John is an accomplished and award-winning writer with 25 years experience as a national journalist and consultant and as an author of books and screenplays.

He has been a writer, columnist and editor for newspapers and magazines in Sydney, N.S., Halifax, Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa.

Before going freelance, most of his career was spent as  a senior writer, Parliamentary correspondent and Atlantic bureau chief for Maclean’s magazine-Canada’s national newsmagazine-where he wrote cover stories on everything from war, national and international politics, law, sports and crime to health, the environment and the world of science.

His magazine work has also appeared in such publications as Canadian Business, Canadian Geographic, The Financial Times of London, Men’s Journal, Reader’s Digest, Toro and The Walrus.

He’s written or co-authored five books. His 1992 book, Citizens Irving: The Irvings and New Brunswick (Doubleday Canada) reached #1 on the Globe and Mail’s best-seller list and was optioned for screen adaptation. The Last Best Place: Lost in the Heart of Nova Scotia (Doubleday Canada) was listed on the 1998 Christmas reading list for CBC radio’s Cross-Country Checkup.

His most recent book Coal Black Heart: The story of coal and the lives it ruled (Doubleday Canada), went on sale on April 14, 2009.

His books and magazine articles have won several awards. 

John has written dramatic scripts for television and consulted on film projects. He has also written scripts for documentary films and videos for such clients as Heritage Canada, Home Depot and the Sydney Tar ponds Cleanup Agency.

He has written throne speeches for provincial governments as well as speeches for CEOs, federal cabinet ministers, provincial premiers and political candidates. He has also written special reports, strategic corporate plans, provided web content and consulted with government and business clients on a wide range of communications issues.

John  lives in Halifax with his wife, systems consultant Lisa Napier and their children Belle and Sam.

On his free time he coaches youth basketball, runs, studies karate, plays tennis and, occasionally, the saxophone.