Frequently Asked Questions

Birthplace

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Where do you currently live?

Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada

Do you have any pets?

A cat named Puss. Puss was abandoned in a parking lot when she was just a baby.

What is your favourite book?

My favourite Canadian book is Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. My favourite American book is She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb.

What is your favorite movie?

My favourite drama is The Heart is a Lonely Hunter starring Alan Arkin and Sondra Locke. My favourite comedy is Trains, Planes and Automobiles starring Steve Martin and John Candy. I’ve seen it at least six times and I still pee my pants laughing.

What is your favourite food?

Sweet Potato anything! (I’m a vegetarian.)

What are your hobbies?

Tai Chi, Reading (I love books on spirituality), and traveling as much as I can (especially when I’m researching a novel).

When did you start writing?

I started writing short stories when I was in Grade 5. My wonderful teacher, Mrs. Cherwaty, believed in me and sparked my love of writing.

How did you get involved in children’s books?

As a Kindergarten teacher I loved to read to my students. Many years later, after I returned from Los Angeles, I felt a renewed interest in children’s books and started writing them with a passion.

What is your favorite thing about writing books for children?

I can let my imagination soar! Anything is possible in the world of children. As I said before, they still believe in magic – and so do I!

How do you create your stories?

I wait for inspiration to hit – and it always does. Once a story idea finds its way to me, I begin taking notes (night and day). I jot down thoughts, ideas, characters and dialogue on any scrap of paper I can get my hands on (even toilet paper!). Slowly but surely, the plot unfolds and I start focusing more and more. That’s when I put everything aside and start writing like mad. I get so involved in the story that I often forget to eat. I should be a stick by now – but I’m not.

Do you have any tips for young creators?

I sure do.

  • Limit the time you spend in front of the TV and Computer
  • Read TONS of books
  • Write about what you love
  • Write 5 minutes a day (remembering to put your own unique personality into it)
  • Be an active participant in this thing called life

What is your favorite childhood memory?

Being in love with Elvis Presley! Those lips – those eyes – that voice! Be still my heart.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A nun – an actress – a model – a writer.

What is the weirdest or most interesting job you have ever had?

I was a private investigator with the Acadia Investigation Bureau. It wasn’t as exciting as it appears on TV - but I learned a whole lot and got tons of ideas for stories.

What is the most asked question you get from your readers?

By far the most asked question is, “Can you please turn your books into movies?” I love this question and wish, with all my heart, that I could say, “YES! I CAN!” But the truth is, it takes a producer with lots and lots of money to turn any book into a movie. I’m optimistic that, one day, my books will be on the big screen. Then, it’s POPCORN FOR EVERYBODY!