Broken Keys Publishing's Blog, page 39
December 11, 2016
Celtic Yule Psychic & Craft Fair
Had a fantastic time atCeltic Yule Fundraiser Psychic and Craft Fair!The people of Ottawa never cease to amaze me!Got to meet several cyber-friends in person, and engaged in numerous great conversations! Loved it!
Looking forward to the next event! Thanks again to Iskra RekrutNathalie BeaupréLaurie StewartVictoria Rage(and yes, you too that I didn't mention! Don't you dare think you're not important!)
And - last but not least, sold a record number of books!Check out the pics with Nyarlathotette! She'll be accompanying me to the next event at Comet Comics, December 17th!
Looking forward to the next event! Thanks again to Iskra RekrutNathalie BeaupréLaurie StewartVictoria Rage(and yes, you too that I didn't mention! Don't you dare think you're not important!)And - last but not least, sold a record number of books!Check out the pics with Nyarlathotette! She'll be accompanying me to the next event at Comet Comics, December 17th!
December 10, 2016
Certainly True - a poem
Certainly TruePoem by Michel Weatherall© 2016Truth isthedefault position.It needs no defenseits existence a perpetuality.The Lie is not in opposition.Not an opposing pathbut little more than a divergency.There's only one poison to Truth's option.The greatest toxicity to the Truthis Certainty.
December 9, 2016
XXX-mas: Porn for the Soul
'Seph Sayers posted this article on his blogsite 10 years ago.It always strikes me during this festive Christmas season.It addresses the question of the true meaning of Chrismas... and 'Seph Sayer's answer is anything but typical. Somewhat cynical and hardhitting, but nevertheless accurate.Great food for thought. Enjoy:
I can remember my dad saying every Christmas time how he was upset that the commercial industry would abbreviate Christmas to Xmas. He thought it took the spirit out of it. I can remember thinking this same thing for years myself. It wasn't until I was in St. Pius X Catholic High School that I learned what the X in Xmas stood for.Khris-tosin Greek, meaning the anointed. I would have never guessed that the Greek letter “X” was often used as the abbreviation for the “Christ”, or the Messiah. It made sense after learning this, and I couldn't really fault my father for not reading Greek. I don't read it either; I guess few do. So, in this case, it wasn't so commercial.Christmas is never the same until you have children of your own. But this year, like last year and the year before, I'm not looking forward to it at all.I know why that is. Ultimately, I'm teaching my children the value of porn.Yes, that's right, porn, as in pornography.Not the culture of porn, and definitely not the imagery of porn, but the philosophy of it. The philosophy of porn teaches us the quick fix. It teaches us near instant gratification. It offers us something we all legitimately desire and crave, and hope and long for. But offers something shallow and hollow in its place. I like what society thinks porn should be. It's supposed to be fun and exciting, and alive and pleasurable. It supposed to simply be sexuality. Sexuality is a normal aspect of being human and we enjoy it within our relationships – it is supposed to be harmless. No one really gets hurt. But why does porn leave us empty? What's missing? Porn is really a bait-and-switch sales tactic, isn't it? Porn's selling you one thing, but delivering you something else.
One kind of Christmas teaches our children and us materialism. And the fat ol' jolly elf named Santa Claus – who Coca-Cola Ltd. played a big hand in creating and establishing – only adds to this frenzy. But, I say to myself, that's only one kind of Xmas – that is only the secular, commercial driven materialistic kind of Xmas. This kind of Xmas is so akin to porn that I have to start teaching my children otherwise!
Another kind of Xmas is attempting to connect with the religious facet of it."The real meaning of Xmas", as some say."Jesus: He's the reason for the season", and cute catchphrases like that. Of course it's all true, but sometimes it sounds like a formulated marketing scheme, and I'm beginning to wonder if it really is.So how do you connect with a spiritual part of it? I guess you go to church. We attend church. We sit and watch the spectacle and entertaining shows and hope to have our emptiness filled. Like porn, a different aspect of society (Christianity) tells us what Xmas should be like. Like porn, we're still searching for gratification - not physicalpleasure,butspiritualgratification. Attending church - especially at Xmas - is supposed to be exciting and alive! It's supposed to be a celebration of our liberty and salvation! Not only is it supposed to be harmless, but's supposed to be just the opposite! We're expecting - somehow - to be healed, to be made full and whole again. This kind of Xmas is still nothing more than the bait-and-switch sales tactic. This kind of Xmas is selling you one thing, but delivering you something else.
