Elena Aitken

In no particular order, I am: a writer, a mother of twins, a swimmer, a wife, a volunteer, a runner, a friend, a triathlete, a daughter, a sister, a Brownie leader (recently retired), an auntie, a cyclist, employee and...

I'm trying to do it all and have it all because nobody said I couldn't. And even if they did, I probably wouldn't listen because I'm too busy.

I've been writing in one form or another since elementary school but although I always knew I wanted to be a writer when I grew up, instead I earned university degrees in Marketing and Psychology and writing got put on the back burner. After my twins were born I was buried in diaper changes, middle of the night feedings and mountains of laundry, so obviously it seemed like a logical time to start writing again. I guess it took me while to grow up.

I turned to non-fiction and became a regular contributor to local parenting magazines, published in four Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies, and a compilation by Seal Press. It wasn't until 2005 that I tried my hand at writing fiction and wrote my first novel (at least since I was a kid). It's buried on my hard drive where it should be! And I just keep writing them. Nothing Stays In Vegas was the first novel that I've made available.

Besides my novels, you can read my work in:
Chicken Soup for the Brother and Sisters' Soul
Chicken Soup for the Runner's Soul
Chicken Soup for the Beach Lover's Soul
Chicken Soup: Christmas Magic
Chicken Soup: Hooked on Hockey
How to Put a Car Seat on a Camel