A Bit of Disruption While I Move

 

ROAD TRIP!

My life has taken a bit of a turn lately and is currently mostly in boxes.

I've decided to return to Alberta where I was born and raised and take my two lovely kitties - aka The Hallellujah Choir - with me. So here I am at the age of 54 getting rid of everything by my cherished possessions, quitting my job (Last day today!) and moving across the country with my cats.

Jazz and Ash aren't too sure what's going on. They know what the boxes mean but have no idea they'll be spending 4 nights in hotels and moving to a new home.

Over the past two months, I've been scurrying to find a place to live and a new car. Why the car? I've been locked out 4 times by a short in the wiring and ended up crawling in through the trunk, setting off the alarm system, and driving across town with the horn blaring. Not fun! The last time, I gave in. I called a friend whose son works for a local dealership and got a great new car!! One I feel safe and comfortable in AND has a bit more space for all the books I'm taking on my move.

Happy to say all the pieces have been falling into place. Even a great new job on the horizon that I will share once I have more information. May need to get a part time gig for a while, but that's nothing I haven't done before. I'll definitely keep writing books. Editing books. All the fun marketing stuff that goes along with being a writer!

So, the blog will be sketchy for the next couple week while I move and get settled. I'll try to keep up and let you all know how things are going!

In the meantime, I have a few more great lunches, dinners, coffees and so on with amazing friends I've made since we moved here in 2005. Orangeville is definitely a fabulous place and I leave knowing that I will come back to visit - and do a book launch for the fantasy novel I'm writing with my dear friend, Gary!!

One thing I have come to enjoy is meeting and spending time with other fantastic writers and I look forward to meeting many more. I've been very blessed during my time here even if it didn't feel that way at the time. Sometimes it takes leaving somewhere to find out how many really good friends and experiencies you have had. 

For today, I'm off to work for my last day at Theatre Orangeville - which has been a huge learning experience!! Then home to do more packing, scanning, and so on. Also a little daydreaming about my new place and where I'll set up my office/writing nook.

Have a fantastic day! Much more to come!!

Diane (and the Hallelujah Choir!)

DAVID A. BOWLES WINS TWO AWARDS FOR THE SHERIFF OF STARR COUNTY

 

TEXAS AUTHOR AND HISTORIAN, DAVID A. BOWLES WINS TWO BOOK AWARDS FOR HIS CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED NOVEL, THE SHERIFF OF STARR COUNTY 

Texas historian and critically acclaimed author David A. Bowles was the winner of two accomplishments at the prestigious Eric Hoffer Book Awards. David’s newest entry in his Westward Sagas series, The Sheriff of Starr County was shortlisted for the Grand Prize overall and the book also received an Honorable Mention Award. The double win is a first for this critically acclaimed author and is the latest highlight in a number of accomplishments including an A plus review at Publishers Weekly as well as a positive review from Readers Favorite.

 About the Eric Hoffer Awards: 

The Eric Hoffer Book Award honors the memory of the great American philosopher Eric Hoffer by highlighting salient writing, as well as the independent spirit of small publishers. Since its inception, the Hoffer has become one of the largest international book awards for small, academic, and independent presses.

 

Editorial:

"The hundred-year odyssey of the Westward Sagas is not about war, but how it affected the Mitchell family. Children of the Revolution: Book 3 in the Westward Sagas Series takes up where Adam's Daughters: Book 2 left off-in Tennessee shortly after statehood. The series continues with the next generation of the Mitchell Family. Peggy, the protagonist in Adam's Daughters, takes on a stronger role as she matures into a confident woman courted by British nobility. Children of the Revolution uncovers the untold reason North Carolina never ratified the U.S. Constitution. Adventure, intrigue, romance and tragedy are woven into the story of the first generation of Americans."

ABOUT DAVID:   

                         

David A. Bowles is the fifth generation of his family to be born in Austin Texas. Both parents were from pioneer settlers. His great grandmother, Elnora Van Cleve was the first child born in Austin on April 14, 1841. His award-winning series, the Westward Sagas is based on her family and their one-hundred-year journey from Pennsylvania to Texas. David and his dog Becka, enjoy Texas from October-May.

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

We look forward to the coverage! 

Daughter of Hades by Mack Little, Winner of Chaucer Award!

 

Daughter Of Hades

Telling the Complicated History of the Caribbean Through the Eyes Of Two Sets of Siblings

Winner of the GRAND PRIZE in the CHAUCER AWARD category in the Chanticleer International Book Awards 2022 & 2023

Released and published by Inklings Publishing

The book is available worldwide in e-format

 

Mack Little’s sophomore novel traces the fascinating and often painful Caribbean history through the life experience of siblings as they try to escape their homes and strive for a better life.

