Media Kit
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?
Book One of a Three Book Series
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.
ANNABEL CONNECTS WITH AUDIENCES
Authentic Midlife Transformation
Real-life tech entrepreneur who walked away from 25-year career to follow her creative voice—mirrors her protagonist's journey
Started with 20 minutes of daily yoga that led to complete life pivot: "It's so much better on the other side"
Founded independent press specifically for women's midlife transformation stories
Literary Approach
Mission to make speculative fiction as accessible as "Romantasy"—grounded worlds for non-genre readers
Raises book club questions like: "What would you discover about yourself in a parallel reality?"
Explores heroine's journey vs. hero's journey—collaboration and community success over individual glory
Cultural Insights
Addresses the perimenopause conversation happening right now with a focus on women's roles beyond procreation
Supports readers "struggling to remember who they are at midlife" who feel like they're "failing themselves"
Advocates for "humans are nature" philosophy with environmental responsibility woven throughout narrative.
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
“I was inspired to write a heroines journey, where the main character focuses on asking for help, collaborating with others, and supporting their communities. Heroines (male or female) believe that true success means everyone benefits.
Most hero stories follow an isolated character who battles and risks everything for their personal glory.
I want to write stories that bring communities together.”
Why Annabel wrote a Heroine’s Journey
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.”