But is this even true? It's been historically established that Yeshua of Nazereth wasn't born on December 25th - or for that matter anytime in December.Like far too many Christian holidays or celebrations, previous pagan celebrations had been paved-over in Christianity's attempt to erase or snuff them out. If this really is "the reason for the season" then we're really celebrating anything but tolerance, love, or good-will.I can't speak for anybody but myself, but Xmas celebration in church leaves me feeling empty. Maybe because Xmas - and I mean the religious aspect of it - has really become XXXmas. The religious Christmas today has become, for many people, porn for the soul. They're showing up looking for their "fix". They're searching for the quick fix - whatever that may be. They're looking for the permanent "feel-good" pleasure of the spirit, but are left with something that very quickly fades, and often times leaves feelings of guilt.The true meaning of Christmas has nothing to do with church. And it doesn't have to do with giving to the poor. Giving to the poor is about charity, not about Christmas day. If you honestly believe Chrimstas is about giving to the poor, then you're trying to fulfill some sort of checklist the easy way. And I know this is a cliche, but Christmas is about giving. But it's not about giving gifts and presents. It's not about volunteering at the soup-kitchen once a year and serving the poor. It's about giving ourselves, our time, our relationship, our friendship. And not for just one season of the year! Strangers make the worst people to give these gifts to, because it makes these strangers little more than "projects" or receptive object of our "obligatory" dues. These "gifts" do not come from the heart, they come from some sort of installed sense of obligation. We are attempting to appease our own sense of hollowness - our own sense of guilt. Because deep down inside, these people know how miserable, wretched, and empty they truly are. Deep down inside they know that no one single day has that kind of magic to cure what ails them. They are fallen and they damned well know it. To hope and search for this kind magical cure at XXXmas is looking for love in porn. We will never succeed.
I cannot find the meaning of Christmas in the materialism of this commerical "Holiday Season".I cannot find the meaning of Christmas in the pews of churches and in the holy quest of porn for the soul.The meaning of Christmas must lie beyond the churches and beyond the shopping malls. There must be another kind of Christmas.
I can remember my dad saying every Christmas time how he was upset that the commercial industry would abbreviate Christmas to Xmas. He thought it took the spirit out of it. I can remember thinking this same thing for years myself. It wasn't until I was in St. Pius X Catholic High School that I learned what the X in Xmas stood for.Khris-tosin Greek, meaning the anointed. I would have never guessed that the Greek letter “X” was often used as the abbreviation for the “Christ”, or the Messiah. It made sense after learning this, and I couldn't really fault my father for not reading Greek. I don't read it either; I guess few do. So, in this case, it wasn't so commercial.Christmas is never the same until you have children of your own. But this year, like last year and the year before, I'm not looking forward to it at all.I know why that is. Ultimately, I'm teaching my children the value of porn.Yes, that's right, porn, as in pornography.Not the culture of porn, and definitely not the imagery of porn, but the philosophy of it. The philosophy of porn teaches us the quick fix. It teaches us near instant gratification. It offers us something we all legitimately desire and crave, and hope and long for. But offers something shallow and hollow in its place. I like what society thinks porn should be. It's supposed to be fun and exciting, and alive and pleasurable. It supposed to simply be sexuality. Sexuality is a normal aspect of being human and we enjoy it within our relationships – it is supposed to be harmless. No one really gets hurt. But why does porn leave us empty? What's missing? Porn is really a bait-and-switch sales tactic, isn't it? Porn's selling you one thing, but delivering you something else.One kind of Christmas teaches our children and us materialism. And the fat ol' jolly elf named Santa