The article below just appeared in the June 2021 issue of "Unique Muskoka". It's now available on all newsstands in Muskoka.
Discussing the connection between Jane Austen and the crew of HMS Isabelle in my first novel, Come Looking for Me.
The inspiration of water and being able to write in the beauty of Muskoka.
CSL Laurentian
There is nothing more heartwarming for an author than hearing from readers that enjoyed their books! Imagine how wonderful it was to discover that certain crew members (the Captain included!) of the CSL Laurentien, a real life cargo ship that plies the waters between Canada and the USA, carrying salt, coal and iron ore ... are fans of Emily, Magpie, Prosper, Biscuit, Jim Beef, etc.!! Thank you, Julie, for getting in touch with me and making my day! Can hardly wait to visit all of you in the spring!!
Storylines Interview
Cheryl recently did a Hunter's Bay Radio "Storylines" interview with host Christine Cowley. Cheryl talks about her latest novel, Run Red with Blood, her Seasons of War series, the Muskoka Novel Marathon plus a quick look at upcoming books.
Here is the podcast link for Cheryl's interview. Storylines Interview Podcast
Probus Club Events
Cheryl recently was invited to speak at the Brampton-Centre and Pickering-Lakeside Probus Clubs.
Settling in before speaking to the Brampton-Centre Women's Probus Club, October 9th.
Setting out books and setting up slideshow before addressing the members of the Pickering-Lakeside Probus Club, October 16th.
Atlantic Crossing
Researching while crossing the Atlantic, September 2019 -- Copenhagen to New York City
Sailing between Scotland's north shore and the Orkney Islands
Rough Weather in the Hebrides
Annapolis Valley
Leaving Halifax
Sunset the night before arriving in NYC
Good morning NYC
Annual Muskoka Novel Marathon 2019
The 2019 Muskoka Novel Marathon is now in the history books! It was a wonderful weekend as usual, and the participating writers were able to raise $23,000 for Muskoka Literacy! From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank my fabulous sponsors: Muskoka Chrysler, Lynn Porter, Danielle Beaudoin, Colleen Anthony, Rosie Smith, Paul Burnham, Jeanette Farahbakhsh, Joan Eaglesham, my sons Evan & Brodie, and husband Randy! Bless you all!
The Video below... this was the scene when all of the writers -- except for me -- were hard at it, attempting to create a novel in 72 hours!
Literary Events
March -- Collingwood Men's Probus Club
April -- Bracebridge Public Library
May -- Willoughby Historical Society, Willoughby Township Hall
June -- Niagara East Probus Club, Niagara Falls
July -- Back-to-back Writing Retreats at Camel Lake
Toronto Book Launch Event November 8, 2018
Toronto Launch of "Run Red with Blood" on November 8th, 2018 was held at Lynn Porter's fabulous home in Hogg's Hollow.
With Anita and Carolyn
Pat with the Seasons of War Trilogy
Brother Gregg welcoming Andra and Bryan
Randy, Darlene and Lynn
Lynda and Lynn
Kathleen, Donna and Shirley
Pat, Tena and Patti
With Amanda
Masayo, Jim and Donna
Alvaro and Amber Rose
Sisters Shirley and Susan
John, Gary and Bill
Linda, Ted and Bill
Rosemary
Kirsty and Linda
Action at the Signing Table
Brian, Freda and sister Linda
Signing Table
With John
Krystyne and Colum
Donna, Mike and Kim
Shirley, Susan and cousin Lori
Auntie Marilyn, Karen and Tobin arriving
Susan and Auntie Marg
Don and Cindy
Phil, Bryan and Andra
Randy and Cyndy
Alison and Josh
Rick and Heather
Bryan and Phil
With Tena
Dale, Patti and Jim
Auntie Marilyn, Mum and Auntie Marg
Tobin
Interview on Hunters Bay Radio
For those of you who enjoy listening to the radio … here below is the link to the interview Cheryl did with Sue Kelly, host of “Sweet Spots” on Hunters Bay Radio 88.7 FM. “Inspiration behind writing novels set on the high seas during the Age of Sail, the Muskoka Novel Marathon and the life of a Writer!”
Muskoka Book Launch Event October 20th
On October 20th ... friends & family helped me launch "Run Red with Blood" ... novel #3 in the Seasons of War series ... at the Muskoka Highlands Golf Links in Bracebridge!!
