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The eldest child of “Displaced Persons” in the aftermath of WW2, Gabriele Wills was born in former army barracks in Germany. Her family emigrated to Canada when she was three, and she grew up in the small town of Lindsay, Ontario, where her brother was born. Read a more detailed description on her blog. After graduating from the University of Toronto with an Honours B.Sc. in Psychology and Sociology, and a B. Ed., she had a varied career as an educator, literacy coordinator, and website designer. She’s been an active community volunteer, particularly in heritage preservation and the arts. In some of those roles, she wrote numerous newspaper articles detailing historic buildings and local history. She also produced an award-nominated feature on CBC Radio. But writing fiction has always been her passion. Her first short story appeared in the Canadian Authors Association Winners' Circle 5 Anthology. Gabriele loves to recreate an era in which she can immerse herself (and readers), by weaving compelling stories around meticulously researched facts. Her characters are best friends, whom others are now calling "cherished friends". She’s also thrilled that readers consider her novels enlightening as well as entertaining. Her first novel, A Place to Call Home, was inspired by the rich but neglected social history of her hometown, and pays homage to the indomitable pioneers who carved thriving communities out of the inhospitable backwoods of early Canada. Her “Muskoka Novels” sprang from her love for that magical land of granite, pine, and water, which speaks to her soul. She’s also fascinated by the era, and the contrasts between the genteel, pre-war years and one of the most turbulent times in modern history - a time when an entire generation was “lost”, and Canada earned its nationhood on the world stage. Gabriele is married to her university sweetheart, and has a talented daughter who is a scientist, award-winning author and photographer, and documentary filmmaker. Gabriele and her daughter have co-authored an historical Middle Grade novel, which is seeking a publisher. Gabriele is always delighted to hear from readers. Contact her via Email: info@mindshadows.com Online interviews with Gabriele can be found on these sites: Teddy Rose Book Reviews In Conversation with Bee Lindy No Wasted Ink J.A. Beard's Unnecessary Musings |
The Muskoka Novels | About the Author |