Photo Credit:
Photo credit
selfie
Cynthia (Cindy) Matthews
BIO
Biography

I’m the award winning author of the debut contemporary literary short story collection Took You So Long, published by the Porcupine's Quill, Erin, Ontario August 2022. In May 2023, Took You So Long received an IPPY 🥇GOLD (Independent Publishers Book Award) Canada East—Regional Fiction category. In August, the book was awarded a SILVER eLit Award for short fiction.

Released February 2024 The Roach Family and Other Stories, publisher DarkWinter Press.

Forthcoming September 2026, Audrey Droop: Stories, publisher DarkWinter Press.

I am a multigenre creator. I write short stories, nonfiction, creative nonfiction and some poetry. I also create visual art using mixed media techniques.

ADDRESS
City: CHESLEY, Province/Territory: Ontario
EMAIL
GENRE
contemporary literary short fiction
LANGUAGES
English
PUBLICATIONS
Publications
Title
Took You So Long
Publisher
Porcupine's Quill
Year
2022
Title
The Roach Family and Other Stories
Publisher
DarkWinter Press
Year
2024
Title
Audrey Droop: Stories
Publisher
DarkWinter Press
Year
2026
AWARDS
Awards
Name
'Lost Innocence'
Publication
NOWW Writing Contest, Creative nonfiction entry
Year
2021
Name
‘Law of Averages’
Publication
NOWW Writing Contest, Creative nonfiction entry
Year
2022
Name
IPPY-GOLD
Publication
Took You So Long
Year
2023
Name
eLit Awards-SILVER
Publication
Took You So Long
Year
2023
LINKS
Links
https://ghp-pql.com/products/took-you-so-long?_pos=1&_sid=9801de2db&_ss=r
https://www.amazon.ca/Roach-Family-Other-Stories/dp/1738273466/ref=sr_1_1?crid=…
PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS
Presentation details
Presentation Fee(s)
$250 plus expenses
Workshop details
Audience Size
6-60
Intended Audience
adult
Workshop Length
2 1/2-3 hours
Workshop Description
Workshop description

Workshop Description
This interactive 2.5- to 3-hour workshop is designed for adult writers at every stage of their journey—from emerging voices finding their footing to established authors seeking fresh momentum.

Tailored for groups of 6 to 50 participants, this session combines dynamic craft instruction with hands-on writing exercises and guided peer feedback. 

Participants will walk away with new tools to break through creative blocks and practical strategies to strengthen their writing. The format is highly adaptable. All skill levels are welcome; the goal is to send every writer back to their desk feeling inspired and empowered.
 

Workshop Fee(s)
$250
EQUITY INITIATIVE
As part of the Union’s Equity Implementation Plan, we are committed to increasing awareness of authors who are Black, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQI2S, or living with a disability. This author identifies as:
Members who identify as:
Living with a disability
Programs & Interests
Interested in participating Union’s Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program:
All members are eligible for the Union’s Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program. Are you interested in participating in this pro
No
Interested in participating in the Northern Ontario WITS program:
The Union’s Northern Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program funds in-person visits to northern Ontario schools when possible. Ar
No