Picture a Canadian accountant who swapped spreadsheets for summits and stories—meet Barry Finlay! At 60, this Ottawa native climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, sparking a vibrant writing career that blends thrilling fiction with heartfelt memoirs. From the award-winning Marcie Kane Thriller Collection to inspiring non-fiction, Finlay’s tales captivate and uplift, all while supporting African youth through philanthropy.
Finlay’s journey from number-crunching to narrative-crafting is anything but ordinary. His climb up Africa’s highest peak wasn’t just a physical feat—it was a life-altering adventure that fueled his passion for storytelling and giving back. Let’s dive into the world of this multifaceted author whose pen is as mighty as his mountaineering spirit.
The Making of Barry Finlay
Born and raised on a family farm in Rapid City, Manitoba, Barry Finlay honed a disciplined work ethic that carried him through a 32-year career in financial management with the Canadian federal government. Retiring in 2004, he could have settled into a quiet life, but Finlay craved adventure. In 2009, at age 60, he and his son Chris tackled Mount Kilimanjaro, a grueling climb that tested their limits and ignited Finlay’s desire to share his story. This pivotal moment birthed his first book and a new chapter as an author and philanthropist.
Barry Finlay’s Unforgettable Stories
Finlay’s debut, Kilimanjaro and Beyond: A Life-Changing Journey, co-written with his son Chris, is a heartfelt travel memoir that chronicles their Tanzanian adventure and fundraising for local children. The book’s honesty and humor earned multiple awards and a spot in the Authors Show’s '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading.' His second memoir, I Guess We Missed The Boat, delivers laugh-out-loud travel tales, clinching the 2013/14 Reader Views Literary Award and Amazon Kindle bestseller status.
Transitioning to fiction, Finlay crafted the Marcie Kane Thriller Collection, a five-book series featuring a sharp, independent African American protagonist tackling issues like human trafficking and political intrigue. Standouts include The Vanishing Wife, a Canada Book Award winner, and A Perilous Question, lauded for its suspense. His Jake Scott Mystery Series, starting with Searching For Truth, introduces a retired reporter unraveling complex cases. Finlay’s thrillers weave social relevance with gripping plots, reflecting his knack for research and reader connection.
Finlay’s writing style is fluid and accessible, blending vivid storytelling with relatable characters. Whether scaling mountains or exposing crime, his narratives pulse with authenticity, drawing readers into worlds both adventurous and thought-provoking. His 2023 release, Just Keep Climbing, returns to non-fiction, sharing inspirational stories tied to his motto: 'Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.'
Why Barry Finlay Matters
Barry Finlay’s impact transcends the page. His books entertain and educate, addressing real-world issues while inspiring readers to chase their dreams. His philanthropy, recognized with the 2013 Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, channels book proceeds to support African youth, funding classrooms and clean water initiatives in Tanzania. Finlay’s story proves it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, making him a beacon for aspiring writers and adventurers alike.
- Born: Rapid City, Manitoba, Canada
- Key Works: Kilimanjaro and Beyond, I Guess We Missed The Boat, Marcie Kane Thriller Collection, Jake Scott Mystery Series
- Awards: Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, New Apple Literary Awards, Reader Views Literary Award
- Fun Fact: Climbed Mount Kilimanjaro at 60!
About Barry Finlay
Ready to scale new literary heights? Snag Kilimanjaro and Beyond or dive into the pulse-pounding Marcie Kane thrillers—Barry Finlay’s stories will leave you inspired and eager for more!