From Opera to Espionage: Kay Sparling shares her inspiration behind Mission THAW and the power of independent publishing
Kay Sparling’s Mission THAW is a gripping spy thriller that blends high-stakes espionage with the world of opera. Drawing from her own journey from an Iowa farm to performing in Vienna, Sparling brings authenticity and depth to her protagonist, Kaitlyn Stewart. In this interview, she shares how her personal experiences shaped the novel, the challenges of tackling dark themes, and why she chose the independent publishing route. From the elegance of the Viennese opera scene to the pulse-pounding dangers, Mission THAW delivers action and adventure.
Kaitlyn Stewart’s journey from a farm in Iowa to an opera star in Vienna is unique. What inspired you to create such an ambitious character?
Well, those are actual facts about my own life. I grew up in Midwest farmland surrounded by soybean and corn fields, and went to a small school in the nearest tiny town twenty miles away. I left to go to college and voice training at the age of 17 and ended up in Europe as an opera singer 12 years later. When I was in middle school, my dad bought me a map of NYC. I put it up on my bedroom wall and pinned the location of all the famous Broadway theatres and the Metropolitan Opera. I guess you could say I was a goal-driven kid.
Vienna plays a central role in the story. How does the city’s cultural heritage and high society influence the narrative and Kaitlyn’s journey?
Since Kaitlyn is an opera singer, the Wien Staatsoper is a perfect venue to set the story. Viennese culture eats and breathes opera and classical music. The famous cafes lend a spark of romance for the opera aficionados to meet and gossip about the latest diva debut and hope that they get a glimpse of her sitting with a famous maestro. One persistent possible stumbling block for Kaitlyn is to always keep up with all the high-society manners and traditions. A high demand for an American farm girl. But, in order to infiltrate the trafficking cartel, she must be convincing that she is one of them. Kaitlyn is always relieved to come home at the end of the day, kick off her shoes, and eat a BLT. The upper-class nonsense makes her teeth itch.
Author of the Month Dr. Monica Buchanan on Healing, Resilience, and Writing Through Trauma
In this interview, author Monica Buchanan shares her powerful journey of healing from childhood emotional abuse and neglect. With a PhD in psychology, along with a master’s degree in Women’s Studies, Monica spent her career counselling, coaching, and providing psychotherapy. Now semi-retired, she continues her passion for helping others by developing strength-based community resources for marginalized and underserved communities.
Writing has always been an outlet for her, but turning personal experiences into a memoir was a deeply emotional and transformative process. She opens up about revisiting painful memories, the challenges of sharing such intimate parts of her life, and the healing that followed. We also discuss the importance of self-belief, mindfulness, and her advice for others looking to tell their own stories.
My healing process started in my adolescence years after moving away to another city to attend college. I met a psychologist at the nearby university who helped me.
Monica Buchanan
What inspired you to share your personal journey of childhood abuse and neglect in this book, and how did you work through revisiting those painful memories?
My inspiration to write about my lived experiences with childhood emotional abuse and neglect came from a few defining moments and events. First, as a child I kept a diary. During those early years I realized that when I wrote about my pain and hurt I felt better, lighter and less burdened. Second, in the mid-eighties during my undergraduate degree program when I entered my first Women’s Studies class, a lightbulb went on. I cannot recall who said it or where I read it, but somewhere in that course I heard the phrase “my story is your story too.” I remember thinking: If I write my story, more women will be inclined to open up and speak and write their stories of early abuse and neglect within their families.
Revisiting memories of my childhood abuse was painful. It was re-traumatizing and I had to focus on the need to forgive and let go. I had to let go of the desire to hold on to resentment towards my family for the pain they inflicted on me. This was very hard to do.
You mention that childhood abuse and neglect don’t have to result in a lifetime of pain. Could you share more about the process of healing that you’ve experienced and how others can start their own healing journey?
Honestly, I believe that we can all garner strength and grow from painful experiences in our lives. The way I see it, when we become aware that we have been abused and that all our suffering was not our fault, we are at the fork where we can make choices. We can make the decision to wallow in the painful past, feel sorry for ourselves, and remain stuck, or we can decide to heal and grow. I chose the latter.
