After twelve long years, my second novel, All Things Under the Moon, was released on Sept 2, 2025.

I chose to have the book launch at my local branch of the Toronto Public Library. For writers like myself, libraries can be an essential part of our writing life.

Not only does the library offer tons of research options – everything from books, journals, and access to databases – there’s just something about the vibe. People are studying, working, or simply relaxing with a good read and hanging out. Plus, many branches have spaces for community events, like book launches.

One of the highlights for me was sharing the stage with some members of a writing group that I mentor. Writers In Trees, created in 2022, is made up of emerging writers and editors. In January 2025, the group published their first anthology, Forest Floor.

For some of the members, this was their first time reading and speaking in public. Forest Floor is available for for free on the Writers In Trees website.

Me with my wonderful publicist, Cayley Brightside, and awesome editor, Brittany Lavery, both from Simon & Schuster Canada. Rebecca Snoddon, also from S&S Canada, was there. I was thrilled to see author friends. Dennis Bock (top right photo) was my novel writing instructor back in 2010! Next to him are Leslie Shimotakahara and Jessica Westhead. Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio (bottom right photo) and Mai Nguyen also came out, which meant a lot.

So many turned out for the event – from friends and family to readers I had not met before. For me, the moment marked an important professional and personal accomplishment. I was moved to know everyone was there to celebrate with me.

My daughter made little giveaways filled with star and moon-shaped candies. I’ll end by thanking her for everything she continues to do to support my writing life. It’s no small task as the opening paragraphs from Jamie Portman’s article reveal below.

Read the article, “A Story of Survival,” by Jamie Portman, published in:

• The Charlottetown Guardian
• Calgary Herald
• Cape Breton Post
• The Chronical Herald (Metro)
• Edmonton Journal
• Montreal Gazette
• The National Post
• The Ottawa Citizen
• The Province (BC)
• The Recorder & Times Brockville
• Saskatoon StarPhoenix
• Vancouver Sun
• Windsor Star