Official Website of Writer, Producer, Director, Artist Michael Mortensen

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ABOUT MM ~ BIOGRAPHY

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I was born March 12, and have been writing nearly all my life. In point of fact, I was the only grade two student in my town to receive a typewriter for Christmas. In tow with my family, I lived a rather nomadic existence until I emigrated to Canada in 1980. Toronto has been my home ever since.

In Grade 11, I was Grand Prize Winner in my high school's annual literary contest. My first place short story was published in the Edgewater Yearbook without a title. It was one of the last short stories I wrote for over twenty years, as I have always been primarily a novelist.

Inducted into the Academic and Spanish Honor Societies, I attended Florida Technological University on the early-enrollment program after I completed Grade 11, but left for Toronto in my Junior year. I have never formally studied writing or literature, and hold no degrees.

Since moving to Toronto, I have written text for numerous websites, computer application user guides, etc., and enjoyed a two year stint as Writer/Researcher of Video Preview, a production of MMC Video One Canada, "Canada's Largest Distributor of Home Entertainment." Video Preview was an "Entertainment Tonight"-style program once seen in over 5000 markets across Canada. For details, visit Projects - Film & Video.

Throughout 1983, I was a regular contributing illustrator to Avenue Magazine, then the city's largest magazine at 100,000 copies per issue. My pen-and-ink artwork graced columns by Daniel Richler, David Logan, and others. Visit Projects - Illustration for details.

My first novel, Karnival, was published by Gutter Press 28 August 2002 to critical acclaim. I was thrilled to have the novel chosen for inclusion in the CNIB Library (in both audio cassette and CD-ROM formats). For details visit Projects - Text In Print. For in-depth information, visit the official Karnival webiste at www.kliegs.com

My second novel -- the first Karnival sequel entitled The Book of Nola -- and a third book -- a collection of shorter works entitled Michael Mortensen's Wicked People -- have been completed and are being submitted to selected publishers. Visit Projects - In Final Draft for details.

In 2005 I decided to seek a new challenge: writing and producing my own films. Thus I conceived Wicked People, a multi-discipline project that will encompass short films, features, a television series, a web-based computer game, comic books, literary collections, etc. Wicked People's first short film Letter to Liza, was produced in association with Cayle Chernin and Jason J. Brown, and was nominated Best Experimental Film at its world premier. The pilot for the series was produced in association with Cayle Chernin and Leslie Ann Coles. We subsequently edited this piece to become Tea With Mother, a teaser story. Michael Mortensen's Wicked People: The Series is seeking production partners and broadcasters.

In spring 2010, I put on a third hat in order to write, produce, and direct Chloe Charles' debut music video, Water from her album Little Green Bud.

In between all these career highlights I have worked as: a farm hand; cleaner; carny; baker; factory worker; shipper/receiver; photographer's assistant; art director; set dresser; html programmer; web designer; and in retail sales. Currently, I am employed fulltime with my myriad of Projects. I am proudly a member of The Writers' Union of Canada, and regularly donate my time as a reader for various Union Competitions.