Diane Bator's Blog, page 15

March 23, 2023

The Spooky Sleuths Series, A new direction from Award-Winning Author Natasha Deen

 



The Spooky Sleuths Series


A new direction from Award-Winning #Own Voices Author Natasha Deen


The series is available by Penguin Random House across all platforms!





Is it science...or strange and ghostly?


Asim's new town is freaking him out! There are weird noises at night, eerie lights, and now an evil tree that is growing way faster than it should. he's sure there's something supernatural going on.


His friend Rokshar believes that everything can be explained by science. But even she's worried when the tree takes control of their teacher! It's starting to look like an evil spirit straight out of Guyanese folklore is to blame. Can Asim and his friends save their teacher--and the town--from the ghost tree?
 
Find out...if you dare! It's a new spooky series based on ghost stories from Guyana


Amazon.com:  Amazon.com: Spooky Sleuths #1: The Ghost Tree: 9780593488874: Deen, Natasha, Marlin, Lissy: Books


Amazon.ca:  Spooky Sleuths #1: The Ghost Tree: Deen, Natasha, Marlin, Lissy: 9780593488874: Books - Amazon.ca


A School Library Journal Best Books of 2022



OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES:



   

           


"An excellent series starter and contribution to the supernatural mystery genre, perfect for older chapter book readers easing into early middle grade. Highly recommended."--School Library Journal, starred review

"A spooky adventure rooted in Guyanese folklore...with just the right amount of chills."--Kirkus Reviews



About Natasha Deen:




Guyanese-Canadian NATASHA DEEN is a best-selling author, with novels for kids, teens, and adults, and she’s a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. Her novel, In the Key of Nira Ghani, won the Amy Mather Teen Book Award and her most recent YA title, The Signs and Wonders of Tuna Rashad was a Globe & Mail's Top 100 Books for 2022. When she’s not writing, she teaches Introduction to Children’s Writing with the University of Toronto’s SCS and spends an inordinate amount of time trying to convince her pets that she’s the boss of the house. Visit Natasha at www.natashadeen.com.


Accolades:

A TD Summer Reading Club Recommended Read 2023

A School Library Journal Best Books of 2022

An OLA Best Bets Pick
A CCBC Best Books for Kids and Teens, Starred Selection ★
A Globe and Mail Top 100 Books in 2022

CCBC Recommended Read 

CBC Books’ 14 YA Books to Watch for in Spring

Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD Kids) September Book of the Month

49th Shelf Selection

A TD Summer Reading Club Recommended Read 2022

Amy Mathers Award Winner
MYRCA Award Nominee
R. Ross Arnett Award Nominee
American Library Association YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
Red Maple Award Nominee
Red Maple Honour Book

Red Maple Teen Committee Summer Reading List
Barnes & Noble’s Top 25 Most Anticipated Own Voices Novels
Chapters-Indigo Most Anticipated Teen Books
Junior Library Guild Selection
CCBC Best Pick for Kids & Teens
CCBC Red Leaf Literature
OLA White Pine Teen Committee Summer Reading List



To request additional review copies or an interview with Natasha Deen, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com | 403.464.6925.    


We look forward to the coverage!



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Published on March 23, 2023 21:00

March 21, 2023

Outfoxed An Inspector William Fox Adventure, a captivating new series by Peter Thomas Pontsa

 


Outfoxed

An Inspector William Fox Adventure



A captivating new series by Canada’s own 

Peter Thomas Pontsa


        

Sometimes Inspector William Fox likes to go off script, like when chasing gangsters in his cigarette boat on the St. Lawrence River. For one case, the RCMP officer with a penchant for luxury fashion finds himself teamed up with FBI Special Agent Patrick Reilly, an Irish lad who prefers absinthe to Guinness. The pair travel overseas to track down members of a gang who have kidnapped Tracy Jordan, an American academic and archeologist with teenage ties to William. In China, Tracy has been stealthily searching for evidence of Admiral Zheng He’s 15th-century connections to the area that would later be known as Nova Scotia. It’s here that Tracy and her team discover what might be Ming dynasty artifacts transported by Zheng He’s “massive treasure ships” left behind on Mi’kmaq peoples’ ancestral land.

