Born in 1950 in Newcastle, New Brunswick, David Adams Richards discovered his passion for writing at the age of fourteen, inspired by Dickens' Oliver Twist. Despite financial challenges, he pursued a purposeful life, authoring his debut novel, The Keeping of Gusties, by the age of twenty. His literary journey led him to the Ice House Gang at the University of New Brunswick, where he received guidance from established writers like Alden Nowlan. Richards, who married Peggy McIntyre in 1971, traveled extensively during the early years of their marriage, finding inspiration to write about his beloved Miramichi region, a recurring theme in his works.

While the relocation to Toronto presented challenges, Richards continued his literary pursuits, becoming a distinguished figure in Canadian literature. His connection to the Miramichi region remained central to his storytelling, portraying characters deeply rooted in rural life. Despite early financial struggles, Richards went on to win prestigious awards, notably becoming a rare double recipient in the fiction and non-fiction categories of the Governor General's Literary Awards. Apart from his novels, he found success as a screenwriter, adapting several of his works for television and film, showcasing his versatility in storytelling.