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Richard Doiron

 Discipline/Expertise: Poet/novelist/biographer 

Professional Writer  

136 Cornhill St. Apt. 713
Moncton, N.B. E1C 6L2 (506) 855-7884  

Email: lebard@nbnet.nb.ca  Website: www.spiritsinpeace.com
Other electronic addresses: allpoetry.com/Thoreau47

 Background and Training: Graduate in journalism (1972) Conestoga College of Applied Arts & Technology, Kitchener, Ontario.
Achievements: Published since 1964; poetry since 1970; author of seventeen books, both paper and electronic.

First place winner in international poetry competitions, most recent being in World Poetry competition, Sept. 2009. Work showcased with World Poetry since 2005. Work read at United Nations University for Peace (2000); 4th World Congress of Poetry & Cultures, San Francisco, 1993; twice published alongside the Dalai Lama by invitation (most notably in world book, “Prayers for a thousand years” (1999); read at two international literary festivals and one national; Associate Editor of Canadian Zen Haiku & Sonnetto Poesia; twice nominated for Governor General’s Award in poetry; poetry published in over 100 paper publications; author of famous Acadian song, “Mon Acadie”; author of an estimated 30,000 poems (including 5400 sonnets); author of two novels, most notable being “StraightWalk”; author of two biographical works, including “Blind Man’s Bluff – the Lyle Hogan Story,” and “My Life As An Alien.”

 Career Highlights: Being twice invited to a Middle East Literary Festival, held in Lebanon. Being published alongside His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Having my work read in many settings, including World Poetry Radio Café, in English, French, and Spanish. Most recent recognition (May 17, 2010): a poem displayed in Vancouver, B.C. in conjunction with World Poetry and the Chinese Government celebrating the life of renowned Chinese poet Li Bai (701-762); ongoing publication of, and recognition of, my writing by First Nations People (venues) in North America. Recently published in Israel; profiled in Poetry Life & Times, United Kingdom.

 Artist Statement: We need to recognize our own and present venues wherein our own can be acknowledged. We need to move beyond the parochial into the universal, giving our life-long artists the recognition they so richly deserve. We have “hidden treasures” in this province, and it would be good to see those treasures taken out of their hiding places. The responsibility that falls on the cultural community has to include the reasoning that the community at large should never be deprived of the creative efforts and endeavours of our bona fide creators. That artists can be better known in foreign lands than right here at home suggests a lack of inclusion somewhere along the line. And surely what we need to do is breathe life into the creative spirit, not set out to slay it.

Areas of Focus: Organizing my body of work, especially the poetry, likely the largest body of its kind in human history. Encouraging, tutoring, and promoting poets/authors/artists worldwide, as an ongoing endeavour. Further development of website shared with N.B. poet/author, Carol Knepper.

 Future: Maintaining both my vision and discipline. 