About Michael Maxfield

Michael Maxfield is the author of many works of fiction and nonfiction in progress. His works have been published in the literary magazine, Canadian Stories. Sky Black on Windowpane is his first major project fully completed.

Michael Maxfield was born and raised in London Ontario, where he spent his younger years playing with neighbourhood kids in the farmer's field and woods behind his suburban home. At a young age, Michael developed an interest in writing and music but was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder later in is late teens. Michael began writing as a means to cope with his mental disorder. Over the course of several years he has written many short stories, poems and is currently working on a new book. Michael's influences include Anne Rice, Christopher Rice and many others. Michael uses music as a backdrop to his inspiration and describes his writing process as:

To write, I have to be as relaxed as possible. Stark light is never any good for the rough draft. Neither is a quiet room. Hence I sit alone in my apartment in dim lighting, usually at night, playing some of my more softer choices of music such as: Lycia, Sigur Ros, Lisa Gerrard, Red House Painters and Slowdive. This along with laying down (I never write the rough draft sitting) creates a loose and slightly melancholic state of mind that seems to spark optimum creativity, seems to break the dam for stream-of-consciousness.

Creative writing usually occurs early in the morning or late at night. In-between it’s almost nonexistent. I don’t know why? When I’m not deep in creativity, the four walls of my bedroom or living room, seem to cave in on me, so when the main creative process the rough draft comes to an end, overall manipulation of the poems usually occurs in public: coffee shops such as the two neighbourhood Tim Hortons’ or parks such as Victoria Park downtown. William’s Coffee Pub is just a minute away from Victoria Park, which creates options.

Maxfield divides his time writing and dealing with the remnants of his schizoaffective disorder.

Sky Black on Windowpane a poetry book coming mid February contains an impressive array of graphically illustrated poetry by Jennifer McCormick created in partnership with, Michael Maxfield, a published poet and writer. Within the pages of this artistically uncomprimising, full-colour, 108-page book, consists 60 powerful poems that use images and ideas that cut through an array of subjects.