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danagricken.bsky.social
🇨🇦 I write and read books. Most of the time. Also love kindness, video games, dresses, cats, and food. Visit DanaGricken.com for more info!
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My publisher let me decide the narrator for my fantasy romance novel! Everything was finalized today. I can’t wait to share more news soon! 😍

🚨 Waiting for the physical copy of my teen thriller, A Billion Reasons? Now you can! 🚨 Amazon is offering e-book AND paperback! This book has: 💰 A competition to win a billion dollars 👵 A teenage girl trying to save her family 🧩 Challenges and puzzles ❤️ A sweet romance And more!

My anxiety feels a bit better today. Thank you for the kind messages, they are always appreciated when I’m feeling at my lowest. Much love! ❤️

Been having awful panic attacks all day. Spent most of it crying with numb hands and dizziness. Anxiety disorder is truly awful.

Book two in my Maidens of Fairhaven series has been edited and proofread! We’re ready for its release next month. In the meantime, book one, Modern Fairytale, is available NOW! Catch up on the magical world below Toronto before the next book comes out.

Saying this again in case you forgot: Your life matters. You belong here. You are loved. You are strong. You should be cherished just the way you are. ❤️

Today marks FIVE years since I became a traditionally published author! THE DARK QUEEN, my fantasy novel, started my journey. Thank you to Melange Books for taking a chance on me. Can’t believe it’s been half a decade already! So many more books coming soon. ✨ Never give up on your dreams!

My publisher has been sending me the auditions for narrators for my fantasy romance novel! So exciting to hear your words being brought to life. 😍

When I move into my grandma’s house this spring, I want to plant poppies in the backyard for my grandpa. I always called him Poppy, so I think it would be a nice tribute.

When things are tough, it’s important to find something good to hold onto. These are mine: •My family, friends, and pets •Good food •Books, video games •My writing •This community What are you thankful for? I hope you can find even just one thing to keep going. ❤️

Happy Tuesday! Trying to get an appointment with my doctor to treat my severe migraines. Losing your vision for a short period is no fun, and it really scares me. Hopefully something can help! Wishing you all great health today. Take care! ❤️

I signed another book deal today! This time, for my fantasy novel with zombies, airships, and a city in the clouds. Will share details when I can. Never, ever give up on your dreams. 🥰 (This book was inspired by The Cloud Minders from Star Trek: The Original Series!)

I had awful migraines that left me blind for most of the day, BUT I still managed to cook a delicious meal for my family and I. Crockpot teriyaki chicken stir fry! Always a hit. 😋 Serve white rice on the side and you’re good to go!

I grew up with a dad who would yell at me if I started crying. He’d tell me to stop and angrily walk off. It was damaging and invalidated my feelings. My advice as an adult now: Cry if you need to. Your emotions are valid and real. Don’t deny yourself the release you need. ❤️

It snowed so much that I can’t see out of my bedroom window! 😂

Never give up is cliche but true. In 2015, my writing had nothing but rejections. “I’ll sit at my desk and write for 50 years until I get published if I have to,” I told myself. In 2025, I have 4 different publishers. If it can happen to me, it can happen to you! Never quit!

🌹 Single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between? 🌹 Let my feel-good, super sweet fantasy romance novel, MODERN FAIRYTALE, keep you company this Valentine’s Day! Available on Amazon and other book retailer websites. Enjoy!

Happy Valentine’s Day to all my friends, far and wide! I hope your day is filled with self-love as that’s the most important thing. ❤️

Dental surgery was a success! Back home in the snowstorm. Now to relax!

What a snowstorm in Ottawa! Haven’t seen one like this in years. Be safe, all!

