Alumni Book Nook: Robert Currie (BSP’61, BA’64, EDUC’66, BEd’66)

The latest book written by renowned Saskatchewan poet Robert Currie (BSP’61, BA’64, EDUC’66, BEd’66) focuses on the life of Will James, a Canadian-American cowboy, writer, and artist with ties to Saskatchewan.

Drifting Cowboy: The Will James Poems was released by Regina’s Radiant Press in July 2026.

“I was excited by Will James’ drawings of horses when I was a kid, and when—as an adult—I learned he got his start as a cowboy in Saskatchewan, I was inspired to write this book,” said Currie.

Currie, who lives in Moose Jaw, Sask., has been publishing poetry and fiction since graduating from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in the 1960s. Passionate about education, he earned three degrees at USask: A Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition in 1961, a Bachelor of Arts at the College of Arts and Science in 1964, and a Bachelor of Education at the College of Education in 1966.

Currie is a former Poet Laureate of Saskatchewan and a recipient of the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for lifetime achievement in the arts. For three decades, he taught English and creative writing at Central Collegiate Institute in Moose Jaw, receiving the Joseph Duffy Memorial Award for excellence in the teaching of language arts. Since retiring, he has been busy teaching English and creative writing, volunteering, and working on his own writing projects.

The Green&White recently connected with Currie to ask him about his new book, Saskatchewan’s literary scene, and what it was like building his writing career in this province.

Green&White: You are a highly regarded Saskatchewan writer who has been publishing poetry and fiction since 1967. What do you enjoy about writing?

Currie: I find the act of writing to be exhilarating—at least when it’s going well. The time slips swiftly by when I’m writing.

G&W: You earned several degrees at the University of Saskatchewan. What are some of your fondest memories from your time at the university?

Currie: I had a great time when I was in the College of Pharmacy, made some good friends, served on the student executive, and even started up a college paper, for which I wrote a regular column. In fourth year, an Arts elective was required, and I chose creative writing from Edward McCourt, one of the smartest choices I ever made. When I did my year of honours English, I liked all my classes and was impressed by the professors.

G&W: As you mentioned, you took a creative writing class at USask in the early 1960s with the famed Canadian writer Edward McCourt. How did that class influence your path as a writer?

Currie: Edward McCourt’s creative writing class cemented my love of writing. It also gave me hope. At my final meeting with Professor McCourt, he told me that he thought I’d get published someday.

G&W: Your latest book of poetry, Drifting Cowboy: The Will James Poems, was inspired by the Canadian-American writer and cowboy. Why did you want to write about Will James?

Currie: When I was a kid I liked to draw horses, and I discovered Will James’ books, which he illustrated with wonderful horse drawings. Naturally I copied his pictures and read his stories, so he was kind of a childhood hero of mine. As an adult, I discovered that this famous Montana cowboy was actually Canadian and got his start as a cowboy in Saskatchewan. That got me researching his life and writing about it.

G&W: What response have you received from readers to your new book?

Currie: I had two readings at this summer's Saskatchewan Festival of Words, and people responded positively to the book. However, it’s still very new—with no reviews yet.

G&W: What are five adjectives that you would use to describe your book?

Currie: Intriguing, exciting, precise, rich, and vivid.

G&W: You are the author of 14 books. Are you working on any other books or writing projects right now?

Currie: I’m always writing new poems—which I’ll eventually spread on a huge desk in the library and see what’s there and how they might be ordered to make another book.

G&W: You were a founding board member of the Saskatchewan Festival of Words, serving on the board for 23 years. How would you describe the festival and the impact it’s had in this province?

Currie: The Festival of Words is a major literary event, not just for Moose Jaw or Saskatchewan, but also for the country. I think people realize that and love the chance it gives to meet some excellent writers and hear them read and discuss their work.

G&W: You are a former Poet Laureate of Saskatchewan and a recipient of the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for lifetime achievement in the arts. What was it like building your writing career in Saskatchewan?

Currie: When I was much younger, some poet friends and I formed a writing group, which we called the Moose Jaw Movement because we wanted to make the point that you didn’t have to live in Toronto or Vancouver to be a writer. Certainly, we found acceptance here and beyond.

G&W: How would you describe Saskatchewan’s literary scene?

Currie: I think the literary scene in Saskatchewan is a positive one, with new and good writers coming up all the time. I believe writers here are good at supporting one another.

G&W: What advice would you offer to current USask students and emerging writers who may want to follow in your footsteps?

Currie: I don’t think emerging writers should worry about following in someone’s footsteps. What they should do is read as much good writing as they can and write what’s important to them.