My healing process started in my adolescence years after moving away to another city to attend college. I met a psychologist at the nearby university who helped me. She told me that none of the earlier childhood abuse and neglect I experienced was my fault. I believed her. From that moment I treasured those words in my consciousness. Of course, my growth was not smooth sailing. I continued to make mistakes and stumble along the way, but I knew I was going to be fine. My sense of self was assured by that early encounter and I started believing in myself.
Survivors can start by (1) seeking out intervention and support (for example, most local counselling centres offer free resources; YouTube videos and libraries are great resources too), (2) embracing a resounding sense of belief in oneself, and (3) accepting that the abuse was not your fault and that the adults did not protect you.
I strongly believe that all survivors can embark on their own healing path. Healing looks different for everyone. Survivors’ development pathways have been altered by selfish adults who did not protect them. The pace also looks and feels different for everyone. I encourage all individuals to start where they are at. The moment, space, and time when they become aware that they have been wronged in their childhood is where they need to start the healing process.
Your writing blends storytelling with a reflective approach to your experiences. How do you balance sharing such intimate details with making the narrative accessible and engaging for readers?
I consciously use a storytelling meaning-making approach to writing about my lived experience, because this methodology is interactive and engaging. For instance, as the author I invite my audience to join me as I weave through the different stories of my life and make sense of those experiences.
Deciding what to share and what not to share was tough. I don’t have a definitive answer except that I simply decided not to censor my writer’s voice. I trusted my gut feeling and followed my intuition. I decided to suspend judgment from myself and possible judgment from readers. I trusted myself and told my story because that was the story that was meant to be shared.
My writing style is not meant to be prescriptive. I encourage authors writing about tough personal issues to write their manuscript as it emerges and then decide what they wish to share with the outside world. For example, I tortured myself as to whether or not to share about the early childhood sexual abuse, took it out, put it back in, etc. But I weighed the benefits of helping others against my fear of being judged, so it stayed in the final manuscript. My purpose is to help others uncover ugly, dark, and uncomfortable lived experiences in their childhood.
What was the best part of the publishing process?
I loved my publishing experience. I guess mainly because I had a lot of input, a sense of control, including turnaround timelines, editing, and design. I knew that I did not want to feel rushed or have control taken away from me, and that did not happen with Tellwell Publishing. Every step of the way I was in a decision-making position, which worked perfectly for me.
Do you have advice for other authors who feel unsure about writing a memoir and sharing their personal journey?
If I can offer any advice it is this: just write. Do not worry about audience response, the book-marketing process, or fear of negative reviews on social media. Some people are going to like your book and some will not. It is your memoir and if you feel the urge to write it, then do it. I am glad I did. I now use my book in a purposeful way as a tool to show survivors (and non-survivors) who just want to write about their lived experiences how to do it. Whether they turn it into a published memoir or not, the process of writing is empowering and healing in of itself.
In the book, you talk about feeling like an outsider and struggling with low self-esteem. How did you eventually come to realize that those feelings were a result of your environment rather than something inherent in you?
If I was to pick a moment that I became aware that environmental factors were contributors to me feeling like an outsider and to my struggles with low self-esteem, that would be hard. Because there is not a single defining moment when I stopped feeling like an outsider or healed from my struggles with low self-esteem. It has been a lifelong journey.
After my initial therapeutic intervention when I was about sixteen years old, I continued to grow and heal. Formal education, self-awareness, and acceptance that I am OK all contributed significantly to changing the growth landscape for me. Be reminded, though, that traumatic childhood experiences can continue as permanent baggage and creep up on us when we least expect them.
For example, recently a four-year friendship with a male colleague ended abruptly without a goodbye or explanation for the end of the friendship. This was a relationship I had invested in emotionally. I wasted a couple days searching inside myself—what did I do to cause this friend to reject me and refuse to speak to me? What I might have done differently? Blah, blah. Of course, those lines of self-inquiries are directly related to my childhood father’s issues, yet it took me a few days to realize it.
You mention that resources for understanding your experiences were lacking during your childhood. What kinds of resources do you think are most vital for children and adults growing up in similar environments today?
