Tag Archive | writing

Snow: Cursed – What the World Thinks!

Apr25

Thank you for having me on your blog yet again, Mary! (((Love having you on my blog!)))

My experience on the Cozy Book Nook podcast was wonderful and so eye-opening. The individuals who spoke on the podcast really peeled back the curtain to show me what the writing world is really like with all of its threads and connections. I’ll never forget the amazing advice they shared, and how happy they were that I am pursuing my dreams. (((So sweet! Love you!)))

I hope they will welcome me onto their marvelous podcast sometime soon for the second time so that I can expand my knowledge further. Their kindness has been unbelievable, and now that I know the gist of how this podcast on X works, perhaps I can contribute some of my knowledge as well. Learning from each other is one of the best things that authors can do in my humble opinion. With perseverance and lots of hard work, we can help each other soar as much as we have, maybe more. Authors helping authors is a powerful mindset. (((We will have you back the first Tuesday after school ends in May.)))

Talking to people from other countries was enlightening and again, very eye-opening too. It’s been very cool to continue conversations with some of the individuals, and knowing that my book is located in countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Russia, and Germany (among others) is unreal. I never would have thought that it would reach that far across the globe. It’s almost like a Snow: Cursed revolution spreading around the world. I’ll never forget how much some of those people have helped me in the literary world. 

The knowledge that all of these wonderful individuals have shared will continue to inspire, help, and shape me as I ensue in my long and enduring career as an upcoming esteemed author. And Mary, a stellar award-winning author, thank you so much for taking me under your wing and showing me the intricate workings of what it’s like to be a writer. You will inspire me for the rest of my years. As a word of advice from me, if you have written a book and have not published it, go for it and just believe in yourself! You are worth much more than you know, and so are the magical words you place effortlessly—and sometimes painstakingly—on the page.

“This is a remarkable debut from a new, young author. It is full of familiar characters, but with a fresh and new perspective. I wanted to read it all at once, just to see who would come along next! It’s almost as though you’ve run into some old friends and get to spend pages and pages getting to know them again, but with a deeper understanding that would never have come from a children’s picture book. I highly recommend giving this book a read.”

“This isn’t your average fairytale! Snow’s journey from perfect princess to questioning everything she’s ever known is full of secrets, magic, and moral twists. Fast-paced and full of heart, it’s a thrilling read that keeps you guessing till the very end!”

“You would never know this book was written by a teen. So many twists, lots of excitement! Very well written!”

“After reading Snow: Cursed, I was struck by the icy tension, the emotional depth of the characters, and the way Willa R. FInnegan blended supernatural intrigue with lyrical storytelling. Her ability to craft atmosphere and mood, places her among the rising voices in modern fantasy fiction. Snow: Cursed has all the makings of a breakout success.”

“Willa R. Finnegan’s “Snow: Cursed” is a bold, lyrical reimagining of fairy tale tropes, balancing emotional depth with irreverent humor. The novel reframes the story of Snow White through confessional, poetic narration and sharp, modern dialogue.

Finnegan’s writing is emotionally resonant and hauntingly lyrical. Her use of repetition—“Once upon a time, I was good. Once upon a time, I was evil…”—adds a mythic gravity to Snow’s inner turmoil, while shifting perspectives keep the narrative intimate and fluid. Good and evil are not absolutes here but evolving states shaped by trauma, choice, and self-perception.

Themes of identity, disability, and belonging are delicately intertwined throughout. Snow’s wheelchair is depicted with refreshing pragmatism—it serves as both a hindrance and a powerful symbol of strength and defiance.

“Snow: Cursed” combines fable and farce in a part gothic fairytale, part twisted adventure completely unique. Finnegan’s voice is at once ancient and current, a candid reckoning laced with whimsy and grit.”

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Thirteen-Year-Old Dynamo Took X Cozy Book Nook Podcast and Literally Ran Around the Globe!!!

