Wendy McLeod MacKnight

Wendy McLeod MacKnight is the author of three middle grade novels, all of which are set in New Brunswick: It’s a Mystery, Pig Face! (2017), The Frame-Up (2018), and The Copycat (2020), which was a Rocky Mountain Book Awards finalist. She’s represented by the LKG Agency in New York City, has received the 2017 Atlantic Booksellers’ Emerging Author award, was called One to Watch by Quill and Quire magazine, has been reviewed in the Wall Street Journal, and her last two novels were named best books by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. The Frame-Up has been published in Taiwan and the French translation, Hors Cadre, was published by Bouton d’Or Acadie in early 2024.

What led you to become a writer?

I’ve written my entire life, but it was only when I turned fifty that I decided it was time to pursue my dream of writing middle grade novels.

How did your training and experience help you to create and innovate in your artistic practice?

I worked for the civil service for twenty-five years, in positions that required TONS of imagination and vision, a strong work ethic, and creativity! So, when I decided I wanted to pursue a career as an author, I put all of that work ethic into learning how to write a novel that kids would connect to.

What stimulates you most about your practice?

The idea that as soon as it leaves me it belongs to the reader, who will bring their own imagination with them when they read my work. Even though I spend most of my time at home writing alone, writing is truly a collaborative process.

How has living and working in New Brunswick helped and/or inspired you on your journey?

All of my books are set in New Brunswick, which I think is just about the best place a person can come from! I wanted my readers to read about a real place they could visit, places that would allow them to walk in the shoes of my characters. I love that a kid can visit Carmen’s Diner in St. Stephen, The Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton, or Tin Can Beach in Saint John. When they know their stories can be set where they’re from, they know their stories are as good as anyone’s.

What motivates your creativity?

Literally everything. But the truth is, I experience the world as one great big story.

How does your creative process unfold as you create a story?

I let the characters have the first draft and then I try to impose structure. This does not always work!

Why do you think it's important to create and pursue an artistic career?

People are wired for stories. They help us make sense of ourselves and the world around us. Stories allow us to step in others’ shoes, experience things we could never experience, and hopefully, inspire us to do better.

What have you learned about yourself and New Brunswick's artistic community through your work?

That New Brunswick’s artistic community is generous, and that we are as talented as anyone.

What do you think is the impact of artists' work on communities?

I think artists’ works are the soul of their communities. We need someone to tell our stories, paint our world, make our music.

Describe what you are most proud of in your career.

It’s a tie between the great review I received from The Wall Street Journal, and the delight of kids when they talk to me about my books. Both are humbling.

What advice would you give to people who want to become a writer?

Do it! But know it will require more work than you can ever imagine!