Chelene Knight wants you to find your joy—your way.

The author of the just-released how-to book Let It Go: Free Yourself from Old Beliefs and Find a New Path to Joy combines personal experience with advice from leading experts in Black communities to provide a guide for discovering and maintaining happiness.

It might sound a little woo-woo at first, but the Vancouver-based Knight—whose memoir Dear Current Occupant won her a Vancouver Book Award and whose debut novel Junie was longlisted for the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction—promises the use of tangible examples to offer up accessible tools. Think: how to rediscover activities that make you feel good; how to say no to something in a respectful and loving way; and how to improve communication with your loved ones. Here, she shares more about herself and the books that mean the most to her.

Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Vancouver. I’m a writer, editor, and creative balance coach with a wealth of experience in collaborating with writers and other creatives. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of being part of some truly inspiring creative spaces. I’m not just a creator; I’m a builder at heart. I thrive on transforming ideas into tangible tools and resources. Building for the community is at the core of my passion and purpose.

What’s something you want everyone to know about you?

Of course I want everyone to know about my book, Let It Go, but I also want everyone to know about my creative coaching business, Breathing Space Creative, where I collaborate with busy creative entrepreneurs and other professionals to empower them in reclaiming their time and finding genuine joy in pursuing their passions without making sacrifices. My approach includes a range of services. I have a free workshop called The Say No With Love Workshop, which touches on creative balance—enough to help folks see what’s possible. Then I have an intensive coaching program, which uses the same principles of the workshop but on a one-on-one basis over the course of five months. I also offer solo coaching sessions where folks can work through a specific hurdle.

What’s one book that changed the way you think?

This is a difficult question. I would have to say The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. I’ve gained profound insights about how history tends to repeat itself, almost unquestionably. This newfound understanding has shifted my perspective regarding my life’s aspirations. What I now crave is absolute autonomy over how I shape my days and, ultimately, my entire existence. It’s fascinating how this book elicited such an emotional response from me, especially since I didn’t anticipate enjoying it initially. My intention was to venture outside my comfort zone and broaden my horizons, and I’m genuinely pleased that I did.

What are you currently reading?

Right now I’m reading two advanced reading copies of some incredible up-and-coming authors! But in terms of published books, I’m re-reading Go Tell It On The Mountain by James Baldwin, and Same As Ever by Morgan Housel. A very interesting pairing, if you ask me!

What’s your favourite book to give as a gift?

bell hooks’ All About Love.

How would you describe your book tastes?

I’m truly drawn to books that have the power to reshape my thinking and open up new horizons. There’s something magical about beautifully-crafted language that paints vibrant, poetic pictures with words. I love books that dare to challenge the status quo of storytelling conventions. We all have our unique stories to tell, but often, we’re boxed into the same old templates, which can be disheartening for those with unconventional storytelling capabilities. I’m all about diving into and championing books that boldly break free from those constraints. Yet, there are moments when I thirst for knowledge and yearn to be pleasantly surprised by the written word.

What’s one book you can’t wait to read?

Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging by Matthew Morris. In my book, Let It Go, I have a chapter where I explore my relationship with the Black men in my life. I learned a lot about myself writing that chapter and I think Matthew’s book will help me grow in ways that will surprise me. I pre-ordered it a while ago.

What’s one book you thought you’d love but didn’t (or vice versa)?

Well, I guess I can say I didn’t think I’d like The Psychology of Money, but ended up loving it. So, you just never know.

Favourite book store in Vancouver?

Massy Books.

Favourite local author?

Jen Sookfong Lee. She inspires me to write in multiple genres and has always been so supportive of my writing. And she’s just so smart.

Controversial: are you someone who has to finish every book you start, or can you abandon ones that aren’t working for you?

Oh, I will abandon it with quickness. I guess that’s the old literary agent in me coming out: my energy is currency and I’ve got to spend it wisely.

What’s one book you wish you wrote?

All About Love by bell hooks.

Where’s your favourite place in Vancouver to read?

Village Pub in Champlain Heights, one of Vancouver’s secret neighbourhoods. It’s quiet, and surrounded by trees and walking trails. I spent most of my adult life in that area of Vancouver. It will always feel like home.