Claus – who Coca-Cola Ltd. played a big hand in creating and establishing – only adds to this frenzy. But, I say to myself, that's only one kind of Xmas – that is only the secular, commercial driven materialistic kind of Xmas. This kind of Xmas is so akin to porn that I have to start teaching my children otherwise!Another kind of Xmas is attempting to connect with the religious facet of it."The real meaning of Xmas", as some say."Jesus: He's the reason for the season", and cute catchphrases like that. Of course it's all true, but sometimes it sounds like a formulated marketing scheme, and I'm beginning to wonder if it really is.So how do you connect with a spiritual part of it? I guess you go to church. We attend church. We sit and watch the spectacle and entertaining shows and hope to have our emptiness filled. Like porn, a different aspect of society (Christianity) tells us what Xmas should be like. Like porn, we're still searching for gratification - not physicalpleasure,butspiritualgratification. Attending church - especially at Xmas - is supposed to be exciting and alive! It's supposed to be a celebration of our liberty and salvation! Not only is it supposed to be harmless, but's supposed to be just the opposite! We're expecting - somehow - to be healed, to be made full and whole again. This kind of Xmas is still nothing more than the bait-and-switch sales tactic. This kind of Xmas is selling you one thing, but delivering you something else.But is this even true? It's been historically established that Yeshua of Nazereth wasn't born on December 25th - or for that matter anytime in December.Like far too many Christian holidays or celebrations, previous pagan celebrations had been paved-over in Christianity's attempt to erase or snuff them out. If this really is "the reason for the season" then we're really celebrating anything but tolerance, love, or good-will.I can't speak for anybody but myself, but Xmas celebration in church leaves me feeling empty. Maybe because Xmas - and I mean the religious aspect of it - has really become XXXmas. The religious Christmas today has become, for many people, porn for the soul. They're showing up looking for their "fix". They're searching for the quick fix - whatever that may be. They're looking for the permanent "feel-good" pleasure of the spirit, but are left with something that very quickly fades, and often times leaves feelings of guilt.The true meaning of Christmas has nothing to do with church. And it doesn't have to do with giving to the poor. Giving to the poor is about charity, not about Christmas day. If you honestly believe Chrimstas is about giving to the poor, then you're trying to fulfill some sort of checklist the easy way. And I know this is a cliche, but Christmas is about giving. But it's not about giving gifts and presents. It's not about volunteering at the soup-kitchen once a year and serving the poor. It's about giving ourselves, our time, our relationship, our friendship. And not for just one season of the year! Strangers make the worst people to give these gifts to, because it makes these strangers little more than "projects" or receptive object of our "obligatory" dues. These "gifts" do not come from the heart, they come from some sort of installed sense of obligation. We are attempting to appease our own sense of hollowness - our own sense of guilt. Because deep down inside, these people know how miserable, wretched, and empty they truly are. Deep down inside they know that no one single day has that kind of magic to cure what ails them. They are fallen and they damned well know it. To hope and search for this kind magical cure at XXXmas is looking for love in porn. We will never succeed.I cannot find the meaning of Christmas in the materialism of this commerical "Holiday Season".I cannot find the meaning of Christmas in the pews of churches and in the holy quest of porn for the soul.The meaning of Christmas must lie beyond the churches and beyond the shopping malls. There must be another kind of Christmas.
Whole Symbiot-Series
The entireSymbiot-Series, print edition, will be available tomorrow atThe Celtic Yule Craft & Psychic Fair!Promotion!
Nylarlathotettewill be accompanying me to this event!Take a selfie with me &Nyarlathotette(a 6'1" statue) and post it on Facebook & Twitter (#nyarlathotette) for a FREE download ofThe Symbiot-Series'nextnovelette!
