Cheryl Kaye Tardif Nominated for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award

Edmonton, AB (November 15th, 2004) ~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif, an Edmonton author, has been nominated by Lauren Willes, a supporter of the author’s work, for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award. Tardif’s recent mystery thriller, Divine Intervention, is being compared to J.D. Robb’s ’In Death’ series and has given Tardif the title of the “Canadian J.D. Robb”. Last year’s hit, Whale Song, is an emotional story that deals with racism, bullying, tragedy and memory loss, and has captured the interest of a Canadian film producer.

Willes states: “I am nominating Ms. Tardif…because of her contribution to arts in Alberta through her authorship of two successful fiction novels, Whale Song and Divine Intervention. The subject matter and quality of writing of Ms. Tardif appeals to our youth of today, not only in Alberta, but across the country. Ms. Tardif has demonstrated the unique talent of creating both compassionate and intriguing characters set in relevant and present-day Canadian settings. Catching the attention and interest of Alberta’s youth in fictional novels in Canadian settings, Ms. Tardif writes with international flare.”

Tardif’s reaction to the nomination was a mix of surprise and gratefulness. “The nomination is one thing, but (Willes’) words are truly appreciated.”

Tardif is an avid supporter of literacy in youth. Last June, she visited Coloniale Estates School in Beaumont to surprise a teen fan who had emailed her. “The best event of my summer!” Tardif states. Her novels are multi-generational--for any age, male or female, and are available locally at most bookstores, and online through Trafford, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Indigo.

MLA Gene Zwozdesky and Paul Pearson, the Writing and Publishing Consultant for Alberta Community Development, have invited Tardif to meet and discuss the needs of Alberta writers. A proud member of Crime Writers of Canada and Alberta Writers Guild, Tardif is collecting letters from other members to “arm” herself with information for this meeting. Tardif is a staunch supporter of Canadian authors utilizing Canada’s publishing resources and “keeping it Canadian”.

In the meantime, Tardif is honored to be nominated for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award. The awards program celebrates “excellence in the arts” and recognizes “outstanding achievement in the arts by Albertans or significant contribution to the arts in Alberta”.

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Cheryl Tardif

Author

Imajin Creations

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