As a child growing up in Jamaica in the sixties there was very little awareness of the lasting impact of emotional abuse and neglect on children. In today’s world there is a lot of information available for adults to stop causing harm to children. In today’s world, people who inflict emotional abuse and neglect (or any form of harm) on children are cruel and selfish. There are, for instance, YouTube videos, web sites, community parenting classes, counselling, and numerous psychological accessible resources. My parents did not have access to such resources, so they did the best they could.
In addition, there are resources for children in libraries, school counselors, recreational clubs, etc. It is important to note that I am not suggesting young children are able to empower themselves in reducing the harmful behaviours of adults. The responsibility lies with adults always for intervention and reductions of harm to children.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Some final thoughts. I want to encourage anyone considering writing a memoir to just start writing. Don’t get hung up on whether others will like (or approve) of your story. Think about how you want to release your story (self-publishing, traditional publishing, or oral storytelling). Remember, it is your story that you have lived and so it is your story to tell the best way you deem fit.
Reuniting the Lost: Richard K. Lowy on Preserving Holocaust History, Resilience, and the Power of Friendship
Richard K. Lowy is featured on Global Television, the CANDLES Holocaust Museum, the Jerusalem Post, and over 413 other media outlets across the United States. Both the book Kalman & Leopold:Surviving Mengele’s Auschwitz and the documentary Leo’s Journey: The Story of the Mengele Twins tell an extraordinary story of survival amidst the horrors of the Auschwitz death camp. This harrowing account sheds light on the unspeakable cruelty of Josef Mengele’s experiments, while celebrating strength, friendship, and the human spirit. Through the firsthand accounts of two survivors, Kalman and Leopold, readers are witness to the depths of one of humanity’s darkest chapters.
Authored by Richard K. Lowy, who is the son of Leopold, one of the survivors, the book is both a meticulously crafted historical narrative and a deeply personal tribute. With over five years of dedication to preserving his father’s testimony, Lowy takes readers on an emotional journey from the horrors of Auschwitz to an extraordinary reunion with Kalman over fifty years later. As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, Kalman & Leopold stands as a timeless call to remember the past and ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.
How did it feel when Kalman and Leopold reunited after you released your documentary?
When Kalman and Leopold reunited following the release of our documentary, Leo’s Journey: The Story of the Mengele Twins, it was an emotional and profound moment that left a lasting impact on me. Watching them reconnect after over five decades of separation, each having endured unthinkable tragedies, felt like the culmination of a journey that began in Auschwitz. In a world where few could truly understand what they experience, the only person who could was the other. Their reunion was not just an emotional healing experience for them, but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
What makes their story so unique is that only a handful of survivors had such intimate contact with Dr. Josef Mengele, the notorious “Angel of Death.” Kalman and Leopold were among the very few who directly endured his cruel experiments and survived, making their testimony an important contribution to history. Their shared account, corroborating each other’s experiences, offers a powerful perspective. This combined eyewitness testimony is critical in deepening the world’s understanding of the atrocities that took place behind the closed doors of Mengele’s Auschwitz.
In addition to their direct encounters with Mengele, Kalman and Leopold’s story includes their rare experience of working in the SS guard shack of the hospital camp, witnessing the inner workings of the machine. This insight into the operations of Auschwitz, from a vantage point no others had (with the exception of the guards themselves), adds a vital layer to the historical record. Together, these elements make their testimony an essential part of Holocaust history. Helping to reunite them and bring their story to life is now an integral part of my legacy, one I hope will continue to educate and resonate for generations to come.
What challenges did you face when creating a chronological order and timeline for the firsthand information you collected from your father and Kalman?
It was an incredibly challenging process. The events they lived through were harrowing and fragmented, and their memories often didn’t follow a linear path. Survivors of traumatic events like the Holocaust sometimes experience disjointed memories and emotions that can cloud the clarity of specific details. There was also the language barrier, English was not their first language. This meant that piecing together the timeline required not only a deep understanding of their experiences but also a sensitivity to the psychological impact those experiences had on them.
One of the biggest challenges was organizing the vast amount of information in a way that was coherent and meaningful for the readers. I wanted to ensure the narrative flowed logically while still preserving the emotional depth of their stories. a painstaking process over five years that involved a lot of patience, empathy, and dedication. The goal was to create a historical baseline that provided the proof of the crimes committed while honouring their memories and experiences, bringing their stories to life in a way that would resonate deeply with the readers.
