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Hiatus Replay: Valerie Sherrard on Finding Your Voice as a Writer| S4 EP202: Book Banter Podcast

Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Award-winning author Valerie Sherrard shares the moment that sparked her writing journey, plus the life experiences that shaped her books for young readers.



Promotional image for today's Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt – Book Talk Podcast episode. Today's guest is Chaplain Patrick Day, he is on the left of the image, short blonde hair, glasses, red checked shirt and black suit jacket. Beside him is the cover of his book, Finding the Safest Place on Earth. Dianne is on the right side of the photos. Long grey hair, glasses, and wearing a black sweater. Beside her is the cover of the double issue of Book Banter Magazine. Above the people is the name of the show, company logos and silver microphones. Below the people is the name of today's episode, S4 EP171: Chaplain Patrick Day, Author of Finding the Safest Place on Earth.



Happy Holidays, People, 


We are thrilled to replay this amazing author for you today in our holiday hiatus episodes. Get ready to meet the remarkable mind behind some of Canada’s most beloved books for young readers! In this episode of Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt – Book Talk Podcast, Dianne had the privilege to chat with Valerie Sherrard. Valerie is the award-winning author of A Bend in the Breeze, The Glory Wind, Counting Back from Nine, and the fan-favorite Shelby Belgarden mystery series. With a writing career that spans picture books, historical novels, and gripping young adult fiction, Valerie brings a powerful mix of heart, history, and humanity to everything she writes.


From her early beginnings in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to her inspiring life in Miramichi, New Brunswick, Valerie’s journey is as compelling as her characters. She’s not only a storyteller but a former foster parent to over seventy teenagers and a passionate advocate for literacy and creativity in youth. Her stories have won multiple awards and captured the hearts of readers across generations, and she’s still just getting started.


In this warm and insightful conversation, Valerie shares what sparked her love for storytelling, the real-life experiences that shaped her books, and why she believes it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt fiction, curious about the writing life, or looking for a new favorite author, this episode will leave you inspired.


Don’t miss your chance to hear from one of Canada’s literary treasures. Tune in now and discover the woman behind the words — Valerie Sherrard!


Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast so you will be ready for Season 5 beginning Feb. 4, 2026



Enjoy,

Dianne




Listen to the Latest Episode Now

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Valerie Sherrard Soundbite




Cover of Book Banter Magazine special holiday issue featuring a large portrait of Stephen Burckhardt. The background includes frosted pine branches and Christmas ornaments. Headlines highlight the Holiday Book Buying Guide, memorials for Stephen Burckhardt and Rox Burkey, and book reviews. The bottom section reads “Featured Author: Stephen Burckhardt – The Face of the Into the West Saga Serial.”

Book Banter Magazine

Holiday Book Buying Guide


On Sale Now

Only $2.99



View online or download a PDF copy to view on your devices.






 

Season 4 Finale


10th - S4 EP 200: Now Streaming

Melissa Payne, Bestselling Adult Fiction Author of In the Beautiful Dark





Season Hiatus Episodes

Every Wednesday

December 10th - January 28th, 2026

 

17th - S4 Hiatus EP 201 Now Streaming

Rebroadcast S4 EP179: Breakfield & Burkey, Authors of The Enigma Series & Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles

 

24th - S4 Hiatus EP 202  Now Streaming

Rebroadcast - S4 EP180: Valerie Sherrard, Author of the Middle-Grade book A Bend in the Breeze

 

31st - S4 Hiatus EP 203

Rebroadcast S4 Lovefest EP163: Doug Williams, Playwright, Filmmaker, & Author of Failure Point

 

January 2026

07th - S4 Hiatus EP 204

Rebroadcast - S4 EP182: Risa August, Author of The Road Unpaved: Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike

 

4th - S4 Hiatus EP 205

Rebroadcast -S4 EP174: Miles Spencer, Co-Author of the Amazon Bestseller, A Line in the Sand

 

21st - S4 Hiatus EP 206

Rebroadcast - S4 EP178: Linda Hughes, Romantic Women’s Fiction Author of The Second Chances Series

 

28 - S4 Hiatus EP 207

Rebroadcast - S4 EP175: Joel Shulkin, MD, Author of The Forensic Technothriller, Heroic Measures




Thank You Book Banter Productions Sponsors






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Do you enjoy Book Banter with Dianne Burckhardt - Book Talk Podcast and Book Banter Magazine? You can make sure we can stay in business. All you have to do buy a copy of Book Banter Magazine or just buy us a coffee below. I do not make any profits from Book Banter Productions. I do not charge authors for exposure. Up to this point, this has just been a very expensive hobby, but that will have to change if we are to continue.


If you want to help keep us going , you can just click the link below and buy us a coffee or click the Book Banter Magazine ad below that to buy yourself a digital copy of Book Banter Magazine. Every magazine and coffee helps us to keep going!


Thank you!


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Advertisement for Book Banater with Dianne Burckhardt - Book Talk Podcast. Pink background with an image of Dianne to the right of the text. on the bottom left are the logos for Burckhardt Books and Dianne Burckhardt. The text reads: Join award-winning author, Dianne Burckhardt every Wednesday as she chats with other authors and publishing industry professionals If you love books like we do, you do not want to miss this podcast! Burckhardt books dot com slashpodcast
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