Hello, my name is Dan Archer. I am the latest addition to the newsroom staff at the Assiniboia Times.
I am originally from Alberta, although I have spent many years in British Columbia, where I graduated with a BA in creative writing and history from Vancouver Island University in 2005. In 2016, I graduated from Bath Spa University with an MA in creative writing. In 2013, I published my first book The Astral Projection Conspiracy. I am currently working on another book based on my MA project, which is a paranormal fantasy containing biographical elements.
Although my focus has largely been on creative writing, I have written and edited articles for various publications in British Columbia, including Vancouver Weekly and the Navigator. I also gained some experience in radio broadcasting. While studying at Vancouver Island University, I hosted two music programs at CHLY, Nanaimo’s student-run, community-driven radio station, where I played reggae, punk rock and interviewed guests about the local music scene on Vancouver Island.
Additionally, I have been employed in variety of areas, including the Canadian Armed Forces, security and as a supporter worker in group homes and facilities. I believe my time spent as a support worker in Alberta, British Columbia and the UK has taught me patience, understanding, empathy and sensitivity – all necessary qualities for a journalist to possess, especially when the reporter is representing a rural community, where the news is local and personalized.
Aside from writing, I enjoy photography and the visual arts. I had ignored photography for a considerable time and concentrated on my writing instead. However, in November, I took up digital photography and began shooting various scenes within the County of Mountain View in Central Alberta where I grew up. I was inspired to get back into photography after attending several art museums in England and Europe while completing my MA. Impressionistic artists such as Whistler and Turner have influenced some of my landscape photos. I enjoy discovering ways of enhancing the inner-sensations produced by my photos, hoping to give the viewer a supplemental feeling inherent with the picture’s setting and composition.
I am enthusiastic about moving to this community, especially after visiting the Shurniak Art Gallery with Wes Bloom this Sunday, where I attended Kim Soo Goodtrack’s art exhibition. I was entranced with the quality of Goodtrack’s presentation – her artwork was astonishing, challenging and innovative. Indeed, the entire collection in Assiniboia’s gallery is amazing for a small town.
Later, Bloom introduced me to St. Victor Petroglyphs Provincial Historic Park, where the views and historic carvings were inspiring. The day before, I had driven through a section of The Big Muddy, a beautiful area of rock outcrops, deep coulees, woodlands and wildlife. I am enthusiastic about joining the community of Assiniboia, where the people are friendly and easy-going, but the incredible Badlands in this area are an additional incentive for me to stay for an extended period.
Thank you for welcoming me to your wonderful community.