Outfoxed — a William Fox Adventure is a slick, globe-trotting adventure that involves the RCMP and FBI chasing the Foo Dog Triad operating in Hong Kong, mainland China, and New York City. Like Tracy and Kevin Steptoe, a Mi’kmaq lawyer, the gangsters are after the ancient Chinese treasures. Outfoxed is also a political thriller, diving deeply into the power struggles of the Communist Party of China and its shadowy operatives. It wades into the Fox family’s political past in South Korea, where a tragedy took place that still haunts William years later.

Outfoxed: An Inspector William Fox Adventure - Kindle edition by Pontsa, Peter Thomas . Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.


Outfoxed: An Inspector William Fox Adventure eBook : Pontsa, Peter Thomas : Amazon.ca: Books


About Peter Thomas Pontsa



During the years Peter Thomas Pontsa operated his dental supply business, he shared his knowledge writing dental articles which appeared in many dental journals. He was president of the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario, where he helped develop the quality assurance program and was an associate publisher for a denturist magazine. He is an avid British sports car enthusiast and while president of the Headwaters British Car Club, wrote numerous stories about cars in the club’s newsletter, “British Driven.” Peter spent two seasons racing with Jagged Edgers Motorsports and is a student of Taekwondo and holds a second degree blackbelt. He belongs to the Wordsmiths and is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada. Peter Pontsa lives in Loretto, Ontario, with his wife, Angela, and their orange tabby, Mr. Tee, where he combines his passions—British cars and writing.


More information can be found at his website:  Welcome - Peter Thomas Pontsa



To request additional review copies or an interview with Peter Pontsa, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com | 403.464.6925.    


We look forward to the coverage!


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Published on March 21, 2023 21:00

March 18, 2023

15 KEYS TO INCREASE CONFIDENCE, IGNITE PERFORMANCE, & UNLOCK YOUR FULL POTENTIAL by Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas

 


THINK Yourself CONFIDENT

15 KEYS TO INCREASE CONFIDENCE, IGNITE PERFORMANCE, & UNLOCK YOUR FULL POTENTIAL


Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas’s number one Amazon Bestseller to transforming negative self-talk and thrive through change 




"The way Nathalie explained how to reframe my thinking around one major obstacle will unlock potentially millions of dollars in revenue."  Greg Schinkel; President of Unique Training Development

“It’s never going to work. You’re not good enough!” Are you tired of hearing that nagging voice inside your head? And what if you could do something about it? Do you have a dream or a project that’s been on the back burner for too long? Even with all your accomplishments, do you still doubt yourself sometimes?

Statistics show that 85% of people suffer from a lack of self-confidence in at least one area of their lives. Draining negative self-talk creates procrastination, stress, anxiety, and burnout. People know what they want or need to do, and yet they do the reverse—they resist change and can’t adapt to the fast world we live in. That makes them feel powerless, frustrated, and insecure. In a work environment, this can lead to a demotivated and unhappy team, low overall performance and a high employee turnover rate. With the layers of stress people are already buried under, important decisions are clouded by emotions or limiting beliefs, instead of being based on skills and experience. Bottom line: whether on a personal or professional level, most people admit to not working—or living—at their full potential.


Through Nathalie’s D.N.A. System, you will discover 15 proven Keys to Confidence, real-life, simple skills and strategies to transform your inner thoughts and beliefs into a serving force that will empower you to be your best. Get ready to ignite performance and get the tools you need to THINK Yourself® CONFIDENT.
THINK Yourself CONFIDENT: 15 KEYS TO INCREASE CONFIDENCE, IGNITE PERFORMANCE & UNLOCK YOUR FULL POTENTIAL (THINK Yourself® SERIES) - Kindle edition by Plamondon-Thomas, Nathalie. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
THINK Yourself CONFIDENT: 15 KEYS TO INCREASE CONFIDENCE, IGNITE PERFORMANCE & UNLOCK YOUR FULL POTENTIAL: Plamondon-Thomas, Nathalie: 9781777109134: Books - Amazon.ca

About Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas:

2021 Canadian Presenter of the Year Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas is a Confidence Expert. She is the international No.1 Bestselling Author of seventeen books about success, communication, wellness and empowerment, including a book co-written with Jim Britt and Kevin Harrington from the TV Show SHARK TANK, and endorsed by Tony Robbins. She has proven that negative self-talk, imposter syndrome, resistance to change, past trauma, and low performance can all be addressed with increased confidence. She is the Founder and CEO of the THINK Yourself® ACADEMY, offering keynotes and trainings, leading-edge online courses, laser-focus business strategies and one-on-one transformation coaching.