December 7, 2016
Michel Weatherall's Live Interviews
Local authorMichel Weatherallwill be appearing atThe Celtic Yule Psychic & Craft Fair,Saturday, Dec. 10th1 pm - 6 pmComet ComicsSaturday, Dec. 17th,between 11 am - 4 pmWant to know more?Check out my prevous interviews!June 17th, 2016
1310 News,The Carol Anne Meehan Show, with host, Ottawa's sweetheart, Carol Anne Meehan!Live Radio interview!July 19th, 2016
Rogers Channel 22,Daytime Ottawa, Live TV appearance, with host Dylan Black and co-host Sid Cratzbarg.July 26th, 2016
CKCU FM-93.1,Tuesday Special Blend, with host Adam Coombs(I'm on at about 29:00)July 21st, 2016
CKCU FM-93.1,Literary Landscapes, with host Kate Hunt(I'm the guest for the whole 24 minute segment)July 13th, 2016
CKCU FM-93.1,Wednesday Special Blend, with host 'tic'(I'm on at about 67:20 - 119:11)(Wow! That's over 50 minutes of me!)Nov. 20th, 2015
Rogers Channel 22,Daytime Ottawa, Live TV interviewwith host Derick Fage and co-host Danielle Allard(I'm on at about 2:07)
1310 News,The Carol Anne Meehan Show, with host, Ottawa's sweetheart, Carol Anne Meehan!Live Radio interview!July 19th, 2016Rogers Channel 22,Daytime Ottawa, Live TV appearance, with host Dylan Black and co-host Sid Cratzbarg.July 26th, 2016CKCU FM-93.1,Tuesday Special Blend, with host Adam Coombs(I'm on at about 29:00)July 21st, 2016CKCU FM-93.1,Literary Landscapes, with host Kate Hunt(I'm the guest for the whole 24 minute segment)July 13th, 2016CKCU FM-93.1,Wednesday Special Blend, with host 'tic'(I'm on at about 67:20 - 119:11)(Wow! That's over 50 minutes of me!)Nov. 20th, 2015Rogers Channel 22,Daytime Ottawa, Live TV interviewwith host Derick Fage and co-host Danielle Allard(I'm on at about 2:07)
December 4, 2016
Celtic Yule Psychic & Craft Fair
Join the Celtic Yule Psychic & Craft Fair's growning selection of local authors!
Michel Weatherall
Michel is an indie author of 4 publishing books and numerous ebooks. This local Ottawan author's Symbiot-Series is set in a Lovecraftian world! Also available is a selected collection of dark poetry.Nathalie Beaupré
The first certified Forensic Healing practitioner in Canada, Nathalie's first book - Why Am I Perfect? - is a diynamic tool book of questions embodying positive truths, empowering children, parents and teachers.Laurie Stewart
Laurie is an independent writer with 3 published books. One gritty YA, and 2 cookbooks, and more on the way!These three local titanic authors will be making an appearance atThe Celtic Yule Psychic & Craft Fair, December 10th!Be sure to drop by and see them! Pick-up your last minute Christmas gift for that hard to buy for friend or relative! Sit and chit-chat with these local authors! Find out what makes the creative mind tick!
Michel WeatherallMichel is an indie author of 4 publishing books and numerous ebooks. This local Ottawan author's Symbiot-Series is set in a Lovecraftian world! Also available is a selected collection of dark poetry.Nathalie BeaupréThe first certified Forensic Healing practitioner in Canada, Nathalie's first book - Why Am I Perfect? - is a diynamic tool book of questions embodying positive truths, empowering children, parents and teachers.Laurie StewartLaurie is an independent writer with 3 published books. One gritty YA, and 2 cookbooks, and more on the way!These three local titanic authors will be making an appearance atThe Celtic Yule Psychic & Craft Fair, December 10th!Be sure to drop by and see them! Pick-up your last minute Christmas gift for that hard to buy for friend or relative! Sit and chit-chat with these local authors! Find out what makes the creative mind tick!
December 3, 2016
Be Prepared. The Rising Has Come
Be Prepared.The Rising Has Come.NecropolisISBN - 978-0-9948189-4-2 (print)
The world is at its end.R'lyeh has risen.Cthulhu's high priest has awoken.Iä! Iä! Cthulhu Fhtagn!Necropolis,print edition, includes books 3, 4, and 5!Pick up an autographed copy atThe Celtic Yule Craft & Psychic Fair!
As a promotion,Nylarlathotettewill be accompanying me to this event!Take a selfie with me &Nyarlathotette(a 6'1" statue) and post it on Facebook & Twitter (#nyarlathotette) for a FREE download ofThe Symbiot-Series'next novelette!
December 1, 2016
X-mas in Ottawa Means Weird Fiction!
After the success ofMorning Owl Coffeehousethese two local authors are at it again!On December 17th, two of Ottawa's behemoths will be at Comet Comics!Liam Gibbs, author of theIn a Galaxy Far, Far Awry,himself describes the series as superhero, space opera, sci-fi, comedy. Think X-men meets Star Wars, meets Space Balls!
