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Celebrating Canadian Independent Bookstore Day at Sunworks Living where my book’s journey began in 2015! Here’s to all the indie bookstores we’ve met along the way!

If this is your first newsletter, welcome! If we’re reconnecting after a long spell, welcome back!

It was a proud moment for “Separation Anxiety” winning a Gold Legacy Award from the Independent Publishers of New England.

One of my favourite writing workshops! It was great to be in Lacombe again in the Fall – a perfect time of year to gather memories into stories.

The opportunity to work with author Ali Bryan @alikbryan in the Writers’ Guild of Alberta Mentorship Program over the past months has been the most amazing ride.

One of my perennial favourites! We let the seeds of story inspire us at my Gratitude Garden writeshop at the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre. We are ready for our garden centre visits this spring!

Thanks to Mark Weber at Lacombe Express for this feature article. I am grateful for our local newspapers that work hard to connect us as a community!

This is going to be epic! The opportunity to work with author Ali Bryan in the Writers’ Guild of Alberta Mentorship Program.

Imagine! A favourite Christmas sweet with a story baked right in!I loved teaching this “Gift of Story” workshop at the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre.

It’s a long and winding road that leads from manuscript to book. I shared my adventure with authors Doreen Vanderstoop, Lori Hahnel and Maryke Schouten at Shelf Life Books in Calgary.

Red Deer Polytechnic is proudly offering its Series Summer Art Workshops and I am thrilled to be part of it. I offered my 5-day “Write Where You Are” writeshop and one-day “taster” Memoir-Lite.

Kim and I reprised our shared book event at Galiano Library on Sunday, November 6. Here’s to the power of books and the mother who connects us.

We wrote, we created, we celebrated. Thanks to this wonderful group of writers and Red Deer Polytechnic Series Summer Arts School. See you next year!​

It’s been sixteen years since my father, George Campbell, passed away. A natural storyteller, Dad would often share his memories of growing up in a small town in southern Saskatchewan. Recently, I was thrilled to find his written words in this book of Whitewood community history . . .

Can’t let May slip away without mentioning this special evening of May 4th. Celebrating Kim Gunning-Mooney‘s memoir and sharing a motherlode of stories in-person, at-a-bookstore, with family and friends. Laughter and tears and hugs all around.

In this writeshop we planted words on the page to create a “garden” of memories. Some may even plant a real garden inspired by these relationships!

It’s been seven years since my book Separation Anxiety was released. So grateful to these Canadian Independent Booksellers who hosted my in-person readings and promoted my book!

For almost 40 years Red Deer Polytechnic has proudly offered its Series Summer Arts School. This year I offered my a 5-day writeshop “Write Where You Are” and a one-day taster “Memoir Lite.”

Writers On Fire hosted “Rejuvenate Your Creativity” a day of inspiring workshops. I was interviewed by Nikki Tate, creator of the Community, about writing memoir.

When Separation Anxiety first went out into the world in 2015, I couldn’t have predicted that six months later I would receive a letter, my name handwritten on the string-tie envelope and a return address I didn’t recognize.

Sophie writes: Lockdown has been difficult but it has also been a time of reflection. I am constantly thankful I always have a harp by my side.

June is the time of year when I head outdoors to write my summer newsletter. From my patio, 2020 looks the same but so much has changed with the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 may look the same from my patio but so much has changed with COVID-19. Which inspired me ask my followers for their stories of how they’ve coped since March.

Zoomed into this book club in Stoughton, SK. Loved spending time with this group of baby-boomers, Gen-Xrs, & Millennials at The Crossroads of Friendship!​

It was an honour to be invited to this virtual book club in Whitehorse. Six friends connected from their homes to discuss my book but it’s their stories that I will remember.

On a cold afternoon in January, I met Carl Hahn at Red Deer’s Meeting Waters Cafe. We settled in front of the fireplace for a warm conversation about writing, life and the writer’s life.

Honouring my maternal grandfather Trevor G. Willis who served from 1915-18, I toured the WWI memorials of France and Belgium.

The Book Club Jamboree was an epic success! Five book-smart panelists and twelve book clubs from Central Alberta shared their shelf-awareness and novel ideas with an audience of 80 avid readers.

