Our Members
Terry Belleville worked for many years as a professional actor in Australia and in Canada. His studies of advertising and marketing ultimately led him to work as Creative Director for BBDO International. He won national and international awards for his work in the industry and as an independent filmmaker. He taught at the Alberta College of Art for six years and was a regular guest lecturer at the University of Calgary. Terry was also President of The Factory Inc., a creative resource for agencies and The Film Factory, a film and television production company.
As a writer he has worked extensively in communication; he has also written plays that have received professional productions; he’s had articles published and completed six screenplays. He is currently working on his fourth novel and a series of short stories. He has always written and always will. He loves visual arts, tennis, working out and cooking. Butter makes everything better. He is a Canadian/Australian citizen. He and his wife, Donna, have two sons and three gorgeous grandsons. It’s a grey day if he doesn’t get to laugh. www.terrybelleville.com 
Treasurer
Richard West is a retired engineer who has resided in NOTL for over 35 years. Richard’s career has taken him to all continents (except Antarctica) and has included a wide range of experiences. Whether it is Dickens, Lawrence or Czerneda – it’s the story they tell that fascinates. He is only an apprentice at writing but the journey is rewarding. Richard has now published four books (see www.amazon.com/author/westr) plus some short stories. Please see www.richardpwest.ca Chair
Eileen Campbell Eileen taught French as a second language for 14 years. After a two-year sabbatical in Paris where she studied culinary arts at the Le Cordon Bleu, her focus changed to food writing, food styling, and recipe development. She recently retired after a 38-year career supporting food service companies in Toronto. She has published two cookbooks with Dietitians of Canada, Simply Great Food and Simplement Délicieux. Her love for murder mysteries inspired her to research toxins that can be added to food. You might want to think twice if she invites you over for dinner! PAUL R. MASSON
Paul is a retired economist who has published a dozen books and scores of articles in various fields of economics. His other writings include articles in sailing magazines and a detective novel, Hamish Cameron Investigates (available on Amazon and Kobo). Hamish, a retired judge, lives in the fictional Nova Scotia town of Ashcroft-by-the-Sea. Paul is currently finishing off a sequel, Deliver Us From Evil. When not writing Paul is sailing, running, or gardening. He and his wife Betsy live in the early 19th-century NOTL home bought by his parents over 50 years ago. paulmassonwebsite.com Amazon author's page ResearchGate 
Patricia Nicholls-Papernick
was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. From childhood she loved writing and painting, but found herself in the business world after graduation. She finally escaped that world, completed art school and became a portrait and landscape artist. Following the death of her mother, she began to write about her mum. With that, her love of writing was rekindled. She published “Annie & Fred,” a biographical novel based on her mother and father spanning over one hundred years. From harsh beginnings, this unlikely love story covers two world wars, survival, heart-filled moments and laughter. Her second novel, 'A Season of Miracles - A Trilogy,' published shortly after, consists of three decidedly different Christmas stories. Both available on amazon.com 
Kathryn Recourt and her husband, Don have lived in NOTL since 2011. She often made up stories; initially for her children, and now her grandchildren. The Sir Archibald stories were born when her grandhildren asked why her rescue dog, Archie, drooled so much. She wanted to put all that drool to literary use! Three books have been published in the Archie series: www.kathyrnrecourt.com. Other stories and genre are partly written, but require time and work. Kathryn's always been an avid reader; and although happy to delve into anything and everything; history is her first love. My husband, Don, and I have lived in Niagara-on-the-Lake since 2011.
I have often made up stories; initially for my children, and now my grandchildren. The Sir Archibald stories were born when my grandchildren asked why our rescue dog, Archie, drooled so much. I really wanted to put all that drool to literary use! Three books have been published in the Archie series (www.kathrynrecourt.com) I also have other stories, and genre, partly written, but they require time and work. I have always been an avid reader; and although happy to delve into anything and everything; history is my first love. |
Randy Klaassen is a freelance writer and owner of “People’s History Publications.” His interest in hearing and helping others tell their stories has evolved from over 30 years of sharing with families as a pastor.
"People's History Publications" writes and records family history projects to articulate the experiences of ordinary people who have lived through extra-ordinary events. Among other works Randy has written and published: Quartermaster Jack: Jack Hunter's Story I Did It My Way: That's Why Nothing Works - Blanche Quinn Story Maxine Ross: Memories of a Dancer PHP publications include: The Cost of Freedom - 2nd Edition, by Madalyn Neufeld Berries, Tickles and Saltwater Ice - Expanded Edition, by Reg Faust Contact: php.notl@gmail.com or see the web site www.phpnotl.com 
Bill Hamilton aka
Drake Spentington I have enjoyed writing since my days at University. I have written various articles for publications in over 30 different careers I have enjoyed. I currently work as a Tour Guide for Taste the Town Tours by day and NOTL Ghostwalks by night. I grew up with the history of Niagara Falls owning 3 daredevil barrels one of which is the famous “Death Barrel” and now am immersed in the history of Niagara on the Lake. I am working on an anthology of poetry representing our yearly holidays entitled “J thru D”. As well I am compiling a series of short stories entitled “Through the eyes of The Stone”. My experience with the Writer’s Circle has been a reawakening of my passion to write. Although my strength has been poetry I am now taking the challenge to write short stories creating mystery through Life’s Experience. My short story "Let me introduce you.." has been published in A Seasonal, Sweet and Suspenseful Anthology. It's available at Amazon.ca. mail to: bstonehamilton@gmail.com Myrtle Burton With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, I’m fond of anything connected with art and the humanities. I am an artist in oil painting, and have done a few portraits upon request. It follows that writing is important to me as well.
