Objective
To contribute creatively and intelligently to literary arts, the literary community, mountain culture, and the documentation of pursuits in travel and adventure.
Currently I am…
Pitching ideas, waiting for winter to begin in the Canadian Rockies, moving into a new office, and working towards my goals.
Bio
Photo by Paul Zizka Photography - www.zizka.ca
Born in Calgary, but raised in Ottawa, Ontario, it wasn’t long before I rediscovered my Western roots and was drawn back to the province of Alberta. Now based in Banff, Alberta, I have easy access to the beautiful wilderness that surrounds this mountain town, and a never-ending supply of inspiration to go with it.
Prior to my permanent move to the mountains I attended Queen’s University, where I completed a degree in Drama and a minor in Global Development Studies. In my summers I worked at a remote backcountry lodge in the Alberta Rockies, eliminating any chance I could have to work in my ‘field,’ but I didn’t mind. I spent my summers serving tables and climbing and my winters behind my computer and in the theatre. I am grateful for my studies, and my passion for global development has not faded in the least. My ears are always tuned in to the international news, and I have been able to start a grassroots organization here in Banff, The Mountain Movement, which raises funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS both in Canada and in Africa.
Yoga session in Costa Rica.
I was always a sporty kid, but discovered more extreme activities through the mountain community. Mountaineering, ice climbing, rockclimbing, camping and backcountry skiing have become my weekend passions, though my more sedentary activities, such as reading and writing, are equally fulfilling. Each of these interests is either infused in my writing already, or is waiting to be featured in an article. The wheels are always turning for new article ideas, sometimes as I am hanging on belay 20 metres off the ground.
I enjoy travelling, and have become increasingly interested in eco-tourism. I have been to Mexico, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, and various Caribbean islands (the BVIs, Saba, Sint Maarten, Dominica, and Antigua). My very first article about eco-tourism was based on my travels to Dominica, and a trip to Costa Rica in June 2009 deepened my interests in that field as well.
What else do I do while I am not writing or thinking about writing? I work on the side at a yoga and running apparel store, lululemon, volunteer for a local theatre company, sit on the Mountain Culture committee for the Alpine Club of Canada, model for Paul Zizka Photography (who conveniently specializes in mountain sports photography), and practise Ashtanga Yoga. I am very close to hitting the Deaf Man’s pose, for any of you yogis out there.
Please use the tabs under ‘Find Your Way’ to find out a little more about me, download my curriculum vitae, or feel free to contact me using the information provided. I am always eager to discuss ideas and collaborate on an innovative project. Thank you for visiting this site, and please let me know if you have any questions!
All contents of this website are © Meghan J. Ward, 2007-2009.
