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Doug Dolan, BA’76, BEd’77, has proved it’s never too late to try something new.

At the age of 70, following a fulfilling career in education, Dolan authored and self-published his first book Stories from the River—a memoir detailing his upbringing in Nelson and his early years as a young man in the Miramichi.

“Unlike the preparation for my education career, writing seemed to find me,” Dolan said. “Being a Miramichier, storytelling comes naturally. My husband encouraged me to put my stories to paper.”

Shortly after his debut novel, Dolan released Christmas on the River, a collection of short stories, and The Mill, a historical fiction based on the Burchill lumber dynasty.

His latest project is an anthology profiling Miramichi veterans.

“My latest book aims to document not just the wartime struggles, but the veterans’ identities—before and after conflict,” Dolan said. “It’s scheduled for release in November.”

Dolan’s time at St. Thomas built the foundation for his career as an educator at James M. Hill High School and the New Brunswick Community College. It also instilled a curiosity and community mindedness that influences his writing.

“My time at STU prompted me to look closely at and challenge the circumstances and individuals in my environment. The campus community promoted conversations with professors and students alike,” he said.

“My professors pushed me to think critically and to grasp the value of contributing to my community.”

His advice to future STUdents: become an avid listener.

“My advice to young folks is to quiet your mind regularly,” he said. “Turn off your cell phone and don’t rush to fill the gap in conversations. Learn to listen.”

Dolan’s books are available in stores across New Brunswick and on Amazon.