Amazon.com Link:  Amazon.com: Daughter of Hades: Book 1 of the Love & Peace Series: 9781944428686: Little, Mack: Books

Amazon.ca: Daughter of Hades: Book 1 of the Love & Peace Series : Little, Mack: Amazon.ca: Books

Daughter of Hades first depicts the story of Dinny and Jimmie, twin brother and sister who have grown up as enslaved people on a plantation in Barbados. When Dinny’s life faces more threats as the master’s infatuation with her grows, the siblings make their way onto a pirate ship. Though safety will not come yet for the two siblings, it seems that love is in the cards for at least one of them, as Dinny falls in love with a Chinese sailor named Lei. 

The storyline alternates with another set of siblings: two brothers named Ivan and Pax as they desperately try to make their way to Jamaica. The two storylines eventually clash and the two sets of siblings are faced with a Rolodex of suspenseful events that bring to light pain, romance, and survival, in any condition.

The book gets its inspiration from the long and harrowing history of slavery in the Caribbean. It is one of the most exciting historical fiction novels with a story that is still relevant today.

But Daughters of Hades is much more than a lesson of Caribbean history and the effects slavery has on these siblings. At its core, it is a fight for survival and revenge captured in its more pure state, and a historical romance that shows people can find love even in the strangest of places, or the strangest of situations.

“An engaging, swashbuckling tale of love and revenge during the age of piracy.” - Kirkus Reviews 

“Little fills us in on the important Caribbean history and how the rules of a terrible trade system changed from one island to another. Envisioning the beautiful settings of Jamaica and Barbados and recognizing their histories illuminates a truth that readers will really benefit from knowing.” - Jaylynn Korrell (Independent Book Review) 

About Mack:

Mack Little grew up in the Deep South and has accumulated a vibrant experience which she often emulates in her storytelling. Her studies in International Politics and service in the Army have given her impressive perspectives to bring to her novels new layers of intrigues and twists, which are all quite prevalent in her latest novel, Daughter of Hades.

To learn more about the book and its author, please contact Mack Little at info@Mack-Little.com 

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

We look forward to the coverage!

Supernatural thriller novelist, JP McLean releases her Gift Legacy Series in Stunning new Box Sets!!

 

Supernatural thriller and Award-Winning novelist,

JP McLean now releases her Gift Legacy Series in Stunning new Box Sets!! 

Released by Windstorm Press

The book is available worldwide in digital and print format

 

Seamlessly blending paranormal mystery, fantasy, and romance, this beautifully written and deeply resonant adventure will swoop you into a vivid, new reality and leave your imagination soaring. 

There is a world that exists within our own. A world brimming with extraordinary wonder and ruthless brutality. A world Emelynn Taylor doesn’t yet know she’s part of. The Gift she naively accepted years ago branded her as one of them. And now, if the Gift doesn’t kill her, one of her own kind might.

This boxed-set collection includes the first three books in The Gift Legacy series:

Secret Sky

Hidden Enemy

Burning Lies

The Gift Legacy Books 1-3: Secret Sky, Hidden Enemy, Burning Lies eBook : McLean, JP: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store

There is a world that exists within our own. A world brimming with extraordinary wonder and ruthless brutality. And now that Emelynn Taylor has chosen a man’s life over keeping the secret of the gift, she finds herself in a deadly game of cat and mouse. But it’s not a game, and soon she’ll learn the true definition of brutal.

This boxed-set collection includes the final three books in The Gift Legacy series, plus Lover Betrayed.

Lethal Waters

Deadly Deception

Wings of Prey 

And a Bonus with Lover Betrayed!!!

The Gift Legacy Books 4-6 + Lover Betrayed: Lethal Waters, Deadly Deception, Wings of Prey, Lover Betrayed eBook : McLean, JP: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store 

McLean's writing is as ingenious as her protagonist, ranging from grunge to repartee to sophistication to laugh-out-loud snarks. Ghost Mark is Gripping. You won't put it down till it's done_—Ottawa Review of Books

A captivating nail-biter that will leave readers thirsting for more! —InD'tale Magazine

Will keep you on the edge of your seat . . . an intense, riveting, and fast-paced novel. —Literary Titan

An exciting blend of action, mystery, suspense, and thrills with a supernatural kick that will leave you wanting more! —Ann Charles, USA Today bestselling author of The Deadwood Mystery series 

About JP McLean

JP (Jo-Anne) McLean is a bestselling author of urban fantasy and supernatural thrillers. She is an Eric Hoffer and Global Book Award winner and was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, the Chanticleer International Book Awards, and the Independent Author Network Awards. Reviewers call her books addictive, smart and fun.

