Yes or No? Check One.

Every project starts with a simple idea—or sometimes a downright strange one. The spark behind The Clans’ Ward series caught me a bit off guard, but in the end, the idea was far too tempting to let slip away:

What if supernatural creatures were separatists too? Like half of Quebec’s population?

People who know me well might wonder where that came from. I’ve never been particularly fired up about Quebec independence. I grew up in a mostly federalist environment, with the familiar refrain of “a strong Quebec within a united Canada.” Politics came up often at family gatherings, but always with a healthy dose of self-censorship to avoid things getting out of hand. As a result, I’ve always felt fairly ambivalent about the issue.

A few years ago, as part of my job, I was working the registration table at a seminar on the constitution and federalism. I didn’t have much of an opinion on the topic—I was mostly focused on doing my job well. The very first participant to arrive was Guy Bertrand, a prominent Quebec lawyer, known for his passion about Quebec independance. I didn’t know who he was at the time, but I was still young enough to pass for a student, so I’m sure he forgave my ignorance.

Since I was one of the only people there, we had a few minutes to chat. He proudly pulled out his latest book and explained his views on the feasibility of Quebec independence. I listened attentively, more out of politeness than genuine interest, but there was no denying that his passion was infectious. Before long, he’d added me as a Facebook friend—he was launching an awareness campaign on social media. I was charmed, but I still wasn’t sold on his cause.

Later that day, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I was already working through an idea for an urban fantasy story, but I was missing a unifying thread. Then the question hit me like a ton of bricks.

What if the supernatural community were separatists? What would happen? What would they be demanding? How would they go about gaining their independence?

I had to find answers.

That’s how I wove the backdrop for the events of Hunter Bound:

Ellie Bergeron, a young undergraduate student, finds herself caught up in the rivalry between supernatural separatists and loyalists, though her own goal is simply to gain her own independence.

Hunter Bound will be available on May 21, 2026.