I started writing The Girl in the Peach Tree five years before it was published. It began as a simple writing exercise; The 30-Day Novel. It took me a little longer than 30 days, truthfully about 1825. I broke all the rules of the writing exercise, but I guess that it what made it so much fun to create.

 

People often ask me if the character of Maya is based on myself and my personal story. When the book was first published my answer was absolutely not, but as I thought about it, I realized that there were many threads of myself woven into all the characters. I think one of my favourite characteristics that Maya and I share, is our belief that a good cup of tea can create an opportunity to help slow down any situation. And just to clarify, I have only been engaged once and my husband would never make me buy an ugly tea pot.

My favourite teapots

 

 

My first story every published was when I was six years old. Our school librarian had each member of our class write a two-sentence story and draw a picture to go with it. She then gathered all the stories and made a book and placed it on the library shelf. I was hooked from that moment forward always secretly hoping to see my name on a bookshelf again one day.

From early on I journaled almost daily and still do, I wrote poetry and plays and short stories and letters… many, many letters. I completed my thesis: A Phenomenological look at Art Therapy and the Pediatric Renal Patient. A very interesting read; the thesis, not my first diary from when I was eight.

I used to think that because I was not published I was not a writer, but in the last few years I realized that published or not the moment you put pen to paper, you are a writer.

When I am having a difficult day of writing, I usually take my golden doodle Lily for a walk. Some people in the neighborhood think she is the best walked dog on the street; all kidding aside I like to dabble in a little quilting when it gets too rainy and I also love to garden.

 

 

 

As a mother, wife and counsellor, I could not have added the writing to the mix without the support of my family. My husband and son have been amazing throughout the process and continue to bring me hot lattes when needed so I can keep going even on the days when I think the idea of being an author is crazy.

The truth is, I have not been very good in the self-care department, but I am finding my way back to a few old hobbies like photography and playing violin and feel encouraged that they will help give me a little more balance in my day.

  

I have several favourite spaces where I like to write. I have my little hidey-hole writing room in my house, my home-town favourite coffee shop, Pender Island and my newest favourite space is an establishment called the Pinnacle Lodge up in Sun Peaks, BC.

My hidey-hole writing room | My favourite coffee shop for writing

Pender Island | Pinnacle

 

Being a busy mom, I have had to figure out a way to write any where that I need to. From sitting in the car, to waiting at rugby practise and well everywhere in between. I would say flexibility has had to be my dearest friend.

At present I am working on the second book in the Peach Tree series: Barefoot in the Dirt and plan to publish mid-year 2019. And yes, for those curious readers, there will be a third and final book in the series. Publication date TBA.

I am also finishing up a children’s book that will leave kids laughing and their parents shaking their heads, thankful that Henry figured out a plan how to save his mom from the Laundry Dragon.

So yes, my goal is to write until the last sparkly pen on earth runs out of ink.