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

    /24-7PressRelease.com/ - 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 is the author of two novels featuring Canadian characters and locales. Her 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 even captured the interest of a Canadian film producer. Writing something that affects a reader emotionally is the key to Tardif's success. "Whale Song has made grown men cry," Tardif admits.

On her nomination form, Willes states: “I am nominating Ms. Tardif for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award 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's) words are truly appreciated."

The author has visited local schools and 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. Her books are sold in Canada and the US, and she has even had customers from Bermuda and Japan. Tardif's novels are available locally at most Chapters, Coles, Smithbooks, Indigo and Greenwood's bookstores. They are also available online through Trafford, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Indigo.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif has been invited by MLA Gene Zwozdesky and Paul Pearson, the Writing and Publishing Consultant for Alberta Community Development, 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".

She will be appearing at Indigo (South Common, Edmonton) for their Friends & Family Day on November 21st from noon to 4:00 PM. She will also be reading from both novels at Word For Word, a special event at the South Point Chapters on December 4th. Tardif's sales are among the highest for a local author, according to many bookstore managers. The author has a list of other events on her website and will be appearing at Chapters, Coles and Indigo stores between now and December 19th.

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". Any Albertan can nominate anyone whom they feel has "achieved excellence in the arts".

"Alberta has one of the strongest arts communities in Canada. This awards program is designed to recognize that fact and to further encourage Alberta artists.” -- The Honourable Dr. Lois E. Hole, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.

An Awards Gala will be held at the Banff Centre on Saturday, April 16, 2005. Up to three recipients of the award will receive $30,000, a medallion, pin and framed citation and, where appropriate, a residency at The Banff Centre Leighton Artists Colony. For more information and to nominate an Alberta artist/writer, visit http://www.albertartsawards.shawbiz.ca.

For more information on Cheryl Kaye Tardif, visit http://www.cherylktardif.com.

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