Going in for my dental surgery soon! Meanwhile, the snowstorm is massive outside. Wish me luck! Take care, all. ❤️

I have made it through the worst panic attacks, the worst depression, the worst heartbreaks, the worst pain, and the worst trauma. You will too. It’s not easy, but you’re strong enough to make it out on the other side. Keep going. ❤️

Even if I sleep 14 hours, have coffee, and take naps, I’m still exhausted. Physically and mentally. Chronic fatigue sucks. 😴

On Valentine’s Day last year, I took my then boyfriend of a year out for dinner and paid. He told me he wanted to move to Europe to be an artist. No mention of inviting me or what’ll happen to us. He clearly didn’t see me in his future. I deserve someone who does—and so do you!

🌹 Valentine’s Day is almost here! 🌹 Why not cozy up with my fantasy romance novel, MODERN FAIRYTALE? You can find it on Amazon and other book retailers. It’s got: •Fairy godmothers and magic 🪄 •Canadian representation 🇨🇦 •True love ❤️ •And plenty of action and magic battles! ✨

I’ve launched a new fundraiser for ongoing support now that the purpose of our original fundraiser to “prepare” to be homeless is technically complete. This months update includes health concerns and continuing costs of poverty. gofund.me/c0cc5aa2 ♥️ Please share.

Happy Monday! Back to work editing my murder mystery today. My publisher just sent the edits. I hope your day has something good in store for you! Take care. ❤️

That relationship that ended? Someone better is coming for you. That rejection? It’ll lead to even more success. All your plans that didn’t come to fruition? There was a reason. Something greater than you can imagine is always around the corner. I believe in you! ❤️

Going into Valentine’s Day single this year. Remember, you do NOT need a partner to complete you! You are whole all on your own. You are loved, worthy, and perfect, whether you’re in a relationship or not. ❤️

🚨 Aspiring authors! 🚨 I’ve created a website just for you. I’ve got: •Lists of reputable agents/publishers •Writing tips •Pep talks for dealing with rejection •Advice on crafting a query letter •What it’s like working with agents/publishers And more! The link: danagricken.wixsite.com/danasdesk

The writing/publishing industry is hard, so I just want to say: Thank you to my readers and everyone who has believed in me. It means more than you know. ❤️

I was at the bookstore once and bought a crossword book for my grandpa. He loved crosswords so much. He was so thankful for a simple gesture. He said, “I’m touched you thought of me!” Poppy, I’m always thinking about you. I love and miss you and wish you were still here. ❤️

When you have chronic illnesses, both mental and physical, this is what some days look like. Resting and sleeping a lot, wrapped up in a big blanket. That fatigue hits hard. If you are also struggling, sending love. ❤️ It’s tough to live like this, so be gentle with yourself.

What am I working on? A new fantasy novel called EMPIRE OF DRAGONS! Dragon riding, rivalries, backstabbings. And lots of swearing. Excited for this one! 🗡️ 🔥 🐉

It’s been 2 years since my grandpa died and I still cry. It hurts to know he’s never coming back. He’ll never get to tell me he loves me again. He’ll never be sitting outside in the summer, doing his crossword puzzles. He’ll never sip coffee in his chair again. Grief sucks. 😞

Lord knows I’m not perfect. I’ve got stretch marks, acne scars, wrinkles, and more. But I’m ME. There will never be another like it. And the same goes for you. Love yourself—you are worth it. Take care and happy Wednesday! ❤️

Two years ago today, we lost my grandpa after a tough battle with lung cancer. He was the kind of neighbor who would come running with his toolbox if you needed help. He truly cared about people and was always there for me. Rest in peace, Poppy. Until I see you again. ❤️

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for all the kind reviews for my books. You have made this little writer from Canada very happy. 🥰 Check out my work on Amazon if you haven’t yet! I write all genres. 😊

Proud Canadian. Today and always. 🇨🇦

As a kid, I had bad anxiety and depression. But it wasn’t taught in school. I had no idea what I was struggling with. I couldn’t put it into words. My teachers and peers thought I was lazy, but I was suffering. Be kind: you never know what someone’s going through. ❤️

Forever in love with this dress. My ex didn’t want me to wear it outside. Now? I wear it all the damn time!