Our Members!
Our pool of talents from across the Shuswap includes writers, authors and poets - published and unpublished, famous and infamous, esteemed and not so esteemed.
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EXECUTIVE MEMBERS AND DIRECTORS 2023 - 2025
President - Ellie McGaughey
Vice-President - Dorothy Rolin
Secretary - Hugh Marchand
Treasurer - Brenda Kilberg
Membership Director(s) - Brenda Kilberg
Webmaster - Ellie McGaughey
Publicity Director - Dorothy Rolin
Coffee House Director(s) - Dorothy Rolin/Brenda Kilberg
Director for Writing Out Loud - Ellie McGaughey
Marketing/Displays - Ellie and Mitch McGaughey
Archiving - Hugh Marchand/Susan Kyle
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MEMBERSHIP -We are in the process of writing up our bio's and having our mugshots done and these are being posted as our procrastinating members ever so slowly get them into our webmaster. If you really want to see what has been posted thus far, scroll down to see our group of inspirational writers.
Members
Judith Benson
Peggy Hogan
Lynda Hooper
Kay Johnston
Brenda Kilberg
Renate Krause
Susan Kyle
Josephine (Jo) Lavallee
Hugh Marchand
Ellie McGaughey
Mitch McGaughey
Monique Pharand
Roselyn Phare
Dorothy Rolin
Susan Shantz
Virginia Smith
Caryn Stroh
Richard Wallace
June Welter
Judith Benson
After teaching for 25 years, Judith and her husband Geoff retired to Salmon Arm, British Columbia. She devotes her time to writing for children and youth, supporting the local writing community, literacy and local nature conservation projects; cooking and attending an adult book club. She joins Geoff to sing with the community choir, study Spanish,travel, hike and camp. For fitness: there's dance, gardening and keeping up with eight grandchildren during their precious time together. She has translated The Noise In Grandma's Attic into Spanish to read in classrooms during her trips with Geoff to the west coast of Mexico.
After teaching for 25 years, Judith and her husband Geoff retired to Salmon Arm, British Columbia. She devotes her time to writing for children and youth, supporting the local writing community, literacy and local nature conservation projects; cooking and attending an adult book club. She joins Geoff to sing with the community choir, study Spanish,travel, hike and camp. For fitness: there's dance, gardening and keeping up with eight grandchildren during their precious time together. She has translated The Noise In Grandma's Attic into Spanish to read in classrooms during her trips with Geoff to the west coast of Mexico.
Peggy Hogan
I was born in Moncton, New Brunswick and raised in Sept-Iles, Quebec. I have also lived in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta, Prince Edward Island, and, for the third time, in British Columbia. I’ve visited the West Indies, South America, and Europe, and every single day, I am amazed by the beauty and variety of Earth.
In 1974, I received a BA in English and Psychology. Ironically, my first job was teaching high school French. There followed a series of diverse and interesting jobs including bilingual telephone dispatcher, insurance office manager, national training coordinator, employment counsellor, and administrative officer at the Prince Edward Island National Park.
During this time, I sang and played guitar in a few bands, and began something I had dreamed of doing since I was a little girl: writing a book. I soon learned that writing could transport me to a state of Zen-like oneness. It’s like, suddenly and momentarily, everything is right with the world, and I become a conduit for the story that the characters must tell.
For a Song, my first published novel, is about a singer who saves the world. It won second place in the adult fiction category of the 34th Atlantic Writing Competition. This win was my stepping-stone to publication in 2014 by Double Dragon. I am thrilled to say that For a Song is now available at the Okanagan Regional Library.
Milo’s Burden followed in 2016. It is about a young boy who inadvertently upsets the forces of Lifefire – a long-forgotten magic. He must learn its secrets and return it to balance before the world unravels.
My most recent novel, Flotsy, released in 2019, completed a trio of books published by Double Dragon. Flotsy has dark, violent visions - visions that foresee the future. Some might call it a gift, but Flotsy calls it a curse.
For more information on my books, please visit www.peggyhoganauthor.com or contact me directly at peggyhoganauthor@hotmail.com
My husband and I recently retired and moved from PEI to beautiful Salmon Arm to be near family. We look forward to exploring the mountains and lakes and forests right outside our door!