Mar20

Thank you for inviting me, Mary! Thank you to Christina and Laban, too, for having me as a guest on your Podcast. When everyone asks me what I did over spring break, I get to tell them that I was on my first podcast ever, a worldwide podcast, along with other writers around the world such as those from Copenhagen, Africa, Europe, the USA, and more, plus on the same day, people are talking about it on X (Twitter) and Instagram about it being an “epic” podcast and my name is making literary circles!

I really enjoyed the Cozy Book Nook podcast that I was generously invited to do on Tuesday this week. It was very eye-opening, and the ideas that were shared were wise and inspiring ones. Lots of thanks to all of the people on the podcast for making me feel so at home with other authors, and for supporting my dream. Maybe I’ll be back on the podcast one day.

Rest assured, I will invite you to be back on again, possibly in May. 

My book, Snow: Cursed, is a twisted fairytale fantasy retelling of classics that influence children throughout the globe. It follows the storyline of Snow White, Snow, who on the eve of her fifteenth birthday finds out that she is cursed. She makes the decision that she will traverse her world until her curse is fulfilled. Snow determines to live life to the fullest, while also trying to figure out why she was cursed in the first place. As she wrestles with many difficulties, Snow comes upon a revelation—good and evil might be more than meets the eye.

I do have goals for my book; I want to share “Snow: Cursed” with the world, and bring it into people’s lives. Currently we are trying to get my book in all fifty states, and in different countries. At this point in time we have succeeded in twenty-six of the states. One copy of “Snow: Cursed” is located in Okinawa, Japan, and one in England!

Please support me by purchasing and reading “Snow: Cursed”. If you do choose to buy it, please leave a review on Amazon and Goodreads. Thanks again!

There you have it folks. Please note this 13-year-old dynamo began story telling to her mom at age THREE!!! Her Momager mother, Dawn Finnegan, wrote those stories down for her. Willa illustrated those same stories. She is a true child prodigy and the sky has no limit on where she is headed in the future. The podcast was epic! A link to the podcast is below with her writer links and her book video link. 

https://bsky.app/profile/authorfinnegan11.bsky.social

https://www.instagram.com/authorfinnegan11/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Writer-Willa-R-Finnegan/61574568834025/

Snow: Cursed Trailer

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQwre03hfhI

X Podcast: https: //x.com/i/spaces/1BdGYqLjBWBGX 

Please welcome Yewande Akinse

Mar15

Please welcome Yewande Akinse to my blog. Hello Yewande. Shall we get started?

Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

I am a Poet and Author of three collections of poems titled, “The rise and fall of rhymes and rhythms” (2025), “A tale of being, of green and of ing” (2019) and Voices: A collection of poems that tell stories (2016). My poems have been featured in Clay Literary, Trampset, Galleyway, and Afritondo.

Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?

Writing has always been an essential part of my life, serving as a creative outlet and a means of exploring my thoughts and emotions. From an early age, I found solace in the written word, captivated by the power of poetry to convey complex feelings and narratives.

The moment I “knew” it was time to start writing my first book came after years of honing my craft and sharing my poetry in various forums. In 2016, I published Voices: A Collection of Poems that Tell Stories, which felt like a natural progression in my journey as a writer. This collection allowed me to weave together the diverse experiences and voices I had encountered, and it solidified my commitment to storytelling through poetry. It was a pivotal moment that affirmed my passion for writing and my desire to connect with readers on a deeper level.

How difficult was it writing your first book?

Writing my first book was an arduous yet transformative journey that unfolded over five years, during which I navigated the demanding landscape of pursuing my first degree in law. The duality of these pursuits often felt like a delicate balancing act, as the rigors of legal studies frequently encroached upon my creative time.

There were moments of profound frustration, where the weight of academic obligations threatened to stifle my artistic voice. Yet, within this struggle lay a fertile ground for inspiration. The complexities of law, its nuances, its moral dilemmas, infused my poetry with depth and urgency, allowing me to explore themes of justice, identity, and the human experience in ways I had not anticipated.

