Paul Nicholas Mason facts for kids

Paul Nicholas Mason (born in 1958) is a talented writer and performer. He was born in England but is now a Canadian novelist, playwright, and actor.

About Paul Nicholas Mason

Early Life and Education

Paul Nicholas Mason was born in London, England. As a child, he lived in different places, including Rhodesia (which is now Zimbabwe) and British Columbia. His family eventually settled in southern Ontario, Canada, where he finished high school.

He went to Trent University in Peterborough, where he earned a degree in English Literature. Later, he studied at Queen's University at Kingston to become a teacher.

Teaching Career

After finishing his studies, Paul Mason taught English and Drama for 32 years. He worked at Lakefield College School. He retired from teaching in 2015 to focus more on his writing.

Paul Mason's Books

Paul Nicholas Mason is known for writing several novels and even a children's book.

His First Novels

His first novel, Battered Soles, came out in 2005. It tells a funny story about a made-up journey from Peterborough, Ontario, to the small village of Lakefield. In the book, there's a statue of a blue-skinned Jesus that is said to have healing powers. This book was so funny that it was nominated for the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour in 2005.

In 2008, Mason published his second novel, The Red Dress. This story is a bit more serious. It's about a 17-year-old boy growing up in rural Ontario who is poor and confused. Even though it's darker than his first book, it ends with a feeling of hope. The Red Dress was also recognized, being long-listed for the 2009 ReLit award.

Later Novels and Stories

Mason's third novel, The Night Drummer, was published in 2015. It follows two teenage friends, Peter Ellis and Otis James, as they grow up in a small Ontario town in the 1970s. Publishers Weekly described the book as having "joyous light" and a "welcome sweetness" that shows the "innocence, sheer possibility, and blithe lightheartedness of youth."

His fourth novel, The Rogue Wave, was released in April 2021. Canadian librarians thought it was one of the most exciting Canadian books published that month.

In March 2024, his fifth novel, To Our Graves, was released. This book is a mystery. A review in The Miramichi Reader said it was "surprising and welcome." Michelle Berry, a writer, said it was "Fast-paced, gripping and engrossing." She also noted that the setting of a Canadian private school felt very real.

Paul Mason's sixth novel, Sackville House, is planned to be published in the Fall of 2026. It is inspired by a famous book called Brideshead Revisited.

Children's Books

Paul Mason has also written a book for younger readers! His first children's book, A Pug Called Poppy, was published in the fall of 2017.

Plays by Paul Mason

Besides novels, Paul Mason has written plays that have been performed in different countries. His plays The Discipline Committee and Circles of Grace (from 1995) have been shown in Canada, Ireland, and the United States. His play Sister Camille's Kaleidoscopic Cabaret won an award in 1996 and was first performed in Michigan in 1998.