Winner of the Best New Canadian Christian Author Award, 2006, for her novel, One Smooth Stone, published by Castle Quay Books

Winner of the Award of Merit, 2003, from The Word Guild,  for her devotional book, Spur of the Moment

I was raised at the conjunction of two of the Great Lakes, Huron and Superior, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Most of my childhood was spent on an island on the north shore of Lake Huron.

After a short stint at Carleton University in Ottawa, I ran away to Alaska and then the Yukon, had a "road to Mayo" conversion in 1982, leaped by faith into Briercrest Bible College with my husband in 1985 and landed in the "promised land" of central Alberta in 1988.

I've had the privilege of living a few miles south of the Arctic Circle (Dawson City Yukon) and a couple of degrees south of the equator (Papua New Guinea). I suppose that's why my writing is steeped in the imagery of winter, with the odd palm tree thrown in.

For the past 20 years, I've been a pastor's wife, mother of three girls, a freelance writer and speaker, caretaker of two dogs, a six-toed cat and sundry fish.

The writing began in the attic of my parent's house where I wrote stories for my dolls. None of them complained, so I kept it up. The Lord has abundantly blessed, challenged, rebuked, healed and restored me through the process of writing and being involved with writers. I am a member of  Inscribe Christian Writers' Fellowship, The Word Guild and American Christian Fiction Writers

The speaking began when I was asked to give my testimony at a women's retreat in Tok, Alaska. (You can read a bit about that in Hot Apple Cider ) I have since spoken at many women's retreats and one day events. The Lord continues to bless me as he blesses women through me. To learn more about my speaking ministry, click on  SPEAKING

I have two devotional books in print and my novel, One Smooth Stone, was released by Castle Quay Books in September, 2007. The Sequel will be released soon.