Ultimately, the process taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and the necessity of patience. Each poem became a testament to my commitment, a reflection of the interplay between my scholarly pursuits and my passion for storytelling.

Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?

There have been moments in my journey when the weight of doubt and the relentless pursuit of perfection threatened to overshadow my passion for writing. The desire to give up has whispered in my ear, particularly during periods of creative stagnation or when faced with the harsh realities of rejection. Yet, it is precisely in those moments of vulnerability that I found my resolve.

What stopped me from surrendering to despair was the profound understanding that poetry is not merely a personal endeavor; it is a vital act of connection and resistance. The stories I sought to tell, the voices I aimed to amplify, and the truths I wished to explore compelled me to persist. I drew strength from the rich tapestry of literary ancestors who faced their own struggles, reminding me that the act of creation is often fraught with challenges.

It was the unwavering belief in the transformative power of words that anchored me. I realized that my voice, however imperfect, held the potential to resonate with others, to inspire reflection, and to foster empathy. This realization became my guiding light, illuminating the path forward and urging me to continue writing, even when the journey felt insurmountable. In the end, it is the act of creation itself that sustains me, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of art.

Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?

The most supportive individuals in my journey as a writer are undoubtedly the readers who engage with my work by purchasing my books. Their belief in my craft and willingness to invest in my stories validate the countless hours of dedication and passion I pour into my writing. Each purchase represents not just a transaction, but a connection, a shared experience that transcends the page.

Additionally, I am profoundly grateful for the encouragement of my family and friends, who have stood by me through the ups and downs of the creative process. Their unwavering support, whether through thoughtful conversations, constructive feedback, or simply being there to celebrate milestones, has been invaluable.

It is this community of readers and supporters that fuels my ambition and inspires me to continue exploring the depths of human experience through my writing. Their enthusiasm and engagement remind me of the profound impact literature can have, and it is this connection that drives me to create with authenticity and purpose.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

To my cherished readers, I extend my deepest gratitude for your presence in this journey of words and wonder. Your willingness to embrace the stories I weave breathes life into my poetry, transforming ink on a page into shared experience. Each poem is a thread connecting us, a reflection of our collective hopes, dreams, and struggles.

I urge you to find your own voice amidst the verses, to explore the beauty and complexity of your narratives. Your stories matter, and they deserve to be told. Thank you for walking this path with me, for your support, and for the light you bring to my work. Together, let us continue to celebrate the power of language and the magic of connection.

What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?

The best advice I received came from the esteemed poet Maya Angelou, who once said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” This profound insight resonated deeply with me, reinforcing the importance of embracing my voice and sharing my experiences through writing.

It encouraged me to confront my fears and insecurities, reminding me that storytelling is not just a personal endeavor but a vital act of connection and healing. This advice has guided me throughout my journey as a writer, inspiring me to delve into the depths of my creativity and to honor the stories that yearn to be expressed. It serves as a constant reminder that our narratives hold power, and it is our responsibility to bring them to light.

What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?

My target audience primarily includes young readers, parents, educators, and individuals interested in themes of identity, belonging, legacy, resilience, and cultural heritage. With my poetry collection “The Rise and Fall of Rhymes and Rhythms”, I specifically aim to engage children, using accessible language and relatable life lessons to foster a love for reading and learning.

The aspect of my writing that resonates most with this audience is the incorporation of universal themes presented through imaginative storytelling and rhythmic verse. By addressing topics such as kindness, self-discovery, and the beauty of diversity, I strive to create a space where young readers can see themselves reflected in the narratives. Additionally, the playful yet profound nature of my poems invites both children and adults to engage in meaningful conversations about life’s complexities, making the work relevant and impactful across generations.

Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?

The cover of my book evolved through a collaborative process with a talented designer who understood my vision and the essence of the collection. While I had initial ideas about the imagery and themes I wanted to convey, working with someone else allowed for a fresh perspective and creative input that enriched the final design.