Time flies between newsletters! As I’m writing this, it occurs to me that I am sitting in the exact same spot I was last June at newsletter time.

Sharing my stories in Separation Anxiety helped readers know they weren’t alone. Readers sharing their words with me calmed my anxiety of “what will people think?” Thank you, gentle readers, for these past four years!

For almost 40 years Red Deer College has proudly offered its Series Summer Arts School, and I was thrilled to be part of it, offering my 5-day “Writing a Gift of Story” and 1-day “Memoir-abilia.”

On Friday, March 29th from 2:30-4:00pm, I joined the Fish Creek Library Book Discussion Group to get together with Separation Anxiety. My thanks to Fish Creek Library for extending the invitation!

Hello book-loving friends of Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and everywhere in between. We enjoyed readings by local authors while sipping warm beverages.

My thanks to book club organizer Maryon of Rocky Mountain House for choosing Separation Anxiety as their book for October, and extending the invitation for me to participate with them online!

Hello and welcome to new subscribers! Here’s to summer! Warm sun, blue skies, green grass, bright flowers. It’s time to take this newsletter outside.

It was an honour to speak at the annual ALC held at the historic Jasper Park Lodge. 800 attendees chose from 50 sessions of keynotes, author talks, discussion panels, and workshops.

The Calgary Young Writers Conference: a magical convergence of 1200 students in grades 4-8 with 40+ authors offering an array of workshops at Robert Thirsk High School. Both the view and the day were inspiring!

I was honoured to read at the The Bra Lounge in Red Deer for their #ReadfortheCure event in support of cancer research. Always excited to take my Midge Doll and Nancy Drew books out for an evening.

I was pleased to be among the authors and featured speakers at the 2018 Alberta Library Conference in Jasper.

I guest-hosted their Book Club and read from Separation Anxiety. My thanks to the organizer Rosemary Griebel for extending the invitation!

On January 30 I presented a talk for people interested in memoir, and possibly writing their own stories for publication. I was pleased to share the stage with author Lori M. Feldberg from Wetaskiwin, Alberta.

One thing that I’ve realized after all the writing workshops, retreats, conferences and courses I’ve been to across Canada is how supportive this writing community can be. I’ve dug up this photo from the 2003 Sage Hill Writing Experience in Lumsden, Saskatchewan

I’ve been feeling wistful and nostalgic for Christmases past — not so much the ghost as the spirit — which seemed gentler in my 1960s childhood, as we waited for the gradual arrival of Christmas at Chinook Centre.

Following the success of my book table on Heritage Day last August, the folks at Calgary Farmers’ Market invited me back on Thursday December 21, one of the last hectic shopping days before Christmas. My “Featured Artist” location at the market’s north entrance shared space with a coffee station/seating area. […]

What is your favourite Christmas treat? Is it that shortbread or that pan of buttery almond roca? Chances are your favourite Christmas sweet has a story baked right in!

This Fall, I’ve continued work on my next book project. The work is still in a “sketching” phase, but remains firmly rooted in family stories and the Canadian prairies.

It was an honour and a pleasure to meet Cea Sunrise Person in person (!) and host her reading at STARFest, St. Albert Reader’s Festival.

Warm words and weather at the 2017 Whistler Writers Festival! Founded in Stella Harvey’s living room 16 years ago, it remains a warm and welcoming celebration Canadian writers.

I dropped into the launch of “Dropout: How School is Failing our Kids” by Leslie Gavel at Calgary’s Memorial Park Library. It was a memorable evening worth blogging about.

I was so excited to be flying to the Whistler Writers Festival that I almost didn’t a plane! A wonderful celebration of Canadian writers in this magical mountain setting.

Word on the Street 2017 welcomed over fifty authors and exhibitors in its new location on historic Broadway Avenue. Great table talk with so many friendly Saskatonians.

I dropped into the launch of Dropout: How School Is Failing Our Kids (and What We Can Do about It) by writer Leslie Gavel at Calgary’s Memorial Park Library on Thursday, September 7th. A warm and memorable event, it inspired me to write this blog: The First Launch is the Sweetest.

