Rothesay writer earns national recognition for debut novel
Francis Morneault has wanted to be a writer since he was 19.
The decision has paid off.
Morneault received the Canreads 2026 award for Adult Fiction for his debut novel, The Light of Faded Stars.
The novel follows an aging detective reflecting on a decades-old case and the people, places, and experiences that shaped his life. The novel blends literary fiction, mystery, history, and philosophy while drawing heavily on Saint John and New Brunswick as its setting.
A French teacher at Rothesay Netherwood School, Morneault said this award and other nominations he’s received help him answer the question ‘Am I going to keep going at this?’
“The awards and nominations help me give myself a pat on the back,” he said.
“It’s good to get outside feedback.”
The novel was published through Friesen Press, an employee-owned, independent publishing house.
Morneault said it’s thanks to a growing indie publishing scene that people like him can realize the dream of producing a novel.
What’s next for New Brunswick’s latest star author?
Morneault said he’s already hard at work on his second work.
He said it’s going to a different style, more a collection of interconnected short stories centred on people around New Brunswick and the lives they live.
Morneault said he hopes to have a draft ready by the fall and is using his secret weapon to get lots of writing done.
“Summers off are great to write,” he said, adding his job as a teacher does give him plenty of free time when students are on vacation.
Morneault had one piece of advice for aspiring writers.
“Go out and do it,” he said. “Don’t wait on it. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s not about perfection.”