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Kay Johnston
Kay has a BA in English Literature from UBC, and a Masters in Counselling Psychology from U. Victoria. She was a counselor at Salmon Arm Senior High School from 1973-1981 when she was seconded by the Attorney General to work with the Provincial Counter Attack Programme, from there she was headhunted to join the Insurance Corporation of B.C. as a Programme Manager. This entailed working on a Provincial Education Advisory Committee, giving training workshops to Teachers, Police, Medical Professionals, Municipalities, as well as developing a provincial Youth Leadership programme.
She has published two books. ‘Spirit of Powwow’, published by Hancock House, which has now sold approximately 3,000 copies.
Her second book, The Amazing Mazie Baker, Squamish Nation’s Warrior Elder, published by Caitlin Press, is a biography, with a Foreword by Senator Pat Carney. It has received excellent reviews and was nominated for a BC Book Prize and for The BC Historical Federation Book Award.
She is a well-respected presenter and workshop leader and has given different types of presentations and writing workshops in England, throughout BC, Alberta, Texas and in the Western United States.
She is a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada, The Federation of BC Writers, Shuswap Writers Group, President of the Shuswap Association of Writers, and Festival Chair for Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival. She is also a Director of the Salmon Arm & District Arts Council Board.
Kay is privileged, and proud, to be an adopted member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Baker family.
She lives on acreage in Salmon Arm, British Columbia with her partner, her Westie and tabby cat.
Kay has a BA in English Literature from UBC, and a Masters in Counselling Psychology from U. Victoria. She was a counselor at Salmon Arm Senior High School from 1973-1981 when she was seconded by the Attorney General to work with the Provincial Counter Attack Programme, from there she was headhunted to join the Insurance Corporation of B.C. as a Programme Manager. This entailed working on a Provincial Education Advisory Committee, giving training workshops to Teachers, Police, Medical Professionals, Municipalities, as well as developing a provincial Youth Leadership programme.
She has published two books. ‘Spirit of Powwow’, published by Hancock House, which has now sold approximately 3,000 copies.
Her second book, The Amazing Mazie Baker, Squamish Nation’s Warrior Elder, published by Caitlin Press, is a biography, with a Foreword by Senator Pat Carney. It has received excellent reviews and was nominated for a BC Book Prize and for The BC Historical Federation Book Award.
She is a well-respected presenter and workshop leader and has given different types of presentations and writing workshops in England, throughout BC, Alberta, Texas and in the Western United States.
She is a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada, The Federation of BC Writers, Shuswap Writers Group, President of the Shuswap Association of Writers, and Festival Chair for Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival. She is also a Director of the Salmon Arm & District Arts Council Board.
Kay is privileged, and proud, to be an adopted member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Baker family.
She lives on acreage in Salmon Arm, British Columbia with her partner, her Westie and tabby cat.
Brenda Kilberg
Brenda has lived in BC for forty years and the last thirty years in Salmon Arm. She set aside her International Travel Consulting career to raise her three boys. She finds writing inspiration from family history, life events and her extensive classroom of global experiences. Brenda has had eight years of piano and a few singing lessons, hoping someday to write her own lyrics and music. She has kept a few journals and enjoys creating Haiku along with free style poetry as well as short non-fiction stories. Brenda feels the Shuswap Writers' Group is giving her a clear direction and motivation to improve her writing skills. She loves her adventures in her VW van, books, music and living a simple life.
Brenda has lived in BC for forty years and the last thirty years in Salmon Arm. She set aside her International Travel Consulting career to raise her three boys. She finds writing inspiration from family history, life events and her extensive classroom of global experiences. Brenda has had eight years of piano and a few singing lessons, hoping someday to write her own lyrics and music. She has kept a few journals and enjoys creating Haiku along with free style poetry as well as short non-fiction stories. Brenda feels the Shuswap Writers' Group is giving her a clear direction and motivation to improve her writing skills. She loves her adventures in her VW van, books, music and living a simple life.
Josephine (Jo) Lavellee
Since the age of six, it was obvious to Josephine (Jo) Lavallee that she was born write poetry, short stories, and longer fictional pieces. Pens, paper, books, apple computers, greeting cards, vintage sealing wax, calligraphy and italic pen and ink, (a collector of fountain pens) were her go to candy in any stationary store.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” is Josephine life-long mantra to live by.
