This beauty is available to view / purchase this weekend until the end of June, 2023. As a member-artist, I am pleased to have been invited to be part of this group art show and sale.

Back in December 2022, I did a book talk about my short story collection Took You So Long for Bruce County Public Library at the Chesley branch library. The video is back from editing and is now available on YouTube. Check it out right here. Let me know your thoughts about the video by leaving a comment.

A lot has happened since the release of my debut short story collection Took You So Long.

I attended a number of author events last fall including but not limited to:

• special events such as the 125th Anniversary of Victoria Jubilee Hall in Walkerton
• book talks at libraries
• retired teacher luncheons and book signings
• multi-author events like one in Hamilton attended by ten authors!
• the making of a book trailer (thank you Jenni Welsh)

Here is your opportunity to view the book’s trailer.

Check out my personal and professional Facebook pages to learn about upcoming book events scheduled for a location near you. If you want to arrange a book event, just contact me by using the CONTACT FORM on my website, through email or through Facebook.

If I were to ask a younger version of myself how she feels about what is happening in my life as I approach my 65th birthday, that youngster would say she doesn’t believe that I wrote a book, never mind launched it, had a book trailer made, did a reading at Victoria Jubilee Hall in Walkerton, and presented the book in the company of nine other authors at the Staircase Theatre in Hamilton. Pinch me!

I’m thrilled to be reading from my debut short story collection, ”Took You So Long,” and participating in a Q&A at Walkerton Public Library from 3-4 on October 20. Hope to see you there.

What an exciting time it has been. I recently received a parcel from the publisher of Took You So Long. Inside was an advance, the contract, some marketing tips, a publisher’s gift, and twenty copies of the book. I was SO excited to open the box. There are few times when I’ve been so emotional. Holding my very own debut collection of stories was akin to saying “I do” to John and holding our three children for the first time. Okay, okay, becoming a grandmother was right up there, too.

Now my ‘book baby’ has been released to the world. The serious nail-biting can begin.

This is the scrumptious cover.

The book can be acquired through the publisher, through your independent booksellers, online or by contacting me.

Thank you so much for your support.

Launch Party Announcement!

Where: Mill Pond Gallery and Bookstore, Cargill Ontario

When: Friday July 1

Time: 2 p.m.

Debut Contemporary Literary Short Story Collection

by C. I. Matthews

In 7 weeks my short story collection will be released. Since early April Stephanie Small, the editor at The Porcupine’s Quill, has been working through the story edits with me. It’s an involved process that demands computer savvy, patience and flexibility. From my point of view, it is going well. Stephanie has had to hold my hand throughout because it’s my first time doing this. I’ve appreciated her professionalism and calm approach.

I’m so excited to release this book to you, dear reader. I hope you enjoy every story as much as I did creating them for you.

Click on the book’s cover below to learn how to order a copy.

Kevin and Sue, the folks who recently opened The Mill Pond Gallery in Cargill, have been so good and welcoming to local artists. In the summer of 2021, a successful group show and sale ran from early July to early August. In mid-November 2021 to December 24, 2021, another group art sale and show will be up and running. Thank you Kevin and Sue for your vision and appreciation for the arts.