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Photo of Cheryl Archer

Cheryl Archer

Author

Cochrane, Alberta
Email: cherylwrites@shaw.ca

Biography

Cheryl was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on a cold, snowy day in 1958. She grew up with two brothers, a sister, and a house full of pets, books and her mother's art work. During summers, Cheryl and her family camped across Canada, canoeing, hiking, swimming and sight-seeing. As a child, she dreamed of becoming either a teacher or a writer--she loved to read as well as "play" school. However, her studies at the University of Manitoba led her into the Faculty of Science where she honoured in Zoology. This eventually led to a ten-year-long career as a Park Naturalist (in National as well as Provincial Parks) where Cheryl was able to combine her many interests: teach park visitors about nature, and write park brochures, trail guides and text for trail signs. During this time, she also pursued an Education Degree, enjoying courses in children's/young adult literature and creative writing.

When Cheryl's children were born in the late 1980's, she retired from Birds Hill Park to be at home with her kids and to pursue a career in writing. She also worked as the Manitoba Officer for the Canadian Children's Book Centre for ten years, touring more than 35 authors/illustrators throughout the province as well as serving on many committees that promoted Canadian Children's Literature.

Currently, Cheryl is living next to the Rocky Mountains in Cochrane, Alberta where she plans to write full-time and assist with the family business. Her children, now teenagers, continue to keep her busy. She also reviews children's books for Canadian Materials (an on-line review journal). New hobbies include down-hill skiing and golf; favourite past-time continues to be reading.

Published Works

Wishing on the Mouse a short story in the anthology Opening Tricks by Thistledown Press, 1997.
Snow Watch, Kids Can Press, 1994. (Non-Fiction)

Awards

"Snow Watch" was a *Starred Selection* in the Canadian Children's Book Centre's "Our Choice" Guide in 1995.

Other Memberships

The Writers Guild of Alberta, The Manitoba Writers' Guild, and The Canadian Children's Book Centre.

Available For

School/library visits and author readings.