Showing posts with label Ontario authors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ontario authors. Show all posts

Friday, March 3, 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?

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How many unpublished and half published books do you have?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.


Was 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.)

 

Friday, December 2, 2022

Kay Dee launches her new novel The Entrapment

 


I was fortunate to meet Kay at a local author event and am currently reading her book.

Definitely an eye-opener!

Hello my name is Kay Dee. My most important role is being a mom to my young daughter. I enjoy sports however my all time favourite is soccer. I was a police officer for ten years and went through a very tumultuous time which included varies levels of the criminal justice system. I am a first time author and truly I don’t consider myself an “author” like most. I wrote my book “The Entrapment” as a means of closure. It was intended to put my negative experience behind me, get things off my chest, and ultimately sooth my soul, which is exactly what it did. I consider my book to be raw and personal, opposed to polished and refined like some of the other more experienced professional authors. My book helped me in my healing process, and if I can interest others through sharing my experiences then I am happy to do so. 



THE ENTRAPMENT

An integrity play designed to bring down a decorated, enthusiastic police officer, a "partner" put in place to turn her professional and personal life on its head. The Entrapment pulls back the veil on the known and unknown parts of policing culture, women on the force and the criminal justice system. Putting a spotlight on the bias within the force and the emotional and financial toll one must endure to prove their innocence in a crooked system. Join Kay Dee on her journey from childhood calling, to dream fulfilled, culminating in a legal battle through the criminal justice system as she sought vindication of her innocence.

My book can be found on Amazon or through me directly. Here is the amazon link to purchase my book if you should be interested in joining me on journey and seeking vindication.  

https://www.amazon.ca/Entrapment-Kay-Dee/dp/B0BLFR2JR4/

Are you working on a future book?

No I am not working on any future books at the moment. This book was written bc of a very lengthy and personal hardship. And while I have overcame it now I truly hope I never have to live through something like this again.

Was there a person who encouraged you to write?

I had people along the way during my struggles who I would vent to regarding my frustrations in the criminal justice system who “jokingly” said I should write a book bc it would make one hell of a story. In the end I did end up writing a book however I did it for myself. Other then 1-2 very selective people I kept my book a secret during my two years of writing as I wasn’t sure where it would lead. However those people did say that I should continue and follow through as my story needs to be told and should be shared.

What would you say are your strengths as an author?

I would say my strengths as an author are writing from the soul. I write from a place of hardship and passion. I lived all these experiences and re lived them while writing. I felt the pain again, the frustrations, and shed the tears again like it were happening all over again.

Five years from now, where do you see yourself?

In five years from now I see myself doing the same. Which for some may not be exciting but for me it’s where I like to be.

During my ten year struggle in the criminal justice system I fought hard to be where I am now. I am proud of how far I have come and where I am today. I happy with my current job, I love being there for my daughter , volunteering at her school events and being a coach to her soccer team. I wrote this book which has allowed me to put this awful experience behind me and move on. So in 5 years even if nothing changes I’m perfectly happy where I am today. :)

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Introducing Best-Selling Canadian Women's Literary Fiction Author, Deborah Armstrong

 


 I'm pleased to share a wonderful new-to-me author named Deborah Armstrong! I met Deborah at the local Summer Arts Festival and read her novel Boss, which I really enjoyed! Looking forward to book 2 in the series!



I am an Amazon Best Selling author of Women's Literary Fiction.

I'll never forget that hot and steamy summer that started me on my writing journey. 

It was June, and I celebrated a significant birthday. I couldn't settle for some reason, and all that interested me was reading my daughter's collection of romance novels. I read them all: paranormal, contemporary, historical, and chick-lit. And, I didn't read the books once; I read them repeatedly. I also began to write romance, and by the time fall arrived, I had two rough drafts ready: Forever Love and Love's Promises.

I live with my family on a large dairy farm. My writing is a romantic blend of farming, family, and fantasy. Romance and farming were never so hot, especially when a Hollywood heartthrob or rock star is involved. 

