Born in Brighton England, I’ve been fortunate to live in a number of countries including England, the US, Finland, and Canada. I used to live not far from Jane Austen. Well, where she lived when she was alive. She was long dead before I moved to Basingstoke. Canada is now my home.
I studied the craft of photography through The New York Institute of Photography. I also took several photography courses through the University of Calgary and The Alberta College of Art.
I have a Physical Education degree from the University of Calgary and a Master’s of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Alberta. Plus I have a thing for energy metabolism. Definitely cool stuff. I thought of going for my PhD, but the thought of writing research grants gave me the heebi-jeebies. Two fun things I did in grad school were: One. I lived in Jyväskylä (central Finland) for a semester. The university has one of the top sport research facilities in the world. Two. I used to test the fitness level of elite athletes. And boy was it fun yelling at (motivating) them to keep going. Just give me pom-poms and I’m all set. (No pyramids, though).
Now I write YA novels while balancing being a stay-at-home mom and keeping the house clean. And I definitely suck at the last part. I once wanted to be a historic romance writer, but then discovered YA novels. There was no turning back after that.
Other little known facts:
My middle name is Louisa, after Louisa May Alcott. Even before I was born I was destined to be a YA writer. *grins*
I may have a physical education degree, but I’m a klutz when it comes to sports.
I’ve studied French, Spanish, and Finnish and suck at all of them. But hey, at least I tried.
Me and high-heel shoes are definitely not a good mix.
If there was a time in history I’d love to visit, it would be the early to mid 1800’s. Especially if Mr. Darcy really did look like Colin Firth.
My high school guidance counsellor told me not to even bother with university. That I would never succeed. Guess I proved him wrong!
Stina
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