Photo: Alice Winchester, 2020
Andrew Forbes is the author of the short story collections Lands and Forests (Invisible Publishing, 2019), and What You Need (2015), the latter of which was shortlisted for the Danuta Gleed Literary Award, and named a finalist for the Trillium Book Prize. He is also the author of The Utility of Boredom: Baseball Essays (2016), and The Only Way is the Steady Way: Baseball, Ichiro, and How We Watch the Game (2021). His first novel, The Diapause, will be published in September 2024. His writing has appeared in publications such as the Toronto Star, Canadian Notes and Queries, and Maisonneuve Magazine. He was the 2019 Margaret Laurence Fellow at Trent University, and served on the jury of the 2022 Atwood Gibson Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize. Forbes lives in Peterborough, Ontario.
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Email: andrewgforbesatgmaildotcom
andrew (g) forbes 
Just read What you Need. Terrific story. It was so readable. I love how the flow of words seemed so seamless. I felt like I wasn’t reading something written but rather was there, in the scenes, a passive yet understanding observer. Loved it!
What a wonderful comment to receive. Thanks, Cindy, glad you liked the story.
This is just to say I read your story “In the Foothills” from the Journey Prize anthology and was very much wowed by your voice and pacing. Awesome stuff. Thanks for writing. That’s all.
Geoff
That’s very kind. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks, Geoff.
The Utility of Boredom is something special. I found one day by chance in the baseball section of the library. I check that section every time I go, which is about once a week, after I get my daughter books and peruse the fiction section. I make myself walk up the stairs, to the back of the building in the off chance there’s something new. So, I noticed your book, despite its size, instantly and connected with it just as fast. Your book not only made my day but it made my week. I’ve since bought one for myself and my brother and I know I’ll buy more. It’s the book I’d been looking for and I’m not blowing smoke. Thanks.
Thanks very sincerely for that, Colin. I’m glad you found the book, and that your library had a copy. I hope the book rewards repeat readings, and that you enjoy the coming season.
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Do you have a Twitter? The people need your commentary for this playoff season! I loved Utility of Boredom and The Only Way is the Steady Way. Thank you for your work! Go Ms!
Wish to echo all the comments on glorious Utility of Boredom. Like others, I discovered this book much after it was published (for me, in 2022). From the first essay I grew more and more connected with your stories/essays. Your path to baseball meaning mirrors my own. On the surface, this increases my ability to relate to your stories, ie living in Ottawa and the connection to the Lynx (e.g. season ticket holder, and later employee (stats)) your descriptions actually increased my appreciation of love of baseball overall. Honestly, I really didn’t think I had more capacity to find this game more interesting than I already do. But your descriptions, eloquence, and prose simply make this book my go to when searching for words to describe my addiction to my single minded passion (great plays, Blue Jays, as church of baseball as a them to life). I love the description of the rain delay and the patience needed and why we invest in that seemingly silly activity. If you need more friends, I would absolutely love to one day sit in the bleachers with you, score a game, drink an over priced beer, and share ball stories. Congrats on the well deserved praise for hank your contribution to the world of baseball lit and a personal deep thank you from yours truly.
Thanks for this, Trevor. I sincerely appreciate it. I’m afraid I don’t get to many games in Ottawa these days, but I hope to rectify that before long.