MaryLou Driedger is a freelance writer, mother, grandmother, former elementary and high school teacher, marriage partner, world traveler, cycler, walker and book lover. She started her blog What Next when she retired and moved back to Winnipeg after living and teaching in Hong Kong for six years. Since then she has been employed at the Winnipeg Art Gallery as a guide and at the University of Winnipeg as a mentor for education students.
MaryLou began a journey to become a children’s writer in 2012 and in 2021 her first novel Lost on the Prairie was published by Heritage House. MaryLou is the librarian at her church, serves on the Friends of the Winnipeg Public Library Board, volunteers at a Thrift Store and is a regular speaker at workshops, conferences and in churches. A columnist for The Carillon regional newspaper since 1985, she also served as a Winnipeg Free Press columnist for three years. Hundreds of her freelance pieces have been published in magazines, newspapers, anthologies, books, journals, travel guides, institutional histories, and curriculums.
MaryLou can be contacted at maryloudriedger@gmail.com
What Next? 
returning from the buzz of hong kong to the peg must be a serious culture shock.
james rempel
brooklyn
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I am interested in your journey of discovery to Ukraine. What caught my interest is your reference to Roppovo which is where my grandmother, Helena Thiessen, and her family lived. My grandmother’s father, Jacob Thiessen, is a brother to the Mrs. Enns in your story. I have photos of Mrs. Enns, her husband, parents and siblings in case you are interested. I would be glad to forward them to you. I am interested in traveling to Ukraine to see Roppovo and would appreciate any information you might have concerning its whereabouts. Victor Penner seems to be very knowledgeable and I would like to have his contact information. Thank you in advance for any information you might have concerning Roppovo and Victor Penner.
Rebecca Lorenz
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You picked a perfect name for your new blog home – I am looking forward to following your adventures. 🙂
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Just found your site by accident! I got sent your link to the statue of David article you wrote.
Great site!
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Would love to receive the newsletter.
Looking forward to this exciting book.
Love your stories and the adventures you take your reader on!!
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Thanks so much Sandi. Can you send me your e-mail. Here is mine. maryloudriedger@gmail.com
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