Below, you will find answers to Frequently Asked Questions and information about the main characters of my books.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Where can I buy your books?
You can buy my books online at any of the following retailers: Austin Macauley Publishers™ (my publisher), Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.
In which formats are your books available?
My books are available as e-books, paperbacks, and (for "Trouble and Strife") hardcovers.
Why do you write?
Writing energizes me. It's my favourite thing to do! I also enjoy performing research for my books as it allows me to learn about the past and what it was like to live in different times.
Which genre of books do you write?
I write historical fiction novels.
What is your target audience?
My target audience includes men and women who are 30+ years of age.
Which books have you written?
My first book is titled, "Trouble and Strife," and my second book is titled, "In the Pink: A World War II Story." You can learn more about my books here.
Do you want each of your books to stand on their own or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
I am trying to build a body of work around my main character, Josephine, to see how her life would have been in different historical settings. After having described her experience during the Second World War in my second novel titled, "In the Pink: A World War II Story," I am currently writing about her experience as a teenager during the First World War in my third novel.
When you develop characters, do you already know who they are before you begin writing or do you let them develop as you go?
For "Trouble and Strife," I read about all of the different astrological signs and molded each character's personality around a particular sign.
How do you select the names of your characters?
For "Trouble and Strife," I looked up popular names of that era and tried to find the best name to fit each character's personality. This carried over into "In the Pink: A World War II Story."
Do you read a lot in your spare time? If so, who are your favourite authors?
I love reading! My taste is eclectic. Since I was raised francophone and missed all of the English Classics, those are the main books I am reading right now. I have a lot of catching up to do!
Does your family support your career as a writer?
Absolutely! My husband was the one who challenged me to write a book after hearing me critique other novels.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Start now!
About "Trouble and Strife"
How did you come to write this book?
I nicknamed my husband "Eeyore" in 2008 as he had a penchant for gloomy ruminations during the recession. While he worried about his investment properties and losing what he had worked so hard to build, I wondered how a landlord like him would have fared during the Depression in Toronto. He was my inspiration for this book.
Why should I buy this book?
"Trouble and Strife" would be interesting to you if you are captivated by events of the past and people surmounting tragedies and difficult circumstances. This book will make you feel like you were living in Toronto during the Depression as you learn about the main character's life and struggles.
What is your connection to Toronto?
Toronto is one of the many places where I have lived and worked. I have also lived in other major city centers, including Montreal and Quebec City.
Information About Characters in My Books
Trouble and Strife
Josephine is the main character. She is a housewife and the mother of four children. She is more concerned with the needs and wishes of others than with her own. Compassion is both her greatest strength and greatest weakness.
Eugene is Josephine's husband. He is grumpy and more interested in his business as a property owner and landlord than the mundane chore of raising his children. He is aloof with Josephine and treats her like one of the children.
Gloria is the eldest of the four children. She is honest, compassionate, and smart. She does well in school and is Josephine's helper.
Melvin is the second child. He is even-tempered and interested in joining the military.
Alvin is the third child. He is musically gifted and plays the violin.
Evelyn is the youngest child. She is unruly and always gets into mischief.
Warren is Eugene's best friend and business partner. He is like an uncle to the children.
Josephine has three friends, all of whom are homemakers, and she plays bridge with them on a regular basis. These friends include:
Eleanor, who is opinionated, a straight shooter, and never minces her words.
Wilma, who is self-effaced, shy, and emotional.
Phyllis, who has high morals, is pure of thought, and is fair.