I came to writing later in life. I was well into my forties before STILL LIFE, the first Gamache novel, was published. I am deeply aware of how lucky I am to be writing, to be published, and to be enjoying success. And believe me, I am enjoying it. It would be such a shame not to appreciate such a gift.

Before I was published, I was a journalist with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Michael’s support allowed me to leave my job to write.

Michael and I were together for 22 years and married for 20. He was the inspiration for Armand Gamache. Kind, thoughtful, generous, a man of courage and integrity, who both loved and was open to love.

He developed dementia and died peacefully at home in September 2016, surrounded by the love he had put into the world over his 83 years.

He was not only the inspiration for the books, he made them possible.