It's nice to meet you!
Chantal Warywoda once ran a family newspaper at age eight - for her family of three - so naturally, she grew up to write a novel about modern dating, friendship, and finding yourself somewhere between motherhood and mayhem.
A passionate cook, avid reader, and full-time everything, Chantal lives just outside of Ottawa, Ontario with her husband, children, and a very derpy dog.
The Porch Pact is her debut novel and loosely inspired by the real events that brought her own happily ever after.
All About Me
Hi, I’m Chantal Warywoda - author, chronic over-thinker, and someone who once believed that true love might be hiding somewhere between a painfully slow Tinder chat and a man named Brad who lived on a boat.
When I was about three, my mother overheard me deep in conversation with a crew of imaginary friends. Concerned this might be a red flag, she took me to the pediatrician. He reassured her there was nothing to worry about - though he did warn it was “a sign of creativity.” Looking back, I now realize I was probably living out a series of maladaptive but fantastical daydreams. Eventually, I began turning those dreams into characters and scribbling down stories. I kept them in a ratty old folder I still have to this day. Decades later, I’m still carrying around a head full of plot twists, unfinished dialogue, and at least seven creative projects fighting for attention - thanks, ADHD.
When I found myself single in my late thirties, I dove headfirst into the chaos of modern dating. Apps weren’t even a thing the last time I’d gone on a date. The Porch Pact was born from that whirlwind: the awkward firsts, the well-intentioned (and often ill-advised) second chances, the late-night pep talks, and the unshakeable support of three incredible women. Yes, the Porch Party girls are real, and if you follow me on Instagram, you’ll definitely get to meet them.
Writing this book felt like finally exhaling a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding. And while the urgency of the story faded a little - because, spoiler alert, I met my actual soulmate - the ending became wonderfully clear.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you laugh, swoon, and maybe even see a little of yourself in these pages.
