About

Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail

Writer, Historian & Speaker

Hello!

I live by the sea in Nova Scotia/Mi’kma’ki (Canada) and spend my days writing, researching, doing author visits, and going on adventures with my family. My evenings are usually spent devouring books and movies with a cup of tea in hand. 

My readers range from 2 to 102 and I love connecting with them and seeing what sparks their imaginations. Supporting other writers is another deep passion, and there’s nothing like helping someone untangle or polish a writing project, witness their journeys with compassion, and providing just the right resource at the right time. I like to think of myself as a literary cheerleader and get VERY excited when clients reach their goals!

I am constantly challenging myself creatively and finding new outlets for my varied interests. In fall 2023, my co-authored picture book biography, Freddie the Flyer (Tundra Books) came out to rave reviews, along with a paperback edition of my bestselling picture book Alis the Aviator (Tundra Books). Oh, and I indie published an inclusive paranormal timeslip chapter book (Fever on the Forgotten Coast) for 7-9 year olds. Before that, I published several books of aviation history and creative nonfiction, including the critically-acclaimed Reconciliation collection, In This Together.

At the moment, my literary agent, Elizabeth Copps, and I are cooking up new picture books and doing edits on a creative nonfiction book about family, trauma, and Canada’s largest Indian Hospital that’s been ten years in the making. We’re also revising a novel called The 500 Year Flood, about a Houston family battling dysfunction in the midst of Hurricane Harvey.

Finally, I often work as a contractor or consultant for nonprofit, corporate, legal and government organizations, so please feel free to reach out if you think I might be able to help you. I am always open to new possibilities!

Honours:

  • Freddie the Flyer shortlisted for the Hackmatack Awards 2024-25
  • Freddie the Flyer won the inaugural Readers’ Choice Award for the Atlantic Book Awards
  • Freddie the Flyer selected for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (Canada) as well as TD Summer Reading Program 2024
  • Alis the Aviator and Freddie the Flyer both named CBC Books’ Best of picture books
  • Houston Literary Awards – Reader’s Choice Award Finalist
  • Romance Writers of America RITA Award Finalist – YA Category
  • Historian Laureate for the City of Edmonton
  • Writer in Residence at Berton House (Dawson City, Yukon)
  • Northern Lights Award – Rising Star
  • Chatelaine’s Maverick of the Year
  • Top 40 Under 40 for Avenue Magazine (Edmonton)
Please get in touch for:
  • School Visits & Workshops
  • Coaching
  • Editing
  • Research
  • Freelance writing
  • Speaking & Media Opportunities

(Pronouns: She/her)

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