Friday, March 31, 2023

Award-winning writer Edward Willett crowdfunding fourth anthology featuring major science fiction and fantasy authors

 



Award-winning writer Edward Willett crowdfunding fourth anthology

featuring major science fiction and fantasy authors

 


Edward Willett, Saskatchewan-based award-winning author of more than sixty books of science fiction, fantasy, and non-fiction for readers of all ages, is launching a Kickstarter campaign on March 14, 2023, to fund the fourth annual anthology featuring some of the top writers of science fiction and fantasy working today, all of whom were guests on his Aurora Award-winning podcast, The Worldshapers (www.theworldshapers.com). 

Shapers of Worlds Volume IV will feature new fiction from David Boop, Michaelbrent Collings, Roy M. Griffis, Sarah A. Hoyt, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Noah Lemelson, Mark Leslie Lefebvre, Edward M. Lerner, David Liss, Gail Z. Martin, Joshua Palmatier, Richard Paolinelli, Jean-Louis Trudel, James van Pelt, Garon Whited, and Edward Willett, plus reprints by James Kennedy, R.S. Mellette, and Lavie Tidhar. Among those authors are several international bestsellers, as well as winners and nominees for every major science fiction and fantasy literary award. 

All of the authors were guests during the fourth year of The Worldshapers, where Willett interviews other science fiction and fantasy authors about their creative process. 

Backers' rewards offered by the authors include numerous e-books, signed paperback and hardcover books, Tuckerizations (a backer’s name used as a character name), commissioned artwork, one-on-one writing/publishing consultations, audiobooks, opportunities for online chats with authors, short-story critiques, and more. 

The Kickstarter campaign can be found at  kickstarter.com/projects/edwardwillett/shapers-of-worlds-volume-iv/. 

The campaign goal is $12,000 CDN. Most of those funds will go to pay the authors, with the rest going to reward fulfillment, primarily the editing, layout, and printing of the book, which will be published this fall in both ebook and trade paperback formats by Willett’s publishing company, Shadowpaw Press (www.shadowpawpress.com). This year, there’s a special stretch goal: once the campaign reaches $17,000, $5,000 over the goal, the anthology will be illustrated, with a new black-and-white drawing for each story from Calgary, Alberta artist Wendi Nordell, who has illustrated numerous books for regional publishers including Edward Willett’s science-fiction and fantasy poetry collection, I Tumble Through the Diamond Dust. 

The Worldshapers podcast continues, and assuming Shapers of Worlds Volume IV funds this year, there’ll be a campaign to fund the fifth volume in the series next year.

 

For more information:

Edward Willett

ewillett@sasktel.net

306-536-5421

www.edwardwillett.com

www.shadowpawpress.com

www.theworldshapers.com

 

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Wounded Hearts Take A Chance is a warm-hearted collection of poetry by Debbie Quigley

 

Wounded Hearts Take A Chance is a warm-hearted collection of poetry about taking a second chance on love after heartbreak, written by a retired healthcare worker.


Wounded Hearts Take A Chance by Ontario author Debbie Quigley, a collection of warm-hearted poems about learning to love again after betrayal and heartache, is out now from Regina publisher Endless Sky Books.


“I wrote Wounded Hearts Take A Chance to simply give women hope about the possibility of loving again,” says Debbie Quigley. “I was so happy to have it published, once again sharing my whisper-art poetry. Endless Sky has been simply amazing, guiding me and working with me on this heartfelt-project.”


“I’m delighted to be able to publish this charming little collection of heart-warming poems,” says Edward Willett, editor and publisher of Endless Sky Books. “I hope it finds readers for its gentle message of hope.”


Wounded Hearts Take A Chance can be ordered through most bookstores, online or off. It can also be purchased directly from Endless Sky Books at www.endless-sky-books.com.


More about the book


 “It all started one fine summer’s day when a first-glance attraction walked into her yard . . .”


This little book takes you along the poetic, romantic path of a woman opening her broken heart to the possibility of loving again.


To do so, she must tear down the protective walls of aloneness she has built around herself, walls of safety thrown up in the wake of infidelity and betrayal.


Letting a man into her heart again, daring to trust and to feel love and passion once more, opening herself to the risk of suffering more pain, is a big leap . . . but it’s one worth taking, and one she’ll never regret.https://shadowpawpress.com/product/backwater-mystic-blues/. 


About the Author


Debbie Quigley, author of Wounded Hearts Take A Chance, was born in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. She is also the author of the poetry collection Wind Whispers. A retired healthcare worker, she lives in a small hamlet surrounded by nature and wildlife. She loves to garden. Debbie’s “whisper-art” poetry is simple and real, telling a story. She has contributed to Spiritual Writers Network publications, and her poetry can also be found on Author’s Den.


About the Publisher


Endless Sky Books is a book-publishing company founded by award-winning author and editor Edward Willett in 2023. For more information, contact publisher@endless-sky-books.com or visit www.endless-sky-books.com


Debbie Quigley is available for interviews, media appearances, speaking engagements, and/or book review requests. Please contact mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com by email or by phone at 403.464.6925

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Nzondi, Bram Stoker Winner, accomplished actor, and now Bestselling musician!!

Nzondi 

Bram Stoker Winner, accomplished actor, and now a Bestselling musician!!

 


The newest single by Nzondi and being played in over 60 radio stations across the United States

“Teenage RockStarr” by Nzondi from the album The Toxic:

https://ffm.to/teenagerockstarrpromo

 Stream “Teenage RockStarr”: https://ffm.to/teenagerockstarrpromo

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7jQwYqQmPOYpJXJXJpNaac

 



The rock singer, songwriter and Bram Stoker Award-winning author wrote, performed and produced the alternative rock song “Teenage RockStarr”. It features Dave Moreno (Puddle of Mudd) on drums. Both the radio and the clean versions feature Dave as the drummer but the clean version also features Hip Hop icon/actor, Fredro Starr from the legendary group Onyx.  

Influenced by mostly Seattle-bred bands like Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Jimi Hendrix Experience and Nirvana, Nzondi’s “Teenage RockStarr” carries the energy of a Red Hot Chili Peppers-charged track. 

 

 
About Nzondi     

Nzondi is also the first African-American to win the most prestigious award in horror for a novel category, the Bram Stoker. “Teenage RockStarr” was inspired by a character in Nzondi’s upcoming vampire book called “Demons for Hire”. 

In September 2022, Nzondi made the front cover for the Opal and E.G.O. magazines as the Author of the Month and “A Global Sensation” respectively.

About Teenage RockStarr (feat Fredro Starr) by Nzondi:

Record Label/Distributor: Triumphant T.M.E./Worldwide Music Distribution

Length: 3:07


Songwriters:

Ace Antonio-Hall

Alain LaPorte

Fredro Starr


Vocals: Nzondi

Guitars/Bass: Alain LaPorte

Drums: Dave Moreno

Producer: Nzondi


Mixed by: Stephen Villanueva (Los Angeles) & D’Anthony Johnson (New York)

Mastered by: Chris Gehringer, Sterling Sound Studios, NY.

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

We look forward to the coverage!


Friday, March 24, 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!



Wednesday, March 22, 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!


Sunday, March 19, 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!


Friday, March 17, 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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