How do you think preserving firsthand survivor stories like this one can shape the way future generations understand history?
Preserving firsthand survivor stories like Kalman and Leopold’s is crucial for future generations to understand history. These stories humanize historical events, making them more immediate and personal, and help foster empathy. They show the resilience and courage of individuals who endured incredible suffering, offering lessons in survival and exposing the dangers of hatred, intolerance, and discrimination.
As Holocaust survivors pass away, their testimonies ensure that the lessons from the greatest crime against humanity are not forgotten, testimonies that help guard against misinformation and denial. These stories are vital to remembering the atrocities and teaching future generations the importance of standing up against injustice, ensuring such evil genocides are never repeated.
Writing about such profound suffering must have been emotionally challenging. How did you approach balancing the pain of the story with its message of resilience?
Writing about such profound suffering was emotionally challenging, but the truth is, I wasn’t “writing” their story or “balancing” anything—this is Kalman and Leopold’s testimony, shared in their own words. My role was to edit, ensuring their message was clear while preserving the essence of their experiences. The balance between the pain and resilience in their story was never something I consciously imposed, it was woven naturally through their personal accounts of surviving unbelievable horrors.
Leopold’s determination to protect Kalman and his hope of reuniting with his sister became his anchor in the face of suffering. Meanwhile, Kalman clung to their fragile bond as a lifeline, refusing to succumb to despair. At the heart of their testimony lie these deeply personal experiences, striking a poignant balance between the abyss of hopelessness and the will to live. My role was to ensure that the power of their message was clear and uncompromised.
What was it like working with Tellwell to self-publish such a unique and important piece of literature?
Working with Tellwell to self-publish Kalman & Leopold was a rewarding experience, though I’m sure the team had their hands full with me. I don’t think I was their typical client, and when they first took on this project, I don’t believe they fully grasped the weight of what I was trying to bring to light.
That said, they were incredibly supportive throughout the entire journey, even as I remained highly involved in every aspect of the book’s creation. I had to ensure my fingerprint was on everything—from the design of the cover to the layout of the interior. At one point, I’m fairly certain they gave up on counting the revisions I made! But, at every step, the Tellwell team not only embraced my input but made the concerted effort to ensure I was getting exactly what I envisioned. Their unwavering patience and dedication were vital in bringing this important story to life.
The process took five years from start to finish, and during that time Tellwell never pressured me. They understood the significance of this work and fully supported my efforts, offering guidance without stifling my creative control. Their expertise helped me ensure that the final product was a true reflection of the story’s importance.
While all the staff at Tellwell played an essential role in bringing Kalman & Leopold to life, I must make special mention of Simon Ogden. His patience and unwavering support were invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of editing and self-publishing. His thoughtful guidance ensured that this important piece of historic non-fiction literature was presented in the most impactful way, honouring the legacies of Kalman and my father, Leopold.
As this book launches on the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, what message do you hope resonates most with readers and audiences worldwide?
My hope is that it resonates deeply with young readers, offering a powerful lesson about resilience, humanity, and the importance of remembrance. Their words reveal the incredible suffering they endured, their hopes, their fears, and, ultimately, their story of their survival. Through their story, young people can learn that even when everything seems lost, we must hold on to our self-worth and dignity. These cannot be taken away from us.
Kalman and Leopold survived cruel sadistic brutality beyond imagination, yet they found the strength to rebuild their lives. Their resilience and ability to maintain their humanity in the darkest moments are vital lessons for the next generation. Kalman’s unwavering determination to find Leopold after fifty-six years and reunite with his boyhood friend to share this extraordinary testimony is a testament to the power of connection and the importance of remembering history.
Kalman & Leopold isn’t simply just a book, it is a powerful message to future generations about the strength of the human spirit, the need to preserve our humanity, and the responsibility we all share to ensure that such crimes of humanity are never allowed to happen again.
For more information including upcoming events and appearances visit KalmanandLeopold.com or connect on social media.
From Everest to the Farm: Mitch Lewis on Storytelling, Perseverance, and Finding Your Own Summit
If there’s one thing I want to impart to the readers of my books, it’s that anyone can do (most) anything they dream of.And this means that everyone has their own Everest, whatever that might be.