I celebrated the Heritage Day weekend with a Separation Anxiety book table at the Calgary Farmers’ Market. I was captivated by the color and energy of the place.

With summer approaching,  it seemed an ideal time to update the site and give you an opportunity to browse the new content – posts and pictures.

Spent a warm and wonderful afternoon at the Didsbury Municipal Library offering my Gratitude Garden Writeshop. Seeds of story were planted and gardening wisdom was shared.

It was an honour to spend time with Trinity residents for their “Arts Alive” event. Some arrived with memories to pour on the page — and some arrived already published!

Had a hoot at this Owl’s Nest Books gathering for “Writing in the Works” (WITWorks). The words, wine, and florentines were flowing. Owl’s Nest host and emcee Sarah Johnson kept us readers in line and on time!

These are a few of my favourite things: talking and writing with kids who love to “hang out on the page.” Kudos to those teachers who spent Saturday with their over-the-moon excited students!

Spring never comes to Alberta in February! Which is why I was so excited to be doing some island-hopping with Separation Anxiety in BC in February. Thanks to everyone who attended and made it such a success!

Spring never comes to Alberta in February! Which is why I was so excited to be doing some island-hopping with Separation Anxiety in BC in February. Salt Spring residents were already out in their gardens but a few took a break to come visit me at the library!

Spring never comes to Alberta in February! Which is why I was so excited to be doing some island-hopping with Separation Anxiety in BC in February. Friendly library gatherings followed by wine are always warm!

Spring never comes to Alberta in February! Which is why I was so excited to be doing some island-hopping with Separation Anxiety in BC this past February. First stop: Galiano Island and a Writeshop.

I enjoyed this invitation to talk about the journey of writing Separation Anxiety with interviewer Charlene Jones, author, poet and meditation teacher. Listen to the full interview here.

Spring never comes to Alberta in February. Which is why I was excited to be doing some island-hopping with Separation Anxiety in BC in February.

Write in time for Christmas! It was a dark and freezing December night (-35°F) but inside Second Cup Café, warm memories and stories were shared.

Article published in the Red Deer Express, December 14, 2016. Link to full online article inside.

I was over-the (harvest)-moon excited when Separation Anxiety was shortlisted for an inaugural Whistler Independent Book Award in the non-fiction category. Winners were announced the same dates (darn it!) that I was 9000 kilometers away in China.

Filling Station Magazine’s Flywheel Reading Series is a free monthly event featuring emerging and established writers of all kinds of literature. Terrific community support!

I was over-the-moon when Separation Anxiety was shortlisted for a Whistler Independent Book Award in the non-fiction category. Winners were announced on the same dates (darn it!) I was 9000 kilometers away in China.

The inaugural awards recognizing self-published Canadian authors were announced at the 15th Whistler Writers Festival. Separation Anxiety took first place in the non-fiction category!

I enjoyed hanging out at Words in the (Sherwood) Park celebrating Alberta Culture Days.

The non-profit The Word On The Street celebrates Canadian reading, writing, and champions literacy primarily through a free, annual outdoor festival.

I love Winnipeg! Not only does it have history, art, culture and great restaurants, it has the most wonderful independent bookstore that celebrates words and writers from across Canada!

I was invited to the historic Frances Morrison Central Library for a reading and book signing on a lovely June evening. I spent the afternoon in their Local History Room digging up details for my new writing adventure.

It’s been over a year since Separation Anxiety: A Coming of Middle Age Story was released. Here’s a look back at the  amazing journey this has been. 

I was honoured to be part of this dynamic and worthwhile event for women that builds awareness and understanding of mental wellness. Hosted by CMHA Kelowna.

On a warm spring afternoon in May, I led this Jane’s Walk down the memory lanes and streets of Kingsland. A wistful and nostalgic wander.

Books make the best gifts for Mother’s Day. I was impressed with Signal Hill Indigo Books and their support of local authors!

Wine and words: a perfect pairing. We celebrated local authors and not-so-local wine at En Vino Novellus  at Canmore’s Rose&Crown Restaurant and Pub.

