There is growth through change. The towering maple tree in my backyard exposes its buds as it thrusts its limbs towards blue skies. It confirms that we are surrounded by growth and that we are always on the cusp of seasonal change.

“The only way that we can live, is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.”

― C. JoyBell C.

I stretch towards the sky and inhale–exposed to the fresh air and sunlight. I feel myself growing out of the exoskeleton of my previous life. You see, I am growing because I am finally living. I am growing because I am changing. I am changing because I’ve opened myself to learning through my writing and through taking risks. I am exposing my innermost being. I will continue to hurl myself at the world.

I am on the cusp of another victory.

Ella, the Stella and Me

Sometimes I do feel like I’m in a race against myself. I started taking courses through University of Calgary Continuing Education towards the Creative Writing Certificate in January 2016.  I’ve learned so much from each of the courses and feel blessed to have met so many great creative writers and mentors along the way.

A year ago yesterday, I began writing my first novel. I was petrified. Two years ago the idea of writing more than four pages seemed impossible. And although it seems insignificant now, the idea of sustaining one story for more than twenty-five pages seemed like climbing Mount Everest rather than the rolling hills of Saskatchewan. A glance at the screen confirms that  Ella, the Stella and Me, in its third draft, contains  251 double-spaced pages—that’s 75,101 words—telling one beautiful story about a young woman who is on the cusp of change.

Writing this novel has been the most incredible journey I’ve taken so far.

A synopsis:

Rebel, a young musician in her early twenties, comes back to Saskatoon to deal with her past so she and her father can move towards the future. Edison, an old flame, and link to the past walks into the family coffee bean store and disturbs Rebel’s focus. There is a wedding to stop, love to rekindle and huge decisions about the future to be made—the catch is that there are only two weeks to get it done. 

Thank yous

First and foremost, I need to reiterate how amazing my son, Jesse, is. Not only is he a constant reminder of how quickly time passes us by, but two years ago Jesse asked me when I was going to start doing something with my life. Those words kick-started my writing career—I still can’t believe how far his words have taken me.

Secondly, I would like to thank my friend and phenomenal YA writer Melanie MacFarlane for pointing me towards the Creative Writing Certificate. Without having crossed paths with Melanie, there would be no Ella, the Stella and Me.

 Finally, I’d like to thank my cousin Mickey and friends Cathy and Cindy for devouring my writing. They’ve dedicated hours of their personal lives to my words. My stories would pale without their feedback and questions. I’d also like to thank my mother, friends, and family for their support through all of my endeavours—writing and otherwise. Please know how important you’ve been—though sometimes I’m too busy or caught up in my world to let you know. I love you all very much.