An only child growing up in a small town in western Canada, N. J. started making up stories when she was very young, and soon after discovered that books were going to be her best friends. When she was ten, she discovered Trixie Beldon and other girl detectives, and a few years later moved on to the mysteries of Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Georgette Heyer, Margery Allingham, Ngaio Marsh, John Creasey, and Erle Stanley Gardner. She continues to prefer reading mysteries to any other style of books, and has a long list of favorite modern authors. N. J. is the co-founder of The Word Guild, and the director of Write! Canada. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, the Writers Union of Canada, Advanced Writers and Speakers, and The Word Guild.  

Winner of The first "Blog Series" Award at The Word Guild Awards in June 2010 for the blogs "The movement to re-engineer writers" and "Listening with your mind and your heart."

Three awards at the 2009 The Word Guild Awards, June 2009.
* Best Inspirational/devotional article - "The Diamond Ring" from Hot Apple Cider
* Best general readership article - "The Diamond Ring" from Hot Apple Cider
* Award of Merit for inspirational/devotional article - "My Letter to the Editor" from Hot Apple Cider

Glitter of Diamonds was a finalist for The Word Guild Mystery/Suspense Award, June, 2008

A profile of author Mark Buchanan, published in Maranatha News, was short-listed for a TWG award,.April, 2006

A plaque and certificate from the York Region Police and Read For Life for my book, In Time of Trouble, and its positive message for teens, Mar. 15, 2006

Leading Women Award for Communications and Media, Mar. 4, 2006

Five awards at The Word Guild Canadian Christian Writing Awards, June 17, 2005:
* Best Mystery Novel - Shaded Light
* Best Young Adult Novel - More Than Friends
* Best Independently Published Novel or Poetry - Shaded Light and More Than Friends tied!
* Best Regular Column - "The Inside Story" which appeared in ChristianWeek

Award of Merit from Canadian Church Press in 2004 for "Why We're Reading Christian Fiction" in Faith Today

Judges Choice in the Toronto Star's Short Story Contest, June 1991, for "One Last Ride on the VIA Rail"