Reader’s Digest was our family magazine. While there were other magazines in the house, Reader’s Digest was the one magazine we could share: that magical sampler of the best bits of grown-up books and periodicals.

Reader’s Digest excerpt from Separation Anxiety entitled: Here I Go Again on My Own, published March 2016. Full article inside.

We enjoyed some rants from the past at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club in the Elbow River Casino. Thanks to the “Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids” for organizing the evening, and all the other grownup readers and audience.

Fifteen years ago, I decided to take myself up on my lifelong dream to be a writer. A writer for life. A life writer. I cleared off my kitchen table, assembled my tools and talismans for writing, sat down and waited for the words to come.

Thrilled to be reading at the new Timberlands Branch of the Red Deer Public Library. Sharing a gift of story this Christmas!

Featured article published in the Red Deer Advocate on Nov 30 2015.

On Saturday November 21 at 2:00pm I read at the Fish Creek Branch of the Calgary Public Library. Books were available for purchase, courtesy of Owl’s Nest Books.

On Saturday, November 14th, friends & family got together with Separation Anxiety at Mahony & Sons Public House, Stamps Landing, Vancouver.

On Friday November 13 at 7pm I was reading at Mulberry Bush Books.

It was a cold and rainy night, but there was a warm welcome from friends old and new at the Courtenay Library.

Welcome to the “Femme-Memoir Hour” at Edmonton’s LitFest. I was honoured to be part of this panel discussion.

You can read the review of Separation Anxiety, and countless others, on the “So Misguided” blog.

It’s been a few months since Separation Anxiety: A Coming of Middle Age Story nudged itself onto real and virtual bookstore shelves. What an amazing time it has been for me, crisscrossing Canada to spread the word(s).

Celebrating Alberta Culture Days at the Penhold Library. Shout out to Penhold’s amazing library staff – and libraries everywhere. Read Local!

Part of the fun of this book has been sharing it with my teaching colleagues. These photos show their studious yet silly selves.

When I heard bestselling Australian author Brooke Davis was going to be in Olds reading from her latest book Lost and Found, I zoomed down the highway to meet her.

Listen to the complete Separation Anxiety Book Review; CBC Radio One, “The Homestretch,” air date August 31, 2015.

An Ordinary Life, in Focus – Vancouver Sun Interview Q & A, published August 1, 2015

I enjoyed meeting friends old and new at my book signing at McNally Robinson Books in Saskatoon.

It’s inspiring — and calming — to read at events with other authors. Reading at Shelf Life Books with Trisha Cull and her memoir Death of Small Creatures was so fun that we decided to share a book event in her hometown of  Victoria!

This has been my go-to bookstore in Kelowna for over 20 years. It seemed only fitting that I bring my book by for a visit!

Listen to my interview with hosts Kate Wheeler and Christine Bentley about how I veered off the teaching path to become a writer – and many other things in the book!

Landed on Story Planet to share their “universe of story making” with students. Out of this world!

Went to Toronto in June to celebrate with friends and supporters on this writing journey, along with the Dream Team who helped create the book and the buzz.

Happy to visit Café Books where I was all set up for sidewalk sales. The best bookstore in the Bow Valley. So supportive of local artists!

Separation Anxiety Book Review; CBC Radio One, “The Homestretch.”

No book launch is complete without a stop at Audrey’s Books in Edmonton. Caught up with my past there, too!

Owl’s Nest Books was the perfect place for my Calgary book launch, practically in the neighbourhood where I grew up.

It was fitting that my first book launch event was at Sunworks in Red Deer. I began writing Separation Anxiety in a little writing studio above the store in 2004. This evening felt like a homecoming!

I am proud to announce that Separation Anxiety: A Coming of Middle Age Story has been officially released in bookstores, online and in e-book formats!

I took part in the Sunday Market in Old Town La Quinta to spread the word about my soon-to-be-released book. Met several avid readers from Alberta on this beautiful morning.

The woman in this book is not famous. The events of her life are not tragic. The setting is not exotic. This is an ordinary story. Which makes it an extraordinary memoir.

It was a sunny day in November when I first held the book in my shaking hands. A congenial delivery truck driver wheeled boxes into the garage as my husband recorded the moment.