A retired archaeologist, teacher, librarian, massage practitioner, entrepreneur and museum project manager, her background knowledge wiggle their way into her fictional characters bringing them to life in her storytelling.
Volunteering in the creative arts, she is a past president of the Vancouver Island Chapter of the RWA and continues to read and write Romance novels.
Her published work includes a poem in the RMC University Anthology, Heart Mind Wisdom Collection #2, Earth Angel Short Story collection #1, #2 & #3 and BC Kindergarten Curriculum Guide for Correspondence School.
Jo has traveled extensively, including backpacking in Europe and skiing in Switzerland. A fan of various water sports, her favorite thing to do is paddle boarding in Hawaii.
She has a BA in Archaeology from The University of Victoria, and a 5th year Professional Teaching Certificate from University of British Columbia. Josephine is a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist and holds a 4th year massage practitioner certificate in Hawaiian Lomi Lomi.
She lives and writes in Salmon Arm, BC.
Since the age of six, it was obvious to Josephine (Jo) Lavallee that she was born write poetry, short stories, and longer fictional pieces. Pens, paper, books, apple computers, greeting cards, vintage sealing wax, calligraphy and italic pen and ink, (a collector of fountain pens) were her go to candy in any stationary store.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” is Josephine life-long mantra to live by.
A retired archaeologist, teacher, librarian, massage practitioner, entrepreneur and museum project manager, her background knowledge wiggle their way into her fictional characters bringing them to life in her storytelling.
Volunteering in the creative arts, she is a past president of the Vancouver Island Chapter of the RWA and continues to read and write Romance novels.
Her published work includes a poem in the RMC University Anthology, Heart Mind Wisdom Collection #2, Earth Angel Short Story collection #1, #2 & #3 and BC Kindergarten Curriculum Guide for Correspondence School.
Jo has traveled extensively, including backpacking in Europe and skiing in Switzerland. A fan of various water sports, her favorite thing to do is paddle boarding in Hawaii.
She has a BA in Archaeology from The University of Victoria, and a 5th year Professional Teaching Certificate from University of British Columbia. Josephine is a Registered Canadian Reflexology Therapist and holds a 4th year massage practitioner certificate in Hawaiian Lomi Lomi.
She lives and writes in Salmon Arm, BC.
Hugh Marchand - Hugh is new to Salmon Arm, arrived in Canada in our Centennial year and settled in Ontario. There he met his wife and a busy life ensued learning about a new country. A busy life that soon became a noisy one with the arrival, in short order, of three bright but boisterous children, which precluded contemplative pursuits - like writing.
However, as children grew, the decibels decreased and permitted him to start writing something other than management reports. Words began to tumble out of his mind onto page. Success in poetry and short story competitions has punctuated his toiling to complete and publish his first novel. Hugh's published book The Bright One of The Skilful Hand can be purchased on www.amazon.ca available as a paper back or download on Kindle. Hugh's inspiration to write came from his mother, an author in her own right.
However, as children grew, the decibels decreased and permitted him to start writing something other than management reports. Words began to tumble out of his mind onto page. Success in poetry and short story competitions has punctuated his toiling to complete and publish his first novel. Hugh's published book The Bright One of The Skilful Hand can be purchased on www.amazon.ca available as a paper back or download on Kindle. Hugh's inspiration to write came from his mother, an author in her own right.
Ellie McGaughey - Ellie was raised in Calgary, Alberta, lived in the area of Ponoka and Red Deer for many years, then eventually moved to Fort Saskatchewan. She and her husband Mitch, have now happily retired and settled in Salmon Arm. Ellie has published two fiction short stories "A Road Too Steep - Estelle's Story" and her second "Asea, a Journey Told". A third book is in the works.
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Monique Pharand - Monique moved to Salmon Arm in the fall of 2019, to be closer to her family. For the previous 20 years she has been an active member of many organizations in the small community of Dease Lake in northern BC. This included the local Reading Centre, the Lions Club and even the Canadian Rangers (to name a few). Her passion for community involvement continues to call her. Monique's career in education became the perfect way to awaken and encourage creativity in students from Kindergarten to Post Secondary. Inquisitive by nature, she dabbles in the field of Visual Arts, enjoys quilting as well as improv games and treasures spending time outdoors. Monique always enjoys writing.
