Arviat (Feb 16/05) - Arviat author Norma Budden-Aningat is set to join the world of fiction writers.

Aningat completed her Christian-based trilogy with the release of Crossing the Bridge in late 2004.

The trilogy began with Standing at the Door of Your Heart, which was well received by Kivalliq readers.

Aningat says Crossing the Bridge is actually two books in one to conclude the turning-point series.

"The first part deals with going through life as a Christian and dealing with moments of joy, triumph and sorrow like everyone else," says Aningat.

"But just knowing Jesus is your constant companion - always walking next to you - comforts a Christian.

"The second part is Heaven: Final Destination, which compares life on Earth and heaven.

"Even though we can't imagine what heaven's like in its fullness, we do get a bit of a measure with the idea of no hunger, sadness or need for material items."

Aningat says the first book she ever wrote was a work of fiction.

The book was never published and she decided to dust it off and take another look this past year.

"I decided to polish it up and it turned into almost a completely different story.

"Writing fiction and kids material have always been interests of mine.

"I don't want to get caught writing in just one genre and have people thinking I can't write anything else.

"I didn't want to get trapped like that, so the time was right to release something different for my readers."

With her first fiction effort, Emotional Impact, out of the way, Aningat has turned her attention to collaborating with a writing partner in Virginia.

The team was formed shortly after she noticed a guest book entry onto her Web site this past summer.

The man (Michael T. Ingram) said he wouldn't mind collaborating on an effort and sent me a few chapters of a book he was working on.

"I absolutely loved it and asked if I could edit the book for him."

Ingram took the offer a step further and the two teamed up to finish the book.

The international tandem is now trying to free up the time to work on a number of other projects together.

"There doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day anymore.

"If the writing ever got me to the point where it was my full-time job, I don't think I'd ever leave the house."