Learn More About Blessing Hope!
Official Bio: (Word Count 27)
Blessing Hope is a word nerd, sea glass hunter, and camp counsellor living in Prince Edward Island, Canada. She is a member of the Young Writers Workshop.
The Longer Version:
(Aka, Blessing’s life story)
Blessing Hope has grown up in Storyland since she was a baby. Early family pictures show her reading board books and sitting next to parents and adults with stacks of books piled around her.
At age eleven, Blessing wrote her first non-school story and it thrilled her more than any of her previous creative endeavours. An enterprising child, she decided she wanted to make some money—sure that it would win a national writing contest. It did.
After winning a handful of additional writing awards, Blessing placed storytelling behind her, occasionally dabbling on a short story. However, her dream was always to write a middle grade novel.
When a hurricane devastated Prince Edward Island in 2022 and she was without power for eleven days, Blessing found she had the time to begin again on a writing project bigger than any she had ever attempted before. This reignited her passion for writing stories.
Currently, Blessing is working on her third middle grade novel and has ideas for many more, every book inspired by the Island she calls home and the God she calls Father.
Fun Facts About Blessing
Is Blessing Hope your real name?
What, you don’t think it sounds real?
Okay, okay, fine. Here’s the truth.
The short answer is: It is, and it isn’t.
If that sounds cryptic–and slightly contradictory–let me explain. Yep, it’s on my birth certificate. So while Blessing Hope is a pen name in all technicality because it is not my first name and last name, it is very much my real name.
What is your favourite part about living in Prince Edward Island?
I’m so glad you asked me!
Anne of Green Gables, potatoes, red dirt. That’s what I bet you think of when you talk about Prince Edward Island. Some of you will have visited my home and will know a little bit more–about the lobster and the countless beaches and Cows. But only a handful of you will have explored the hidden gems of the Island. (How many of you have ever gone for a walk in Victoria Park in the winter?)
So, my favourite part of living on Prince Edward Island is uncovering those jewels, then trying to capture the essence of what it means to live on an island in a book. You’re welcome.
What are you working on right now?
Well, that’s top secret unless you’re on my emailing list (wink, wink) but here’s a sneak peak.
~ A middle grade historical fiction novel in the vein of Anne of Green Gables and the Penderwicks.
~ A family of lighthouse keepers, an ornery goat, and a sapient seagull who live on Prince Edward Island.
~ Family warmth and the heart of an east-coast island community.
What is your favourite book?
Ahh, how could you do this to me! Don’t you know that’s the hardest question you could ever ask every book lover?
All right, here are my top three favourite books/series. If you want more recommendations in any middle grade genre, please ask me.
~ Top Fantasy Book: Spark by Sarah Beth Durst
~ Best Cosy Family Read: The Penderwicks series by Jeanne Birdsall (shoutout to the Vanderbeekers by Katrina Yan Glaser)
~ Inspiring Historical Fiction Novel: Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen
So...if you're a camp counsellor, have you ever pranked anyone?
It wouldn’t be camp without pranking someone! I’ve stolen steps, hidden bathing suits, and unscrewed light bulbs. The worst prank that I remember ever happening was when a girls cabin (not mine!) hid dead fish in a boys cabin. The boys were not happy and if you’ve ever seen the Veggietales Jonah movie…let’s just say I’m not exaggerating. One poor counsellor got a fish in her mouth.