CYOV: Writer Andrea Freedman

In the latest edition of our Create Your Own Vision series, where we spotlight visionary creators making an impact in the communities we serve, we sat down with Toronto-based writer, Andrea Freedman.

Andrea Freedman left the corporate world 14 years ago, to focus on her passion of writing. Since then she has written many published articles, two short stories, and most recently a children’s book, A Sister in Heaven. Her work is inspired by the quiet magic of everyday life, the resilience of the human spirit, and the vibrant stories hidden within her own Toronto community. She writes on everything from mental health and home renovations to self defence for women.

Andrea’s latest book, a children’s story called A Sister in Heaven was inspired by her own experience following the loss of her sister

“I began to think about all the kids in the world who have had to face the death of a loved one, especially a sibling. I wrote this story with the hope of possibly helping even one grieving child out there make sense of a loss and feel a little less sad.”

Andrea's Website

Book Signing at OQ Yonge

1. “Create Your Own Vision” means different things to different people. What does it mean to you at this stage in your life?

My vision at this point in my life is about continuing to work on achievning inner peace, recognizing and taking advantage of happy moments when they come my way, and having the confidence in myself to keep writing and know that I have stories inside me that need to be told.

2. As a writer, your work explores lived experience and culture. How do you decide which stories are worth telling — especially your own?

Although I am generally a very private person, writing is the one place in my life where I feel free to open up more about myself. If I feel that a story or article will resonate with others, especially those who might be afraid to talk about certain topics, I think it is worth sharing.

3. Was there a moment when you realized writing wasn’t just something you did, but part of who you are?

I started taking an interest in writing as a young teenager and have known that it was something I felt passionate about ever since. It has been more than thirty years since I realized that if I didn't write, it felt like something was wrong. I am grateful that I have been given a special gift of being able to express myselt through writng and it is very important to me that I not squander that gift.

4. How do you protect your creative voice in a world that constantly asks for speed, volume, and algorithms?

Quite simply, I try to ignore them as much as I can and stay focused on the path I envision for myself. Remaining genuine and true to myself means a lot to me, which I have discovered is less difficult to achieve by occasionally switching off from social media.

5. What does clarity look like for you — in your work and in your life?

Clarity to me looks like balance. It is about making time to work on things that are meaningful to me while remembering to also make time for myself, friends, family and other things in life that are important to me.

6. Freelance life requires self-trust. How have you learned to back yourself, even when the path isn’t linear?

It has not always been easy, especially because as a writer, I have faced a lot of rejection over the years. Also, it has often been financially challenging, as most artists know. I have learned to accept that rejection isn't necessarily a negative reflection against me personally, but rather something that forces me to toughen up, keep trying and have faith in myself because the joy that comes when something I write is accepted for publication never gets old

7. Is there a piece you’ve written that changed you in the process of writing it?

Yes, my children's story,A Sister in Heaven, which I began writing about a year after my sister had tragically passed away. I was so devastated that I wasn't sure I would be able to go on, not only with writing, but with anything else either. When I realized that I might be able to help children who were dealing with grief by writing a story that presented loss in a more positive, less frightening way, it gave me hope and helped me move forward with my life

8. Where do you find inspiration when you feel stuck or uncertain?

I find a lot of inspration while appreciating nature. Sometimes when it feels like I am stuck, I take a long walk and quite often, out of nowhere, a new idea will appear in my head or a piece I am working on will all of a sudden come together and make sense.

9. How do you balance vulnerability with boundaries when writing about personal themes?

Writing about personal themes is always a bit of a risk but it is still worth sharing. I often write about personal experiences that I might not actually talk about. If certain details of a story or blog post I am working on make me feel uncomfortable, I try to word it in such a way that allows me to get my message across while being mindful that we are all entitled to maintain boundaries. Then I take a deep breath and just put it out there.

10. If someone reading this is afraid to share their voice, what would you say to them?

There will always be someone out there who either disagrees with something you write or is offended by it. I would say to just write honestly, from your heart, and not worry about what anyone else thinks. There will also eventually be someone who appreciates what you have to say and feels that it is worthy of being published but the most important person's opinion is yours so write for yourself and the rest will fall into place

We are delighted to invite you to join us for a Meet the Author + Book Signing with Andrea Freedman at our Youge Street location

Come by for a relaxed daytime gathering where you can:

Meet Andrea in person
Have your book signed
Connect with fellow readers and community members
Enjoy light refreshments
Browse the boutique at your leisure

When: Saturday, March 28

Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Where: Ollie Quinn – Yonge St. (Toronto)

There’s no formal program—just an open-door, intimate atmosphere to drop in, meet the author, and celebrate the voices that make our neighborhood unique.

CYOV: Writer Andrea Freedman

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