Background & Upbringing
Dan grew up in Toronto’s lively Riverdale neighborhood. His parents, both tech entrepreneurs, encouraged him to explore the city’s multicultural offerings—visits to the Royal Ontario Museum, hockey games at Scotiabank Arena, and diverse food festivals in Kensington Market were all part of his childhood.
Education
He attended a highly ranked public school with strong arts programs, which cultivated his interest in creative writing. He went on to earn a degree in English Literature at the University of Toronto, where he also dabbled in sociology courses to understand the city’s social dynamics.
Professional Background
After graduation, Dan landed a position at a major Toronto newspaper, writing arts and culture pieces. He soon transitioned to freelancing, publishing long-form articles about gentrification and cultural shifts in urban Canada. These experiences became the backbone of his first novel, which delves into the complexities of city living and personal identity.
Places Lived
Toronto remains Dan’s home base, but he has also spent time in Vancouver for a collaborative writing project and briefly lived in London, UK, while working at a travel magazine. Each city’s distinctive character influences how he depicts urban landscapes in his stories.
Influences
He admires the urban realism of writers like Dionne Brand and Michael Ondaatje, and looks to film directors such as Atom Egoyan for narrative inspiration. Dan’s musical tastes run from classic Canadian rock (The Tragically Hip) to indie pop, reflecting Toronto’s eclectic, ever-evolving cultural scene.
