St. Vital mom Tracy Van Gorp is a busy mother of three, but still managed to find the time to complete a trilogy of books.

The Thunder from Above series is historical fiction set in the Viking Age. The books take place in late ninth century Norway, Scotland, Denmark and Iceland. The series also incorporates a touch of the supernatural. The first novel in the series, Harsh Innocence, centres around a warlord-like character who struggles with using his strength and power to protect the people he loves with his desire for peace.

Van Gorp said she has always loved reading, which in turn inspired her to try writing. She started writing when she was 20 years old.

Writing allows Van Gorp a chance to escape daily life. "I love to create things. It relaxes me and relieves stress," she said.

Van Gorp did a lot of research before starting her books. "I’m very interested in history," she said.

Bitter Passage is the second book in the series. It’s about a female character trying to fit in in a patriarchal society. The third novel is Stormy Freedom.

Van Gorp’s kids, Jadon 16, Emily, 15, and Jeremy 11 haven’t read any of her books yet. However, she encourages her children to be creative as well. Jadon is involved in acting and Emily paints and writes.   

Right now Van Gorp is working on a story about a group of knights inspired by the legend of King Arthur.

Writing isn’t Van Gorp’s only passion. She also does oil painting and photography. "I have always been a creative person," she said.

Van Gorp has completed five books and has three others partially written. It might be hard to imagine how a mother of three can get so much writing done, but Van Gorp said, "My husband is very supportive."

To find out more about Van Gorp and the Thunder from Above series visit www.vangorpbooks.ca.

Krystalle Ramlahkhan is a community correspondent for St. Vital. She can be reached at krystalle.ramlakhan@gmail.com.