As an author and arts advocate, Joan Clark has nurtured a vibrant literary community in both Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador. A writer of children's and adult fiction, she is a compelling storyteller who, in her 15 books, has brought to life tales of outport life in Newfoundland and of Viking exploration in Canada. Committed to promoting the literary arts, she helped found two provincial writers' associations, and co-founded the literary journal Dandelion. In her work with organizations such as the Literary Arts Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Public Lending Right Commission, this generous mentor has been a guiding spirit to new and established authors.