Questions and Answers

How do you approach the writing of your books?

I view myself as a story enabler because the people in my books are telling their own stories in their own words. It’s a more organic, authentic storytelling process where the subject is in control, not me. I write the books to honour the participants, to create conversation and further understanding and to raise funds for an organization that supports the community that the book is about.

Is there a common thread that weaves through your books?

For me, it’s like hope on a page. There is a lived wisdom in these communities of people that is very profound. Despite the challenges and hardship they’ve faced they often speak about forgiveness, compassion and love in ways that most people would not expect.

What surprises you about people’s stories?

Their willingness to share difficult topics so fully.  Sometimes they tell me things they’ve never told anyone, not even their spouses. (In the end, those are often edited out.)

What has stayed with you after writing these books?

The strength and the awe that I have of people who face trauma and survive.  Also, the trust that people give me in telling their stories. I laugh and I cry with them while I’m talking to them. It’s an extremely intimate experience and I feel it’s such a tremendous privilege to be able to write someone’s story with them. Writing these stories is a sacred task.

Tell us about your role as co-founder of the Book Mates Book Club?

Book Mates is a book club I launched at the Women’s Correctional Centre in Manitoba in 2016. After I had written my first book The Lucky Ones about African refugees, I was asked to talk to women in prison about it.  We went to two units in one night and had a very powerful experience. A few years later I approached the prison about starting the book club and it’s been running ever since. It’s been amazing – we have incredibly insightful conversations that would surprise a lot of people.

In 2019 you interviewed Michelle Obama on her book tour.  What was that like?

She was in Winnipeg to promote one of her books and was the guest at a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce event. I worked with her team to come up with the questions and talked to her onstage in front of an audience of 8,000 people.  Just before I went on stage, I reminded myself that my goal was to have the time of my life so I just went for it.  She was amazing – just like you think she’s going to be!

What are you working on now?

I’m currently working on the first person stories of Canadian residential school survivors and hope it will be published in fall of 2026.

You’ve received awards and critical acclaim. What do you find rewarding about your work?

I love what I do.  Over the years I’ve had many people thank me for doing something they don’t feel equipped to do and now their voices and stories are being heard. It’s a real honour to do what I do and it’s very gratifying.