6 lessons David Bergen has learned from 25 years writing fiction

David Bergen is on the longlist for the 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize for his novelAway From The Dead.The $100,000 award annually recognizes the best in Canadian fiction. The shortlist will be revealed on Oct. 11.

Away from the Deadfollows the chaotic lives of three young people in early 20th-century Ukraine amidst revolts and war. Lehn is a bookseller south of Kiev, Sablin is a stableboy who stays with anarchists and Inna is a young peasant. Connected to the violence and politics of the time, Lehn, Sablin and Inna's narratives weave together a complex story of humanity and hope.

Bergen is a Winnipeg-based fiction writer. He is the author of eight novels and two short story collections, including his previously Giller-nominated bookHere the Darkin 2020 andThe Age of Hope, which was defended by Ron MacLean onCanada Readsin 2013.Bergenreceived the Writer's Trust Matt Cohen Award: In Celebration of a Writing Life in 2018.

Bergen won the 1999CBC Short Story Prize.

• Calling all writers! The 2021 CBC Short Story Prize is now open

In 2018,Bergenreceived theWriters' Trust Matt Cohen Award, a $25,000award that recognizes a writer for their dedication to pursuing writing as their sole profession.When accepting the award, Bergenoutlined the lessons he has learnedfrom spending 25 years working as a writer.

Here's an excerpt from his speech.

1. Find a good first reader who won't put up with any bullshit. I found that in [my wife] Mary, with whom I have lived for 40 years.

2. Don't take anything for granted.

3. Always be thankful for that moment when a story lands and the back of your head tingles and you know that you have caught something and you pray that it will flourish.

4. Know that thismight never happen again.

5. You're never as good, or as bad, as people say you are.

6. Writing is play, and play is the path to the inner world.

Following his win Bergen spoke with the host of CBCWinnipeg's Marcy Markusaabout the award and his decorated literary career.

5:43David Bergen speaks about his Writers' Trust Matt Cohen Award win.

Author David Bergen speaks with CBC Manitoba's Marcy Markusa about his Writers' Trust Matt Cohen Award win.