Michel Weatherall's numerous titles inThe Symbiot-Seriesspan and crossover numerous genres! From Lovecraftian-horror inThe Symbiotto a hybrid horror-action inThe Hunt: Symbiosys, to a Weird-Fiction-Cosmic horror cross in
Necropolis, to the sci-fi/theologicalcommentary blend onUNCGSC: The Facility(and some have even hinted at the subtle and veiled comedy inCoffee @ Pequods!).Do these two Ottawans authors' work nicely (or comfortably) fit into a genre? I wouldn't think so.Drop bySaturday, December 17th at Comet Comics, 1167 Bank Street. These two behemoths will be there between 11 am - 4pm.Get autographed copies. Find that difficult-to-buy-for-person on your Christmas list their gift. Get your last minute X-mas shopping done!Or better yet, sit down and chat with these two local authors! See what makes the creative mind tick!We'll being the chairs, you bring the coffee!~ ~ ~Why have I talked about Weird Fiction and stories and writing styles that are difficult clearnly define?Some believe H.P. Lovecraft was the originator of Weird Fiction. Whether or not that's true is a matter of opinion, but one thing's for certain; he definitely drew, and continues to draw attention to this somewhat obscure genre.Definitely ranking among the titanic influences of Weird Fiction alongside Edgar Allan Poe, Lord Dunsany, Author Machen, and Clark Ashton Smith, it is a matter of opinion whether H.P. Lovecraft was its originator or not.There is a debate among some as to whether it is possible to write in this genre anymore; that at the death of Smith ('61) forever closed this genre; making it an isolated period of literary history. Some have even created new sub-genre,New Weird Fiction, in an attempt to sidestep this debate.I think it's silly and ultimately is a debate I have no interest in. My interest lies in the definition of Weird Fiction, nay,pastits definition, in itsvery spirit!Weird Fiction is defined as"encompassing the ghost story and other tales of the macabre. Weird fiction is distinguished from horror and fantasy in its blending of supernatural, mythical, and even scientific tropes."Although not incorrect, I am not convinced this is an accurate definition. These authors wrote before, what would become the publishing industry, defined genres. There is something refreshing and pure about that.Today, a person decides one day to write a horror story, or a sci-fi, or a romantic-comedy - fill-in-the-blank. Whatever it is they've decided to write, they have already pigeon-holed themselves - and thus restricted or even stiffled their creativity.There is a lesson to learn from these authors of Weird Fiction.Just write.If the publishing companies, if the media, if the critics, if the world needs to define it, label it, and put it in a box, letthem. That's onthem.Just write.If it doesn't neatly fit into a category or box, then too-bad, so sad. Let your creative juices flow!
Liam Gibbs, author of theIn a Galaxy Far, Far Awry,himself describes the series as superhero, space opera, sci-fi, comedy. Think X-men meets Star Wars, meets Space Balls!Michel Weatherall's numerous titles inThe Symbiot-Seriesspan and crossover numerous genres! From Lovecraftian-horror inThe Symbiotto a hybrid horror-action inThe Hunt: Symbiosys, to a Weird-Fiction-Cosmic horror cross inNecropolis, to the sci-fi/theologicalcommentary blend onUNCGSC: The Facility(and some have even hinted at the subtle and veiled comedy inCoffee @ Pequods!).Do these two Ottawans authors' work nicely (or comfortably) fit into a genre? I wouldn't think so.Drop bySaturday, December 17th at Comet Comics, 1167 Bank Street. These two behemoths will be there between 11 am - 4pm.Get autographed copies. Find that difficult-to-buy-for-person on your Christmas list their gift. Get your last minute X-mas shopping done!Or better yet, sit down and chat with these two local authors! See what makes the creative mind tick!We'll being the chairs, you bring the coffee!~ ~ ~Why have I talked about Weird Fiction and stories and writing styles that are difficult clearnly define?Some believe H.P. Lovecraft was the originator of Weird Fiction. Whether or not that's true is a matter of opinion, but one thing's for certain; he definitely drew, and continues to draw attention to this somewhat obscure genre.Definitely ranking among the titanic influences of Weird Fiction alongside Edgar Allan Poe, Lord Dunsany, Author Machen, and Clark Ashton Smith, it is a matter of opinion whether H.P. Lovecraft was its originator or not.There is a debate among some as to whether it is possible to write in this genre anymore; that at the death of Smith ('61) forever closed this genre; making it an isolated period of literary history. Some have even created new sub-genre,New Weird Fiction, in an attempt to sidestep this debate.I think it's silly and ultimately is a debate I have no interest in. My interest lies in the definition of Weird Fiction, nay,pastits definition, in itsvery spirit!Weird Fiction is defined as"encompassing the ghost story and other tales of the macabre. Weird fiction is distinguished from horror and fantasy in its blending of supernatural, mythical, and even scientific tropes."Although not incorrect, I am not convinced this is an accurate definition. These authors wrote before, what would become the publishing industry, defined genres. There is something refreshing and pure about that.Today, a person decides one day to write a horror story, or a sci-fi, or a romantic-comedy - fill-in-the-blank. Whatever it is they've decided to write, they have already pigeon-holed themselves - and thus restricted or even stiffled their creativity.There is a lesson to learn from these authors of Weird Fiction.Just write.If the publishing companies, if the media, if the critics, if the world needs to define it, label it, and put it in a box, letthem. That's onthem.Just write.If it doesn't neatly fit into a category or box, then too-bad, so sad. Let your creative juices flow!