Over the past 30 years, Nathalie has inspired over 100,000 audience members and empowered thousands of clients internationally. She combines over 10 years of experience in human resources, 25 years in sales and over 30 years of distinguished service in the fitness industry.

To request additional review copies or an interview with Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.    

We look forward to the coverage!


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Published on March 18, 2023 21:00

March 16, 2023

Divergence, The Immortals Book One, a fantasy series by critically acclaimed author, Melanie P. Smith

 


Divergence

The Immortals Book One



A fantasy series in all its glory by critically acclaimed author, Melanie P. Smith




Part Mortal, Part Divinity, Fully Devoted.

        

The gathering has begun. Six demigods embark on an epic journey of danger, mystical creatures, dark magic, and intrigue. When an ancient prophesy is triggered, the tale of six powerful immortals begins. Legend has it, the chosen six will triumph over evil and restore peace. But first, they must gather together and converge on the land where their parents were defeated. Time is running out, the Titans want revenge, and the future of the entire world is at stake.

Meet the immortals -The wiccan, the shifter, the Master of Water, the siren, the healer, the Reader of Minds. Their destiny awaits — if they accept their fate and unite to confront a dangerous enemy in the battle of a lifetime.  


Divergence (The Immortals Book 1) eBook : Smith, Melanie P.: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: Divergence (The Immortals Book 1) eBook : Smith, Melanie P.: Kindle Store


Reading is like watching a movie, the descriptions are so vivid... so convincing. Watch the Master of the Sea at work... ride a winged horse... enjoy the rhythm of the poetry contained in the spells...  Sarah Stuart - Readers' Favorite Reviewer

  

 More from Melanie!!



When Evil finds her, will the hunters become the prey?

Rowdy Cooper was born into a family of cops, and he loves the family business. Then, one night, everything changes. He is shot in the line of duty and forced to retire. Depressed and a little lost, he moves to a sleepy little Montana town called Mount Haven. But, will the move prove therapeutic or lethal? Bailey’s on the run. She landed in Mount Haven and fell in love with the peaceful town immediately. She keeps to herself and reveals nothing, but her sharp mind and secretive nature has attracted the attention of the Cooper brothers. One is her new boss — the other the town sheriff, both are too perceptive. As Rowdy struggles to rebuild his life, Bailey wrestles to keep her secrets hidden. But dangerous men are on the hunt… and Bailey is the prey. Suddenly, two sadistic killers emerge from the shadows united by one common goal; reclaim the woman that got away — and this time, there is nowhere safe to hide.


About Melanie P. Smith



Melanie P. Smith is a multi-genre author of criminal suspense; police procedurals; and paranormal, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah and has always loved adventure. Melanie spent her childhood playing sports, water-skiing, horseback riding, and tending to the many animals on her family farm. She’s been skydiving, rappelling, and loves to explore backroads on her Harley, venture into the wilderness on her ATV, and capture that next amazing photo.


Melanie has an Associates of Science degree in Marketing, a bachelor’s in Business Management, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution, Negotiation and Mediation. She’s on the editorial staff of two bestselling, international eMagazines, coordinates an annual writing competition, and works as an administrator / mentor for multiple writing groups. 


Long before she delved into the world of fantasy and suspense, Melanie served nearly three decades in the Special Operations Division at her local sheriff’s office supporting SWAT, Search & Rescue, K9, the Motor Unit, Investigations, and the Child Abduction Response Team.  She now uses that training and knowledge to create stories that are action-packed, gripping, and realistic.  You can find more about Melanie and her books on her website and social media platforms.


Visit Melanie on her website at www.melaniepsmith.com


To request additional review copies or an interview with Melanie P. Smith, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com | 403.464.6925.    


We look forward to the coverage!



