Entrepreneur turned celebrated author, Witterick embodies the belief that our choices—both monumental and seemingly inconsequential—shape the trajectory of our lives.
Her journey, from managing billions in the investment industry to penning critically acclaimed novels, is inspiring. In 2014, Witterick closed her multi-billion-dollar money management firm, leaving behind a successful 30-year career to pursue her passion for storytelling.
It was a risk many would shy away from, but for Witterick, it was an opportunity to embrace a new chapter. Her debut novel, My Mother’s Secret, initially self-published, defied the odds by becoming a bestseller in Canada. Today, her novel gets featured in schools as a tool for teaching tolerance and understanding—a testament to Witterick’s ability to create stories that resonate deeply. She discusses her journey and perspectives on wealth and happiness.
With 30 years of experience in the investment industry, what made you make a leap of faith to become a novelist?
I didn’t set out to become an author. It wasn’t part of a carefully crafted plan or a post-retirement ambition. Life presents us with pivotal moments, and it’s often only in hindsight that we recognize them as turning points. I loved working in the investment industry, but after three decades, I felt like I had seen it all. Every market cycle, every challenge—it all began to feel repetitive.
There was a voice within me urging me to explore something new, even if I couldn’t articulate it then. The real catalyst came when a friend invited me to watch an obscure film about a Polish mother and daughter who hid Jewish families and a German soldier in their home during the Holocaust. Their courage and ingenuity saved nearly all of them. The story stayed with me, haunting me. It felt wrong that such bravery could remain in the shadows of history.
From your personal experience, do you believe that money and happiness go hand in hand?
I think money can provide stability, which is essential for happiness. It’s hard to feel content when constantly worrying about paying rent or feeding your family. However, beyond a certain level of financial security, I don’t believe there’s a direct correlation between wealth and happiness. I’ve experienced both ends of the spectrum. There were times when I had very little and felt immense joy, and there were times when I had everything I could have ever wanted financially, but still felt restless. What I’ve learned is that happiness is rooted in gratitude. It’s about appreciating what you have, no matter how much or how little.
Can you share an essential experience of your life that shaped you into who you are today?
One memory stands out vividly. When I was about 10, my family faced a financially challenging time. Despite this, my parents occasionally allowed me the simple treat of an ice cream cone. One day, the owner of our local store gave me too much change. I returned the extra dime and said, “You gave me too much.” That small act could have gone unnoticed, but it profoundly impacted me. Had I kept the money, it would have chipped away at the person I aspired to be.
Tell us about your new novel, It Was Always Her.
The idea for It Was Always Her came to me in a dream. I woke up in the middle of the night, utterly captivated by the story, and began writing immediately. The novel explores timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and second chances. It follows a man who travels back in time to prevent a catastrophic Third World War. What he doesn’t anticipate is finding the love of his life in the past, forcing him to make an impossible choice: save the world or stay with her.
I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of time travel and the idea of rewriting history. This story delves into those “what if” questions we’ve all pondered at some point. It also asks a more profound question: if given another life, would you fall in love with the same person all over again? I hope readers find it thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. It’s a story about hope, destiny, and the enduring power of love.
Brooke Parker | Contributing Writer
