9 Questions for Taija Morgan
In today’s continuation of our interview series, we connected with Taija, author of “Shipwrecked.” This haunting and richly detailed story can be found in Hollow Oak’s debut anthology, The Wordsmiths.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Taija: I’m a Canadian horror author and professional editor. My stories often blend realism with the uncanny—psychological horror, crime, and the supernatural. When I’m not writing, I’m editing manuscripts, organizing literary events, or chiselling my way through my TBR list.
How do you find time to write?
Taija: Sometimes my editing work makes it hard to carve out time for my own writing. Over the years, I’ve learned to treat writing as a vocation rather than a hobby. One thing that helps enormously is having writer friends who act as accountability partners. We check in regularly, share progress, and keep each other honest about our goals. Twice a week, I also do one-hour writing sprints with a friend. We don’t always make it, but simply having that time blocked off keeps my creative rhythm steady. I’ve learned to protect that space, to honour both discipline and the natural ebb and flow of inspiration.
What does your writing space look like?
Taija: Lately, I’ve been writing in warm, plant-filled spaces with open windows, my laptop surrounded by notebooks, a tarot deck, and a stack of books. I have many maps and notes and lists taped to the wall to keep me on track. I’m situated next to a beautiful garden where I’m growing sunflowers and herbs. My space is quiet and peaceful.
Tell us about your favorite story that you’ve written.
Taija: In terms of short stories, I’m especially proud of one I wrote for the Prairie Witch Anthology by Prairie Soul Press, which was titled Never Walk the Tracks at Night. It was a dark, twisted revenge plot with a group of teen girls and a haunted railroad track—I had a blast writing that one. In terms of novels, my most recent (unpublished) novel The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie is closest to my heart right now. It’s a supernatural mobster thriller. It took years to write, spanning dual timelines and perspectives, and every draft taught me something new.
What are you working on right now?
Taija: Currently, I’m working on a slasher horror novel—a classic smalltown final girl story with a copycat killer and a million buried secrets, plus everyone in the town is guilty of something horrible. It’s been fun to write. I was lucky enough to receive a Canada Council for the Arts grant for this one, so I’m hoping to get it traditionally published in the future, and I should be finished writing it sometime next year. Love a good slasher.
Do you read much? If so, what are you currently reading and what’s at the top of your TBR pile?
Taija: Constantly. Reading is basically my whole life—work and hobby. Right now, I’m reading Truth Telling by Michelle Good, a Canadian author. It’s a non-fiction book about the legacy of colonialism and indigenous life in Canada—highly recommended. I just finished her book Five Little Indians, and it was amazing. I am always tracking the heaps of random books I read on Goodreads, so if anyone reads this, they should friend me over there.
What’s the most challenging thing about being a writer, and how do you manage it?
Taija: The hardest part is balancing creative vulnerability with professional resilience. Writing requires brutal honesty—both on the page and within yourself—but publishing demands thick skin and a lot of patience. I manage by separating my identity from the work; I’m responsible for craft, not for how people receive it. Storytelling is sacred, transformative work. Everything else is just industry static.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
Taija: I edit manuscripts for other authors, garden, read, play videogames, learn Spanish, spend time with friends and family, and travel. I’m also on the board of the Wordbridge Writers’ Society of Lethbridge, so I help organize the annual conference and year-round programming. I love being involved with my writing community.
Where can readers find you?
Taija: You can find me at www.TaijaMorgan.com, where I share updates about my writing, editing services, and events. I’m also on Instagram (@taijamorgan) and Goodreads (@taija_morgan). You can subscribe to my newsletter through my website. And if you’re interested in the Wordbridge Writers’ Conference in Lethbridge (or virtual programming if you’re not local), check out www.WordbridgeYQL.com.