Professionally, Brian G. Spare has worn a few hats in his day. Throughout the 1980s, he was a medical laboratory technologist. In 1990, he became an entrepreneur founding and running an environmental lab, Tara Scientific Laboratories, for nine years. Then, during the early 2000s, he managed a geochemical and fire assay lab. He became proficient with all of it, but his longing was to be a writer. After the geochemical lab, Brian decided it was time for a career change and to follow his dream. He never looked back. Brian became a copywriter starting BGS Communications in 2010 writing articles, papers and ads as well as edit books. Now, he’s an author too.
On a Personal Note
As well as writing professionally, I write to answer the call of my creative spirit and simply because I like to. I’ve written on a myriad of topics from people to places.
I enjoyed Herman Melville’s 1851 classic Moby-Dick, but the old English made it difficult to read. I thought, “This book needs to be transcribed into modern English.” I decided that I would do it. Well, somebody had to. The Hunt for Moby Dick (Translated) was the result.
After continued encouragement from one friend in particular, I wrote my life’s story entitled The Boy Who Couldn’t Smile: A Memoir. When I told people whom I’d known for years that I was chronicling my life, I found they’d been wanting me to do it for a long time. To be honest, I don’t think I’m all that interesting. I am currently writing a film script for my memoir.
Next, I want to return to writing a historical fiction trilogy. My favourite genre. Stay tuned, there are lots more ideas in my head yet to be penned.
My Digital Stories
A Child of the Universe
In July 2021, I took part in a project with Story Centre Canada called “Cripping the Story” in which I put together a digital story video based on Artists with a Disability. See it here.
Desiderata is the poem put to music that I first heard when I was 12. It became my personal creed and inspired the digital story, A Child of the Universe, above. Listen to it here:
Life’s Changes
I was involved in the Age Friendly GIANTs project which is now part of Age Friendly Thunder Bay https://www.agefriendlythunderbay.ca/. AFTB advocates for seniors’ independence and quality of life. I was one of 10 GIANTs who made a digital story. Watch my story, Life’s Changes, here.
Watch all 10 digital stories at http://www.storycentre.ca/giants-thunder-bay Mine is the last one.
GIANT stands for Grand Individuals Aging with Neighbours in Thunder Bay.
Friendly GIANTs Showcase
Through my involvement with Age Friendly GIANTs, I participated in an interview on Friendly GIANTs Showcase originally shown on Shaw Thunder Bay community channel and now on YouTube. I am the 2nd interview beginning at 9:51 of Episode 1 and runs for about 7 minutes. Watch all 4 episodes here.
Visit Nancy Angus, the host of the Friendly GIANTs Showcase, on her website at https://www.agebig.com/
My Books
Nancy’s Article About Me
Determination to Spare
The article that started my writing venture with Bayview Magazine.
My Other Works & Blog Posts
Visit the Stories page.
In My Own Words
I am a thinker and a very creative person by nature. I love to work with my hands and head and put my heart into all of it. Life is a journey and I am with it all the way ready to embark on the next adventure life has for me.
The following excerpt from my memoir, The Boy Who Couldn’t Smile, encapsulates my life:
“In the ICU after my neurosurgery, Dad aptly chose The Old Man and the Sea to read to me. The story of a man who won a personal triumph in the face of defeat proved to be prophetic. It would be the story of my life.”