Mitch Lewis
Mitch Lewis is a man of many adventures—a mountaineer who has summited Everest, a storyteller who inspires readers young and old, and, most recently, a first-generation farmer. His experiences have shaped his writing in unexpected ways, from his first first uplifting book, Climbing Your Personal Everest to his latest Billy the Baaad Goat series.
In this interview, Mitch shares how life on Summit Farms has influenced his storytelling, how overcoming personal challenges inspired him to write about perseverance and teamwork, and why he believes everyone has their own “Everest” to climb.
How has life at Summit Farms influenced your writing, particularly the characters and settings in your books?
In an extreme case of life imitating art, one of the reasons we ended up becoming first-generation, late-in-life farmers was because of Billy the Baaad Goat! A few years ago, when my granddaughter Clara was just a couple years old, I would read her made-up bedtime stories and some of those had Billy on his various adventures. One day I sat down and wrote the rhyming tale, filled with Beatles references that included a couple moving away from the city during the pandemic and buying a farm with a big red barn (and talking animals with a big yellow rocketship, of course!). My wife Michelle and I ended up becoming that couple four years ago, even before the book was published by Tellwell. Clara the Calico Cat and Lucy the Lioness are based on two of our grandchildren, while Vera, Chuck and Dave come straight out of “When I’m 64.” Rocky Racoon, Paul-is-the-Walrus came from, well . . .
What do you hope readers, both young and old, take away from your books and the adventures of Billy the Baaad Goat series?
I’m so excited the third and last chapter of the Billy series will be coming out very soon! I’ve always wanted the parents and grandparents to actually enjoy reading a book to the kiddos, and laugh alongside them. I like to feature characters who overcome obstacles and achieve great goals with collaboration and a sense of accomplishment. Billy is also subject to bullying (and isn’t really bad, just kind of naughty). I love to see all of the animals working together and learning about science.
Your books explore themes of teamwork, diversity, and courage. Why are these values important to teach through children’s stories?
I tend to highlight strong, smart female leaders, along with representing diversity through the different creature species and how their bravery and perseverance in the face of adversity can help them overcome many things in their own lives. They also metaphorically represent diverse teams I’ve worked with around the world that could come together and achieve great goals and celebrate as a team.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Your Everest trilogy blends adventure with deep emotional lessons. How do those themes connect with your children’s books, like The Mother Mountain?
Summiting Mount Everest without oxygen and in the middle of a deadly storm taught me a lot about life, friendship, mutual goals, and doing something one doesn’t think is possible. After completing the Seven Summits, and before that finishing a marathon on the Seven Continents, I was interested in what compelled others to transform their own lives and help make the world a better place at the same time. My first book, Climbing Your Personal Everest: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Leadership,was my own decade-long expedition from being “stuck in the rut with a gut,” a couch potato watching The Simpsons in Swedish while living in Stockholm, to running my first marathon in Sweden to my seventh summit of Vinson Massif in Antarctica.
In my second book, Climb Higher: Pursue Your Passion With Purpose,we explore eight individuals who took on new and daring life or career challenges, while also contributing to society through a number of unique projects or programs, and intertwined with how one can learn from them to also tweak their own life.
For a long time I wanted to write a children’s book about what it was like to really climb Mount Everest from someone lucky enough to have done so and survived to write about the experience. I ended up telling the (mostly) true story of my own Everest climb, together with my climbing buddy Molly, with Max as well, myself. What makes the book so special is the fantastic true-to-life illustrations from Tellwell’s Stefanie St. Denis. She was able to take original photographs and situations, plus imagine several with no pics to choose from, and turn them into beautiful images that really do show what it was like on Everest and incorporating a lot of education from the British naming and height knowledge, to the reverence of the mountain and the sherpas. Many of the real-life themes from the first two adult books show up in the The Mother Mountain: You Can Climb Mt. Everest.
What lessons from climbing Mount Everest have you woven into your storytelling, especially in terms of perseverance and facing fears?
If there’s one thing I wanted to impart to the readers of all of my books is that anyone can do (most) anything they dream of. And this means that Everyone has their own Everest, whatever that might be. We all finish many races and climb many mountains during our lives and these are different for everybody, but still incorporate the essential elements of being a good and kind human being, working well as a team towards common goals, overcoming obstacles and celebrating together. Facing my own fears at the Hillary Step gave me perspective around perseverance and how collaboration can be so supportive, whether you’re a high-altitude climber or a naughty billy goat!