JP holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, is a certified scuba diver, an avid gardener, and a voracious reader. She had a successful career in Human Resources before turning her attention to writing.

Raised in Toronto, Ontario, JP has lived in various parts of North America, from Mexico and Arizona to Alberta and Ontario. JP now lives with her husband on Denman Island, which is nestled between the coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. You can reach her through her website at jpmcleanauthor.com. 

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

We look forward to the coverage!

The Malevolent Seven, a new fantasy novel from Sebastien de Castell

 

“Seven powerful mages want to make the world a better place. We’re going to kill them first.”

Picture a wizard. Go ahead, close your eyes. There he is, see? Skinny old guy with a long straggly beard. No doubt he’s wearing iridescent silk robes that couldn’t protect his frail body from a light breeze. That hat’s a must, too, right? Big, floppy thing, covered in esoteric symbols that would instantly show every other mage where this one gets his magic? Wouldn’t want a simple steel helmet or something that might, you know, protect the part of him most needed for conjuring magical forces from being bashed in with a mace (or pretty much any household object).

Now open your eyes and let me show you what a real war mage looks like…but be warned: you’re probably not going to like it, because we’re violent, angry, dangerously broken people who sell our skills to the highest bidder and be damned to any moral or ethical considerations.

At least, until such irritating concepts as friendship and the end of the world get in the way.

My name is Cade Ombra, and though I currently make my living as a mercenary wonderist, I used to have a far more noble-sounding job title – until I discovered the people I worked for weren’t quite as noble as I’d believed. Now I’m on the run and my only friend, a homicidal thunder mage, has invited me to join him on a suicide mission against the seven deadliest mages on the continent.

Time to rescue some very bad people to help us on this job… 

Amazon.ca:  The Malevolent Seven: de Castell, Sebastien: 9781529422771: Books - Amazon.ca 

Amazon.com:  The Malevolent Seven: de Castell, Sebastien: 9781529422771: Amazon.com: Books

More From Sebastien de Castell: 

Praise For Sebastien: 

“The Three Musketeers meets Joe Abercrombie via Mark Lawrence: 'Guaranteed to increase household swashbuckling by 100%,”' says Library Journal

“Like the tremendous Spellslinger and Greatcoats series', THE MALEVOLENT SEVEN is another example of the brilliant and vivid world-building that Sebastien de Castell uniquely delivers through his incredibly original characters and their riveting adventures.—– Chad Stahelski, director of John Wick

“Malevolent Seven is a masterful blend of Sebastien de Castell’s unique brand of wry humour, elegant prose, and wonderfully imaginative worldbuilding. I devoured this book and loved every page”.—Nicholas Eames, bestselling author of Kings of the Wyld

“With a contemporary style, relentless pace, and a unique and exciting magic system, the Malevolent Seven is an action-packed adventure that not only questions the true nature of heroes but the very meaning of good and evil”.—Michael J. Sullivan, bestselling author of The Ryria Revelations

“Doesn't so much break the fourth wall as shatter it completely - A brutal and hilarious romp of rotters that would make Deadpool proud.”—Peter Mclean, author of Priest of Bones

“Vigorous and action-packed . . . There is no way you can read this book without a grin on your face.”—– James Lovegrove, The Financial Times

About Sebastien:

Sebastien de Castell had just finished a degree in Archaeology when he started work on his first dig. Four hours later he realized how much he actually hated archaeology and left to pursue a very focused career as a musician, ombudsman, interaction designer, fight choreographer, teacher, project manager, actor, and product strategist.

His only defence against the charge of unbridled dilettantism is that he genuinely likes doing these things and that, in one way or another, each of these fields plays a role in his writing. He sternly resists the accusation of being a Renaissance Man in the hopes that more people will label him that way.

Sebastien's acclaimed swashbuckling fantasy series, The Greatcoats. was shortlisted for both the 2014 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy. the Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut, the Prix Imaginales for Best Foreign Work, and the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His YA fantasy series, Spellslinger, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and is published in more than a dozen languages.

Sebastien lives in Vancouver, Canada with his lovely wife and two belligerent cats. You can reach him at www.decastell.com

Sebastien 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 403.464.692

We look forward to the coverage!