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Published on March 16, 2023 21:00

March 14, 2023

What to Bring, a new release from Acclaimed Children and Young Adult author, Lorna Schultz Nicholson

 



What to Bring


The true meaning of family and closeness in the wake of a disaster by critically acclaimed Children and Young Adult author, Lorna Schultz Nicholson



        

A moving story about making tough choices when disaster strikes

        

Malia and her family are spending a day outside when they notice something strange. Huge white-and-gray clouds fill the sky, planes zoom overhead, and the air smells funny. A forest fire is sweeping the area, and they need to evacuate their home.

Daddy tells Malia that she needs to choose what to bring. “Pick small things. Things important to you,” he says. But there’s so much that Malia wants to take with her! Her pillows and blankets. Her family of teddy bears. LOTS of books. As the pile in her room grows, and chaos swirls around her, Malia comes to realize that what is most important to her won’t fit in a backpack: her little brother, her cat, and her dog.

This heartfelt and powerful story explores a rare perspective: experiencing a natural disaster through the eyes of a child. Malia’s authentic voice will resonate with readers, and the book’s challenging subject matter is balanced with gentle lessons in communication, problem-solving, and family.


        ** This story was inspired by Lorna's own forest fire evacuation In the Okanagan**


What to Bring: Schultz Nicholson, Lorna, Rooney, Ellen: 9781771474900: Books - Amazon.ca


         "Reassuring to children facing a similar situation, this selection also offers a subtle, heartfelt message to all about the importance of family that young listeners can discuss ... A straightforward and comforting exploration of an emergency evacuation."  ― Kirkus Reviews


 More from Lorna!!


 

Joey Moss first became known to many Canadians because of his work with the NHL Edmonton Oilers hockey team. Joey loved connecting with people. Whether he was singing Oh Canada on a jumbotron screen at a hockey game, welcoming a new friend with a playful wrestling match, or dancing on a runway for a charity fashion show, Joey loved making people feel good. But his impact and influence started long before he joined the Oilers. Joey was born with Down syndrome at a time when many children like him were institutionalized. Instead, Joey lived at home, surrounded by his supportive family who was determined that he should receive the same opportunities as others. From this loving environment grew a caring, energetic man who went on to show the world that people like him could do many things and contribute greatly to society. The inspiring true story of Joey Moss, a champion for all to have an opportunity to live a full, purposeful life, comes alive in this heartwarming picture book for young readers.

Good Morning, Sunshine!: The Joey Moss Story: Nicholson, Lorna Schultz, Carter, Alice: 9781534111691: Amazon.com: Books


Good Morning, Sunshine!: The Joey Moss Story: Nicholson, Lorna Schultz, Carter, Alice: 9781534111691: Books - Amazon.ca


About Lorna Schultz Nicholson


LORNA SCHULTZ NICHOLSON grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario, and as a child loved to read, write and compete in all kinds of sports. She is the respected author of many middle-grade and YA novels, the Puckster picture book series, and several non-fiction books about hockey, including the Amazing Hockey Stories series. Lorna lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her family. Not surprisingly, she is a HUGE Edmonton Oilers fan. Visit her online at www.lornaschultznicholson.com.

To request additional review copies or an interview with Lorna Schultz Nicholson, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com | 403.464.6925.    


We look forward to the coverage!


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Published on March 14, 2023 21:00

March 11, 2023

MOkSHA Entertainment is proud to announce the release of the NEW music video from GLENDA. "Walking" out NOW!


 FEBRUARY 25th, 2023 (Hollywood, Calif. U.S.A.)

MOkSHA Entertainment is proud to announce the release of the NEW music video from GLENDA. "Walking" out NOW!







MOkSHA Entertainment and Artist Management is a Multi-Platinum, Award- Winning, boutique cutting-edge artist development entertainment company with an experienced and knowledgeable team that is dedicated to producing innovative quality entertainment that serves a greater purpose and to uplift the human spirit through entertainment via music and film.



             SATURDAY 25 FEBURARY 2023 (Hollywood, USA)                                                                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


About GLENDA

GLENDA is an award winning, Recording Academy voting member, GRAMMY® considered singer-songwriter who weaves stories that touch the soul. Imagine the soul singing love child of Heart, Janis Joplin, and Bessie Smith and that is Glenda. A powerfully resonate voice, emanating with blues and soul, demanding attention, calling to action and uplifting the very fabric of love shared amongst us all… Like a wild tent revival preacher, Glenda’s sermon is empowerment, enlightenment and building bridges of understanding all wrapped in powerful self-expression that moves you from the head to the feet!


