A friend of mine suggested an interview so my readers could learn more about me. I jumped on the idea and she kindly put together these questions. Have fun reading!
How old are you?
Twenty-one. And for those of you who are curious, my birthday this year has already passed.
In which country do you live?
Canada.
No, I don’t have a British accent. Unfortunately.
What are two of your favourite leisure activities?
Playing piano is definitely at the top. I love learning new pieces and inventing my own, especially as theme songs for my stories. And playing extreme board games with my family—like Pandemic Legacy 1, Steam, or Mystery of the Abbey—is so much fun.
Have you studied another language?
I’ve studied Spanish enough to communicate a little. And though I’m extremely slow, I do understand Morse Code.
What are your favourite colours?
Blue. Silver. Grey of any shade, really. And pale greens are nice.
Do you have any pets?
Yes—one darling black-and-white cat named Wallace. I no longer have his two brothers, The Bruce and Dudley. (Anyone figure out who they’re named after?)
What instruments do you play?
Piano is my favourite. I also play flute, mandolin, and some Chinese flute. I would love to play double bass but I’m afraid I’m not tall enough …
How many siblings do you have?
I have seven amazing siblings—five older than me and two younger.
What’s your favourite drink?
Iced coffee … any time of day. Chocolate orange lattés with whipped cream are a close second.
Favourite season?
I waver between spring and autumn. Probably autumn.
What’s one of your favourite scripture passages?
A passage that I memorised recently and that has really inspired me is 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
What type of church do you attend?
It’s a small, non-denominational church. We try to base all we do on Scripture, and we practice Believer’s Baptism, upholding that salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection.
What’s your least favourite chore?
What? I’m supposed to share that kind of thing, too? My least favourite chore is shredding pounds of cabbage for the sauerkraut we make and sell. Weird. But it’s true.
What’s your favourite event on which to look back?
Family trips are a favourite, especially the one to TN to meet my pen pal and the one to Ottawa to skate the Rideau Canal. And on a writing note, I still haven’t fully comprehended that Voice of the Ashes was shortlisted in the 2022 Braun Book Awards.
What’s one of your favourite historical fiction novels?
Only one? I have a few … But since I don’t have to decide if it’s actually my top favourite, let’s go with In Search of Honor by Donna Lynn Hess. Her protagonist, Jacques, struggles to find the true meaning of honour amidst the horrors of the French Revolution.
What author do you highly recommend?
Donna Lynn Hess (see above). I love how she melds strong Christian themes with historical time periods.
Also, the books that I’ve read by I. T. Thurston are really good. The Bishop’s Shadow and The Big Brother of Sabin Street are on my favourites list. If you go to buy them, make sure they’re the originals! The newer copies by Joyce Nolt have been changed.
Where would you like to travel?
England and Wales. Rome would be intriguing. And it would be lovely to visit my friend in TN who I haven’t seen for years.
What time period would you like to research?
Roman Britain. The Roman Empire has always fascinated me, and I just might have a novel planned to include it …
How many short stories do you have planned?
Planned? Only three—including a sequel to Marigolds. But the treasure chest of short story ideas is full to the brim!
How about novels?
A few more than short stories. I have a difficult time with short stories. They always become longer than they’re supposed to be. Let’s see … six novels and a novella trilogy. I think that should last me for a while.
Do you want to write non-fiction?
Not really. I’ve considered writing a children’s Canadian history book, but I like shoving characters in different (tragic) situations and seeing what they do. Having to ‘follow a script’ would be trying.
What’s one goal you have for this year?
Adding an online shop to my website, where writers can find scripture-themed notebooks, stationery, pens, and other inspiration.
What historical figure would you like to meet in person?
That’s a tough one. Off the top of my head, maybe William Tyndale. Or author I. T. Thurston.
What’s your favourite Bible story?
Jesus’ life in general, and His interactions with His disciples in particular. He used them for good despite their failures and fears. And He loved them unconditionally.
In what setting do you write well?
Almost anywhere except in a vehicle. And if someone sits across the table from me, I’ll probably spend more time talking to them than writing.
I have what I call my ‘dungeon’ in our basement, which is a walk-in closet turned into a writer’s cove. Instrumental music is really helpful—especially solo piano (David Nevue is one of my favourites).
But sometimes sitting outside in a brisk wind with clouds moving overhead works wonders …
Tell us briefly about your writing goals.
My goal in writing is to challenge, inspire, and point people to Christ while giving them a glimpse of life in another time. This world needs more good books, and if God is pleased to use me to write them, all glory to Him!
Do you have any other questions? Feel free to ask me in the comments!
