Who am I?

CJ Bowers is a multidisciplinary artist based in the northern reaches of Alberta, Canada. A writer first and foremost, CJ also expresses himself through acting, painting, and photography. He draws inspiration from the people, landscapes, and vibrant arts community of Fort McMurray, where he lives and works.

In 2015, with a nudge from a friend, he launched The CJBuzz—a website originally focused on life in Fort McMurray that has since evolved into a hub for creative writing, fiction, recipes, arts commentary, and animal welfare advocacy. To date, he has published over 120 pieces on the site, and his work has appeared multiple times in NorthWord: A Literary Journal of Canada’s North.

Beyond writing, CJ is actively involved with the Fort McMurray SPCA, focusing on pet adoption, rehabilitation, staff training, and management. He is a passionate advocate for animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and a vocal critic of breed-specific legislation.

CJ was nominated for the Wood Buffalo Excellence in Arts Award for Literary Arts in both 2019 and 2020, and for Best Local Writer in the Best of YMM Readers’ Choice Awards in 2025.