About MeI write speculative fiction exploring society, environmental crisis, and identity through intricate, dreamlike tales of monsters and magic, generally for ages + read more 14 and up.

Born in Vancouver and raised across Western Canada, I'm on a mission to find and share magic at home. Look for alt-reality and futuristic versions of Metro-Van & other BC locations in most of my work.

I've written award-winning, translated, indie, and traditionally-published short stories, studied children's publishing with Tradewinds Books through UBC, and I'm currently working my way through a well-regarded YA fantasy series, THREADS OF DREAMS.

Notably, I was a guest speaker at the first ORCHIDS Children's Literature Fest in Mumbai, a creative writing coach with Creative Writing for Children Society, and currently serve as a CWILL BC executive team member.

A thoughtful, authentic, and education-oriented communicator, I love connecting with readers and writers, especially the next generation of young storytellers, and welcome inquiries from event planners both at home and abroad.
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My Work Speaker Info Contact Me

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You May Know Me For:

Literature Types
• YA Fiction
• Editorial Services

Published Works
BLIND THE EYES, 2018
-Threads of Dreams book one
-YA dystopian dark fantasy
-Listed in Barnes & Noble Press "20 Favorite Indie Books of 2018"
-A not-quite-alive girl and her not-quite-dead ghost discover trusted authorities lie, allies have their own agendas and even the monsters wear masks in a journey of betrayal, revenge, and finding the power to fight back.

LETTER FROM THE END OF THE WORLD, 2019
-Threads of Dreams side story/short story
-YA/NA feminist dystopian horror
-Second person epistolary end of the world fiction for fans of post-apocalyptic, dystopian, antihero fantasy, morally grey characters, and tragic romance.

LETTERA DALLA FINE DEL MONDO, 2019
-Italian translation of LETTER FROM THE END OF THE WORLD
-Translation by international publisher Virgibooks, Inc.

THE UNSOUGHT LIGHT, 2019
-Standalone short story
-Japanese legend THE MAIDEN OF UNAI retold with a Gothic twist
-Arranged political marriage in a time and place where family fortunes mattered more than individual happiness or choice; historical romance in the vein of Rome & Juliet, but Japanese plus yōkai/monsters.

ON THE EDGE, 2019
-Standalone short story
-First published in the June 2019 issue of Enchanted Conversation Magazine
-Dark fantasy/fairytale travel story of escaping adulthood and hunting magic in historic sites across the UK.

A SONG OF DARK THINGS, 2019
-Standalone short story
-First published in the UNKNOWN REALMS anthology from Fiction-Atlas Press
-YA/NA dark fantasy/fairytale retelling of Scottish Folklore The Fiddlers of Tomnahurich & Thomas the Rhymer set in the modern-day Highlands & Islands region.

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Speaking InformationAs a former award-winning teen writer, staff writer (marketing/business development/business analysis) for multiple Vancouver companies, and now a full-time + read more novelist and business-writing/editing freelancer, I love speaking to readers and the next generation of writers about storytelling, writing careers, creativity, the business of writing (both indie and traditional), and resiliency/overcoming challenges and forging your own path (particularly as a woman).

Past presentation topics have included:
-Writing for Youth (how to get started & why everyone's a writer)
-Pathways to Publishing (indies, small-press, big-5 & business tips)
-Monsters & Magic (speculative fiction, truth & escapism)
-Worldbuilding for Writers (how to create the unknown through strategic questions)
-You're Not Finished (grit, glass ceilings, and chasing dreams)

In April 2019, I was honoured to be invited to India to present sessions on how to get started as a young writer, worldbuilding for storytellers, how stories (speculative fiction) reflect and help us in everyday life, and a masterclass for adults on paths to publishing at Mumbai's first (and the world's largest) Children's Literature Fest sponsored by ORCHIDS The International School.

I'm a confident and engaging speaker with experience in a variety of settings (from one-on-one coaching and small workshops to large-group/auditorium venues).

I'm best with pre-teen through adult audiences (I write YA after all!) Ages 8-10 can also be accommodated, but 11+ is ideal.

Willing to travel, schedule permitting, and happy to work with organizers to create a custom presentation, workshop, masterclass, etc. based on themes and needs of your event. I prefer to offer dynamic, flexible/topical presentations or workshops with direct audience engagement where possible, but large-group presentations with or without display graphics are also available.

See CWILL-BC guidelines for fees ("Tips" tab above)—also open to working with custom budgets if needed. Show Less

I Will Travel To:
• Vancouver
• Coast
• Lower Mainland
• Gulf and Vancouver Islands
• Thompson Okanagan
• Northern British Columbia
• Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
• Kootenay Rockies
• The Territories
• Canada - beyond BC
• USA
• International

I Present to Age Groups:
• Grades 4-6
• Grades 7-8
• High School
• College / University / Adult

Request Booking Info

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Awards and Recognition:BLIND THE EYES
-Barnes & Noble Press pick for 20 Favorite Indie Books of 2018
-2018 KWL + show more cover contest, SciFi/Fantasy category shortlist
-NetGalley Most Requested fantasy read
-B&N Press pick for 25 Beach Reads for Your Summer Holiday
-Handpicked as a Summer 2018 B&N Press Presents title

HIDING A PEARL
-First, Law Week Short Story Contest 2004

INCOGNITO
-Second, "It's Happening Here" FVRL Teen Writing Contest 2004

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