Fran L. Porter has taught English literature and composition (among other subjects) at both the high—school and the university level. She has authored short stories and articles in literary publications, trade journals, and magazines. Proceeds from When the Ship has no Stabilizers, her non—fiction book about her daughter's suicide, were used to open a treatment clinic in Calgary, Alberta for young people with borderline personality disorder, and resulted in Fran and her husband Andy being named Calgary's 2017 Philanthropic Family of the Year.