To readers all over the world,

My name is Nadine AuCoin. I’m also known as Maggie May. I like to use Maggie May for my children stories and my real name for novels.

I live in Northern Alberta, Canada. Yes! We are in the freezer here. It does get crazy cold, -46 and up.

I’m originally from a small Acadian French town in Nova Scotia and I miss it fiercely. The ocean and panoramic sceneries are incomparable. I do intend to have a cottage there someday for my adult children and I to escape to as often as possible.

My stories share a world of experiences between the lines of fiction. Many wonder if I’m the main character, or if some things ring true. I hope to keep my readers entertained and guessing. Welcome to my writer’s world where I have fun creating worlds.

I hope to interact with my readers often!

Describe yourself in five words.

Knowledgeable, empathetic, creative, vivacious, and determined.

What fact about yourself would really surprise people?

I can be very self-conscious.

 How do you work through self-doubts and fear?

I pray and ask for God’s help. Often, I spill my guts to Jesus and have a good cry.

What scares you the most?

Fears for my children’s overall well-being and health. 

What makes you happiest?

Helping others and knowing my children are happy.

Why do you write?

Like breathing, I need to, and love it.

Have you always enjoyed writing?

Yes.

 What motivates you to write?

I’ve a strong desire to be useful to this world; and at the same time, be a messenger – a voice to reckon with while spreading love & kindness.

What writing are you most proud of?

My forthcoming novel, “Tucked Inn.”

What are you most proud of in your personal life?

My three children, son-in-law, and granddaughter.

What books did you love growing up?

V.C. Andrews series, Nancy Drew, Sandra Brown, and the Encyclopedia Collection my parents had.

What do you hope your obituary will say about you?

“How do you like me now?” LOL, just kidding. I really have no idea. Hopefully, when my children write it, they will be 100% honest.

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?

My first 8 years were spent living in my mother’s English-speaking hometown, Pleasant Bay. We moved 35 minutes away, over the French Mountain, to my father’s hometown in a small French-Acadian fishing village called Cheticamp in Nova Scotia, Canada. Life in The Highlands is a one-of-a-kind experience. When I was old enough to leave the nest, I moved to Halifax, the capitol of NS. Presently, I live in Fort McMurray, Northern Alberta, Canada.  

How did you develop your writing?

My studies at Dalhousie University incited better ways to express myself about social problems. And through inspiration, determination and a head full of what-not-to-dos, my writing took a change in the right direction.

What is hardest – getting published, writing, or marketing?

The hardest part is the process of getting published and marketing. Writing is easy because I’ve got quite the imagination! I’m full of ideas, but sometimes I lack the ability to finish things I start. I talk myself out of thinking anyone would be interested in what I have to say. 

What marketing works for you?

So far, I have not found the right formula—I’d love to see my books lined up on bookstore shelves, but it’s not easy. My two recently published novels have been submitted for physical delivery to some local stores, and these titles are already available for customers to order in many stores including Barnes & Noble, USA.

Do you find it hard to share your work?

Sometimes, I feel slightly embarrassed and a little self-conscious about it; but if I can reach around the globe, I think I stand a good chance people will like my work.

 Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?

My family loves that I’ve an interest in something that could be productive. But neither they nor my friends read what I write. (Maybe they don’t take me seriously? Maybe they will never read what I write until I write a bestseller). It is said in the Bible that those in our own town won’t take us seriously and don’t support their own – it’s very true.

What else do you do, other than write?

I work as a general construction worker in the oil industry. It’s a decent living.

What other jobs have you had in your life?

I have worn many hats; tried many careers. I started as a babysitter, waitress, hair stylist, Personal Care Worker, Special needs caregiver, Teacher’s Assistant, sub daycare provider, cook, chambermaid, janitor, hydo-vac swamper, safety admin, pilot driver on ice-roads, general construction labourer, interior/exterior painter, security guard – and presently, Construction Labourer at Syncrude Oil patch in Northern Alberta.

If you could study any subject at university what would you pick?

English.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Off-grid.

Tell us about your family?

I love them for their uniqueness.

 How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?

All of the above.

How much sleep do you need to be your best?

At least 6 hours.

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support?

Yes. Morten Rand, editor of Novelty Fiction. Without him there’d be no magic in my stories.

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?

Hitting the Bestseller list over and over again.

It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign?

My mentor Morten Rand is in charge of it.

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?

My new book, “Tucked Inn,” was written during a time when I needed to escape this world and show how evil can be overcome, because it seemed to be lurking everywhere in my life. I couldn’t control it and could only try make it happen in my Writer’s World. Good does win over evil!

If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?

My Nanny, Auntie Aggie May, my children, son-law and granddaughter, my parents, Paul & Dianne Holmes, Morten Rand, Heather O., …so many more! It would be a spectacular outdoor event!

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?

I have “Nothing days.” I virtually do nothing except loaf around my place in a favourite pair of pyjamas. Read, watch a movie. Take a candle-lite bubble bath. Eat whatever I want. Have the fireplace lit and the many mini lights on and zen.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

I hope my words make people feel—feel anything! It would please me immensely if they connect with my characters. And I wish they think about good conquering evil – God does exist!