Sandra Creaghan Bunting
Categories: Female Authors - Anglophone Authors - Poets - Novelists - Authors of Non-Fiction - Miramichi River
Source: Author / auteure
Biography
Sandra Bunting writes poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and journalistic articles. After working for CBC News, Toronto, she moved to Europe and lived in France, Spain, and Ireland. In 2011 she returned to New Brunswick, where she graduated many years before from Harkins High School in Miramichi. Sandra holds a BA in Radio and Television Arts from the Metropolitan Toronto University and an MA in Writing from the University of Galway, Ireland.
In her academic career, Sandra gave poetry seminars at the University of Galway, where she also set up and managed the Academic Writing Centre. She taught English as a Second Language and was involved in Teacher Training.
Sandra served on the editorial board of the literary magazine Crannóg for almost 20 years, and currently offers editing services under Gaelóg Press. She is secretary of the Writers' Federation of New Brunswick.
How has New Brunswick influenced your work?
The province's magnificently wild nature has had a great effect on me and my writing besides causing me to explore environmental and ethical issues. New Brunswick boasts its share of unique characters and interesting characteristics and manner of speech, a constant source of inspiration. The writing community here has grown into a creative force, supportive of each other and encouraging to new voices. Small publishers, independent bookshops, and the library system have stepped up to facilitate better access for readers to NB books and authors, making it a welcoming environment in which to write.
What is your favourite New Brunswick book, and why?
I was particularly impressed with Allan Hudson's The Alexanders Vol. 1-2. It is the story of a Scottish immigrant to Moncton and how he builds up his jewellery business with his Acadian wife. Although the story centres around these two characters, it is really the history of Moncton and how it progressed. Through tiny details we are brought back to that time – the shops, the fashions, the parties, the gentlemen's club, the evolving modes of transport. It also takes us up to Cocagne, where the main character has a summer home and an airplane which he learns to fly. The love between the couple is portrayed beautifully as are the various conflicts that arise in trying to expand a business and a home. It is history but told in a very human way.
The Alexanders causes us to reflect on the resourcefulness of the founders of NB's towns and cities and make us proud of their achievements.
What do you consider to be the highlight of your career so far?
I am absolutely thrilled when I hear from a reader who has enjoyed my book or story. I love giving readings of my work. I enjoy giving workshops, or seminars, helping writers to edit their work and encouraging new writers, whether young or old. I think it is important to promote other writers as well as myself. It was with that in mind that I was instrumental in creating the Miramichi Literary Trail which has quotes by local writers on sandstone slabs scattered throughout the city of Miramichi on both sides of the river. The authors included in the project were Ray Frasier, David Adams Richards, Wayne Curtis, Doug Underhill, Valerie Sherrard, Carla Gunn and Chuck Bowie.
I have also initiated poetry exchanges between NB poets and poets in Maine and in Waterford and Galway, Ireland.
I am pleased to be a member of Women Who Write (Barachois), Words on Water Miramichi, the Galway Writers Workshop, and of course the Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick.
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Literary Prizes |
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| King Charles III Coronation Medal (Contribution to the Arts) - 2025 | |
| Glenna Luschei Prairie Schooner Award - 2011 | |
| Runner-up - Cinnamon Press First Novel Competition - 2007 | |
| Runner-up - Irish Digital Media Awards - 2006 | In recognition of: Writing a Novel Online |
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Featured Publication |
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Everything in This House Breaks: Stories (2018) |
Excerpt: It was a bad winter. There was hardly a dry day. Wind struggled violently with the windows, puddles grew larger, and darkness seemed to be eternal. Spring was not much better, but daylight was struggling for the upper hand. It was time again for the survey. I had to interview the same people I had before and note any changes: the addition or demise of pets, changes in the type of heating system, a second car or television. I went to Joe McEnree's house first. He answered the door immediately. I found him looking older and slightly more stooped… |
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Find this author in the New Brunswick public libraries catalogue.
Source(s): Author.
