I have always been a writer. Since a young age I dreamed up poetry and wrote short stories, but it was the death of my first son Alden that drove me to truly pursue the writer’s life. As a bereaved parent, I struggled to find a resource that met my needs. The process inspired me to write a book for bereaved parents that was informative, thorough, concise and compassionate.
In 2012, New Horizon Press released When Your Child Dies: Tools for Mending Parents’ Broken Hearts. Written in partnership with Randie Clark, M.A.MHC, CCC, When Your Child Dies is a comprehensive resource that helps bereaved parents develop coping mechanisms, face challenges associated with their loss, and mover through the grieving process in a healthy way.
In addition to my writing in the field of bereavement, I worked as an Editor and contributing writer with the University of Victoria Family Centre for four years. The publication is geared towards families and articles range in topic from parenting, health and wellness and community events.
I have also contributed articles to online parenting websites and national magazines. My publications are versatile and range in topic, including bereavement, pregnancy loss, international development, health and wellness and parenting.
As an author, my goal is to empower, encourage and engage readers through thoughtful and informative writing. Currently, you can find me near the beaches of Victoria, British Columbia, where I live with my husband and two young children.
” The University of Victoria Family Centre has been fortunate to have Avril Nagel as Editor of our monthly newsletter. Avril is flexible, easy to work with, yet keeps us on task. Avril has creative ideas, writes well and is able to edit many varying levels of writing submissions with tact and respect.”
Elizabeth Quong, Executive Director, UVic Family Centre
