Alana McKanion
Alana McKanion is a Swiss-born author who has lived in the United States for over 15 years. She is best known for her award-winning psychological thriller Red Velvet, a novel that has received national and international recognition for its gripping exploration of human psychology, suspense, and emotional complexity. The success of the book has connected with readers globally and has opened opportunities for future expansion, including potential film adaptation. In addition to Red Velvet, she currently has four additional manuscripts prepared for publication.
Beyond her writing career, Alana is a PhD candidate whose academic research focuses on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the development of innovative treatment approaches. Her work is driven by both scholarly interest and lived experience, with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for individuals affected by trauma. Alongside her academic pursuits, she is also a nonprofit founder, having established Sent by God, an organization that supports single mothers and dog shelters through faith-based apparel initiatives. Her multidisciplinary work reflects a deep dedication to healing, empowerment, and community impact.
Alana also has an extensive background in fashion modeling, having begun her career at the age of 13 and continuing to work in the industry over the years. In addition to her creative and academic roles, she is a mother, active day trader, and entrepreneur balancing multiple professional pathways. Raised in Switzerland and based in the United States for much of her adult life, she brings a global perspective to her work across literature, mental health research, and philanthropy, while continuing to pursue new opportunities in publishing and film development.
• Best Psychological Thriller in the United States 2026 for Red Velvet
• Global Recognition Award for Red Velvet
• Beauty Queen (three times as a teenager)
• Founder of Non Profit( Sent by God)
• TEMA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, my courage, and my persistence. Because of my past traumas, I wanted to do something for others, to help other people who are struggling like I was in my past. I was treated very well in the United States, and I want to repay that kindness. Before reaching success, you are going to fail many times, so you just have to keep going. I've always been the mentor of myself, believing in my own path and not caring about what other people say.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
In order to be an author, just believe in yourself and don't care about what other people say. Before you reach success, you are going to fail many times, so just keep going. I was always the mentor of myself, so do your best not to doubt yourself. For those interested in charitable work, one of the most important things we can do is share our richness with others. That's my belief.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think it's going pretty well now. I hope I can bring as many people as I can to love my books, my stories, my creations. On the nonprofit side, it's not my choice if people want to support me - I'm doing this with all my heart, hoping to bring people to God and to give that message to others.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is helping others who are struggling, which comes from my own experience with past traumas. I wanted to do something to help other people who are struggling like I was in my past. I believe one of the most important things we can do is share our richness with others. I was treated very well in the United States, and I want to repay that kindness. Through my nonprofit Sent by God, which I started seven years ago, I work to bring people to God and share that message while helping single moms and dog shelters. As a mom myself, I balance my roles as an author, PhD candidate, nonprofit leader, and day trader, all while staying true to my faith and commitment to service.
Locations
Sent by God
Aurora, CO 80016