Katrena Gillis

Katrena Gillis is the proud mother of three incredible children, and they remain her greatest source of inspiration. Her lifelong love of reading and the joy she sees in her children when stories spark their imaginations, motivated her to begin writing her own. Katrena believes books are a kind of doorway: a way for readers to travel to new worlds, discover new ideas, and feel the thrill of a story coming alive in their minds.

Her journey as a writer began in childhood, shaped by moments of hardship and resilience. When her mother became seriously ill, and later when she lost her best friend in a tragic car accident, Katrena turned to books as a refuge. Stories became a place where she could breathe, heal, and dream. In those quiet, difficult years, she not only read, she wrote. Creating her own stories became a way to make sense of the world and to hold onto hope.

As an adult, Katrena continued writing, first crafting stories for her children and eventually deciding to share her work with others. Her writing is fueled by a deep love for young readers and a natural ability to meet them at their level, helping them ignite their own imaginations. Her first book, Settle Down, Jack, was inspired by the family dog, Jack Frost, a beloved companion whose personality made him the perfect muse.

One of Katrena’s greatest literary influences is Terry Goodkind, an author she has admired since she was young. His storytelling, courage, and creativity shaped her own dreams as a writer. She hopes that one day her books will reach readers the way his reached her, offering escape, comfort, adventure, and a sense of wonder.

Today, Katrena continues to write with the same passion that carried her through childhood. She writes for the kids who need a spark, the adults who still believe in magic, and the readers who know that sometimes a story is exactly what the heart needs.