Riel Nason

Riel Nason is a Canadian novelist and textile artist based in Quispamsis, New Brunswick. Her literary work spans multiple genres including adult fiction, young adult literature, and children's books, alongside books about quilting and textile arts. Her debut novel "The Town That Drowned" (2011) achieved significant recognition, winning the Commonwealth Book Prize for Canada and Europe in 2012 and the Margaret and John Savage First Book Award. The novel was also longlisted for the 2013 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. As a textile artist specializing in quilting, Nason has authored instructional books including "Modern Selvage Quilting" (2016) and "Sew a Modern Halloween" (2017). Her creative work extends to children's literature with "The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt" (2020), while her adult fiction portfolio includes "All The Things We Leave Behind" (2016). In addition to her work as an author and artist, Nason has contributed to the literary community as a columnist and has exhibited her original textile works in various venues.

Readers connect strongly with Nason's authentic portrayal of Maritime life and small-town dynamics in her fiction works. Her novel "The Town That Drowned" earned 4.1/5 stars on Goodreads from 800+ ratings. Readers appreciated: - Natural dialogue and believable characters - Rich New Brunswick settings and historical details - Balance of humor with serious themes - Strong young narrators - Clean writing style without excess description Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Some plot threads left unresolved - Limited character development for secondary characters "The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt" maintains 4.4/5 stars on Amazon (250+ reviews), with parents noting its message of self-acceptance resonates with children. Reviewers highlight the "creative twist on traditional ghost stories" and "beautiful illustrations." Her quilting books receive 4.5+ star averages on crafting sites, with readers citing clear instructions and innovative techniques. Some reviewers note the projects require advanced skills despite "beginner-friendly" marketing.

The Town That Drowned (2011) A novel set in 1960s New Brunswick following a teenage girl and her family as their riverside community faces displacement due to a hydroelectric dam project.

All The Things We Leave Behind (2016) A story about a teenage girl managing her family's antique store in rural New Brunswick while dealing with her brother's disappearance.

Modern Selvage Quilting (2016) An instructional guide demonstrating techniques for creating quilts using fabric selvages.

Sew a Modern Halloween (2017) A project-based quilting book featuring Halloween-themed sewing patterns and designs.

The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt (2020) A picture book about a ghost who is different from other sheet-wearing ghosts because he is made of a patchwork quilt.

Sarah Selecky Creates Canadian literary fiction that explores small communities and family dynamics in ways similar to Nason's work. Her writing focuses on complex relationships and the weight of secrets within tight-knit groups.

Kit Pearson Writes Canadian historical fiction and children's literature with themes of growing up and finding one's place. Her books often feature young protagonists dealing with change and displacement in Canadian settings.

Beth Powning Produces novels set in rural New Brunswick that combine historical elements with contemporary stories. Her work examines family connections and community bonds while incorporating detailed descriptions of the natural world.

Ami McKay Sets her stories in Maritime Canada and explores historical events through personal narratives. Her books feature strong female characters and blend historical facts with elements of magical realism.

Alice Zorn Creates character-driven novels set in small Canadian communities that examine family relationships and loss. Her work deals with themes of memory and identity while maintaining strong connections to specific locations.