In high school, I dreamed of writing the great Canadian novel. I wrote several poems and short stories,  but decided to wait until I had more life experiences before starting a novel. The original plan was to get a general arts degree and take a few years off to travel and write.

Instead, I gave in to my practical Italian side and got degrees in mathematics and education. I planned to teach during the day and spend my evenings, weekends and holidays churning out best-selling novels.

How hard could it be?

The school day ended in mid-afternoon, and I had twelve weeks of holiday time. That would give me plenty of time to devote to my true passion—writing.

That was the dream.

The reality was very different.

Even though I had many satisfying moments, I found the teaching profession to be a very challenging and demanding one. I never had the time and energy to start a writing practice.

In 2008, I took advantage of early retirement. I filled my days with workshops, seminars and online courses. Slowly, a writing practice emerged and my articles and book reviews started appearing  in newspapers, magazines and online.

On a whim, I took a workshop offered by dark fantasy and horror writer Sarah Totton. At first, I focused only on the writing advice, but later toyed with the idea of writing fantasy for boomer women. My debut novel, Between Land and Sea, a paranormal romance about a middle-aged mermaid, will be released by Soul Mate Publishing in September 2013.

I live and write in Guelph, Ontario.