THE BATTLEFORDS – Ken Budd, an 80-year-old author from the Sunshine Coast, has recently published his first adult novels, No Killers and the upcoming No Cowards. His path to writing these books is unusual, reflecting a rich life filled with adventures.
Budd grew up in North Battleford and spent summers at Cochin Beach, experiences that inspired his earlier children’s books. A memorable event sparked his recent creativity: the night before a mountain lion appeared on his deck, he was proofreading No Killers, which features a cougar.
No Killers follows Jedediah McKittrick, a young pilot drawn into the Second World War after the attack on Pearl Harbor. His story moves from Yakima, Wash., to Tofino, B.C., exploring themes of family conflict and personal struggles during wartime. Budd depicted the complicated relationship between Jed and his son, Jake, who faced challenges during the Vietnam War.
After years of teaching and a break from publishing, Budd returned to his manuscript during the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraged by his dentist, he revamped his story to highlight historical and personal conflicts.
Both No Killers and No Cowards are available online and in local bookstores. Budd’s stories promise a captivating journey through history and personal struggle.