With my dear little sister, Tanya!
Holding three books of the series.
Denise Wile & Sandra Carruthers!
Groovy Cal Morrison & the Dock Spiders!
Love this pic of Anne MacDonald getting into it!!
Craig Evans
Norah Morrison
Author, Lynne Golding! Love this pic!
Blessed to have my sister, Tanya, and my Mum with me at the signing table!
Kelly & Evan flew in from L.A. to be with us! xo
Grandma Giggles Jacqui Morrison and Shelby Christine
Brodie Cooper.
Giving thanks ...
Brodie Cooper and Sandra Manson.
Love Nancy Beal … (sitting next to HMS Surprise at the signing table) xo
Randy Cooper with Sue Turner Fitches.
Linda Todd Hurlbut and Jason Hurlbut.
My precious cousins -- Cathy, Jeanette, Tye, Janet & Clyde! xo
Sue & Bob speaking to Elise Boyer … comparing notes on "Browning Island?"
Tanya & David Bruce Patterson at the Table!
The USS Constitution at the food table!
Annual Muskoka Novel Marathon 2017
The 16th Annual Muskoka Novel Marathon took place at the Active Living Centre in Huntsville July 14 - 17. This was Cheryl's ninth year as a participant. Over $30K was raised for Muskoka Literacy!!
Presentations at Collingwood-Lighthouse Probus Club and Exeter Probus Club
Come
Looking for Me and Second Summer of War
on display on the bookshelves at Veranda, Bracebridge, ON
End of August 2016: Writers' Retreat at Camel Lake, Beatrice, ON
Cheryl packed up the laptop and spent three days at her childhood cottage on Camel Lake with three "writerly" friends where she continued working on Novel #3 -- Run Red With Blood.
Inspiring Morning Views
With Paula, Sasha & Dawn
Cheryl's writing desk
Dawn's desk
August 2016: Halifax & Chester, Nova Scotia
There was no time to visit the museums, but Cheryl enjoyed being by the sea again with family & friends, and sailing on the Halifax Harbour where scenes from Second Summer of War take place. The Historical Properties on the Halifax Waterfront are preserved warehouses that date back to the time of the Napoleonic Wars and War of 1812.
On the Halifax Harbour
The Lower Deck Pub, Historical Properties, Halifax
The Rope Loft (1813), Chester, N.S.
The Fo'c'sle Tavern (1764), Chester, oldest pub in N.S.
May 2016: Muskoka Family Focus Volunteers' Dinner
On the evening of May 12th, Cheryl was the keynote speaker at the Muskoka Family Focus Volunteers' Dinner at the Trillium Spa in Huntsville. Chair Ginny Kernohan thanked Cheryl and had her pick the winning tickets for the door prizes.
April 2016: Central Muskoka Probus Club
Cheryl's second speaking engagement of 2016 was at the Central Muskoka Probus Club. A number of Cheryl's family members were in attendance.
April 3, 2016: Atlantic Cruise
Second Day of Cruising the Atlantic. No heavy seas, grog-laced sailors or enemy sightings ... yet!
April 2, 2016: Atlantic Cruise
Cheryl embarked upon a Transatlantic Cruise, sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to
Southampton, England. It was a wonderful way to study the ever changing moods of the sea.
Events from 2015
Hunters' Bay Radio Interview
Cheryl's final event of the year was an interview at Hunter's Bay Radio.
Interviewer Cheryl Stamper focused her questions to Cheryl on the commercial publication of her two novels; her speaking engagements; her writing routines; and her participation over the years in the Muskoka Novel Marathon.
Thank you, Cheryl, James, Barry & Jeff! It was great fun!
September 28: The Waterford
The picture left is from Cheryl's recent talk at The Waterford in Barrie where topics of discussion included the naval War of 1812 and English words and expressions that originated from life on the sea. Cheryl is standing with: Ray, Betty & Ruth-Ann, avid readers & lovers of historical fiction!
Orillia Probus Club, 2015
This photo was taken after Cheryl's speaking engagement at the Twin Lakes Orillia Probus Club, 2015
Adult Literacy Class, Huntsville
Cheryl with her model of HMS Surprise and an adult literacy class in Huntsville
Muskoka Novel Marathon -July 2015
Cheryl was among the writers participating in the 2015 Muskoka Novel Marathon. The marathon is an annual 72 hour event held during the summer, it's goal is to raise funds and awareness for adult literacy in Huntsville. This year's event raised over $29,000.00. Click here for related article.
