The States has more publishers and a wider range of aesthetics but so much more competition - the amount of writers vying for the same spot as you is staggering. I think they're different challenges, but equally frustrating when you're trying to get your foot in the door.

The push and pull of representing your world responsibly and your artistic license is a tricky balance.

Once your writing is out there, you can't control how other people perceive it. All you can do is stand in your truth.

I think we learn slowly as a group, but we learn. The ozone layer is still there.

If I have a clear spot in my schedule, I like to tackle the heavy scenes that require the heightened emotion and focus of a long writing session. Otherwise, I have daily obligations that can't be ignored.

The world is fine. Our place on it is precarious.

Canadians are fond of darker stories, serious stories, so if you're a Mystery writer or a Romance writer or Fantasy Writer, you will most likely have an American publisher and agent.