Alison Karlene Hodgins lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. When she’s not hiking snow-capped mountains or escaping on international adventures, you can find her ensconced in a quirky café reading a travelogue or listening to live music.
Born and raised in a rural town in northern Alberta, she understands both the appeal of the city and the allure of the country. She’s passionate about ethical tourism, outdoor adventure, and exploring your own backyard, though she’s still enamored with international travel—and has already explored over 35 different countries. Alison holds a Writing and Publishing diploma, a Bachelor of Journalism, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction.
She is the Editor for Explore Magazine. She has been published by The Washington Post, The Globe and Mail, The Huffington Post, Cottage Life, HI Hostels, and British Columbia Magazine.
Why I write
From the time I could read, I loved writing. When I was nine years old, I penned my first novel (at a summer camp). At 14 years old, I entered a writing contest in Edmonton without telling anyone. I was delighted when I received a letter stating that I’d won an honorary mention, and my poem would be published in a small chapbook along with other young writers from Alberta.
It gave me the courage to tell my parents that I wanted to be a writer. “You’ll never make money doing that,” my mom said. Always the realist.
Challenge accepted, I entered another competition and won first prize. This time, the letter came with $200. I proudly showed my parents that I could make money writing. They laughed, shook their heads, and embraced my passion for success.
If you’re an editor, agent or publisher curious to hear more or read my manuscript, please reach out to me via the Contact page.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure!
Alison Karlene Hodgins 