Technology and Magic are Revisited in the Relaunch of Catching Hell Part 2 by Marc Watson

 

TECHNOLOGY AND MAGIC REVISITED IN THE SECOND INSTALLMENT OF THE YOUNG ADULT DUOLOGY RELAUNCH OF CATCHING HELL PART 2 

Released and Relaunched by Fluky Fiction

Available Worldwide in Paperback and e-book formats 

 

The second part of this epic duology!

A critical blow has been dealt to the robotic Army of the Old, but at a great price. Broken and weary, best friends Johan and Aryu have been separated while chasing forces from the distant past that they both fear.

Aryu, the man with wings, pursues the enemy while he slowly slips into the enticing magic and mystery of the Power, led by the great phoenix Nixon Ash.

Johan stands on the steps of Bankoor, a futuristic city full of wonder and mistrust. Here he must make his stand to avenge his destroyed home and find his friend.

As the gap between the brave warriors closes, the worlds of technology and magic will clash!

Amazon.com: Catching Hell Part 2: Destination eBook : Watson, Marc, Fiction, Fluky: Kindle Store 

Catching Hell Part 2: Destination eBook : Watson, Marc, Fiction, Fluky: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store

 MORE IN THE SERIES:

 

 

In the distant future, two young men are thrust into unknown worlds—worlds they were raised to fear.

Aryu, the Boy with Wings, enters a realm where magic rules. Guided by the conflicted phoenix Nixon Ash, a creature sent to kill him, Aryu must confront the powerful, immortal Embracers and the balance of Everything and Nothing they inhabit. Meanwhile, Johan navigates a futuristic world, seeking a means to defeat the robotic Army of the Old destructively marching across their homeland, and reunite with his best friend.

From Marc Watson, author of Death Dresses Poorly, comes the first part of the epic science-fantasy duology in the world of Ryuujin. Join Aryu and Johan as they face their fears while uncovering new ones—all in the name of revenge. 

CatchingHell Part 1: Journey eBook : Watson, Marc, Fiction, Fluky: Amazon.ca: KindleStore 

Amazon.com:Catching Hell Part 1: Journey eBook : Watson, Marc, Fiction, Fluky: KindleStore

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 

Marc Watson is an author of genre fiction of all lengths and styles. He began writing at the age of 15 and continues to be a part-time writing student at Athabasca University. He has been published on flash fiction site www.101words.org (find his stories here) as well as comedy site www.thecorrectness.com. 

Marc lives in Calgary, Alberta. He is a husband and proud father of two. He is an avid outdoors-man, martial artist, baseball player, and lover of all Mexican foods. 

He can be found at online www.marcwatson.ca, as well as on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marcwroteabook, and on twitter at @writewatson. 

Marc 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.

We look forward to the coverage!!

Good-Bye Too Soon, the tragic truth behind addiction from mental health advocate Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

 

Good-Bye Too Soon 

The tragic truth behind addiction as mental health advocate Randi-Lee Bowslaugh shares her story about the loss of her brother and the steps needed for her family to grieve and ultimately overcome! 

Published by RB Writing

The book is available worldwide in e-format

Addiction is a rampant mental illness that takes hold of individuals of any age. Brandon was only a teenager when drugs took over his life. The battle raged for decades before he lost.

Randi-Lee shares the truth behind the eulogy. Having a brother with addiction created a fissure and forced the need for boundaries. Stepping away and loving him from a distance was her only way to keep herself safe.

This book goes beyond losing a brother. It delves into risk factors, constructive coping strategies, and a family’s grieving process. Reminding those left behind to forgive ourselves and the person we lost. 

Amazon.com: Good-Bye Too Soon - Kindle edition by Bowslaugh, Randi-Lee. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

 Amazon.ca:  Amazon.ca : goodbye too soon randi lee bowslaugh

About The Author

Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services, after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions.

Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. From the age of 14 she struggled with depressive thoughts. There were times in her life that she wasn’t sure how she would continue. Depression continues to be a battle in her life but she is glad that she continues to live. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health. In 2021 she started a YouTube channel, Write or Die Show, to spread awareness about various mental health issues and to end the stigma associated with mental health.

Growing up she never felt that she fit in, being the last to understand jokes and confused about many emotions that she saw on others. In 2021 she finally had answers to the questions about herself that had been nagging at her. She was diagnosed with moderate Autism.

Another of Randi-Lee’s passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for about 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World’s kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes.

Randi is a mom to two, her youngest child has autism and grandma to one. Randi encourages and supports her youngest child's entrepreneurial spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist. When she can she incorporates his art into her stories. 

