A to Z Blogging

Inspiring this author

Let’s talk about real-life inspirations: people, places, events . . . For my Ember Files series, I had two physical locations that featured in the narrative. I based Kori Ember’s childhood home, with all its secret tunnels, on a bachelorette apartment I lived in twenty years ago. It was an old house sectioned into single… Continue reading Inspiring this author

A to Z Blogging

Habits of a reader: how do you pick your next novel?

I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember. My habit of reading isn’t going away, but the patterns and routines around it have changed. I spent hours roaming the bookstore, coffee in hand, combing the shelves, searching for my next favourite read. As full-time work, a husband, dogs, and children became part of… Continue reading Habits of a reader: how do you pick your next novel?

A to Z Blogging

Gratitude

Things that I am thankful for as a writer: The blank page:What?Why?The possibilities are endless. I start each day with fresh and new. I can create what I want every day, from worlds to characters, creatures, adventures, and so on. Love of books:“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we… Continue reading Gratitude

A to Z Blogging

Fan Question

There are a lot of different questions fans might ask their favourite authors. They fall into various categories: inspiration, motivation, development, writing tips and advice, etc. Today, though, I went a different way. Here is my question, which I will also answer: If you could invite any five authors—living or deceased—to dinner, who would you… Continue reading Fan Question

A to Z Blogging

Excerpts

My newest book will be released on May 8, 2025. It’s my first nonfiction title, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you. In light of that, I’m sharing a short chunk of text from The Funny Side. This section is from Chapter 1: Brain loss. In terms of my intellectual capacity before children,… Continue reading Excerpts

A to Z Blogging

Dream Library

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of having a library in my house. Certain library details have remained the same: built-in bookshelves, a sliding ladder, and my favourite books lining the shelves. I think a window with a window seat would be cozy. I like the idea of cuddling up by… Continue reading Dream Library

Coffee Blog

Spring Break Coffee

Welcome to book review fourteen of fifty-three for this year’s Virtual Coffee Shares. I picked books related to the theme at Brewing Coffee, Twisting Words & Breaking Pencils: coffee, books, and puzzles. The Absent Author: A to Z MysteriesAuthor Ron RoyPublished in September 1997The publisher is Random House Books for Young Readers (Illustrated Edition).Available in… Continue reading Spring Break Coffee

A to Z Blogging

Community—I am grateful for your support

Today’s post is a thank you, to you, my writing community. Many things get easier when you have support, and writing isn’t different. I’m grateful for the stories you share about your writing journeys, the conversations we have about the craft, and your support with my writing voyage. Best of luck with whatever writing project… Continue reading Community—I am grateful for your support

A to Z Blogging

Bucket list, author-style

What is an author-style bucket list? It’s a list of experiences or achievements an author hopes to accomplish. It can include books you want to write, worlds you want to build, characters you want to create, places you want to visit, and other goals you’d like to achieve. This is my author’s bucket list: What… Continue reading Bucket list, author-style