Together, we explored various concepts, colors, and visual elements that would resonate with the target audience and reflect the themes of “The Rise and Fall of Rhymes and Rhythms”. This partnership was invaluable, as it combined my poetic vision with their artistic expertise, resulting in a cover that not only captures the spirit of the collection but also invites readers into the world I’ve created. The collaborative effort ultimately made the cover a true representation of the work, enhancing its appeal and impact.

What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?

Currently, I am focused on promoting my recently released collection, “The Rise and Fall of Rhymes and Rhythms”. This work, which consists of 100 poems designed to impart valuable life lessons to children, is a heartfelt endeavor that I am excited to share with readers.

As part of my promotional efforts, I am engaging in readings, workshops, and discussions to connect with audiences and educators, fostering dialogue around the themes of the collection.

Here’s a peek at one of the poems from the collection, titled “Dreams”:

Dreams

Dearest, may you never give up on dreams, 

The far future you envision is real, 

Requiring sacrifice, strict routines, 

In spite of the intense pressure you feel. 

Never give in to the pain, I appeal; 

Following dreams may be lonely and hard, 

But is the most rewarding cause and yard. 

The path of dreams will yield fullness of life; 

As you journey, let hope be your heart’s guard. 

Let these dreams be your rhythm and your fife. 

This poem encapsulates the essence of perseverance and hope, encouraging young readers to pursue their aspirations despite challenges. I look forward to sharing more of these poems and their messages as I promote this collection!

Any last words before we wrap things up?

As we conclude this conversation, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to share my journey and insights with you. Writing is a profound act of connection, and I believe that stories have the power to transcend boundaries, foster empathy, and inspire change.

I encourage all readers and aspiring writers to embrace their unique voices and to approach their craft with courage and authenticity. Every story matters, and the world is richer for the diverse narratives we share. Let us continue to celebrate the beauty of language and the transformative power of art. Thank you for your interest in my work, and I look forward to the conversations and connections that lie ahead.

Website: https://yewande.me/

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

Twitter: https://x.com/ADwande


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ADwande

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/186504000-yewande-akinse

The Skipper’s Child

Mar12

Book Link

From Amazon:

For Arie Kornet, School holidays on his family’s barge, the Rival, are more than tedious. His father is a Dutch commercial skipper, and all they do is travel from one place to another on the European waterways, delivering and taking on goods. His deaf mother and his two sisters accept the lifestyle, but Arie is intensely frustrated with it all – especially as it is December and Christmas is coming. It seems there is nothing for him to do on board, and no escape. That is, until an unexpected stowaway, a frightening encounter with Russian secret agents and an alarming international plot bring him far more excitement than he has ever bargained for. Suddenly, his own life, and those of his entire beloved family, are in danger. Forced in to a new and adult role, Arie is faced with difficult decisions to make, and even more difficult actions to take.

The Skipper’s Child is an exciting story of adventure and suspense set in the evocative world of the commercial waterways during the coldest winter of the Cold War.

My Review:

Living life on a barge is not an easy life, but it is rewarding. Everyone must do their part, and the work was hard. Even more when one travels with a load of wool or whatever they carried during war time. On the plus side, families become closer, and friendships with other skippers and their families are treasured. One gets to see so many countries and architecture, scenes most have never seen or imagined. For Arie, he longed for a life away from the hard work of the barge he lived on with his two sisters and his parents. Along comes Dimitri, and things get dicey. What does Arie decide to do after the trials of one December during time of war? I won’t give away the story nor the ending.

Meet Sarah Tanburn

Feb25

Please welcome Sarah Tanburn to my blog. Hello Sarah, I’m glad you made it here this morning. Shall we have a chat?  

Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Hi Mary, and thanks for having me here. I am a writer, reader, sailor, hiker and cat-servant living in South Wales, UK. I write essays, review books, memoirs and occasional poems. Fiction is my main love though: I write historical fiction, especially maritime based, fantasy and science fiction and some literary stuff too.

