Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Hello! My name is Trina Kennedy, and I am 52 years young, living in Blackfalds, Alberta, Canada. Iโve been married to my high school sweetheart for 28 incredible years, and we are the proud parents of two amazing children, Tayler, 26, and Keaton, 24, who both live just a short 1.5-hour drive away in Calgary.
I have spent the last 30 years as a social worker, where Iโve had the profound privilege of walking alongside many individuals on their healing journeys. There is no greater honor than creating a safe space where people feel seen, heard, and understood. I truly believe that once someone feels safe to share their story, healing begins.
Beyond my career, I am passionate about fitness and the outdoors. One of my favorite pastimes is hiking in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, which are just a few hours away. I also enjoy playing pickleball, working in my yard, and spending quality time with my incredible tribe of friends and family.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between”?
A2. Writing “From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between” was a deeply personal journey, and there were a few significant challenges along the way. The most difficult one was finding the balance between being truthful to my own story, particularly around my childhood trauma, while being mindful of my parents. I have two loving parents who did the best they could with the tools they had at the time, and I knew that some aspects of my story might be painful for them to hear. It was a delicate process, but in the end, Iโm happy with how it turned out.
Another challenge was deciding what to include, especially when it involved not just my story, but also the stories of my husband and children. I had to be very mindful of what was mine to tell and what wasnโt, and respectful of my marriage by not sharing too much personal information. At the same time, I wanted to give readers enough insight to understand the profound impact that my unresolved trauma had on those I love.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. I primarily read nonfiction, as I am constantly seeking to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. I am fascinated by traumaโnot just my own, but the broader understanding of how it works and how we can help ourselves and others heal. One of the most influential authors for me has been Brenรฉ Brown. I own all of her books, but “The Gifts of Imperfection” was particularly life-changing. It helped me confront my trauma response of perfectionism, and I can now proudly say that I am a perfectionist in recovery, thanks to her insights and my own hard work.
In addition to Brenรฉ Brown, I am greatly influenced by the works of Dr. Gabor Matรฉ, Dr. Stuart Shanker, and Daniel Siegel. Their books have been invaluable to me, both personally and professionally, offering profound insights into the human mind and the healing process.
Q4. Whatโs your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. Besides the mountains, my favorite spot to visit in Canada is Osoyoos, BC. Iโve been going there every summer since I was a little girl, and now my own children have been visiting since they were babies. My parents have a summer place right on the lake, and it’s a place filled with joyful memories that span generations.
For me, Osoyoos is more than just a vacation spotโit’s where we gather as a family, spending our days on the lake enjoying water sports, sharing meals, and soaking up each otherโs company. The mornings often start with the boys heading out to golf, and the evenings end with games and ice cream. Itโs a magical, special place that holds a lifetime of memories for us, and will continue to do so for decades to come.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between’?
A5. I had wanted to write a book for two decades, but no one knew that because the “monster in my head” kept taunting me, telling me I had nothing worth writing about and that no one would read it. For years, I wasnโt even sure what I truly wanted to say. Then, in January of 2023, while hiking with my husband Steven, I had a moment of clarity. It felt like a message came to me, as clear as day: “Trina, itโs time to write your book. You have a message that many need to hear.” There was no hesitation after that. That very night, I told Steven about my long-held dream, and I committed to making it happen.
By May 2024, my manuscript was complete. By then, I had come far enough in my own healing journey that I could clearly see the structure of the book. The writing flowed quite naturally once I embraced it.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between’?
A6. From the beginning of the writing to process the manuscript completion it took me 14 months. Editing, book design, etc took 4 months.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. My book is available on Amazon in both paperback and eBook formats, and I hope to release an audiobook in the near future as well. For readers who would like a signed copy, they can reach out to me directly through my website at trinaleekennedy.ca, and Iโll be happy to sign and mail them a copy.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between’?
A8. As soon as I committed to writing the book, the title came to me before anything else. I knew I wanted to tell the story of my traumasโhow the unhealed parts of me lashed out and hurt those I loved, how I began to heal, and all the incredible things Iโve been able to achieve because of that healing. The title From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between beautifully captured that journey.
Once I had the title, I envisioned the cover almost immediately: the image of a woman standing on a mountaintop, hands raised triumphantly in the air. Mountains and hiking have been incredibly important to me throughout my life, symbolizing strength, resilience, and accomplishment. The cover image also ties in perfectly with the last paragraph of my book, creating a full-circle moment for readers.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. When I was writing, I didnโt focus on keeping things “fresh” for myself or the readers. Instead, I focused on telling my story with as much vulnerability and authenticity as possible. I believe that when a writer comes from that place, it naturally creates an impact. Authenticity resonates, and thatโs what keeps the story engaging and meaningful for readers.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice youโve been given about writing?
A10. The most valuable piece of advice I received about writing is that the easy part is writing the bookโthe hardest part is the marketing. I was told to spend time building my brand, website, and social media presence so that when the book was ready, I would already have a strong foundation and an audience in place. This advice has been invaluable in preparing me for the journey after the writing was done.
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