Where have you spent most of your childhood?
I grew up in a small coal mining town in British Columbia, Canada. It is called Sparwood.
What were some dreams you had as a child? When did you start seriously considering being an author?
I dreamed of adventure and getting away to discover new things. I seriously started considering being an author in highschool. I started with writing poetry.
What is the most ideal ambiance for you to write in?
I prefer to write in my sunroom or outside on a nice summer day.
What has been the hardest part about being an author and how did you overcome it?
The hardest part about being an author is dealing with the lack of support. People telling me that I should go about writing in a certain way, which is now realistic for me. I had to trust in who I am and rely on who God made me to be, not to alway try to please everyone else. People care, but they don't always understand.
When was the first time you realized you wanted to be a speaker?
I realized I enjoy public speaking back in 2010, while attending an early childhood conference in Grande Prairie Alberta. I got the most energy and excitement over presenting our group result to the entire community at the conference.
When did you start writing the Kingdom Series and what was it that first sparked the idea?
I started writing the Kingdom series in 2014, originally I was writing it for my kids, I would write and read them a chapter a night before bed. My daughter was my inspiration to finish the first book because she was excited to know what would happen.
In what ways do you find yourself relating to Senora?
The self doubt, grief, and trauma that Senora faced are very real in my own life. After losing 9 people within a year to different deaths, the grief is very real. I have learned that grief, identity, and trauma can build on each other and when not allowed to experience the pain, you cannot move forward from it. Pushing this pain aside only strengths that pain and does not allow healing to begin.
How do you think your writing process and methods grew from "Treasure Kingdom" to "Unbroken Kingdom"? Has the way you market your books changed as well?
My writing style has gained more confidence and my message is even more close to my heart. Fear, trauma, identity, and grief needs to be spoken and no longer silenced. People matter and they need to start believing in themselves. Even for me, I have been present for 3 break ins, I was physically attacked, and have been held at gun point, but through all this trauma I know that I am not alone. I matter and people care. I want my readers to know this too.
Fantasy can mean something a little different for everyone. How would you describe the term to someone that's never heard of it before? How do you then try and capture this essence in your stories?
Fantasy is an escape to growth, adventure, and unknown characters. My character's face real trauma and growth, are relatable to standard grief and struggles, and the story is presented in a fun and encouraging way to help my readers process their own grief as they experience what the characters are going through.
What is Kingdom Definers about?
Kingdom Definers is a group to help support one another in prayer and encouragement. It is a safe space to reach out to me and talk through some struggles with a listening ear and prayerful heart. I also have a group for first responders and their families to come together and pray for one another. Plus a new IGNITE magazine that will be released to my email list in January 2022.
You are an inspiration for many. Having felt invisible and worthless, how did you motivate yourself to keep going?
I spend time in God's word and in prayer. This at times is a struggle for me, But I try to focus on the positive and on truth of who God created me to be, not on the negativity that tries to crush me almost on a daily basis.
How do you think teenagers can keep themselves motivated while battling depression?
Talking with someone who can listen and help them through. Teenagers struggle with understanding their true potential and their place in this world. The world can be a harsh and dark place, but remember there are people in your life who care about you and you do matter. There is always hope, but you have to be willing to trust someone to help you through those dark moments in your life. Remember suicide and death are not the answer, you have more value and worth then that.
What are the challenges of being an award winning author?
One huge challenge is not to doubt myself, sometimes after winning an award, and the hipe wears off, it is hard to find that fire and excitement to continue again. It is sometimes difficult to know what your next step should be.
What are you currently working on? May we know when we can expect a new book?
Currently I am working on a new book for first responders and their family. IGNITE magazine will be the stepping stone to my next book that will lead readers through my husbands and I life story. This will touch on identity, grief and trauma, suicide, anxiety, communication, and marriage. Once I complete this book, I hope to work on the third book in the Kingdom series as well which will address unity against adversity.
How were you introduced to AllAuthor? Do you have any feedback?
I was introduced to the AllAuthor site through two other author friends who were using the site and joined in the September cover contest. I am still learning the site and all it offers, so I am not sure of any feedback I might have at this time.