My latest release, a short story called Love's Farewell, will be available for free from October 27 until the 29th. 

I have two Amazon campaigns scheduled for Thursday, October 27. Forever Love is scheduled for a price countdown starting at $1.99 on Thursday and then increasing by $1 the following days.

Want to discuss books, cows or favourite shows on Netflix? Reach out to me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Check out my storyboards on Pinterest, too.

Links to my social media: 

Website;  https://deboraharmstrong.ca/

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/DeborahArmstrongAuthor

Pinterest  https://www.pinterest.ca/deboraharmstrongauthor/

LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/deboraharmstrong4108/

Twitter  https://twitter.com/WriterDeborah

Here is the link to my Author Page on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B008WNVMXQ

How many hours a day do you write?

I wish I had more time to write than I do. I think the average is 10 productive hours a week. I can easily get distracted, so I pick a day when I know I won't have the phone ringing or grandchildren popping over for a visit. For example, today should be free of distractions, so I plan to write once I send you this email.

How do you choose which stories you will write?

My stories choose me. I have a list of titles and 10-word blurbs. Whichever story pops out at me is the one I focus on.

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

The most difficult part of my writing process is hitting that wall when the characters fall silent. I have a work in progress now where the hero, who is the strong and silent type, has gone silent. When this happens, I move on to my short stories for a while.

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

Five years from now, I would like to be writing and publish on a more regular basis. I'd like to release a book every six to eight months. I think this is a realistic goal.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

I have no unpublished books. Everything I have written is available for sale. I have one story and one short story that I am working on now.

Was there a person who encouraged you to write?

My father was an avid reader and a stickler for proper grammar. He would tutor me in sentence structure and grammar. He kept a daily journal and enjoyed writing letters. He passed away before I published my first book, although I'm sure he would be proud of my accomplishments.


FOREVER LOVE – Book 1 – Davina & Quinn Series

What would you do if you sat next to your Hollywood crush on your flight to Los Angeles? How would you spend those few hours? What if he asks you to go on a mile-high speed date with him?

Davina Stuart is a widow, dairy farmer, and bestseller author. She isn’t looking for love, but she’ll settle for a one-night stand with the handsome Quinn Thomas. What does Davina have to lose? Once her time with Quinn is over, she can return to her farm and get back to the life she loves.

However, Quinn isn’t looking for a one-night stand. He’s looking for his forever love, and he’s sure Davina Stuart is the one for him. Quinn stops at nothing to romance the beautiful widow to win her love. She may be older than him, but age doesn’t matter when it comes to matters of the heart.

Join Davina and Quinn on their romantic journey with stopovers in Hollywood, New York City and Davina’s dairy farm in Canada. Add an unplanned pregnancy, a stalker and a fortune teller who is never wrong, and you’ve got terrific romantic suspense for your reading enjoyment.

 


BOSS – Book 1 Game Changer Series 

If you’re looking for a new series with sizzle, the Game Changer series is the one for you.

Dane Andrews, known as Boss to the men who served with him in the Canadian special elite force, has one rule. Never socialize with the women in his hometown. He can’t afford to be attached to a woman, especially in his line of work, and most of all, he can’t let anyone know about his work. 

Until —

One night Jules Montgomery walked into his bar and needed a hero. Dane stepped in to be the man that the red-headed beauty required. For one night, he pretended to be her boyfriend. He kept her company, made her laugh, and made her forget the stalker who was after her. For one night, they pretended to be lovers.

Five years later, Dane is brain injured. He has a service dog to keep him safe, his best friend to watch over him, and a housekeeper who loves him like a son. Dane also discovers he’s the father to a precocious five-year-old daughter.

Can Dane reunite with the woman who has haunted his dreams?

Can Dane break through Jules’ defences and win her love?

Can Jules reconcile the man of her dreams is also the man of her nightmares?

