Hugh R. MacDonald
Hugh R. MacDonald is a writer of fiction, and a singer/songwriter. Hugh has been a member of the Writers Union of Canada and the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia (WFNS) for many years. His YA novel, Trapper Boy was published by Cape Breton University Press, and he has a sequel entitled Us and Them due to be released in October 2016. Also, his work has been in three anthologies, and online. Hugh is a graduate of Cape Breton University, and works in the human service field. Hugh’s song, “Trapper Boy,” which he wrote prior to the novel of the same name, has been added to the repertoire of the world famous Men of the Deeps Coal Miners’ Chorus, and was included on their 50th Anniversary Compilation CD, which was released in April 2016. Most recently, Hugh’s song “A Cape Breton Lament” (written and performed by Hugh) was included on the CD Cape Breton Songs of Steel, Coal and Protest, produced by Dr. Richard MacKinnon (Cape Breton University). Trapper Boy was selected by Dr. Patrick Howard of Cape Breton University’s Education Department as a novel around which to develop a Teacher Resource. The resource is currently available at no charge for teachers using Trapper Boy. Hugh is a member of the Writers in the Schools (WITS) program through WFNS. Hugh enjoys going into schools to meet with young people and sharing his passion for writing. His presentation includes readings from his work, using his songs and his videos to share thoughts on his writing process, and encouraging young people to try their own hand at writing. WITS grade level P-12. Trapper Boy was included in The Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books for Kids and Teens Spring Edition 2013.
