Norah McClintock 1952 - 2017

Norah McClintock was one of the most prolific and talented of Canadian children’s authors. Red Deer was the publisher of her three-book Ryan Dooley series, which appeared from 2008 to 2010. Norah was a five-time winner of Arthur Ellis Award for crime fiction, and had more than sixty books to her credit. She died February 6, 2017 in Toronto after a long illness at the age of 64.

Working with Norah was a privilege and a pleasure. She came to Red Deer with a proposal for the Dooley series and worked with editor Peter Carver on each of the books. In an interview included in the final book in the series, she responded when asked what advice she would give young writers:

“Read. Read, read, read. Then read some more. Write. Write, write, write, and write some more. And don’t listen to anyone – not that doubting little voice in your head, not friends, neighbours or relatives – who tells you it’s impossible. Nothing is impossible if you want it badly enough, are prepared to work for it, and refuse to become discouraged.”

When asked about his association with Norah (they both worked on the Seven series of mystery novels), Red Deer author Ted Staunton said: “I didn't see Norah a lot, but every time I did was a joy. She was always chipper and funny and brave and I know we'll all miss her a lot.”

Norah was born in Montreal and had a degree in history from McGill, but she has lived in Toronto for many years. She is survived by her husband Herman Rosenfeld, daughters Quinn and Brooke, son-in-law Yeimy, and grandson Benjamin Michael.

Click here to go to Norah's author page.

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