November 28, 2016
What Does Lovecraft Have to Do With Christmas?!
What the hell does Lovecraft have to do with Christmas?Well... very little, and quite a lot!"The H.P. Lovecraft Christmas Book"
The title is somewhat of a misnomer, its focus being less on Christmas and more on the Yuletide.It is a truly unique collection of Christmas poems and greetings from the master himself. Hidden within can be found a truer focus on the pagan Yuletide.Although not a self-identified pagan, like most great traditions, I see and choose their better values. (celebrating Harvest over Thanksgiving for example). What's so refreshing about the Yule? Finished is the holiday season debate over Religious vs. Commercial.
How doesThe Symbiotlink to this festive season?The Symbiot-Seriescan make a great holiday gift for your horror fan. Book 1,The Symbiot, actually ends on Christmas Eve!Pick up your copy! Pick-up the entire series!
Take a selfie with my girlNyarlathotetteand post it on social media!You'll get a FREE download of the next book in the series -UNCGSC: The Facility, the first novelette of the upcomingThe Refuse Chronicles!...as well as the gothic horror short storyMother-Machineand the sci-fiEscape Hatch!
November 27, 2016
Behemoths @ Comet Comics
The Behemoths have Come to Comet Comics!It's been a year sinceComet Comicsburst onto the Ottawa scene!
Now thatHeather MacDonald'sComet Comicshas cut its teeth, it's more than ready to host its first local author's event.And what an event it promises to be!
From contemplative thoughts toscreaming Lovecraftian madness, local literary behemoths Liam Gibbs and Michel Weatherall bring it all!These two Ottawan Literary behemoths will be atComet Comics1167 Bank Street,Saturday, Dec. 17th,between 11 am - 4 pm
Available will be Weatherall's Lovecraftian-horror"The Symbiot-Series"!
Also available will be Gibbs'"In A Galaxy Far, Far Awry"- a Superhero/Space-opera comedy series.Sit down and talk with these two local authors!Chit-chat! Sit-back!Get your books signed by the author.Get your last minute Christmas shopping started!Liam Gibbs'In a Galaxy Far, Far AwryWebsite-Facebook-TwitterMichel Weatherall - authorWebsite-Facebook-TwitterComet ComicsWebsite-Facebook-Twitter
It's been a year sinceComet Comicsburst onto the Ottawa scene!Now thatHeather MacDonald'sComet Comicshas cut its teeth, it's more than ready to host its first local author's event.And what an event it promises to be!From contemplative thoughts toscreaming Lovecraftian madness, local literary behemoths Liam Gibbs and Michel Weatherall bring it all!These two Ottawan Literary behemoths will be atComet Comics1167 Bank Street,Saturday, Dec. 17th,between 11 am - 4 pmAvailable will be Weatherall's Lovecraftian-horror"The Symbiot-Series"!Also available will be Gibbs'"In A Galaxy Far, Far Awry"- a Superhero/Space-opera comedy series.Sit down and talk with these two local authors!Chit-chat! Sit-back!Get your books signed by the author.Get your last minute Christmas shopping started!Liam Gibbs'In a Galaxy Far, Far AwryWebsite-Facebook-TwitterMichel Weatherall - authorWebsite-Facebook-TwitterComet ComicsWebsite-Facebook-Twitter
