Danyael Halprin was born and raised in Vancouver, attended McGill University in Montreal, worked on the editorial staff of national magazines in Toronto, and then backpacked through SE Asia for 10 months before starting anew in Calgary. Having grown up by the ocean, she feels most grounded when she’s by water. She describes herself as a city girl with a traveller mindset and a boho-chic style.
For better or worse, Danyael has an active imagination and experiments with pushing the limits of an idea as far as she can. Her mind has a tendency to frame the world in stories, and was surprised one day to learn that not everyone has characters living inside their minds. Her work is shaped by a strong appreciation for literature and she describes her creative writing voice as playful. While some may think that her recently published children’s book A Magical Passover Starring the Tooth Fairy (RE:BOOKS Publishing, Toronto) is a departure from what she typically writes, the truth is that Danyael enjoys writing in all genres — journalism, fiction, non-fiction essays, children’s stories, novels (in progress)… She draws ideas from the people around her, especially her three children, who’ve inspired many a story.
Running is also a special part of Danyael’s life. She loves the feeling of the sun on her face and music blasting in her earphones as she takes herself on mini adventures along the city’s river pathways. A competitor in all distances, she loves travelling to races where she can explore new cities, run the course, and celebrate the finish.
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Which ’hood are you in?
I live in the Elboya neighbourhood, a few minutes from Stanley Park, the Elbow River, and downtown (I can see the Calgary Tower from my upstairs windows). In fact, the hill that’s between our house and the river is what saved us from being underwater during Calgary’s flood in June 2013. With that exception, I love how close I live to the beautiful river pathway, which I can run on for many kilometres throughout the city. I also live near fabulous cafes, restaurants and lounges in Marda Loop, 17th Avenue, and 4th Street.
What do you do?
I am a writer, journalist, and author of a newly released children’s picture book, so I spend a lot of my time writing and editing — my happy place.
I am also a competitive runner and structure my days around my running schedule, training four to five days a week. I’ll be heading into a training block soon for an out-of-country marathon this winter. Shout out to We Run The World Coaching and Run Calgary!
I’m the mother of three teens, who add hella fun and laughter to my life. One of my favourite days this past summer was when the four of us went to The Weeknd concert in Edmonton.
What are you currently working on?
My first illustrated children’s book, A Magical Passover Starring the Tooth Fairy (RE:BOOKS Publishing, Toronto), was released on March 17, 2026, so it’s an incredibly exciting time right now doing readings, signings, and interviews. I’m so grateful for all the love and support. I’m continuing work on my journalism pieces and my next children’s books.
Where can we find your work?
My children’s book can be found at Owl’s Nest Books and Indigo-Chapters Chinook in Calgary, select indie bookstores in Toronto, and on Amazon. All going well, it will be on store bookshelves in other cities — it’s a new release, so we’re just getting started. You can also read my work on Instagram and my website.
