Terry Fallis

Despite an engineering degree, for 25 years Terry Fallis enjoyed a successful career first in politics, and then in public affairs and public relations consulting. But through it all, there was something missing. In 2005, he found it when he finally wrote the novel that had been rattling around inside his head. He spent a year peddling the manuscript to agents and publishers but was greeted with a deafening silence. Undeterred, he podcast The Best Laid Plans, his debut satirical novel of Canadian politics, chapter-by-chapter, gathering rave reviews from legions of listeners in Canada and around the world. Encouraged by the response, he self-published the novel in September 2007.

Then, in April 2008 came the shock of his life. The Best Laid Plans won the 2008 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, the first self-published novel ever honoured with this venerable literary award. Within a week, Fallis signed a publishing deal with McClelland & Stewart. In the fall of 2008, the novel hit bookstore shelves and Terry hit the speaking circuit entertaining audiences with the same thoughtful wit and humour that won him the Leacock Medal.  The novel continued to make history after winning the 2011 Canada Reads competition, where it was defended by CNN anchor Ali Velshi.

Terry’s latest publication, The High Road, hit bookshelves in September 2010 and was a finalist for the 2011 Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. An expert in the world of new media, Terry speaks on social media, podcasting, and his unorthodox and inspiring journey to the published land.

My Unorthodox Journey to the Published Land

    A funny and thoughtful tale of perseverance, innovation, and one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious literary awards.

Podcasting: Building a community yourself

    An introduction to podcasting and how organizations and individuals can use it to build profile and community.

The Social Media Revolution

    An introduction to social media and how it is changing how organizations engage audiences.

Using New Media to Drive Old Media: A social media case study

    How Terry Fallis employed social media to help build an audience, win the Leacock Medal for Humour, and land a publisher for his debut novel, The Best Laid Plans.