Picture a Canadian storyteller who spins tales of past lives and small-town mysteries from a cozy shed filled with vintage typewriters—meet Nicole Bross! Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, this urban fantasy and paranormal romance author captured hearts with her debut novel, Past Presence, a finalist for the 2019 Arthur Ellis Award. With a knack for blending supernatural intrigue with deeply human emotions, Bross draws from her world travels and mental health advocacy to craft stories that linger like a well-loved book on a rainy day.
Bross’s unique voice shines through her ability to weave mystery, romance, and the paranormal into narratives that feel both contemporary and timeless. Her passion for storytelling, rooted in her journalism background and love for quirky typewriters, makes her a standout in the genre.
The Making of Nicole Bross
Born and raised in Calgary, on the traditional territory of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and Treaty 7 peoples, Nicole Bross was a writer from the start. At eight, she penned short stories, and by ten, she was self-publishing a tiny newspaper with a circulation of five. Her love for words led her to an applied degree in Journalism from Mount Royal College, where she honed her craft as editor of her high school and college newspapers. Bross’s early career as a journalist and editor-in-chief of Birthing Magazine gave her a sharp eye for detail, which she later channeled into her fiction. Living with anxiety and panic disorder since childhood, she became a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, infusing her stories with authentic emotional depth.
Nicole Bross’s Unforgettable Stories
Bross’s debut, Past Presence (2019), is a spellbinding mix of supernatural mystery and romance. The story follows Audrey Eames, a wanderer who sees people’s past lives through touch, as she inherits a historic inn in the fictional town of Soberly, Oregon. When murders echo past-life deaths, Audrey must unravel the mystery to save her future. The novel’s seamless blend of paranormal elements, historical flashbacks, and a steamy romance earned it critical acclaim and an Arthur Ellis Award nomination. Readers praised its modern characters and thought-provoking themes, from race to small-town dynamics.
In 2021, Bross announced Moving On, a young adult supernatural coming-of-age tale about Bree Banks, a reaper-like figure guiding souls to the afterlife. This work showcases Bross’s versatility, diving into themes of transition and identity. Her writing style—smooth, open, and unafraid to tackle edgy topics—sets her apart. Whether exploring past lives or the afterlife, Bross crafts immersive worlds that balance suspense with heartfelt connections, all while reflecting her own experiences as a traveler and mental health advocate.
Bross writes from a backyard shed turned office, surrounded by vintage books and her prized typewriters, including a 1920s Torpedo Model 12 used in the TV series Lost. Her love for unique typefaces and global adventures—Cornwall, England, is her favorite destination—infuses her stories with rich, evocative settings.
Why Nicole Bross Matters
Nicole Bross’s impact lies in her ability to make the supernatural feel relatable. Her stories resonate with readers who crave mystery and romance but also appreciate nuanced characters grappling with real-world issues like mental health and belonging. As a mental health advocate, she normalizes conversations about anxiety, weaving them into her narratives with care. Her work, though still growing, has sparked a dedicated following, with Past Presence celebrated for its fresh take on paranormal fiction. Bross’s blend of genres and her commitment to authentic storytelling make her a rising star in urban fantasy.
- Key Work: Past Presence (2019), Arthur Ellis Award finalist
- Upcoming: Moving On (YA supernatural novel)
- Fun Fact: Collects vintage typewriters, including a 1920s Mignon 3 with gothic blackletter font
- Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Snag Past Presence and dive into Nicole Bross’s captivating world of mystery and magic!