Carma was born in California in 1958. The name was given to her by her mother, Ruth Gagne (French Canadian, pronounced ga-NYAY). The most significant influences in life are parents. Carma is grateful to her mom and stepdad, Jon-Jon Chan, for raising her with unconditional love. They were hardworking restaurant owners who taught their eight children to be resourceful, resilient and innovative.

Herzenity is a brand name owned and managed by Carma. Herzenity Pubs is her publishing company name. She publishes only content created and owned by her.

Carma began writing poetry and short stories at an early age, encouraged by teachers in elementary and secondary school. She studied screenwriting at UCLA film school, mentored by Professor Richard Walter, who taught the subject for over 30 years and lectured all over the world about the art, craft and business of writing for film and television.

Carma has written several screenplays, sci-fi fantasy novels, family love stories, collections of poetry with nature photography, and children's picture books. She began self-publishing at Smashwords in 2009 and prefers to use the pen name Carma Gagne Chan to honor the parents and ancestors who fostered her strengths as a writer: imagination, courage and persistence.