Broken Keys Publishing's Blog, page 9

Faces of Ottawa Awards Finalist (2019 Favourite Author)

Ngaro's Sojourney - Book Review

Yet another great 5-star review of the soon to be released Ngaro's Sojourney!“Ngaro’s Sojourney is an epic adventure that follows a Maori chieftain in a challenge that will test the bounds of faith, family, and friendship.“In this first novel of his new Fractures series, Weatherall skillfully guides the reader through a mosaic of memorable trials and feats culminating into an elaborate tableau. Always the excellent storyteller, Weatherall produced a brochette of new and exciting characters who he led into the most unexpected circumstances, sure to surprise the reader.“This solid story, strewed with movie-worthy action scenes and solid character development, left me satisfied yet eager to read the next book.”Nancy Laflamme, Beta-readerGoodreads

Ngaro's Sojourney: Maori's Expert's Praise

Over a year ago I had sat down over coffee at the Byward Market's Origin Trade (111 York Street) with the Maori historic expert, the eminent Dr. Rongo Wetere.It was with trepidation that I asked him to be a cultural advisor for my upcoming novel, Ngaro's Sojourney (considering that it is set in 1850 and whose main character is Maori), soon to be released next month.After finished reading the prepublished novel, this is his comments and critique:January 6, 2019Re: Review of Ngaro’s SojourneyThis book is an extremely well written fictional work with exciting action throughout.I had the opportunity to read the Jane Campion storyline for “The Piano” back in the 1990’s and wondered how that would make a good film. My judgment was well astray as it came in second to Schindler’s List in the Academy Awards. I had the task of supplying the Maori canoe (waka) and Warriors featured in the film. I also briefly worked with the actors who featured in “Once Were Warriors” and others in “Whale Rider;” both popular Maori films in the 1990’s.My perception is that this novel has potential to make a very good film. Michel Weatherall's literacy ability is well articulated and demonstrates an active mind in building on a storyline. This is an action book about a Maori Warrior who faces numerous challenges and survives to live another day. A Tribe in a world doomed to destruction and despair. Aotearoa “Land of the Long White Cloud,” is a white knuckled ride in an ocean of mystery and intrigue. I would recommend a slow read done in installments. This could be an interesting book for a movie.Well done.Critique by:Dr. Rongo H Wetere, ONZM, FNZIMManiapoto Tribe from Aotearoa

2019 New Year's Resolution: The Elusive Book-Fairy!

Do you believe in fairies?I do.I do!The Book Fairies: They're hiding books worldwide!!Yes. Book fairies do exist. I believe in book fairies and should do you… perhaps you’ve found a book. Perhaps you’ve just stumbled upon us by accident. Perhaps you have heard of these magical creatures who selflessly give to others and expect nothing in return.There is real magic in our world.People are believing in good.Believing in the power of the written word; in real physical books you can touch and hold and share!Believing in the happiness that a present from a stranger can bring.I was as surprises as could be when I first learned of this wonderful, worldspanning, organization!Check out their website to get an idea of exactly how widespread this phenomena is!My 2019 New Year's Resolution is to hunt down and successfully attain photo evidence of the elusive Book-Fairy!!Thought I had caught one at Coles, Billings Bridge......then again at Indigo,Orleans. Attempts have all failed! (I suspect due to the magical qualities of their fairy dust messing up and obscuring the camera!)No longer will my sanity be questioned! No longer will people on the street point at me and whisper beneath their breath!I will prove they're real!!!

2019 Favourite Author - Faces of Ottawa Awards Finalist

We at Broken Keys Puiblishing are proud to announce our very own Michel Weatherall is in the final runnings for Faces of Ottawa Awards 2019 Favourite AuthorCongratulations to the amazing list of Ottawans who made the 2019 Faces of Ottawa Awards finals!It is with a sense of honour to stand alongside these influencial titans of Ottawa!Danielle Allard Stefan Keyes Tyson Lefebvre Aiona Santana Codi Jeffreys Mayor Jim Watson Deputy-mayor Laura Dudas Councillor Carol Ann Meehan Dylan Black and many, many more!It is with the greatest sense of humility that we thank you for all your support and nomination!Voting starts January 2nd, 2019You can vote once per day (everyday!) once be IP address. Winners will be announce Jan. 25th, 2019Your voice matters! Be heard! Have your say!Vote ~ Like ~ Share ~ Repeat

Guest Speaker: Michel Weatherall

Round table discussion for current and considering members. Speak about your writing, hear from other writers about their work and upcoming plans. Explore why joining a writing group might be an excellent idea!Guest Speaker: Local horror-author, dark poet, 2018 Faces of Ottawa Awards finalist for Best Male Author and Faces of Ottawa Awards nominee for 2019 Best Author,Michel Weatherall Michel will speak on the topics of Ottawa's changing literary landscape, the rise of the indie-author and updates on the #ARISE event(s), upcoming book releases, about how networking can be an intricate key to moving forward - about opportunities taken, and opportunities missed. Open discussion to follow!

