Let me tell you a story…
Hi! I’m Talena.
For as long as I remember, I’ve been telling stories through my art. Whether it’s through music, clothing design, personal essays, or novels, I hope the stories I tell connect with you by sharing the heart of what makes us human.
I believe in God’s saving grace, I believe in the magic in small things, and I believe stories can change the world. Thank you for taking the time to hear mine.
If you’d like to stay connected, please check out my newsletter. You can also contact me.
“We’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?”
Life Lessons,
Stories, and Tea
You don’t get this far without learning a few things.
Life’s too short for monochromatic beige, bad books, and lukewarm coffee.
Most tasteless dishes can be fixed with salt, garlic, or thyme.
There are very few mistakes you can’t recover from.
You can accomplish a lot more than you think you can.
It’s okay to figure things out as you go along.
God’s dining table has room for all kinds of people.
Kindness can change the world.
The perfect cup of tea only comes along once in a while, so take time to stop and enjoy it while it lasts.
I was thirty-eight years old when I finally realized I wanted to be a writer when I grew up.
By then, I’d already written a full-length musical, won some songwriting awards, started my own knitwear design label, and owned several businesses. I’d birthed three sons and adopted a fourth. I’d also had to kiss our youngest son goodbye when heaven took him home in 2015 at the age of three.
I didn’t grow up wanting to be a writer, even though writing in some form has always been part of my life. But ever since this dream of writing for a living got hold of me, I haven’t looked back.
I’m now a multi-genre author with published titles in genres including young adult epic fantasy, romantic women’s fiction, clean and sweet small-town romance, and more.
Helping other authors develop their craft and businesses is one of my biggest passions. I now work as an author coach and freelance editor, as well as a book description copywriter.
And, to support my yarn habit, I still design knitting patterns and sell them at www.mysecretwish.ca.
I can’t believe I get to do this beautiful creative work every day. Has it been easy? Nope. You don’t learn bits of wisdom like I shared above without struggle. But as my tagline says, I get to save the world, one page at a time. And so do you.
Thank you for being part of my story.
Now, time to go make a hot cuppa…
Where Stories Grow
Author
Dive into heartfelt, gripping, and action-filled stories of love, sacrifice, redemption, and hope against all odds.
Get two free stories when you join my Books & Inspiration newsletter list! And I would love to have you join my Books and Tea League reader community!
Editor
Collaborate with an empathetic editor who understands storytelling and the publishing industry from both sides of the editor’s desk. Your story deserves to shine!
You can also get regular inspiration about the craft and business of writing when you join my Word Wizard Academy newsletter. (Plus a free plot structure book.)
Artist
Explore my music, favourite recipes, photography, and other adventures. I’m always trying new things!
I most often post what I’m into on my Winters’ Day In blog. Be sure to subscribe while you’re there!
Books in Progress
Every Rose that Blooms
The Romani's Curse
The Flexible Writer's Blueprint
Last updated on January 8, 2025.
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The new Apple TV thriller series Dark Matter and a recent blog-organization project have me thinking deep (and grateful) thoughts about the roads not taken… and the one I did.