NEWS
Wayward Voices Featured as a “Best Pick” and Reviewed by Ottawa Life Magazine — August 20, 2026
I am pleased to see Wayward Voices receiving attention from Ottawa Life Magazine and reaching readers beyond Quebec.
The book has been featured as a “Best Pick” by Ottawa Life Magazine, which also published a review describing the novel as a literary noir about truth, corruption, and the cost of redemption.
The review has since been picked up by ottown under the headline “Ottawa Readers, Meet Your Next Literary Noir Obsession,” extending the book’s reach among Ottawa readers.
Read the review in Ottawa Life Magazine
Wayward Voices Added to McGill University Library Collection
— August 18, 2026
McGill University’s historic Arts Building in Montreal. Wayward Voices has been added to the McGill University Libraries collection. Photo: D. Benjamin Miller / Wikimedia Commons (CC0).
Wayward Voices has been added to the collection of McGill University Libraries in Montreal.
I am particularly pleased to see the book become part of the collection of my alma mater, where I studied under professors Hugh MacLennan and Louis Dudek.
My thanks to Lonnie Weatherby, Liaison Librarian for English, American, and Canadian Literatures and related areas, for his assistance in acquiring the book.
"The Stories That Keep a Place Alive" Published in Two Community Newspapers
This historic photo of newspaper carriers outside The Sherbrooke Daily Record reminds us of the vital role community newspapers have long played in connecting people and preserving local history. Photo: Courtesy Sherbrooke Record archives.
“The Stories That Keep a Place Alive: Local Journalism as the First Draft of Community Memory," has now been published by both The Record in Sherbrooke and Beach Metro Community News in Toronto.
The article reflects on the enduring importance of community newspapers in preserving local history, identity, and collective memory. Drawing on my years as a community journalist in Quebec's Eastern Townships, I explore how local reporting shaped my career and influenced the themes of Wayward Voices.
I am pleased that the article is reaching readers in two different communities and continuing the conversation about the vital role of local journalism.
Read the article in Beach Metro Community News
Read the original publication in The Record (PDF)
Frank Nixon to Participate in the 2026 Knowlton Literary Festival
Knowlton (Lac-Brome), Quebec, where the festival will take place. Photograph courtesy of Kathryn Lexow.
I am delighted to announce that I will be taking part in the 2026 Knowlton Literary Festival as one of the featured writers in the Local Authors event at Brome Lake Books on October 15, 2026.
The festival, taking place from October 15 to 17, will bring together writers from across the region and beyond for a three-day celebration of literature, storytelling, and community.
The Local Authors event takes place in an intimate bookstore setting. It offers a wonderful opportunity to meet readers, connect with fellow authors, and experience the vibrant literary culture of the Townships.
I look forward to introducing Wayward Voices to festival readers and joining this gathering of books and writers in one of Quebec's most welcoming literary communities.
For more information, please visit the Knowlton Literary Festival website: www.knowltonliteraryfestival.ca
Wayward Voices Entered for the 2026 Concordia University First Book Prize and the Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction
Thomas1313, Loyola College Building (Administration Building), Concordia University Loyola Campus, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
I am delighted to share that Wayward Voices has been officially accepted for consideration for the 2026 Quebec Writers' Federation Concordia University First Book Prize and the Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction.
The novella appears on the Quebec Writers' Federation's list of eligible submissions for this year's awards, recognizing outstanding books by Quebec authors. While this announcement represents acceptance into the competition rather than a shortlist, I am honoured that Wayward Voices is among the books being considered by the prize juries.
As a first work of fiction following my career in journalism, this marks an encouraging milestone in the book's journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have it read alongside the year's other titles.
Wayward Voices Is Now Available!
The cover of Wayward Voices. Frank Nixon's debut literary noir thriller, now available through major online retailers and bookstores.
I am delighted to announce that my debut literary noir novella, Wayward Voices, has now been published by FriesenPress.
Set in the fictional Eastern Townships town of Wayward, the story follows former investigative journalist Hank McGee as he confronts corruption, redemption, and the price of truth. Drawing on my years as a community newspaper reporter, the novella explores the enduring importance of integrity, second chances, and the pursuit of justice.
The publication of Wayward Voices marks the culmination of many months of writing, editing, and collaboration. I am especially grateful for the encouragement of family, friends, fellow writers, and readers who supported the project from its earliest stages.
The book has already received praise from Kirkus Reviews and Foreword Clarion Reviews, along with generous endorsements from respected members of the publishing community. I am also honoured to be participating as a featured local author at the 2026 Knowlton Literary Festival this October, in Quebec.
Wayward Voices is available through major online retailers and bookstores. Visit the Buy Wayward Voices page for purchasing options.
Thank you for visiting, and I hope you enjoy the journey.