Welcome to the Kids Zone!
This page is just for young readers who want to know more about me, my music and my books. I'll add to it as I get more questions and comments from readers. so do check back.
You know, there's a lot of awesome things that happen when you become an author. Like that moment when you get an email saying "we'd like to publish your book". Or when you pick up your pen, take a deep breath and sign that first contract...aaand it's pretty danged cool to get a box of books in the mail with your name on them. It never gets old to walk into a bookstore and see your books right there on the shelf. And okay, having a book nominated for awards has been pretty awesome too. Mixing music with my readings has been a rewarding way to mix both of my worlds as a musician and an author.
But the best part of it all for me? Connecting with readers! It may sound pretty cheesy, but hands down it's the absolute best part of all of this. I love it when I get to connect with young readers in person or online! I love getting feedback on my books and getting asked questions that make me really think. So thank you for all of that. And keep those questions coming!
Photo credit: Dan Gentile
top five questions I am asked
How do you become a writer?
Step 1: Read! The best way to learn to write is to read great writing, and you're so lucky -there are lots of fabulous books out there to read.
Step 2: Write! Practice writing - short stories, novels, create a graphic novel - whatever you love to read, give it a try. Have fun, and as you do, you'll get better and better at writing.
Step 3: Read some more!
Who are your favourite authors?
That's a tough question since my answer changes with every book I read! I love David R. Robertson's The Misewa Saga, and of course, The Fabulous Zed Watson by Basil and Kevin Sylvester. I really loved Valerie Sherrard's Birdspell, Firefly by Philippa Dowding... Trip of the Dead by Angela Misri...I could go on forever here! Jean Little's books had a huge impact on me as a young reader, as well.
Is the character Truly based on you?
No - Truly's story in Elvis, Me and the Lemonade Stand Summer is completely made up. I will say that when I finished writing the book and read through it again, I realized that many of my personality traits are in Truly. I think the way Truly reacted to different situations was how I would have in the same scenarios. And while some of the other characters are very loosely based on people I have known, it's all a made up story.
What made you write a book from the perspective of a dog?
I think after COVID, I wanted to laugh. I had read an adult detective story told by a dog, and thought I was a great way to tell a story. So I took that idea and made it my own. Once I created the character of Shamus, he totally took over and made the story his own!
Where can I hear your music?
In the next year or two I hope to record and release all of the songs that I've written for both of my books, so do check back for updates!
Will there be a sequel to 'Elvis?'
Yes!!! I really thought that Truly's story was complete when I finished my first book, But after a lot of urging from readers and questions about what happens next to Truly, I realized that she had more to say. As a result, I'm really excited to say that the sequel called Elvis, Me and The Post Card Winter will be released in the fall of 2024.