reserve battalion at Shoreham and return to front-line duty when a sergeant-major visited him. “An officer to see you, Jackson, at my place.” Adapted and condensed from Jackson’s Wars, a work-in-progress by Douglas Hunter for McGill-Queen’s University Press. Jackson … Continue reading Losing Tom
A.Y. Jackson and Scotland's artists
As I researched my forthcoming Jackson’s Wars, Robin Rodger, a documentation officer in the collections department of the Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture, was a big help in sorting out A.Y. Jackson’s relationship with several leading British artists early in his career, among them Scotland’s Charles Hodge Mackie. In thanks, I provided the … Continue reading A.Y. Jackson and Scotland's artists
