Frequently Asked Questions
On this page I answer some questions I frequently get about my books and writing in general. I'll occasionally update this section with anything new that may pop up!
When did you start writing?
I've been writing since I was in Grade One! I can still remember dreaming up a short story about a wild horse who was the underdog of his herd and going off to find the princess horse who went missing even though no one believed he would and ending up living with her on a farm with a nice farmer. It was all fuelled by my love for horses and wanting one of my own (haha). I loved writing it and reading it out loud for my class that the next year, I wrote a sequel and was adamant I would publish it! At fourteen, I tried seriously writing a full-length novel, but didn't actually complete one until I was twenty years old. Since then, I've written five books and will finish my sixth one soon. In the Company of Killers is my third book.
How long did you work on In the Company of Killers?
I first came up with the initial concept on the way to university class in November 2018, but didn't start actually drafting it until March 13 2019 (on my birthday!). I finished the first draft around June of that year, revised it and signed with my agent in December 2019. I wouldn't go on to sell it to my publisher until April 2023 though as I ended up rewriting it two more time, shelving it for a bit and writing two more books, then returning to it once we sold. So about five years on and off with it. It's definitely not been a linear journey for this book!
How did you get an agent & publisher?
That's a question I could spend over an hour explaining! The nitty gritty is I spent 10+ years getting both and it wasn't easy by a long shot. I won't go into much detail over my experience or tips since I write about it in my experience in my newsletter and it's been said in much more eloquent words by others. So instead, I will highly suggest you check out Susan Dennard's "For Writers" section of her website which gives loads of amazing advice for all stages of the process. I also recommend The Writers Conservatory for those looking for masterclass-type help from seasoned authors and don't mind dishing out some $.
What's next after your debut?
The wheels are always turning behind the scenes, but being able to talk about it publicly takes a while! I can't share anything concrete yet, but please know I am working away on the next thing and will update this page and across my socials once I'm given the OK to share!