Roselyn (Rosie)Phare - was born near Prince George in Northern BC. Her family moved to Salmon Arm in 1958 and are long time residents. Her father was Canadian and grew up in Medicine Hat AB. Her mother Denise Eckstadt, came to Canada as a war bride from London, England and was also a member of Shuswap Writers' Group for many years.
Roselyn enjoyed English in school and after completion her mother encouraged her to continue writing short stories and poems. She found work at a law office and pursued a career as a Legal Assistant. Roselyn feels Shuswap Writers' Group has been supportive and encouraging and feels it is a privilege to be part of the group where she's made new friends with similar interests. She has had several articles and poems published in the local papers over the years and is enjoying retirement. Currently she is working on writing stories of several travel adventures and family memories. Roselyn is also planning on writing an Anthology as a legacy for her children and grandchildren.
Roselyn enjoyed English in school and after completion her mother encouraged her to continue writing short stories and poems. She found work at a law office and pursued a career as a Legal Assistant. Roselyn feels Shuswap Writers' Group has been supportive and encouraging and feels it is a privilege to be part of the group where she's made new friends with similar interests. She has had several articles and poems published in the local papers over the years and is enjoying retirement. Currently she is working on writing stories of several travel adventures and family memories. Roselyn is also planning on writing an Anthology as a legacy for her children and grandchildren.
Dorothy Rolin
Dorothy has lived in Salmon Arm for the past 40 years. In that time, she has helped found the Shuswap Writers' Group (1989) and has been a member for its duration. She has emceed many Shuswap Writers' Coffee Houses and been an active and supportive member of the Shuswap Association of Writers. She is a past President of the local Historical Society and Shuswap Writers' Group. She writes fiction, non-fiction and poetry, but her love of the written word lies in the non-fiction genre. Dorothy has published work in many anthologies, a chap book, and has written articles for the Okanagan Historical Society. Her garden is her sanctuary where she finds inspiration for her art and writing. Richard Wallace
Richard was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, in 1943. As a child he lived in small villages, attended one room schools until he was fourteen years old and finished his schooling in Bridgewater. He moved to British Columbia in 1963. He has lived in Kitimat, Hazelton and Kelowna and except for a few short years he has lived in Armstrong with his wife and family since 1976. Richard has been a policeman, a farmer, a fork lift operator at Valley Tool in Enderby and a vinyl siding applicator. Among other jobs along the way he has built fences, picked apples, pruned trees and skinned out cattle. Richard became a member of SWG in the spring of 2012. Since that time he has published three short stories in the form of Chap Books, a book of poetry and short stories (More Truth Than Fiction) and a book of poetry called Think About It. Richard has had poems and short stories published in the Orkney News and also poems published in several soft and hard cover editions of ‘Anthology of Creative Writing’ produced by the Poetry Institute of Canada, Victoria, B.C. 
June Welter
I am soon to be 92. I was born in Regina, adopted at age 3 and spent my youth in Swift Current. SK. Moved to Calgary and was married there. Later we retired and moved to St. Ives where we lived for 30years. We moved to Salmon Arm when my husband, Gus took ill. He died on February 24th, 2022 and I moved to be Sidney. B.C. in July 2023 to be close to my family. I guess I started writing in school but I didn't do anything serious until I retired. When we moved to St .Ives in 1987 I wrote a play called "Eye Witness." It was performed at the Lakeview Centre in Anglemont, B.C. I joined SPLATT (Seniors Playing Live at the Theatre) in Blind Bay and wrote a Radio Play called "Losing It." It was performed at a venue there. (I forget the name???) I also wrote and had printed a short story called "Caught in the Act" for B.C. Women's magazine (now defunct). When we moved to Salmon Arm in 2017, I joined the Shuswap Theatre and also SWG. I have written several scripts, poems and stories through their auspices. Many of which have been read on The Voice of the Shuswap. Now I do some writing here at Shoal Centre strictly for entertainment at functions and I have continued my affiliation with SWG. |