In my 50s, I went back to university and last year graduated with a PhD in Creative Writing from Swansea. For that I wrote a duology of novels, of which more in a moment. At the same time, I wrote the series of fantasy novellas now out in a collection called Children of the Land.

Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book? (If you are here as an invite to promo your small business, then please write your own questions and provide relevant photos and links, thank you.)

Yes – and no! As a child and young adult, I wrote a lot. The autobiography of my pet. The story of Boff. A screenplay for Prisoner of Zenda. Then, like so many people, life got in the way. I wrote lots of journalism and public policy material but not creative work.

In 2003 I took redundancy, sold my house and moved aboard my own yacht to go off sailing. Free of the career shackles, I started creative work again. That turned into a novel which I worked on in bursts for a long time. It won’t be published, but I learnt a lot writing it.

When I started the PhD I knew that it would be a novel. It ended up being two, telling the story of William Brown, a Black woman who served as sailor and spy in Nelson’s Navy. I am now querying the first, entitled Born of Courage.

Children of the Land was a surprise gift along the way. The first novella I wrote in that world was Hawks of Dust and Wine, which came to me in one long burst. The story came second in the Rheidol Prize, an important Welsh literary prize, which was great. I then started thinking of other tales set in the same world.

How difficult was it writing your first book?

Children of the Land, my first published book, was a joy to write in many ways.  My complicated, somewhat dystopian future Wales brings with it some important disciplines. For my characters, it is difficult to travel out of Wales and electronic communication is monitored. But compared to the rest of a very unstable world (climate change, geopolitics) it is safe and tolerant. People are not rich, but they are not starving either.

Each story picks up on some imagined creature of the land, a mythological character or fabled part of Welsh history. Some, like the water monsters of The Flow, have their roots in our tales, but others are my invention. I wanted strong women, real challenges and a bit of fun along the way.

The hardest part was probably ensuring the elements of the Welsh language, such as blessings or place names, were right. Fortunately, I have lovely friends who are fluent in Cymraeg and generous with their time and skills.

Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?

I think we all want to give up at times. We fall out of love with a project, or it just doesn’t seem to want to make sense. Our words stop working. Maybe our shoulders hurt and our waistline out of control.

The stories and the characters and the sheer joy of creation always bring me back. I will be standing the shower and realise that this is why that outfit matters, or that of course Charlie would run into the battle – or whatever it might be. And then I am back, making stuff up.

That’s what I keep writing despite rejections and disappointments. The stories won’t let me stop.

Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?

I must name two people. One is my wife, Sandra, who is endlessly supportive and engaged. She welcomes my creativity but also my efforts to be more strategic about networking and marketing. The other is Jon, my supervisor for my PhD, who has been a fantastic mentor, generous with his time and insights.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I hope they enjoy the unsettling, immersive world of Children of the Land. I ask some dark questions about where trends in our society are going, and how they might play out in a small country which is not rich, but which has a strong sense of social justice. At the same time, I had some imaginative fun with the spirits of place and what might happen if the moles decide to take over.

I should add this is undoubtedly an adult book, despite the title. The children of the land are born when the landscape itself starts taking a hand in what happens next; they are not always kind.

What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?

Gosh! Pick one? As a writer (rather than a human being) I immensely admire Ernest Hemingway. In his Paris Review interview, he says two great things. One is to leave out what you know: ‘I have seen the marlin mate,’ he tells us, ’so I left that out.’ The other is always to stop for the day when you know what the next sentence will be. Both of those work for me.

(If readers would like more about icebergs, Eisenhower and greening, there is an excellent article in the New Yorker at https://bit.ly/4ix0s4H by John McPhee)

What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?

