About Me
I’m a certified fiction book coach and editor, and the author of both adult and YA genre-blending speculative fiction. My debut novel, Past Presence (Literary Wanderlust, 2019), an adult supernatural mystery, was a top-three finalist for the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Crime Novel, awarded by the Crime Writers of Canada. I’m currently working on two dark supernatural YA books and co-writing a nonfiction book for neurodiverse writers called A Novel Approach: Strategies for ADHD Writers. I’ve been the editor-in-chief of Birthing Magazine since 2015, and my writing has been featured in many print and online publications, as well as nationally-broadcast nonfiction TV shows. You can learn more about my writing here.
Besides my certification from Author Accelerator as a coach for fiction writers, I have a Bachelor of Applied Communications in Journalism from Mount Royal College and a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies from Carleton University. I’ve also taken courses in anti-oppressive editing, anti-racism training for magazine media professionals and gender-inclusive editing through the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association.
My mission is to help people tell themselves a different story about who they are as a writer.
Services
I work with people at all stages of their writing journey, from planning to drafting to revising to pitching, and whether it’s their first book or their fiftieth. While I’ll happily work with people of any neurotype, my special focus is on supporting neurodiverse writers because I want to show them that the things they think of as obstacles can actually be positive attributes. As a neurodiverse person myself, I’ve spent years working on ways to take advantage of my brain’s differences and built tools and skills to keep me on task, focused and following through on my goals. I’m ready to share them with you, and together we’ll work to identify your unique challenges and develop a writing routine that works for you. If any of the following sound familiar:
You have a ton of books you’ve started writing, but none you’ve finished
You have a great idea for a book, but the process of actually writing one feels too overwhelming so you never get started
You want to write, but can’t seem to stay in your seat long enough to get anything done
You find it difficult to write because you don’t know what comes next
You keep promising yourself you’ll write today but never do
I’m here to help! These challenges can create such a shame spiral, but they’re 100% surmountable! I understand that critical inner voice, and I want to rid other authors of it. Together, I know we can get you through whatever’s keeping you from moving forward, and I have numerous tools and strategies to share with you. I’ll show you that you can write a book, whether you’re struggling to get started or can never find a way to finish.
Please note that you don’t need to share any diagnosis with me in order for us to work together. My programs and resources are designed to address challenges, not neurotypes.
I work with writers of both adult and YA fiction in the following genres:
Fantasy
Sci-fi
Horror
Mystery/Suspense
Thrillers
Romance
Anything that blends two or more of these
Offerings
Discovery Call
Want to chat before committing to a coaching package? No problem! You can book a free 30-minute discovery call, pour yourself a hot drink and we'll have a virtual coffee date to talk about your story and how coaching can help you achieve your writing goals.
Coaching Packages
The Catalyst: Plan Your Novel
Six weeks of weekly writing assignments designed to develop your story idea into a plan you feel good about, in a way that works for you (yes, even for pantsers!) and three biweekly 45-minute video or phone calls to discuss your progress, generate ideas and brainstorm through any trouble spots. You’ll come away with a fully realized outline and character profiles, but most importantly, the confidence to start writing.
The Manifestation: One-on-One Coaching
Biweekly deadlines to submit up to 20 pages of writing for developmental-edit-level feedback on your book’s plot, characters, worldbuilding, theme and narrative drive, along with biweekly 60-minute video or phone calls to discuss your progress, generate ideas, brainstorm through any trouble spots and set goals. With ongoing one-on-one coaching, you’ll get support and feedback as you work, whether you’ve just started your first draft, are working on a revision or anywhere in between. You’ll see the results when your word count increases weekly!
The Transfiguration: Developmental Editing
A full developmental edit of your entire manuscript, with in-line comments offering constructive feedback and suggestions, along with an editorial letter outlining the issues, recommendations on how to solve them, and suggested next steps. You’ll also get a 60-minute video or phone call to answer any questions and help you make a plan to move forward. I’ll evaluate your story arc, structure, character development, pacing and voice to give you a comprehensive picture of how your book works. I’ll also uncover any plot holes, issues with the narrative and inconsistencies in your characters’ behaviour or motivations. You’ll come away with a comprehensive manuscript critique and a revision plan you’ll be excited to start working on.
The Formulary: Query Package Editing
A review of your query letter and synopsis to ensure they explain your book in a way that feels exciting and fresh. I’ll point out where clarity is needed, identify your hook, and make sure they conform to standard query letter/synopsis format. You’ll also get a full developmental edit of your first five pages and a half-hour call to discuss your hopes for publication and the approach you want to take toward pitching. Whether you’re planning to pitch to literary agents or small presses, your query package needs to make a great first impression to stand out in the slush pile. Be confident you’re showcasing your utmost potential!
Free Resources
Write Together Co-Working Sessions
It’s important to make time for your writing, and I’m here to help! I’m hosting free twice-monthly co-writing sessions on Zoom for writers of all stages and skill levels. Sessions are held on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. EST and the third Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m. EST. Bring a writing project and a goal you want to achieve and join other writers for a laid-back, come-as-you-are online meetup. Everyone is welcome!
Daily Word Count Tracker
Want to increase your writing productivity, get motivated to write every day and finish your novel? This tracking tool will help! When you log your writing it makes it easier to meet your daily goals, whether that’s 100 words or 10,000. Watch your word count grow with this FREE customizable spreadsheet, designed for writers who want to start or maintain a daily writing habit.
Relationship Outline Worksheet
Want deeper insight into your main characters’ relationship? This FREE outline worksheet will help! Suitable for a romantic couple, friends, family members, enemies, frenemies, or any two people you want to throw together, you’ll be able to reflect on the ins and outs of their bond by answering a series of questions. The end result is writing that feels more nuanced and authentic.