Kristina with Farley (Wheaten Terrier)
I write full-time. Although full-time is a funny term. I do other things too. I used to write before work, after work, during lunch, in the car; basically whenever I could find a spare moment. Now I have the luxury of writing when I want to write. I have completed three novels. Fracture Line, Descent, and Burnt. My fourth novel is working its way out of my system and onto the page.
In 2008, I received a certificate from the Humber School For Writers Correspondence Course. Joan Barfoot was my mentor.
In 2010, I attended the HSW Summer Workshop. Mary Gaitskill was my workshop leader. That same summer, I became a member of the Crime Writers of Canada association.
The fall of 2011 gave me another mentoring opportunity. The Crime Writers of Canada mentorship program paired me with Garry Ryan. What an amazing experience to have the president of the CWC work with me on my third novel.
I have a combined honours in computer science and mathematics from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. Unrelated to writing? I believe any university degree teaches how to process a large amount of information quickly, decide what’s important and use it. This skill certainly comes in handy for research. After graduating, I began my career with Bell Northern Research, enabling me to live in Japan and Germany.
Panorama Mountain Village, B.C. was my home for five and half years, where I worked first as the human resources manager and later as the director of human resources, security and guest services. My involvement in the resort’s wildlife management program broadened my knowledge of the wilderness and the animals that live there. Bears, coyotes, moose and cougars make cameo appearances in my books. Living in Panorama helped me find the subject for my novels. I write about Stone Mountain, a fictitious ski resort in the depths of the Purcell Mountains in British Columbia.
I love skiing, snowshoeing and the Canadian winter, but now I spend winters on my boat where I expend energy beach running, kayaking and swimming.
Dogs are a big part of my life and mine appear in my novels.
I currently spend my time with my husband, Mathew, in Canada, the United States and the Bahamas.
I am pleased to say Margaret Hart from the HSW Literary Agency is my agent.
Wow,Kristina! This is terrific. I can’t wait to read your novels. Congratulations!!
Janessa, thanks for the positive comments. It’s nice to hear from you.
Hi Kristina!
Congratulations! We miss you but obviously leaving was a great choice. We can’t wait to read your novels. Keep us posted please.
Ciao,
Sara
Thanks Sara. Always good to hear from you. I will certainly keep you posted.
hi kristina,
this is elka — i just got back to saigon after a wonderful but much too short holiday on vancouver island. it’s hard to beat a canadian summer (at least when the sun is out).
thanks for visiting my site and all the best with the HSW agency!
elka
Hi Kristina,
Haven’t you been busy young lady – can we find these novels in the UK yet?
Do you need any professional help with your crime plots – we may just know someone who has 29 years experience!!!
Hope to speak soon
Best wishes
Barry & Sarah
I’d love to take you up on your expertise. Thanks for the shout out and looking forward to seeing you again someday. Kristina
Kristina,
Peter tracked you down. Congrats. I am looking forward to reading your novels. Hello to Mathew.
Ogenkide, Kathy McG
Hi Kristina,
Found your site. Keep me posted on your progress with the 3rd book. Can’t wait to read all three!
Sandy
Sandy, Thanks for the support and encouragement.
Ms. Kristina, Loved the comments. Where in the Bahamas do you spend your time? I have written two mysteries about a constable in the Out Islands. Mac
Craig, We sail mostly in the Exumas, but have spent a month in the Abacos. What are your books?
Hi Kristina. I have already clicked the “follow” button for your blog. We are sisters of pen and knot. My husband and I have been cruising for three years, and our adventures have run from Maine to Crooked Island in the Bahamas. I write Christian non-fiction and have two blogs I hope you will visit. http://livingontilt.wordpress.com and http://firstmateslog.wordpress.com I plan to take some time to absorb your guidance about editing, because I am working through my author edit of the first draft of a manuscript. I found your blog when Joan Edwards posted it on her Liebster Award post. I am very glad she did. Fair Winds!
Thanks for the follow. It’s nice to hear from a fellow cruiser/writer. I’ll check out your blogs too. I’m an avid reader of Joan’s blog too. Editing for me entails intense concentration, but it’s worth it if it makes the book better. Good luck with your writing and your sailing.