How did your background in biology and chemistry influence your writing, especially in any specific genres or themes?
Writing a novel is considerably different from writing technical reports and efficiently conveying the essential facts as one must in the sciences, and that has been the greatest challenge. My background has provided an appreciation of the interconnectivity of life and how cause and effect are inevitable, though not necessarily immediate. Most things in nature exist on a continuum, a grey scale and I try to use that in my writing.
Can you share a bit about your journey as an author and how you balance your passion for writing with your other interests?
Balance is a challenge for me. I have many interests vying for my attention, each demanding to be considered the priority and sometimes that results in me spinning my wheels.
How do you integrate your passion for art into your daily life, and has it influenced your approach to DIY projects?
My DIY activities have morphed over the years. The various experiences have provided me with an education that has found its way into my writing. It’s impossible to be an expert in all, or even many, things, but by dabbling and experiencing the frustrations inherent in learning one can certainly acquire an appreciation. However, it does seem to have become a one-way street, and I’m not as inclined to pursue DIY projects since I’ve increased my writing. Perhaps it’s just a matter of the time available.
Are there any DIY projects that stand out as particularly memorable or challenging for you?
I completed a painting 36”x48” of my husband and our two dogs. Both dogs are no longer with us, so the painting has become very special. We live in the house I designed and enjoy the deck we built, so I am surrounded by my personal history. We won’t talk about the DIY failures: the maroon kitchen ceiling, the tent-design project, the t-shirt project, soap-making, handmade paper, the wonky tiling job, …
How has your education in biology and chemistry contributed to your career, both in teaching and in your financial services business?
My education in biology and chemistry contributed to my teaching career largely because I then taught those subjects with varying degrees of success over the years. I found it more interesting to see how it impacted my involvement in financial services. Clearly, I had a comfort with numbers and in organising—both of which were important in the business. I noticed that I was very keen to teach clients about their money, to explain how the financial products worked. I could never make sales or marketing a priority, so I left those things to others.
Were there any key moments or experiences during your educational journey that significantly shaped your perspective?
I’m sure there were, but I’d need to give that question far more thought than I have time currently available.
What inspired you to become a high school teacher, and how did you find the experience of teaching for twelve years?
I loved being a student, so becoming a teacher and sharing that feeling with a new generation was very appealing. And, quite unrealistic actually. The realities, including the politics involved at the governmental and administrative levels came as a crushing surprise to me.
Are there any memorable moments or lessons from your teaching career that you carry with you today?
I’m not intimidated by either crowds or titles and feel comfortable and capable speaking with anyone or any group however significant or large they might be. I think that has been due to my years teaching. Oddly though, I cannot “read a room” and am a poor marketer. I’ll tell you what I think, what you need to know or learn from me, not what you necessarily want or expect to hear from me. I’m very much a “let the chips fall where they may” kind of person, I guess.
What motivated you to establish a financial services business, and how did your diverse background play a role in its success?
Sorry, the answer to this question would become far too complex and lengthy.
What role does fitness, as a self-described "gym rat," play in your current lifestyle?
I am fortunate to have a full gym at home now and the equipment is well-used. My husband and I actually met at a gym about 40 years ago and health and fitness has been paramount in our lives. I work out each and every day to retain as much of my physicality as is possible as a result of ageing and the little surprises life throws at you. Since the two of us have the same attitude toward this, it also readily extends to our approach to nutrition. I’ve tried—without success—to interest my husband in co-authoring a book regarding life-long fitness and nutrition, but he’s too busy doing such things and hasn’t the time (or sufficient interest perhaps) to compile a book on the topic. At this moment he’s skiing and I’ll soon be taking a long walk at a brisk pace.
How does living in Southern Ontario influence your creative pursuits and daily activities?
This is a great location. We’re close to Toronto for all that a huge city has to offer, including the international airport should we wish to depart for elsewhere, the climate is relatively moderate for Canada and the landscapes are varied.
Where do you draw inspiration for your writing, art, and DIY projects?
I haven’t the slightest idea. Often they have grown out of an immediate need. Other times they just pop into the empty space in my head.
Balancing writing, art, DIY projects, and a fitness routine can be challenging. How do you manage your time and maintain a balance among these diverse interests?
It’s a losing battle. I think a long timeline is necessary to see any balance. There have been stretches when travel has dominated. I recall times when the house was a mess with some ‘in progress’ DIY spread out in various rooms. One project impinges upon another. Not all got completed. Not all were successful. Not all were particularly enjoyable. Isolation during the height of the pandemic provided a huge block of time for both writing and exercising for me. I’m never bored—and at an advanced age I’m learning to balance things and not feel pressured. I no longer thrive in a hectic environment.
Do you see connections between your scientific background and your creative pursuits, and if so, how do these two aspects of your life inform each other?
Good question. I’m sure they do, but I don’t think I have the time to ponder this for as deeply as it deserves. For me, my scientific background is merely part of me and not separate from me. Therefore, my creative life is integral with it and grows from it. I can’t tease it out. It’s as if you’re asking me to think about my own brain, how it feels and functions. I can’t do so objectively. I can think about ‘a brain’, but it won’t be ‘my brain’.
What has your AllAuthor experience been like so far? What are some highlights?
I’ve not delved very far into all that AllAuthor offers. The experience has been positive but time is limited and must be spent otherwise as well. I particular appreciate the postings to X (Twitter) and the various ad templates. I do intend to take a break from featuring my novels with AllAuthor, but I shall return.