2018 - A Year in Review

Seven radio interviews, one TV interview, two speaking engagements, three charity fundraisers, a Celebrity Judge at a Beauty Contest, 2018 Finalist for the Faces of Ottawa Awards category of Best Male Author, 2019 nomination for Faces of Ottawa Awards category for Best Author, four meet-and-greets, sixteen book signings. one cancer-diagnosis and one cancer-defeat.... wow! It's been a busy year!Exciting thing have been brewing for the new year of 2019 as well! Looking like the 30th anniversary edition of The Symbiot will feature of Ottawa model (Ms. Multicultural Canada runner up and Ms. Photogenic!) as well as Mr. Society & 2nd runner up for Mr. Multicultural Canada!It's looking like Nadia (The Symbiot), Captain Jones (Ngaro's Sojourney), Nameless (Ngaro's Sojourney) and Tamara (Necropolis & The Refuse Chronicles) may soon all have faces!~ January 4th ~~ January 13th ~~ January 20th ~~ January 27th ~2018 Faces of Ottawa Gala Event~ January 21st ~~ January 24th ~~ Feburary 6th ~~ Feburary 11th ~~ Feburary 17th ~~ Feburary 21st ~~ March 8th ~~ Feburary 24th ~~ March 17th ~~ April 14th ~~ May 5th ~~ May 26th ~~June 3rd ~~June 6th ~~June 9th ~Farm Radio, African Harvest Fundraiser!~June 18th ~20 % MLXLS~June 23rd ~~~ June 30th ~Had the honour and privilage to act as a beauty pageant judge.~ July 5th ~~ July 7th ~~ July 13th ~~ August 8th ~~ August 11th ~~ August 31st ~~ September 15th ~~ September 29th ~~ October 21st ~~December 1st ~~December 27th ~Complete collection of my books donated to the silent auction - all proceeds going to support the Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC) of Ottawa.What to expect in 2019?Special 30th Anniverary Nadia-Edition of The Symbiot (its new cover featuring model Mary Erin Moore). This edition will include the first 2 books of The Symbiot-Series (for the first time in print!)(This sample is simply a mock-up concept composite. Finalized photography and artwork will be different)Also, Ngaro's Sojourney, book 1 of the new series, Fractures will have an early February release!!Following Ngaro's Sojourneywill be the FREE ebook, Escape Hatch, a segue into the new series and book 2:Invasion: Scion!Still want more?On January 2nd, the Faces of Ottawa Awards will be announcing their finalists for 2019 categories. Having been nominated for 2019 Best Author (apparently they've done away with the subcategories of 'male' and 'female') will see in the new years!

Coming Soon!

2019 promises to be a busy year!With the early release of Ngaro's Sojourney (late January, early Feburary) - the first book of the new series, Fractures - and its follow up and segue ebook, Escape Hatch.Also, the beginning of this new series, Fractures, and it's second book, which Escape Hatch segues directly into, Invasion: Scion.Further upcoming titles in this series will tentatively include, Tamara: The Lost YearsElder Gods, and its finaleWARAlso, celebrating The Symbiot's 30th anniversary of being written, a special edition will be released: The Symbiot: The Nadia Edition. This volume will include both books 1 and 2 of The Symbiot-Series, for the first time in print!Featured on its cover (and Nadia de LaFountaine) will be local model Mary Elin Moore - 2018 Ms. Photogenic and 2018 Mr. and Ms. Multiculture Canada runner up!This will also it ebooks on numerous and multiple platforms!

Live on Elgin December 27th

Live on ElginUgly Holiday Sweater Party Dec. 27th, 2018 Doors open at 7pmThis is a wonderful opportunity to get your hands on my complete works (the entire The Symbiot-Series (4 books) and A Dark Corner of My Soul). A retail value of $83.95, you can bid on this at the event's silent auction.Better yet, all proceeds go to SASC Ottawa (Sexual Assault Support Centre), so during this holiday season your bids and support wil go to a worthy cause! Other silent auction items include,Health & Beauty Baskets from Gavin Thompson Music Lessons by Sunnyside Music School Artist Package by Clara Charron - Pop of Colour and more!Admission is pay what you can, with all proceeds going to SASC #supportlocal #ottawa #canada #localauthor #localmuscians

Coming Soon in 2019

What to expect in 2019?Special 30th Anniverary Nadia-Edition of The Symbiot(its new cover featuring model Mary Erin Moore)This edition will include the first 2 books of The Symbiot-Series (for the first time in print!)(This sample is simply a mock-up concept composite. Finalized photography and artwork will be different)Also, Ngaro's Sojourney, book 1 of the new series, Fractures will have an early February release!!Following Ngaro's Sojourneywill be the FREE ebook, Escape Hatch, a segue into the new series and book 2:Invasion: Scion!Still want more?On January 2nd, the Faces of Ottawa Awards will be announcing their finalists for 2019 categories. Having been nominated for 2019 Best Author (apparently they've done away with the subcategories of 'male' and 'female') will see in the new years!