
Author FAQ
The Story Behind the Stories: What I Do, How I Do It, and Why
Q1
Q: What’s your background as a writer?
A: I’ve been telling stories for over 20 years. It started with poetry and comic books, evolved into novels, illustrated coloring books, and now full-length romance and fantasy works. I’ve studied story craft through courses, workshops, and esteemed writing groups—including the Toronto Romance Writers—and storytelling has always been at the heart of everything I do.
Q2
Q: Have you worked in publishing before?
A: Yes—I’ve spent nearly a decade in children’s book publishing, specifically focused on stories for marginalized communities. I’ve worked as an illustrator, designer, creative lead, and publishing manager, overseeing both digital and print projects. That experience taught me everything from layout and pacing to how stories land on the page visually and emotionally.
Q3
Q: What other creative work do you do?
A: I’m also an artist, illustrator, graphic designer, and web designer. I use those skills to bring my stories to life visually—from concept art and character design to building my own website and brand. My creativity is cross-disciplinary, but at the core of everything is storytelling.
Q4
Q: Have you been published before?
A: Yes. I’ve had poems published in collaborative works, designed and illustrated published coloring books based on my own stories, and contributed to many, many book projects as an illustrator, designer writer, and publishing manager. While many of my longer works remained drafts over the years, I’m now bringing those stories forward—refined, reimagined, and ready for readers.
Q5
Q: Do you use AI to write your books?
A: No. Every word, character, and story arc in my books is written by me. I craft my stories from the heart, with all the glorious mess that comes with it. What you’re reading is my voice—shaped through revision, polished for clarity, but never replaced.
Q6
Q: So how do you use AI, then?
A: I use AI as a supportive tool during my editing and revision phases—much like some authors use grammar software. These tools help me clean up early drafts. They do not write or create content for me.
Q7
Q: What about character art or visuals?
A: Occasionally, I use AI-assisted tools to generate early visual references or moodboards—especially during the drafting phase. These are for creative inspiration, not final cover designs or professional marketing. I always credit original artists for any commissioned or licensed work used publicly.
Q8
Q: Why be open about it?
A: Because readers deserve honesty. As an indie author, I wear many hats—and I’ve learned that using the tools available to me, ethically and transparently, is what keeps my stories flowing. I believe AI can be a helpful creative assistant, not a replacement for human imagination.
Q9
Q: Do you use AI for client work or collaborations?
A: Only if it's been agreed upon in advance. Out of respect for my collaborators, I follow whatever guidelines are set within each project. For my own creative work, I choose the tools that help me thrive—but I always honour the boundaries of others when working together.
Q10
Q: What's your stance on AI and the future of publishing?
A: I believe the future of storytelling still belongs to people—especially those writing with heart, purpose, and soul. Technology will evolve, but authenticity will always matter most.
Q11
Q11: Do you create your own covers and visuals?
A: Yes—I’m a digital artist and trained graphic designer. I design my own book covers, promo graphics, and social media content using Photoshop, Illustrator, and licensed stock imagery. Visual storytelling has always been part of my creative expression, and I love being hands-on with the look and feel of my books. Every design choice supports the emotion and aesthetic of the story inside.
Q12
Q11: Do you work with human editors, artists and readers too?
A: Absolutely. I work with human editors, artists, proofreaders, personal assistants, and a trusted group of beta and ARC readers. Their feedback, insight, and support are essential to my process. While I use tools to help with grammar and spelling in my very initial drafts, the heart of my work is shaped through collaboration with real people who believe in the story as much as I do.
Q13
Q13: Are your books available on Kindle Unlimited or wide distribution?
A: My books are currently available through Kindle Unlimited.
As an indie author, I make strategic choices based on what helps me reach readers, sustain my creative work, and keep growing. Like many creators, I work within systems that aren’t perfect—but I try to navigate them with care, ethics, and awareness. My goal is always to make my stories accessible while protecting the time, energy, and resources it takes to bring them to life.
Q14
Q14: Why are you open about your process?
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A: Because storytelling is personal—and so is how we make it. I believe creators should have the freedom to use tools ethically and honestly, without fear or gatekeeping. Sharing my process isn’t about justifying it. It’s about demystifying it—for readers who are curious and creators who might feel alone.
Thank you for being here—for reading, for asking questions, and for supporting indie authors like me. I create from the heart, and I’m so grateful you’ve chosen to be part of this journey.
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Storytelling is personal. So is the process behind it. I appreciate your curiosity, your care, and your willingness to walk alongside me as I continue to grow, create, and share what matters most.
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My process may evolve, but my passion stays the same: telling honest, meaningful stories with everything I’ve got.






