Walking Backward (2009)

I began writing children's books in 2003, and I am starting to get the hang of it.

My first novel for children aged 9-13, Walking Backward, was released by Orca Book Publishers in October 2009. It has received great reviews and was one of ten finalists chosen by the Canadian Library Association for its 2010 Book of the Year for Children Award.

Interested? Visit my Walking Backward page for more information, review excerpts, and a first chapter download. Check out the Book Launch photos. Visit the Phobias page for fun facts and quizzes. And buy a book online from Orca, Amazon, or your favourite retailer.

My Cat Isis (2011)

My first picture book (about a very special cat) is forthcoming from Kids Can Press. Look for its Spring 2011 release.

I am thrilled to report that the book will be illustrated by the multi-talented, award-winning Quebec artist, Virginie Egger. It is an honour to have my text paired with such a creative mind.

I'll keep you posted as the book finishes up.

All Good Children (2011)

My first teen novel has just been accepted by Orca Book Publishers for Fall 2011 release. More information coming soon...

In university, I wrote a dozen short stories that were published in small literary journals. Getting published did not seem too difficult back then, when writing was a pasttime. Now that I want to "be a writer," getting published seems much harder.

I earned my first book contract at age 26, for a collection of short stories that never saw the light of day. The time that passed--from first writing the stories, to collecting them, submitting them, waiting for editorial responses, finally getting an acceptance, waiting on feedback, and then being expected to contribute new work to the collection-- was just too long. I no longer related to the sad stories I'd written in earlier years. My editor did not relate to the humourous stories I'd begun to write. So we drifted apart.

For many years, I didn't write much fiction. My work and my family took most of my time, and I didn't have much to say. When I did take up the pen in earnest again, several years ago, it would only write children's books. (And for a while, it didn't write them very well!)

In early 2008, I received my first picture book contract from Kids Can Press. Later that year, Walking Backward was acquired by Orca Book Publishers. Those are two of the best children's book publishers in Canada. I am honoured to be on their lists, and I hope these are the first of many books to come.

It was a circuitous route getting my first book published. I have enjoyed the road that took me here, and I think the long journey makes me appreciate it all the more. So I say, to all my fellow writers out there, keep writing.