AUTHOR BIO
Annabel Youens originally studied creative writing at the University of Victoria before falling into "her own alternate dimension"—the world of tech. As employee #11 at Abebooks.com and co-founder of two global startups, she spent twenty years building companies before returning to her first love: storytelling.
At age 46, she resigned her Chief Marketing Officer position to pursue her authorial dreams, founding Salt Line Press and completing her debut novel. Thread Traveller explores themes close to her heart: the possibility of reinvention at any age, the cost of putting everyone else first, and the radical act of choosing yourself.
ABOUT THREAD TRAVELLER
What if choosing yourself over your expected role was actually what saved everyone?
At forty-seven, tech entrepreneur August Monk has built her life around being indispensable—until perimenopause disrupts her body, her marriage fractures, and her company hemorrhages money. On a desperate family holiday in England, a sip of ancient beer at Shepherd Neame brewery transports her to an alternate reality where mushrooms pulse with mystical power and women commune with vast fungal networks beneath their feet.
Taken in by Margaret, a midwife protecting ancient feminine wisdom from religious persecution, August discovers a world where brewing beer might be her bridge home—or her reason to stay. When Margaret's community faces destruction, August must choose between two families, two worlds, two versions of herself.
Thread Traveller explores the radical possibility that midlife transformation isn't a crisis but awakening, echoing the speculative brilliance of Margaret Atwood and Ursula K. Le Guin. This luminous debut shows what happens when we finally put ourselves first—and discover we're still loveable.
HOW ANNABEL CONNECTS WITH YOUR AUDIENCE
🎧 Cultural Zeitgeist
Aligns with the "year of perimenopause" cultural moment and midlife awakening narratives
Addresses the invisible labor crisis millions of women are experiencing post-pandemic
Annabel speaks about women redefining success beyond traditional metrics
📚 Sophisticated Literary Discussions
Literary fiction that respects your audience's intelligence while exploring universal themes
Raises questions perfect for deep conversation: "What would you discover about yourself in a parallel reality?"
Bridges literary credibility with accessible storytelling—appeals to both literary purists and broader readers
🌟 Unique Author Journey
Tech entrepreneur to literary author transformation mirrors the protagonist's journey
Authentic voice from lived experience of midlife career pivot and identity reconstruction
Founded independent press specifically for women's midlife transformation stories
🔮 Fresh Take on Familiar Themes
Speculative elements serve character development rather than genre conventions
Avoids prescriptive "how-to" messaging in favor of permission-giving through story
Shows women choosing themselves without losing capacity for love—rare in literary fiction.
Annabel is available for:
Podcasts
Book club visits, in-person or virtual
Feature interviews
Panel discussions or creative writing Q&As
To schedule a visit grab a time to chat or email
When August Monk sips a historic brew, she’s transported into an alternate world — one where women connected to nature resist a patriarchal religious order determined to burn them out. As August searches for a way home, she discovers bonds of rage, resilience, and chosen family stronger than blood.
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In the vein of Margaret Atwood and Ursula K. Le Guin.”
“A strong debut with compelling characters that passionately advocates for community, nature, and found family.”
“Masterful worldbuilding… tragic and harrowing, yet undeniably hopeful.”