Faces of Ottawa Awards 2020

On a recent episode of Strength to be Human podcast (#105 Essentials For An Independent Author) host Mark Antony Rossi had offered the greatest compliment, saying that I was a "guiding light" to how Indie-authors might do things. Although if I'm honest, it's only half true.

After winning the Faces Magazine Ottawa awards of Favourite Author and Publisher, credit must be given where due and a very special thanks must be extended to SO many people. This is not a one man show and I have depended and flourished with the help, positivity and support of so many of Ottawa's great people and influencers!

Chris Barnett for the technical support and layout for all of my books' covers!

Rapido Livres and Imprimerie Gauvin for their outstanding workmanship and attention to detail in the printing of my books.

Nancy Laflamme Cooney for her incredible editorial skills and willingness (and fearlessness) to tell me her exact thoughts; critiques, admonitions and an incredible support on those dark days I just wanted to walk away from it all.

Dylan Black, who helped, hosted and open doors for me on TV (Daytime Ottawa TV). tic (CKCU-FM) for our hour-plus long meandering radio conversations, as well as Jeff Larocque & Tonya Price!

Codi Jeffreys (Jewel 98.5 FM) for her incredible book reviews, radio shoutouts, and live interviews - but most of all her friendship (and sushi! 🍣)

Mary Elin Moore (cover model on The Symbiot) and a close personal friend. Angela Holmyard, photographer for cover shot of The Symbiot (and possibly the new face of Tamara!! Stay tuned!)

Mark Antony Rossi, author, editor, playwright, and podcast host, my American friend and sometimes my literary moral Jiminy Cricket.

Trish, Rhona Morin, Gosia, Pat, Stacey, Dot, John, Scott - just to name a few - and so many others - managers & staff at our local bookstores and event organizers. Coles Bayshore Coles Billings Bridge Indigo Innes Chapters Perfect Books Kobold's Corner.

Dr. Rongo Wetere and his wife Marcia as Maori cultural advisers for Ngaro's Sojourney.

Matt Lalonde and Sara Scally - Lalonde, friends, beta-readers and fellow dreamers, fantasy, horror and sci-fi fans.

Derek Derick Fage and Danielle Allard (my first ever TV interview host & co-host). And to Danielle Allard especially who still inspires me to the great values and richness of community building.

Especially to my family, who I'm sure are more than sick and tired of listening to my farout ideas and half-formed thoughts and dreams.

To Ottawa's incredible plethora of literary talents and fellow authors and writers who make this city as incredible as it is!

And most importantly, to my readers and fans. My dreams would never have reached fruition without you.

I'm sure I've missed people (and I'm sorry if I have). But this endeavor is anything but a one man show. I thank you all for the bottom of my heart.