GLENDA’s career has included singing and performing for the South African Film Festival in Cannes France, The Brava theater for a women’s fundraiser gala in San Francisco, the Popkomm Music conference in Berlin, a Beverly Wilshire, Los Angeles solo performance for best selling author Harv Ecker (Millionaire Mind seminars) and a guest appearance at the Crown Plaza in Santiago, Chile to a Presidential fundraiser for Dennis Kucinich at the Kuumbwas Jazz Center in Santa Cruz, CA and in 2017 a rally for Alabama Democratic Senator Doug Jones.










GLENDA IS AVAILABLE FOR PRESS AND MEDIA INQUIRIES.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mickey Mikkelson        

                 Email:  mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com                             Telephone: +1-403-464-6925

 www.creative-edge.services    

www.GlendaBenevides.com    

MANAGEMENT CONTACT: Bobby Leigh

www.MokshaEntertainment.com

                                                     IG: @glendabenevidesmusic,       @bobby_leigh_official,


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Published on March 11, 2023 21:00

March 9, 2023

Featuring the relaunch of G.S. Gerry’s Award-Winning novel Meth Murder & Amazon, A Humorous Real Life Nightmare



                                                Meth Murder & Amazon

A Humorous Real Life Nightmare



The relaunch of G.S. Gerry’s Award-Winning journey into real estate hell revisited!!




An urban legend is born when the body of an unidentified child is found under the bed during an open house. Alive or dead? Murder or myth?   

        

Derald Grake destroys his life the moment he decides to sell the family home. After capturing the American dream, this father of 4 hopes to solve the complex formula of buying low and selling high. Witness one ‘normal’ family embark on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey involving, among other surprises, assassins, meth, murder, and the end of Amazon.

Wrapped inside this intriguing mystery are eye witness accounts and compelling evidence to separate truth from fantasy. Follow the clues, sort through the lies, and put the pieces together of this twisted reality.

From award winning author and visionary creator G. S. Gerry comes the critically acclaimed debut Meth Murder & Amazon.

A humorous, suspense filled roller coaster that goes downhill as quickly as a methamphetamine rush. This plot twisting symphony of laughter, absurdity, & betrayal will leave you speechless. Wondering how far one father will go to rescue his family from the unthinkable.

Author G. S. Gerry presents a witty, gripping read that will keep you guessing and pulls you to the edge of your seat until the very end. Quirky and utterly unique, Buying and Selling will never be the same again!
editorial review, quotes, reviews, unbiased reviews, literary titan review  comedy quote, comedy review, unbiased review Robin Williams, quote, editorial review, unbiased review, comedy review


About G.S. Gerry


G. S. Gerry is the award-winning author of Meth Murder & Amazon. He is a father of 5, Navy veteran, cybersecurity expert, and tattoo enthusiast that is reinventing the art of storytelling and writing wrongs along the way. Gerry’s original writing style has been compared to the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, Chuck Palahniuk and Lemony Snicket. His books are quirky and utterly unique, jam-packed with humor, suspense, and satire. Gerry grew up in the world of books working for his father's book bindery business when he was just a child. Little did he know the literary universe had something more in store for his life.

G. S. Gerry’s creations offer an escape from life’s harsh realities by providing a hilarious perspective in turning lemons into lemonade. Constructing a world where the unbelievable seems made up and yet, oddly relatable. Gerry’s visionary approach towards life, laughter and entertainment bridges comedy and originality with memorable creations, leaving no stone unturned to help others laugh their way to a better today.

Check out G. S. Gerry and exclusive Meth Murder & Amazon content on https://grakeden.com


To request additional review copies or an interview with G.S. Gerry, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com | 403.464.6925.    


We look forward to the coverage!


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Published on March 09, 2023 21:00

March 7, 2023

Featuring Enigma Tracer, Book One in the Enigma Heirs Thriller Series from the writing duo of Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey


 Enigma Tracer 

Book One in the Enigma Heirs Thriller Series


A new direction for the critically acclaimed writing duo of Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey


The book is published by ICABOD Press and is available worldwide across all platforms!




The clock is ticking ... can Gracie uncover the truth?

