Category Archives: Guelph

Loving My Chatty Matty Coffee

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

“Light and mellow…nutty with a caramel finish.”

This delightful blend of lightly roasted and dark roasted beans is one of many options at Planet Bean, a Guelph roastery that carries certified fair trade and organic gourmet coffees.

Like many Guelphites, I’m impressed and inspired by Planet Bean’s vision and mission to create the best-tasting coffee. Their innovative business model measures success in financial terms and in their ability to advance organic production and improve the planet’s health.

Continue reading on the Soul Mate Authors blog.

Kick-Off Party for Guelph #NaNoWriMo

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

Yesterday evening, I joined a lively group of writers from Guelph, Milton, and Wellington County for the Kick-Off Party at Fionn MacCool’s, an Irish pub at the south end of the city. We chatted about our NaNoWriMo projects, careers, and writing journeys.

We write in several genres, among them science fiction, romance, fantasy, women’s fiction, and mystic realism.

Special thanks to Cindy Carroll, our M.L. (Municipal Liaison) for the Guelph/Wellington region. We appreciate and look forward to the treats in our gift bags. You can find out more about Guelph NaNoWriMo here.

ONWARD ♦ AVANTI ♦ EN AVANT ♦ WEITER ♦ ADELANTE

CWC Author Event – Guelph Public Library

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

L-R: Alison Bruce, Lauren Nesbitt-Baggerman, Joanne Guidoccio, Maggie Petru, Pamela Blance

Yesterday, I participated in a lively panel discussion with four mystery writers at the main branch of the Guelph Public Library. We are all published authors and members of Crime Writers of Canada.

The ninety minutes flew by as we discussed our respective genres and sub-genres (cozy, thriller, romantic suspense, historical mystery). We also answered questions about our writing processes, researching, editing, and promotion.

Thanks to librarians Andrea Curtis and Jen Lisso for organizing and facilitating this event.


TCIO Party For Guelph #NaNoWriMo

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

nanowrimocrestYesterday evening, I joined ten other NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) participants at Fionn MacCool’s in south Guelph for our TCIO (Thank Chuck It’s Over) party.

A diverse group, we hail from Guelph, Milton, Kitchener, and Wellington County.

Thanks to our M.L. Cindy Carroll for organizing and motivating us throughout the month.

My final stats…54,652 words with an average of 1,822 words per day.



Kick-Off Party for Guelph #NaNoWriMo

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

Yesterday evening, I joined a lively group of Guelph, Kitchener, Milton, and Fergus WriMos for the Kick-Off Party at Fionn MacCool’s, an Irish pub at the south end of the city. We chatted about our book descriptions and previous NaNoWriMo journeys.

We write in several genres, among them mystery, thriller, fantasy, science fiction, horror, romance, women’s fiction, Young Adult, and memoir. Special thanks to Cindy Carroll, our M.L. (Municipal Liaison) for the Guelph/Wellington region. You can find out more about Guelph NaNoWriMo here.

ONWARD ♦ AVANTI ♦ EN AVANT ♦ WEITER ♦ ADELANTE


A Writer’s Life

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

Yesterday evening, I returned to the Guelph Public Library (Westminster Square Branch) to lead a discussion on the creative life with a lively group of writers and wannabe writers, who braved the cold, blustery temperatures. I shared my experiences and advice on finding inspiration, establishing daily rituals, dealing with writer’s block, and getting published.

I was impressed by the depth and breadth of questions and comments. The group was a diverse one with interests in writing poetry, fiction, memoirs, and self-help books.

Thanks to librarians Karen Cafarella and Deb Quaile for organizing and facilitating this event.

L-R: Erin El Masry, Joanne Guidoccio, Deb Quaile, Karen Cafarella



At the Creative Spark Winter Market in Guelph

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

Yesterday, I treated myself to an artist date at the Creative Spark Winter Market. In its fifth year of operation, this annual event showcases the handcrafted goods of thirty-five local artists and artisans.

I was impressed by the wide variety of crafts featured, among them glass art, eco-friendly hair and body products, pottery, woodworking, paintings, and purses.



Kick-Off Party for Guelph #NaNoWriMo

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

Yesterday evening, I joined six other Guelph WriMos for the Kick-Off Party at Fionn MacCool’s, an Irish pub at the south end of the city. We chatted about our book descriptions, writing processes, and previous NaNoWriMo journeys.

A diverse group, we write in several genres, among them New Adult, urban fantasy, mystery, memoir, women’s fiction, and short stories. Special thanks to Cindy Carroll, our M.L. (Municipal Liaison) for the Guelph/Wellington region. You can find out more about Guelph NaNoWriMo here.

ONWARD ♦ AVANTI ♦ EN AVANT ♦ WEITER ♦ ADELANTE


Nuts and Bolts of Writing

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

L-R Alison Bruce, Donna Warner, Liz Lindsay, Joanne Guidoccio

Yesterday evening, I participated in a lively panel discussion with three other mystery writers at the main branch of the Guelph Public Library. We are all published authors and members of Crime Writers of Canada.

We gave mini-presentations on our favorite nuts and bolts of writing—The Right Opening, Character Development, Self-Editing, Building Your Author Brand—and read excerpts from our recent novels. During the Q & A sessions, we delved into a variety of topics, among them short stories, writing and critique groups, conferences, and contests.

Thanks to librarians Andrea Curtis and Deb Quaile for organizing and facilitating this event.

To learn more about Guelph Partners in Crime, visit our websites:

Alison Bruce

Joanne Guidoccio

Liz Lindsay aka Jamie Tremain

Donna Warner