During the nineties, I had poems published in two volumes - Forever and a Day and Recollections of Yesterday - for The National Library of Poetry in the United States. A more recent work was a small book published in 2010 - Septet, Mini-Mysteries for All Ages, a group of seven very brief stories. I am working on a book now which describes my unusual life in the tropical rain forest of Guyana. It is a long-term work in progress. I enjoy the Writers Circle for its interesting members, and I feel that Hermine did a fine job for us as our “leader.” Sadly, Myrtle passed away in the summer of 2022. We miss her dearly! 
Membership
Sharon Frayne is a multi year/multi genre winner in our Rising Spirits writing contest. In 2020 and 2019, she won the Best YA Novel in the Muskoka Novel Marathon. A winner of the South Simcoe Short Story Contest, the Phyllis Smallman Award for Great Storytelling, and short listed for the Eden Mills Writers Festival, the NOWW writing contest and the CAA Niagara Poetry Contest. She was the 2018 winner of the Eden Mills Writers Fringe Festival, and a 2018 winner in the CAA Niagara Poetry contest. She's a member of the Canadian Author's Association and The Writer's Union. Caught Between the Walls, Sharon’s ghostly tale of the old Niagara Courthouse and Gaol (1817 -1920) was released in November 2016. Available in NOTL Museums and bookstores and on Amazon. Her prize winning YA novel 'The Sound of a Rainbow' will be released by Latitude 46 Publishing in 2023. fraynesharon.com fraynesharon@gmail.com 
Felix Imonti I moved to Niagara on the Lake in July 2014. Shortly after moving into the house, a neighbour mentioned the Writers' Circle. It was the first time that I joined anything and I must thank the neighbour. I have published a history book, Violent Justice and many articles in the areas of international politics and economics. In spite of the non-fiction writing, my secret desire was to write fiction, but I never really strove to reach the dream. With the inspiration provided by others with the same ambitions, I am working on a collection of essays and a novel. Now, I am determined to turn dream into achievement. Before coming to Niagara on the Lake, I lived in many countries and traveled through many others. I have been involved in investing since the age of sixteen and I suspect that this background is going to influence whatever work I produce. If you want to write, don't think about it. Join people who are doing something about it. That is the first lesson that I have learned in my new home. 
Bryan Minnes
Retired to the Niagara Region following a Toronto based career in Financial Services Management and Entrepreneurship, Bryan has turned to writing as a hobby. He has written some seventy-five short stories. Bryan writes to share the many valuable lessons about life he has experienced, even some taught the hard way. Having been fortunate to live a relatively healthy life and to survive into what many consider The Golden Years; Bryan still lives a life filled with adventure and interesting people to inspire many new stories. He attributes his growth and success as an author to the many amazing fellow writers he has met in support groups such as the Writers Circle. |
Sally Basmajian is an executive escapee from the corporate world of broadcasting. She dabbles in short fiction and memoir pieces, and is working on a beach-worthy chick-lit novel. In 2016, her stories have appeared in The Globe and Mail (Facts & Arguments), Avis Magazine, Slinkchunk Press, Canadian Stories, SQ Mag, and more.
She lives in idyllic Niagara-on-the-Lake with her understanding husband and demanding sheltie.
Here are a few recent links:
Fiction:
beaver-resplendent-by-sally-basmajian/
corporate-witchcraft/
infectiveink.com/?p=2217
Memoir:
theglobeandmail.com my-sadness-over-being-unemployed-turned-my-spa-day-into-a-nightmare
theglobeandmail.com my-sister-still-bears-a-scar-from-my-pint-sized-science-experiment
pureslush.webs.com/notmybirthday.htm
She lives in idyllic Niagara-on-the-Lake with her understanding husband and demanding sheltie.
Here are a few recent links:
Fiction:
beaver-resplendent-by-sally-basmajian/
corporate-witchcraft/
infectiveink.com/?p=2217
Memoir:
theglobeandmail.com my-sadness-over-being-unemployed-turned-my-spa-day-into-a-nightmare
theglobeandmail.com my-sister-still-bears-a-scar-from-my-pint-sized-science-experiment
pureslush.webs.com/notmybirthday.htm