With such a diverse background—author, speaker, mountaineer, and farmer—how do you balance these passions with writing?
In our own new “Everest” as farmers, I have lots of times to reflect on life’s lessons from my business life such as partnerships, strategy and focus, giving back to the community, and learning from others but also mentoring the next generation of family farmers that are critical for our healthy local food supply in the years to come. Writing gives me an outlet, whether in a book or in a post, or on one of my websites: www.yourpersonaleverest.com or www.summitfarms.co. It certainly gives me an outlet to share and connect and my passions for writing.
Note: Mitch wanted to mention his gratitude for John Abella, Jennifer, the excellence and synchronicity with editing, his main contact Rhea Mae, and the rest of the great team at Tellwell!
Inspiring Real-World Change with Financial Literacy Tips for All Ages
Karen Cumming has worn many hats, from broadcast journalist and teacher to author and aspiring citizen astronaut. She even made it to the top 100 Mars One Mission candidates shortlisted to colonize the red planet! Her latest mission is to tackle financial illiteracy and help people build a brighter, more financially empowered future.
Paying yourself FIRST has the power to change your life. Believe it.
Karen Cumming, The Wealthy Martian
Karen’s journey through the limits of traditional education, as well as her own financial insights, have inspired her to help others break free from conventional money mindsets. In her new book, The Wealthy Martian, she brings her unique, out-of-this-world perspective to personal finance, making topics like investing, budgeting, and financial planning approachable and practical. By reframing money management through the lens of The Wealthy Martian, Karen invites readers to take charge of their financial lives with easy, effective strategies for achieving financial independence.
In her latest work, Karen shares stories, insights, and practical tips to help readers understand why financial literacy matters and how even small steps can lead to big rewards. Join Karen on this journey to a new kind of wealth, one that’s accessible and achievable for everyone.
Learn about his creative process, reflections on life after sports, and the values driving his work with Yonge Street Mission and Finintel Coaching.
I have always felt that responsibility to give back to the community that I live in what they have given to me.
Darryl Sampson
Darryl Sampson, a former defensive back for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, has had an illustrious career marked by multiple Grey Cup victories and all-star recognition. After stepping off the field, Darryl has taken on new challenges as a coach, an accountant, and, now, an author. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his journey from the football field to poetry, the lessons he’s learned from a life of sport, and how his passion for teamwork and giving back continues to shape his work today.
You had an impressive career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, winning multiple Grey Cups and earning all-star recognition. How did those experiences on the field shape your approach to life after football?
The experiences of my career as a professional football player and the accomplishment of achieving the highest recognitions in the sport taught me that diligent and focused work habits pay off in the long run. It takes perseverance and determination to continue to do something repeatedly until you perfect your craft. It has taught me to stay in the game of life and not give up or I will miss the good things at the end of the tunnel.
Author Cristina San Martin on Love, Healing, and Her Journey in ‘Married to Fiji’ and ‘Healable the Journal’
Cristina San Martin step out in a photoshoot!
Introducing Cristina San Martin, an author whose works delve deeply into the realms of love, healing, and self-discovery. Her book Married to Fiji is a heartfelt memoir that chronicles her bold journey of moving to Fiji after just ten days with her future husband. It’s a story that captures the essence of love’s transformative power while also shedding light on the challenges and injustices she observed during her time on the island. Through her experiences, Cristina offers readers a candid look at the complexities of relationships, the struggle for justice, and the profound process of personal healing.
In addition to Married to Fiji, Cristina is also the author of Healable the Journal, a guide that encourages readers to embark on their own healing journeys. Cristina’s writing is deeply personal, informed by her own experiences with mental health, neurodiversity, and the challenges of fitting in. Her insights are not just about overcoming adversity, but about embracing it as a path to growth and self-acceptance.
Healing is humbling and a great reminder that we are far more than our struggles and the adversity we face. Go easy on yourself; the healing journey takes as long as it takes. Try not to hold yourself to unrealistic expectations, as we also have to continue living and navigating the 3D.