Phillip Pliant is the wealthy opportunist plastics dealer, and CEO of Pliant Industries. He’s also a master thief—creating a pervasive threat to the manufacturing infrastructure in the Caribbean islands markets. With the cartel as his stealth client, the naïve city leaders have been seduced, enabling the production of more than 3-dimentional building materials.

And set the stage for massive chaos and destruction.

Pliant has locked up contracts, assets, and control of any future expansion. His contacts and clients salivate over their probable financial reward—the expected profits are monstrous.

Is the R-Group, now led by Gracie and the family heirs, strong enough to win against this predator? Can JJ’s CATS (Cyber Assassin Technology Services) act on the root-cause analysis in time?

Will the R-Group and CATS sabotage Pliant’s plan before it’s too late?

Can Jeff and Keith use their covert skills to put the bad guys away for good?

Will Gracie be able to squash Pliant and the cartels?


Can the chain of islands survive the underhanded tactics and threats?

Gracie never considered their lives would hang in the balance between winning and losing. Will the devious plot be uncovered in time? The clock is ticking. Five ... four ... three ...


Enigma Tracer - Kindle edition by Breakfield, Charles, Burkey, Rox. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Enigma Tracer eBook : Breakfield, Charles, Burkey, Rox: Amazon.ca: Books



The Enigma Series


      

About Charles and Rox

Charles Breakfield is a technology expert in security, networking, voice, and anything digital. He enjoys writing, studying World War II history, travel, and cultural exchanges. Charles is a fan of wine tastings, winemaking, Harley riding, cooking extravaganzas, and woodworking. 

Rox Burkey is a technology professional who excels at optimizing technology and business investments. She works with customers all over the world focusing on optimized customer experiences. Rox writes white papers and documentation, but found she has a marked preference for writing fiction. 

Together these Texas authors create award-winning stories that resonate with males and females, as well as young and experienced adults. They bring a fresh new view to technology possibilities today in exciting stories. Visit their website for more information and free stuff. Https://www.EnigmaSeries.com



To request additional review copies or an interview with Charles and/or Rox, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.    We look forward to the coverage!


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Published on March 07, 2023 21:00

March 4, 2023

Introducing the newest single by mainstream music and sound design expert, Ashley Weckesser


 


The newest single by mainstream music and sound design expert, Ashley Weckesser


A discography of sound expansion!


Picture 6


More From Ashley:




A collection of A. Weckesser Piano Works:

A Star’s Night

Je Te Souviens

L’Aventure

La Melodie Des Ombres Rusees

Lantern

Ou Es-Tu

Sisters

Timid Hearts

Uncharted


About Ashley:


Picture 4

Ashley Weckesser is an Edmonton, AB-based composer and interdisciplinary artist working in the fields of music and sound, visual art and theater. An early-career artist, her instrumental and graphic score works have premiered at the University of Alberta’s Convocation Hall through the University’s Experimental Improvisation Ensemble (“XiMe”), Contemporary Music Ensemble and Edmonton's Ultraviolet Ensemble. A recent graduate from the University of Alberta, she has studied composition with Dr. Mark Hannesson and Dr. Scott Smallwood. Her current interests involve music design for video games and film, producing animated graphic scores, working with advanced music software such as Max/MSP, and the visual arts. Her works have won awards for best video game audio design, multiple university scholarships and recently her animated graphic score, A Composer’s Nightmare, has been featured in the Toronto 4th Multicultural Film Festival 2021. Ashley’s primary goal in her works is emotional storytelling that ignites passion. Music cannot effectively impact listeners without having a story and without having emotion. Ashley has taken a new interest in musical compositions that are designed to explore the impact of music on the conscious and subconscious emotional reactions of both the performers and listeners. Her goals are to design music in both the film and video game industries, as well as live performances (taking multiple forms), that turn the active listener into a participant; creating their own personal story and subsequently emoting on a transcendent level. “I believe music and sound have the ability to connect people, thoughts and emotions. Music and Sound allow us to tell engaging stories with lasting effect. It is the bridge by which we can cross into the land of our subconscious and transcend our self-awareness; it inspires.” Her music, photography, graphic scores, and more can be viewed at https://www.aweckesser.com

To request music review copies or an interview with Ashley Weckesser, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com | 403.464.6925.    

