R. Bruce Stock,
Writer Igniter

He witnessed history. Now he writes it.From Parliament Hill in 1965 to modern political storytelling,
Stock’s work draws on lived experience few writers can claim.

Switch Pitcher

Read the first three chapters of Stock’s novel, Switch Pitcher below!

Books by R. Bruce Stock

Browse Bruce Stock’s novels, from memoir to political fiction, all available on Amazon.

In Print

Out of Print

Accolades

SLEEPING AT RIDEAU HALL

In 2014, I was the first Canadian Aide-de-Camp to write and self-publish a memoir of my 1964-66 tour of duty at Rideau Hall, with the revered Governor General and Madame Vanier. It was entitled, Sleeping at Rideau Hall. As would be expected of a former member of the Vice-Regal household, I sent an autographed and dedicated copy to the incumbent Governor General, David Johnston, and his wife, Sharon, in late 2014.To my surprise in January, 2015, I received a handwritten note from His
Excellency:“Dear Olivia and Bruce, Thank you for doing this remarkable title. We need much more light on Rideau Hall and this grand institution - the office of the GG. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for Canada.Warmest Regards,David Johnston"

THE CANADIAN VETERANS PARTY

A great read. Once started I could not put it down.  Even if you are not interested in politics, this book gives you an insight as to how our country and no doubt other democratic countries are run.   It shows how a group of Canadian veterans who put service to their country first in their chosen careers, step forward again to put country before party or personal ambition and take on the task under the leadership of an Algonquin woman, Rachel Kennedy, who does not only have great leadership qualities, but is compassionate and humble.   When I got to the exciting end, I wished it hadn’t been fiction!     It says this is Volume One – I wait impatiently for Volume Two.Anne Clark, UK

Being the daughter of a WW2 soldier who spent her teenage years living on an army base – and who then spent most of my working life as a senior public servant – I read this fascinating and inspiring book with great interest and admiration for the veterans. I kept wishing that we could have a new party and a new leader such as Rachel!Maureen Law

The fictional disillusionment with Canadian politics, which provides the impetus for the scenario described in this brilliant novel, has amazingly resulted in something very close to reality. There is at present much discontent with our political parties. The Canadian Armed Forces is not in good shape at all and the first female head of the Armed Forces has assumed command. These are remarkable parallels to the author’s narrative. Volume 1 is a gripping tale which lays the foundation for what is assured to compel readers to eagerly anticipate future volumes as the story develops.Mike Hoare, LCdr (Ret’d)

The Canadian Veterans Party is a wonderful take on the sad predicament in which the Canadian Forces finds itself. Author Bruce Stock has written a tale in which former members of the CAF take matters into their own hands—in a fashion that works for Canadian democracy. And what could be better for an upstart political party but to be led by a charismatic fighter pilot, who happens to be an Indigenous female? This book is very thought-provoking and is highly recommended.Robert W. Mackay, author of Soldier of the Horse.

This charming and visionary tale invites the reader to consider a non-partisan alternative to the current form of governance of Canada. Disillusioned with the status quo, a small group of Veterans come together to challenge the unrealistic claims and claptrap that have come to define party politics. We are introduced to characters who, both credible and interesting, are led by Rachel, a new breed of party leader, tasked with turning the country around. Can an Algonquin woman step into a role of this magnitude and retain her vision of truth and humility or will absolute power corrupt absolutely? With suspense cleverly maintained throughout, this well-crafted novel challenges all of us to think above and beyond the common rhetoric of self-interest, to reach further and think more deeply
about the things that matter. Timely and prescient, the story serves as an antidote to much of what ails today’s partisan politics. I heartily recommend this book to Veterans and non Veterans everywhere.Christine Basnett, MSW RSW, Psychotherapist

Stock has been able to bring to bear his detailed knowledge from his extensive military experiences. Drawing on the wide range of leadership, planning, and management examples presented by his host of personalities in this riveting novel, he presents a most timely and plausible solution to the current malaise which infests our political parties. This novel provides a potential reality which could produce the necessary correction in the current direction of politics from the unpopular partisan and primary focus of what is best for the politician and the party rather than what would be best for Canada and Canadians. By focusing on the prime characteristic of the veteran who made a promise to be there for Canada period as well as selecting an Algonquin woman, a former fighter pilot as the national leader of the new party, the story addresses the challenges from grass roots beginnings to spreading across the country gathering momentum as it provides a most interesting and desirable alternative to the status quo. Utilizing his knowledge of military recruiting, training and logistics, Stock produces an absolute blueprint as to how this game-changing project could actually work. It will be interesting to see if this work plants the necessary seed to grow and develop such a ground swell of opposition to the current political scene.Jack Scott, Major (Ret’d)

The Canadian Veterans Party by Bruce Stock, is one of those rare fictional novels you wish was factual.
He creates a political scenario in Canada that parallels the upheaval and uncertainty we are facing today.
His solution: the formation of new political party led by Canadian veterans, the Canada Now Party (CNP). Their visionary leader is Rachel Kennedy, raised on an Algonquin reserve, who served with distinction as a RCAF fighter pilot.
Stock weaves a compelling tale describing the role the veterans assume as they seek to become the government of Canada.
His narration is crisp and realistic and moves the reader along the path the CNP follows in a federal election.
Oh, that such dreams could come true!James B Stanton
BA (Hons), MA, CD,
Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation
St. John’s, NL

Memories

Take a stroll down memory lane through photos and documents which tell a small part of the story of Bruce Stock.

ON THE OCCASION
OF AMERICA'S 250th ANNIVERSARY
A NEIGHBOUR'S FLAG WRITES TO OLD GLORY
ABOUT HOW FRIENDSHIPS AND NATIONAL FLAGS
TRANSCEND POLITICS

Dear Old Glory,I know, I know, it's very unusual for one Flag to write another, so I sure hope you can overlook my reaching out this way. But as I fly above Canada's Peace Tower in Ottawa, I think gee, isn't it just common courtesy to compliment your neighbour on celebrating their 250th Anniversary? And when I think of how well you have served American sovereignty, through thick and thin, since 1776, I am in awe of what you have achieved. After all, from the Declaration of Independence to the Civil Rights Movement to now, you have been the symbol of the people's unwavering commitment to liberty. I am truly impressed.As  I look out from my privileged perch, 302 feet above our Parliament Buildings, I have lots of time to think about how fortunate, national symbols are, as we remind our citizens every day of their sovereignty and the blessings they enjoy. And in our case, the way we have come to each others support over the decades, as in WWII, Korea, 9/11 and last year's wildfires, on both sides of the border, tells a story. There lies a neighbourly relationship that now, thanks to the celestial success of ARTEMIS II, is truly out of this world and the envy of other nations.I also think how hard we work. Day and night, fair weather, or foul, always on the job. Come to think of it, the only being I know of that works harder than we do, is The Sun. But I'm not complaining.And as I try and imagine how you must be feeling after 250 years of devotion to America, it occurs to me that the true reward of our unique calling, is that we fly above our nation's politics. And, in the end, when all is said and done, regardless of what has transpired . . . there we are for all our people to see. Flying true and free!In closing, I salute your magnificent example, Old Glory. Around the world you are known, and at home you are cherished, for serving your country's sovereignty with distinction. When it comes to flags of the world, you are in a class by yourself.My Warmest Respects,

Maple Leaf