I knew I was destined to be a fiction writer the day I received an A+ from my 11th grade English teacher for a short story I wrote when I was a clerk at my parents' cigar store.  That was nearly 40 years ago, and was a prime motivation to be a writer; first as a journalist for the Ottawa Citizen and United Press International, and then later as a speechwriter to high government officials.  It was only after I didn't have to 'chase the legal tender' (as Jackson Browne would say) that I was able to turn my full attentions to fiction.  Upon my 'retirement' from the day-to-day battles to make a living, my stageplay came first, a one-man show based on the life and times of Pierre Elliott Trudeau.  Then a couple of screenplays followed, in collaboration with my wife Shelley.  The first was a comedy called 'Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda' and then a drama entitled 'The Last Carousel'.  The latter was based on a true story, and it eventually resulted in my first full-fledged novel, now released under the title 'Upcountry.'  I hope to work with my wife to develop a sequel to Upcountry in 2011, bringing back several of my best characters.  Hope you enjoy the book! 

In my post-journalism career, I co-founded one of North America's best-known public relations firms, High Road Communications.

My wife and I are grandparents for a third time. Our grand-daughter Keira was born in November!

Upcountry
JANE SCHUMACHER, a smart and spirited political aide to the Governor of New York, is shepherding her charismatic boss for a serious run for the White House. But after visiting her doctor shortly before Thanksgiving, she begins to doubt whether her dreams will come true. Angered and shaken, and after years of absence, Jane abruptly cancels her holiday plans with her handsome Argentinean-born boyfriend to return to her upcountry hometown. Upon her arrival, however, Jane encounters reminders from a troubled past. A chance meeting with an old beau. An awkward reunion with a distant father. A skeptical and dismissive twin sister. A crude and vulgar brother-in-law. And, throughout it all, the haunting voice of her late mother. Following a disastrous Thanksgiving dinner, Jane discovers her sister’s painful secret and faces a fateful dilemma: should she simply rescue her sister from her husband’s evil clutches or take justice into her own hands? But for Jane Schumacher, nothing is ever cut and dried. The sisters embark on a cathartic journey through the Adirondacks in pursuit of a lifelong mission. And, as they rekindle a love that only twins can feel for each other, they share in a series of shocking revelations. Only then do they discover what is truly important in life—and in death. Set against an engaging backdrop of modern political times, Upcountry is a riveting, page-turning story of sibling strife and affection, of sadness and grief, and finally redemption and rebirth.

Upcountry
Upcountry. An explosive new novel by R.M. Doyon!

Upcountry @ Barnes & Noble
Upcountry. Buy it now!

Upcountry @ Smashwords!
Upcountry: Buy it now for $3.99 at Smashwords.com