Start With the Basics. Build a solid foundation. You can’t teach science if your students don’t have the vocabulary to discuss their discoveries. For me, simplifying plot by sticking with introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution makes writing a novel attainable. I adore writing stories where fantastic creatures plunge into real-life situations (such as a dragon looking after a human baby) and chaos ensues.

I grew up in New Brunswick, Canada, and lived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates for 16 years. I’ve been married to the same man for 28+ years; we have one wonderful daughter, and one Portuguese Water Dog.