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

Prometheus in Chains, the newest series from Top Comic Book Creator, Rich Davis

 

PROMETHEUS IN CHAINS

THE NEWEST SERIES FROM ONE OF THE TOP COMIC BOOK CREATORS TO WATCH FOR IN 2023, RICH DAVIS

Prometheus in Chains is a re-imagining of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein set in the post WWII atomic age.  Victor and Elizabeth are among the Jewish scientists who fled Germany to work on the Manhattan Project to help the allies bring down the Third Reich.  Victor is haunted by the fruits of his labor. He knows he helped create a potentially world changing technology but understands it may also become a monster that destroys it. When Elizabeth develops cancer from radiation exposure, the guilt and grief might just destroy him. 

Published by Red 5 Comics, Prometheus In Chains is the third chilling nightmare from acclaimed comic creator, Rich Davis!

More Series by Rich Davis:

Praise For Cult of Dracula:

“It was tragic in the best possible way.  The series has its bloody grindhouse moments so far, but where it rises above superficial shock is in it’s building sense of unavoidable doom.  There’s so much pain and loss with the individual characters that you can’t help but feel some sympathy for the troubled lives they carry with them.” _ Gabriel Hernandez, Comical Opinions 

“Cult of Dracula is not taking a straight line approach to adapting Stoker’s classic. There are angles aplenty, with narrative leaps & some impressively off-putting dialogue.” _ The Pull Box

“Calzada meets Davis’s imagination at each turn and makes the act of turning the page a nightmare itself.  The partnership is reminiscent of Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard, The long tenured team of the Walking Dead comic book series” Chase Harrison , Horrorgeeklife.com

About Rich:

Rich Davis is the writer and creator of the underground horror sensation "Cult of Dracula" from Source Point Press. In a short period of time, he's built a reputation in the comic book industry as an innovator with a tireless work ethic. His first comic "Cult of Dracula" has sold more than 50,000 units and has been optioned by Sure Pictures for film development.

Source Point Press exercised its option to publish his full, three volume Dracula saga. Rich’s newest comic book projects "Prometheus In Chains" is published in May 2023, and "Shooter" and an untitled, depression era circus tale are in development.

Rich has led an eclectic life. He founded a performing arts theatre, worked as a concert booker and a film producer. He's radio personality, an actor and a screenwriter. He even served as a campaign staffer for two Presidential campaigns! Now he gets to tell scary stories for a living.  

Some might wonder at such an eclectic background, but he prefers to see it as an adventure!" 

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

We look forward to the coverage!

Murder At the Willcotts Hotel, a new cozy mystery novella by Sasscer Hill

 

Murder At the Willcotts Hotel

A Janet Simpson Horse Racing Novella 

 

Cozy Mystery brilliance by critically acclaimed author,

Sasscer Hill

Clever senior, Janet suddenly becomes a very rich widow. But her newfound riches and freedom sometimes bring the kind of trouble from which only her wits can save her.

Wintering at an elegant southern hotel, with her new racehorse at a nearby training track, she meets an attractive man. A budding romance begins. But, when he’s a no-show for dinner, her search finds him dead from a brutal attack. Now, she’s a prime suspect for his murder.

Her fear doubles when she realizes the niece who has come to stay with her has been followed by a stalker. Can she finger the real killer before death strikes again?

Murder at the Willcotts Hotel: A Janet Simpson Horse Racing Novella eBook : Hill, Sasscer: Amazon.ca: Books

Amazon.com: Murder at the Willcotts Hotel: A Janet Simpson Novella: 9798392221707: Hill, Sasscer: Books

 Coming Soon from Sasscer Hill!   The Series Continues

 

About Sasscer Hill

Author Sasscer Hill was involved in horse racing as an amateur jockey and racehorse breeder for most of her life. Her mystery-thrillers portray the world of horse racing, and the skullduggery that big money and gambling so often attract. Her novels have won the Dr. Tony Ryan Best in Racing Literature Award (Flamingo Road) and the Carrie McCray Award (The Dark Side of Town). Her Nikki Latrelle mysteries have also received multiple award nominations for Agatha, Macavity, Claymore, and an additional Dr. Tony Ryan Award. 

Travels of Quinn, published in 2020, stepped away from horse racing. Instead, the mystery-thriller revolves around the gypsy con artists known as Irish American Travelers. This novel was a finalist for a Silver Falchion Award for Best Mystery of 2020.

 

Sasscer lives in Aiken, South Carolina horse country, with her husband, a dog, and a cat. 

Find everything Sasscer! Click here: linktr.ee/sasscerhill 

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

We look forward to the coverage!