Meet the Readers

Brad Johnston is a writer living in Bracebridge, Ontario. His work explores how experience changes us, often in ways we do not anticipate or fully understand. Drawing on a background in psychology and a lifelong curiosity about stuttering, singing, creativity, and learning, he is currently writing a narrative non-fiction memoir that begins with a search for fluency and expands into a broader exploration of human change. Part memoir, part citizen science, his writing combines personal stories, observation, and inquiry to investigate a central question: How do experiences change us in ways we never imagined possible? Brad has maintained a daily writing practice for more than twenty years and is a member of the Muskoka Authors Association. mycoherentself.substack.com

Monique Charlton grew up in Treaty Three territory in Northwestern Ontario, not far from a residential school. She arrived in Muskoka in 1996. In 2020, she created Write For Wellness to offer nature-oriented writing workshops. To support her writing practice, she created a nature journal, Seeds: Growing Connection Through Writing. 

Monique enjoys writing short stories and poetry, and has recently written a play. She encourages and supports everyone to write, and to discover the strength within themselves and their connection to others and all nature.  writeforwellness.ca

Catherine McCallum is retired and living with her husband in Baysville, Ontario. Her intensive writing began with the encouragement from her local writing circle in 2023.

Catherine writes poems, short stories, essays, and children’s books, and some have been published in local magazines. Her poem, Like a River, placed second in a Regional Legion Seniors Literary Competition and is part of their 2025 anthology.

Catherine is presently the facilitator of the Baysville Library Writing Circle, a member of the Muskoka Author’s Association and CANSCAIP and author/designer of A Creative’s Journal. She has read her work at Tall Pines Muskoka, shares more of her creative journey on Substack, and her current project is a middle grade children’s novel.

Carrie Schiffler is an author, actor, and artist.

Take it to the Bridge can be found in her memoir, From the Corner of Bad and Ass- True Stories. 

Her first book, Umbilicus, is a collection of poetry with accompanying images provided by her daughter, world renowned artist, Johanna Stickland.

Both of Carrie’s books were published by Durvile Publishing and UpRoute Press. 

She’s currently writing a one man show for her light hearted, enthusiastic alter ego, Marcel!

Between auditioning and booking the occasional role, Schiffler finds solace playing with watercolours. www.cschiffler.bigcartel.com

Wendie Donabie, Author & Artist

If words were paint and paint were poetry, Wendie Donabie would feel right at home. She is a writer, poet, visual artist, and passionate champion of the natural world. Whether she’s crafting vivid prose, creating nature-inspired paintings, or welcoming visitors to her gallery in Bracebridge, creativity is at the heart of everything she does. A Muskoka YWCA Woman of Distinction recipient for Arts and Culture, and Co-Founder of the Muskoka Authors Association, Wendie inspires others through her art, her writing, and her unwavering belief that life in every form is worth celebrating—and protecting.
https://wendiedonabie.com/writing-news/

Beverly Earley is an emerging writer whose work draws on life’s misfortunes, exploring trauma to reveal resilience.

Transitioning from insightful poetry to short stories, she is crafting a novel titled “Stress, Strength, and Survival.” Recently, she delved into dark poetry (an anthology titled Becoming Me) and is expanding a short story into a book (Forgotten Letters) after encouragement from her writing group.

This process has challenged her to incorporate dialogue, which she finds difficult. Beverly continues to grow her writing skills and enjoys the camaraderie of the Muskoka Authors Association, where she thrives on new adventures and experiences in her craft.

Paul Feist, a member of Muskoka Authors Association, has been entertaining since first discovering laughter … around the time the earth was cooling. With many stage and TV appearances under his belt, he began his writing career. Paul’s first novel, “Broken Anchor” was a great success and read by almost nobody with any literary acumen. His column, ‘Feist or Famine’ ran weekly for ten years in the iconic Muskoka Sun newspaper. Humour is always front and centre and his passion is reading these short stories, especially to those in need of a laugh.

Jennifer Wilson is an author, editor, book coach, and business consultant, and she recently launched a writing retreat in Muskoka. After a 17-year career with her family’s homestay business, she now chairs their Board of Directors. Jennifer is a certified Kolbe Consultant and is trained in compassion fatigue. She holds an MBA and an MFA in creative nonfiction. Jennifer’s work has appeared in Zoomer, West Coast Families, Study Travel News, and the Brevity blog. Her first book, The Heart of Homestay: Creating Meaningful Connections When Hosting International Students is an essential resource for any host family, complete with practical tools and expert advice. 
Website: www.jenniferrobinwilson.com