David Adams Richards has made an enormous contribution to Canada's literary scene as an author and as a voice for New Brunswick and the Maritimes. His novels have immortalized the Miramichi River Valley and its working-class inhabitants. His writing has shone a spotlight on issues of class, identity and community. As a mentor and writer-in-residence at universities and colleges across Canada, he has taken an active role in fostering young writers. He has also written several award-winning screenplays, non-fiction books and short story compilations.