AU alum pens new novel a Meh Life Crisis

I wanted a degree in my chosen field of public relations and communications, and I was intrigued by the courses that AU offered in this area. I also wanted to continue working while I study, and I was able to do that successfully by taking the degree program online. There were a variety of instructors, and I appreciated the fact that some of them lived and worked in other parts of Canada.

Yes. Chapter 1 is based on a “real life” conversation I had with a woman in the locker room at the YMCA. My response to one of her questions was so ‘off the cuff’ and unexpected, that we both burst out laughing. When I reiterated this same conversation during a PR function at a wine bar downtown, the table of women started to laugh out loud. I thought to myself, “What if I wrote the conversation down?” A week later I did just that, and next thing you know I was, as they say, on a “writing roll.”

Overall, my life experience to date inspired the book. And many of the people I’ve met along this crazy life journey were a source of inspiration. I wrote my 86-year-old friend Mary in as well, as she’s travelled the world, still lives independently, and is razor-sharp, savvy, and sassy. Local events and places also inspired parts of the book, and even though there are a few name changes, people will be able to recognize them.

My readers tell me they see parts of themselves and their lives in it. They say that it’s not only funny but also relatable. That’s what I’m most proud of: being able to tell a story that people can identify with and get something out of. Because I’ve been working in the area of mental health for many years, it was important that I interject positive psychology into the book. There are exercises grounded in this concept that the therapist gives the main character to do (e.g., gratitude, journaling), to help her move beyond “meh” and find purpose and meaning.

A lot of research for sure. There’s a scene where the protagonist goes out on the town with a millennial to feel young again and she ends up drinking too many cocktails. So I researched the old, classic drinks like the Manhattan and the White Russian, which has an interesting history behind it. So no matter how light or serious the subject matter, there’s research behind every chapter. After I wrote the first chapter, I then started outlining. It’s nearly impossible (for me anyway) to continue writing unless I have at least some idea about where I’m going with a story and what I want to say.

Yes, definitely. Going through the BPA in Communication Studies program at AU honed my writing and editing skills even further. I also had to do a lot of research and this skill is a required one for any career—and absolutely critical when crafting a story.

Another book I hope! I’ve started the process by doing a bit of research and thinking about different scenes and scenarios. Again, I want this to be a relatable read so I want to highlight everyday events and experiences that shape our lives and the world around us.