Exploring New Horizons: Karen Harmon’s Growth From Memoirs and Biographies to Fiction
With joy comes pain, and with humour comes tears. Life is hard, but it can be equally, if not more, lovely. Communication is the key, and trying to find the silver lining is a tremendous asset toward making a difference in your overall well-being.
Karen Harmon
Karen on Midday Show
Karen Harmon began her writing journey with memoirs and biographies before venturing into fiction. Her work, including the Book Excellence Award Finalist Looking for Normal, delves deeply into personal and family struggles. A sought-after guest on prominent media platforms, like CBC Daybreak with Shelley Joyce and the CFJC Midday Show with Tanya Cronin, Karen shares insights on her inspiration, the transition between genres, and advice for aspiring authors. Her experiences highlight the joy of exploring new creative paths and the importance of relatability and authenticity in writing. Stay tuned for her upcoming release, Class of ’56, a prequel to her successful novel Class of ’78.
Looking for Normal was a Book Excellence Award Finalist. Can you share what inspired you to write this memoir and how it felt to receive such recognition on such a personal story?
Karen with her books
I wrote Looking for Normal because both of my parents had passed away. My children never got to meet my father, and yet they had beautiful memories of my mother. When my son was 13, I used to tell him stories about my father riding the rails during the Depression at the age of 13. My dad’s life had been one adventure after the next, so my son kept telling me I should write a book. So I did. I was nervous and apprehensive, but I knew my parents’ story would be relatable to so many. When I received recognition in the category of Women’s Health, I was surprised and pleased. My mother struggled with mental health issues during a time when such topics were hush-hush and swept under the carpet. I know my parents would be very proud of me, and now my children have our family’s legacy.
Discover the healing power of humour and resilience in ‘The Comedian vs Cancer,’ a roller-coaster journey through laughter and tears
I believe humour has the ability to heal. Humour is my therapy. I could be having an awful day, but then turn on my favourite comedy show or stand-up comedy special and instantly forget about what was making my day so awful.
Daniel Stolfi
Join Daniel Stolfi on an extraordinary journey through laughter, tears, and resilience in his captivating memoir, The Comedian vs Cancer. In 2008, a shocking diagnosis of stage III acute non–Hodgkin’s T-lymphoblastic lymphoma threw his life into turmoil. Facing aggressive treatment, Daniel found solace in humour, weaving together a narrative that is both raw and uproariously funny.
Lower Mainland Clinic Owner Champions First Nations Healthcare and Youth Resilience Through ‘Love My Life’ Initiative
We are honoured to have Dr. Eppinga join us to celebrate Indigenous History Month as the featured speaker in our Author of the Month series.
When I was in medical school, discovering mental health coping techniques (or lack of) are learned as a child, and like an arrow we can point them in the right direction. I lost a family member to suicide and it’s my belief that suicide is 100% preventable if we focus on mental wellness and building a strong and healthy foundation for our youth.
Dr. Peter Eppinga
Dr. Peter Eppinga is a distinguished figure in the medical field and the proud owner of Gwaii Medical, two thriving clinics in the Lower Mainland. His heart and heritage lie in Old Masset, Haida Gwaii. Dr. Eppinga’s journey in medicine is profoundly shaped by his experiences and dedication to confronting significant social issues. He has been a staunch advocate against racism within Canada’s healthcare system, striving to ensure equitable and timely access to medical care for all Canadians, particularly First Nations communities. His commitment to bringing first-class medical care to these communities highlights his deep-rooted passion and service oriented approach.
One of the most personal and impactful areas of Dr. Eppinga’s advocacy is suicide prevention, especially among Indigenous youth. His initial encounter with the devastating effects of suicide came when a young basketball player from his community tragically ended his life, an event that left a lasting impression on a teenage Peter. The personal nature of this issue intensified when Dr. Eppinga lost his own cousin to suicide, further fuelling his commitment to this cause.
Dr. Eppinga is dedicated to promoting suicide prevention through education and awareness. He founded the initiative “Love My Life” with the aim of equipping young people, particularly Indigenous youth, with the skills and confidence needed to overcome life’s challenges. Through his children’s book, titled I Love My Life, Dr. Eppinga seeks to inspire and empower the next generation, fostering imagination and instilling life skills that are crucial in the fight against suicide.
