Local author receives national recognition

rial to work with now, and it was a lovely place to be. I’m working on a book that is set in Provence, France,” said Row Toews.

“I’ve fabricated an estate in Provence that is a vineyard and an olive grove, centred around the Belleveau family, and so I’m planning at least five books around that … the fields are full of vineyards and it’s inspirational.”

She said her romance series is centred around ‘sweet romance’, not eroticism like in some books in the same category.

“It’s a lovely story. There’s always twists and turns, there’s more to it than just a romance. There’s some intrigue,” she explained.

Row Toews always knew she wanted to be a writer, ever since she was a child.

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

Helen Row Toews has been nominated for an award for her self-published book titled ‘The Legacy.’

“The Runestaff Chronicles; there’s four books in the series, this is the third,” said Row Toews.

“It’s a finalist in the

Whistler Independent Book Awards. So, this is all independently published books from across Canada.”

Row Toews is currently working on the fourth book in a series of romance novels, and recently returned from a trip to France, which she used to draw inspiration for her new novel.

“I have a lot of mate -

“When I was 11 in Marshall school, I wanted to be a writer and my mother wrote to W.O. Mitchell, who was a famous Saskatchewan and Canadian author and he wrote back. He said ‘For any young person wanting to become a writer, they should write every day,” and that sentiment is something that has stayed with Row Toews over the years.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 and cheese. It would be paired with pan fried hash browns seasoned with Glenn’s secret seasonings. Finished off with a great cup of coffee. be that ability to give people confidence. How great would it be to give someone the confidence to achieve their goals and dreams and watch that happen. It would be a secret super power that no one knows I have.

The Meridian Source is excited to be running our 20 Questions feature! Each month, the Source will spotlight one member of the community as a fun way to bring us all closer together!

This month we featured Jackie Tomayer, general manager at The Lloyd Exh!

If you could see one concert, what would it be?

What is your favourite TV show?

Again – only 1?! I am going to name a few ;) Game of Thrones, Succession, Breaking Bad, The Office, True Detective (first season), LOST.

What’s your dream car?

Well – I am not much of a car gal, but if it could be any car, I would make my son CJ’s dream come true and bring home a Lamborghini Egoista!

If you didn’t do what you do for a living, what would you be?

Well, if I “could” be anything, it would be an actor! I love how movies and shows can take you into another world and I would love to experience that. I love production and the creativity with film, photography and would have loved to have been in that world.

It’s Sunday morning, what are you having for breakfast?

Having grown up with a family owned breakfast/ lunch restaurant (Park Place Restaurant) I LOVE breakfast. I would have to say my favourite would be a great omelette filled with sautéed onions, mushrooms, ham

Only one!? My female artist would be Lady Gaga … she is a force to be reckoned with and I feel would put on an amazing show. My male artist would be Ed Sheeran – an amazing storyteller and if you follow his career his albums all match what is happening during his life at the time.

Who was your childhood celebrity crush?

Since I’m a huge sports fan and fell in love with the movie RUDY (if you haven’t seen it, seek it out) my celebrity crush was Sean Astin, but I had many more LOL!

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

My super power would

What’s your fastfood guilty pleasure? It would have to be Arby’s Mozza Sticks with honey mustard dipping sauce.

Last book you couldn’t put down?

This is a MUST read for anyone that loves to challenge themselves –The Bold Ones by Shawn Kanungo.

Which person, alive or dead, would you like to have dinner with?

I would love to sit down with my Grandma Evelyn one more time. She was a big part of my childhood and I have very fond memories of her. I would love to sit down with her as an adult now and hear more about her life and her experiences.

What’s the one thing you haven’t done that you’d love to do?

I would love to swim with whales. I LOVE whales, I think they are amazing creatures and to be near them in their world would be unbelievable.

What’s the best thing about Lloydminster?

Easy! The people – we have some of the hardest working, most giving people I have ever been around. When our community has a need Lloydminster rallies to make it happen and that is incredible. I wake up every morning grateful to live in this community with the people here. If we’re buying you’re having....

Well, if you’re buying, I’m having a great steak dinner with a shrimp skewer! I will take my steak medium well and a cheesy loaded baked potato and salad. Thanks!

What’s your favourite vacation destination?

Our family just came off a great week long vacation travelling Idaho, Washington and Alberta. My favorite vacation has to be the lake, and in particular, Lac Des Isles with my family. We love spending our time with parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins doing all the lake things (fishing, boating, beach days and fire pits).

What’s your weirdest habit?

I am obsessed with even numbers (fun fact, both my kids were born on odd number days) but, seriously, I have a weird habit of trying to make everything in my life an even number.

What’s currently playing in your car or on your smartphone right now?

Many of the songs from the Barbie Movie – the movie was great and so is the soundtrack! Go take a listen.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Oh boy, it would be people biting their metal utensils when they eat – it drives me crazy and makes me visibly cringe.

What are your words to live by?

“Time changes everything”. This saying means a lot to me in all life circumstances, if you going through a challenging time, just keep going “time changes everything” and if you going through a joyful time embrace it as “time changes everything.”

Who’s your hero?

I can’t pinpoint a specific hero ... I have many mentors, but hero is a huge word, so I will say my hero is anyone dealing with the hard things in their life to make their life better. That is heroic.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

My vehicle needed windshield washer fluid while on a solo trip to Edmonton. I bought the fluid and instead of asking the gas attendant for help.

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