We look forward to the coverage!

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Published on March 04, 2023 21:00

March 2, 2023

Announcing Peter Pontsa's Debut Novel, Outfoxed: An Inspector William Fox Adventure!

 


Welcome to my new writing friend, Peter Pontsa! I'm really excited to get to work with Peter on events with the Crime Writers of Canada and check out his debut novel!


Now retired from his dental supply business, Peter Pontsa enjoyed sharing his knowledge through writing techno-clinical articles. He was also president of the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario, where he helped develop the quality assurance program. Now he combines his passions—British cars and writing. During his tenure as president of the Headwaters British Car Club, Pontsa wrote numerous stories about cars in its newsletter, “British Driven.” He’s currently a member of the Wordsmiths, a writing group based in Alliston, Ontario, and is also a member of the Crime Writers of Canada. Peter Pontsa lives in Loretto, Ontario, with his wife, Angela, and their orange tabby, Mr. Tee.

https://peterthomaspontsa.com

https://peterthomaspontsa.com/media-kit-outfoxed/

 https://www.facebook.com/peterthomaspontsa   (personal)

https://www.facebook.com/InspectorWilliamFoxAdventureSeries (business page)

https://www.instagram.com/peterthomaspontsa/

https://twitter.com/PeterTPontsa

 

 

How many hours a day do you write?

I write around four hours per day and try to accomplish at least 500 to 1000 words during that timeframe.


How do you choose the stories you write?

My stories are mostly motivated by totalitarian governments who are trying to erode our fragile democracy. This establishes the groundwork for the action and adventure I so enjoy writing.


What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

I find preparation and research the most time consuming. Thinking about scenarios and coming to ideas are rather easy, but evaluating the plausible from the extraordinary does take patience. Rewriting and editing are necessary elements of the creative process.


Five years from now where do you see yourself as a writer?

I envision having four more books published and would predict my writing style would have evolved with each and every book.


How many unpublished and half published books do you have?

None. However, I have at least six or seven short stories, and several poems that I would like to add to my collection of works and anticipate completing a book in each of these literary areas at some future date.


W as there a person who encouraged you to write?

Yes, he has passed now. In the early years of my dental professional career, he encouraged me to share my dental knowledge in our professional journals. I continued to write for many years, and eventually became associate editor of an international Denturist journal. Upon retirement, the writing bug continued into crime novels which I write today.

 

 


OUTFOXED

Sometimes Inspector William Fox likes to go off script, like when chasing gangsters in his cigarette boat on the St. Lawrence River. For one case, the RCMP officer with a penchant for luxury fashion finds himself teamed up with FBI Special Agent Patrick Reilly, an Irish lad who prefers absinthe to Guinness. The pair travel overseas to track down members of a gang who have kidnapped Tracy Jordan, an American academic and archeologist with teenage ties to William. In China, Tracy has been stealthily searching for evidence of Admiral Zheng He’s 15th-century connections to the area that would later be known as Nova Scotia. It’s here that Tracy and her team discover what might be Ming dynasty artifacts transported by Zheng He’s “massive treasure ships” left behind on Mi’kmaq peoples’ ancestral land.

 

Outfoxed — a William Fox Adventure is a slick, globe-trotting adventure that involves the RCMP and FBI chasing the Foo Dog Triad operating in Hong Kong, mainland China, and New York City. Like Tracy and Kevin Steptoe, a Mi’kmaq lawyer, the gangsters are after the ancient Chinese treasures. Outfoxed is also a political thriller, diving deeply into the power struggles of the Communist Party of China and its shadowy operatives. It wades into the Fox family’s political past in South Korea, where a tragedy took place that still haunts William years later.

 

The buy links:

https://www.amazon.ca/Outfoxed-Inspector-William-Fox-Adventure/dp/1039161944

https://books.apple.com/us/book/outfoxed/id6445574180

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/outfoxed-peter-thomas-pontsa/1143003170

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/outfoxed-21

https://play.google.com/store/search?q=9781039161955&c=books

https://peterthomaspontsa.com/product/preorder-outfoxed-an-inspector-william-fox-adventure-soft-cover/   (for residents local to Orangeville – Alliston – Bolton area interested in attending book launch.)

 

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Published on March 02, 2023 21:00