About
About the Author
Paul Blackburn
Paul Kennedy Blackburn is a voice for the forgotten, the survivors, and the dreamers who refuse to give up. Born and raised on the tough streets of Edmonton, Alberta, Paul’s life has been anything but easy — a journey marked by poverty, abuse, loss, and the fight to hold onto love and dignity. His writing is a reflection of his life: raw, unfiltered, brutally honest, and powerfully human.
Paul’s debut book, Fast Lane in a 97 Street… Pool Hall: Scars…scabs…and all, Sex, drugs and Rock n’ Roll…Lies Lies, lies is a deeply personal memoir that captures his turbulent childhood and the emotional scars left by an abusive father and a broken home. Growing up in a world where survival was the only certainty, Paul witnessed firsthand the cruelty of abandonment, the devastation of poverty, and the irreparable wound of losing his beloved brother Ray to a senseless act of violence. Yet, amid the heartbreak and chaos, Paul’s story is not one of defeat but of relentless spirit. Fast Lane in a 97 Street…pool is a fearless testament to resilience — to the idea that even in the darkest places, hope can still take root.
After the success of his first book, Paul continued his journey with Faster Lane on a 97 Street… 2 Be… or Not 2 Be and Dead Poets vs Still Alive & Well — two parts of a single, powerful second book. In Part 1, Faster Lane on a 97 Street…, Paul explores the dizzying acceleration of modern life compared to the slower, simpler days of his youth. Through vivid storytelling, nostalgic reflection, and sharp cultural critique, he paints a picture of a world spinning faster, losing touch with patience, community, and authenticity.
Throughout both books, Paul’s voice remains fiercely authentic. He doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life, but he also celebrates the strength found in vulnerability, the magic in memories, and the beauty of living fully, even when the world feels broken.
Today, Paul continues to inspire others through his writing and his message of Loud Love — a philosophy of living honestly, loving loudly, and refusing to be silenced by the hardships of life. His works are not just books; they are powerful declarations of survival, hope, and the unstoppable human spirit.