About JJ

JJ is a Canadian author, actor, and teacher.

She is constantly amazed by the real-life stories all around her. This site is her love letter to the messy, beautiful parts of life that deserve to find their way onto the pages of a good book, and to the creative souls who will put them there.

JJ has written both fantasy and contemporary YA adventures. Currently, she is working on an adult project that she is hoping will land her a contract in traditional publication. As a rule of thumb, she enjoys writing about teenagers who are much smarter, funnier, and braver than she is.

JJ has:

  • Two degrees, neither of which have to do with writing books but both of which have helped her to pay her rent

  • Patient neighbours who put up with her loud singing

  • An endless capacity for watching Spider-Man movies

  • A lot of perseverance (don’t we all, fellow writers?)

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
— Maya Angelou

About the Blog

Whether you having been writing for decades or are just setting out on your authorial journey, this site is designed to provide you with a source of fresh inspiration. It is a place to find quick tips for your craft and new ideas for the content of your stories.

In the blog, you will find:

  • Interviews with real people whose careers or hobbies could help inform your own unique characters

  • Descriptive posts about real-world settings that could become the backdrop for your next novel

  • Observations about common truths and experiences that may help to add new depth and realism to your work

  • Advice on the drafting and editing processes

“Look at the stars! look, look up at the skies!

O look at all the fire-folk sitting in the air!”

George Manley Hopkins, “The Starlight Night”