Speaking Engagements & Events
The following images are from various speaking engagements and events in 2015 and 2014.
Being thanked by the Brockville Men's Probus Club, 2015
With Dominic & Ray at the Arts & Letters Club, 2014
Speaking at Swan Lake Probus, Markham, 2014
Toronto International Book Fair with author Kim Moritsugu
Speaking at Applewood Men's Probus
Signing Books at Applewood Men's Probus
Toronto Book Launch 2014
The Toronto Launch of Second Summer of War at the home of Lynn Porter-Zechner in Hogg's Hollow on Thursday, May 29, 2014. Old friends, new friends, family members, fabulous venue, great food & drink, and a whole lot of fun!
With good friends, Heather & Mike
With Pj & Scott
Cousin Sandra
Cheryl with her editor, Dominic Farrell
Speeches in the Front Foyer
Randy, Melissa & Matt
Cheryl with her friend Martine
Cheryl with her web designer Kevin & his wife, Kim
Cheryl with friends John & Freda
Martine, Voula & Ian
New Friends!
Sharing a laugh with Hostess Lynn
Muskoka Book Launch 2014
The Muskoka Launch of Cheryl's second novel, Second Summer of War, took place on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at the Kirrie Glen Golf Course Clubhouse in Bracebridge, Ontario. It was hosted by Cheryl's cousins, Janet and Tye Burt.
The Novels. Photo courtesy of E. MacDuff Photography
Auntie Jean MacDuff. Photo courtesy of E. MacDuff Photography
The Crowd. Photo courtesy of E. MacDuff Photography
The Crowd.
With artist Sue Evans
With Dawn MacDonald
With my former students at the end of the day!
With Deb Clarke
Signing Jinny Flye's copy of Second Summer of War
Toronto Book Launch 2010
The Toronto Book Launch of Come Looking for Me was held on November 10, 2010 at Ben McNally's Books, Toronto
Ben McNally's Books, the venue
Cheryl with friends Pj Kwong, Lynn Porter-Zechner & Megan Winstanley
Cheryl with friends Scott & Andrea Cowie
Friends Mary Hynes, Pj Kwong and Gary Williamson
Cheryl signing books for Ryerson students
Patrick Boyer, publisher; Dr. Walter Hannah, Suzanne & Dominic Farrell, Cheryl's editor
Steve & Evelyn Moorhead with Cheryl's parents, Bruce & Marie Evans
Annie and Rosemary Featherstone, Janet MacDuff-Burt and Colleen Anthony
A special moment with author & friend, Dan Dowhal
Muskoka Book Launch 2010
The launch of Come Look for Me was held on October 9, 2010 at Ballymena, the home of Cheryl's parents, on Lake Muskoka. There were over 300 fabulous guests in attendance that afternoon!
The Trio -- Ruth, Neil & Pam
Signing books with Dale Peacock
Guests Jenny, Emily, Shelby, Sydney & Hillary
Patrick Boyer, Publisher, Cheryl's Mom, Cheryl, Cheryl's Dad
Cheryl thanking her guests
Cheryl with cousins: Mac Freeman, Wally Edwards, Kate Freeman, Elinor Freeman
Guests Annie, Hao Wen, Wendy & Ranjit
Caterers Randy & Karen Spencer from "Tall Trees Restaurant" in Huntsville
Some of the fabulous guests in attendance.
July 2016: LMM Museum in Bala, ON
One of Cheryl's favourite and most inspirational authors is Lucy Maud Montgomery, best known for her beloved Anne of Green Gables. Montgomery and her family enjoyed a 1922 summer holiday in Bala, and had their meals at Treelawn, the home that is now the museum. Her novel, The Blue Castle, was written for adults and set in Muskoka.
Sitting on the steps of Treelawn
Cooking in Marilla's kitchen with museum owner, Linda Hutton
Waiting for Matthew at the station
Looking for Gilbert with slate in hand
July 2016: Muskoka Novel Marathon
For the eighth time, Cheryl took part in the Muskoka Novel Marathon in Huntsville, a 72-hour event during which participants pen a novel and raise funds for Muskoka Literacy programs.