 



LOVE'S FAREWELL - A Short Story Davina & Quinn Series

Whose arms would you want to hold you in a love's farewell?

Foxx O'Connell is dying.

As the thorn in the side of Quinn Thomas, O'Connell's final request will deliver his ultimate revenge … to die in the arms of Davina Stuart Thomas, Quinn's beloved wife.


Will he get the chance to get the better of Quinn?

Will Davina choose Foxx over Quinn?

Will Davina bring comfort to Foxx or remind him of a life of regrets?

Even after the happily ever after ending, there is still more to the lovers' story.

Love's Farewell is a short story that brings devoted readers into a deeper layer with the main characters. For all, it's about love, death, dying, and saying goodbye one last time.

For new readers, Love's Farewell introduces you to the main characters in the Davina and Quinn series. You'll witness the strength and compassion of Davina, and you'll feel the emotions that she stirs within Quinn.

 

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Fitness expert and dancer, Meaghan Hesham launches her new book Hockey, eh?

 


I had the pleasure of meeting Meagan way back when I was bellydancing! Seriously! She's a true inspiration and I'm thrilled to be able to share her books!



Meagan Hesham is a dancer, choreographer, writer, and self-confessed fitness geek. Currently calling Mississauga, Canada home, she shares a busy household with her husband, two sons, a bulldog named Isabella and a (somewhat ornery) cat named Fred. She has written countless articles for health and fitness magazines and books and is the author of Loving Yourself Fit and Hockey, eh?

Website and other links to your social media pages:

website: http://www.meaganheshamwriter.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/meaganheshamauthor


Tell us about your life outside of writing.

I am a fitness coach, a dancer, and a mom to two boys.  I love playing hockey (badly!) and I love geeking out at the gym!

Do you have a work in progress?

I have so many writing works in progress right now! As soon as Hockey, eh? is fully out there and launched, I will delve back into finishing another fitness book that I've been working on, it deals with not feeling intimidated by the gym and weights, and actually learning to love and embrace gym-time and all the benefits it brings!  I also have a few more hockey books in me, including a book of stories of other amazing hockey women I've met through my adventures.

What was the most difficult section/piece you ever wrote? What made it difficult?

I'm more used to writing about fitness, dance, and how-to types of stuff.  My latest book was so different - it was a very personal memoire all about my hockey life, my family, and all my inner most thoughts! It took me a long time to write and edit and I got stuck on a few tough, very personal areas as well as the chapter on racism in youth hockey was tough at times to write - so many raw emotions!

What sort of research do you do for your work?

I guess living my crazy hockey life was the research for this book! I jotted notes for years at the arena as I shivered through practises and games!

Which books and authors do you read for pleasure? Is there an author who inspires you?

I usually only read non-fiction - hockey, self-help, fitness, dance, business, etc. but lately I've really been getting into stuff by Rachael Herron.  She's opened up my eyes to the world of fiction! Wheeeee!!! I'm also super-inspired by Stephen King and his mind!

Was there a person who encouraged you to write?

Definitely my mom! Not only is she an accomplished author herself, but she has always encouraged me to be creative, to dance, to speak, to write, to dream, to put it all out there!

  

LOVING YOURSELF FIT

Loving Yourself Fit deals with weight-loss and fitness from the inside-out and from a place of love. If you've tried to lose weight or maintain a fit body and lifestyle and failed in the past, if you aren't friends with your mirror, if you feel unhappy with your body - this book is for you!

https://amzn.to/3Myz45D

 


HOCKEY, EH?

Can you grow up in Canada, raised by Canadian parents and be virtually untouched by hockey? It would take her Egyptian immigrant husband's love of the sport to propel the author into the role of hockey mom, piloting her two sons through the crazy and sometimes cut-throat drama of youth hockey. Then to jersey-ing up herself, discovering her inner ice warrior, and re-igniting her own Canadian-ness.

https://amzn.to/3Q6IbO9



 

Escape With a Writer Has MOVED!

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