Fans of Angela Carter, Ursula Le Guin and Neal Stephenson will all find elements to enjoy in Children of the Land. There are monsters, certainly, some in human form. There is heroism and strange happenings. Technology matters in isolationist Cymru, whether energy is generated, we communicate beyond our borders or move from place to place. These are fantasies, certainly, but feedback suggests they appeal beyond the bounds of genre.

The intellectual roots of Children of the Land included my ambition to explore the tales of future Wales. Many writers look back at our history, whether at dragons, or glorious resistance or King Coal. I wanted to take those elements of myth and modernity and ask where they might lead us. These tales should therefore appeal to readers of political fiction, exploring possibility.

Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?

I worked with a book designer. He created the cover and an icon for each of the five novellas. He saw the stories as a pathway for the imagination, so took the stepping-stones that feature in some of the stories as the central motif.

I used each of those motifs to make postcards, with a pull quote from the relevant novella. These have been invaluable publicity and I have used them widely on social media.

What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?

There’s always more than one project on the go. I am (at the time of this interview), working on a novel, Wildwood, a standalone story set in the same world as Children of the Land, about rewilding the temperate rainforest. It is a love story between Gwen, perfumier and mother, and Hwni, spy and healer for the forest of the Upper Tywi Valley. At one point Gwen and her father are summoned to the capital, Aberytstwyth, and Hwni is looking after Gwen’s baby daughter Fidán. She takes the child into the woods.

The next morning dawned bright and dry and silent. No news came from Gwen in Aber’ so Hwni put Fidán back in the papoose and set off into the hills. She walked up the path Gwen had taken with Dafydd ap Morgan and Rhys ap Owain. Men bearing the names of their fathers. Humans love asserting family ties: maybe Fidán would help her understand. All the while she chatted to the baby, describing the plants along the way. The worts and the polypods, the lichens, lolling hart’s tongue everywhere beneath ivy-berries and the shaped lobes of oak leaves. At the orange fungus Morgan had attacked, she stopped and laid a finger on the stumps left behind, which were sprouting again. On the other side of the path the two pieces Gwen had placed were thriving, and she stroked them gently. ‘There’s a blessing for them, Fidán cariad,’ she said and continued upwards, still reciting the litany of the forest.

Any last words before we wrap things up?

I am very grateful for this chance to talk about my writing. There is always a great deal to learn from such clever questions, and from other writers who talk to you. I want to add that I write in lots of genres and forms: that may not be always the most commercial approach, but it allows me to tell tales of strong women and big themes the way I choose. I urge writers and readers to go beyond their usual comfort zone and find something new.

Bio

Sarah Tanburn is a writer living in South Wales after living afloat for a decade. The hidden stories of women at sea under sail fascinate her, and her work recovers their voices and agency in complicated worlds. She is also enmeshed in environmental concerns and passionate about a future, safer world. Her short stories, essays, memoirs and reviews have appeared online and in print across various outlets, for instance www.nation.cymru, Superlatives and [wherever] magazines, Ink, Sweat & Tears and the Iron Press anthology Aliens.

Social Media

Website: www.ladyturtlepress.cymru

Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/7wnB8Cb

Twitter: @workthewind

Bluesky: @sarahtanburnwriter.bsky.social

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-tanburn-0a10a13

Hashtags:  #Fantasy #WelshFantasy #HistoricalFiction #WomenInHistory 

I Love My Alphabet

Feb12

Book Link

From Amazon:

Step into a world where the alphabet comes to life with love and affection in every letter. Our enchanting alphabet book is more than just A, B, C; it’s a journey of heartwarming alphabet journey filled with love and affection, designed to captivate young minds.

“I Love My Alphabet” offers young readers an enchanting way to learn their ABCs. Beautiful illustrations accompanied by poetic prose with each letter teaching the values of love and togetherness. Also included are pages demonstrating how each uppercase and lowercase letter is written and practice pages where you child can bring letters to life. It’s not just an alphabet book; it’s a keepsake for family bonding and early education. Discover the magic of “I Love My Alphabet” with your child, and create some treasured memories along the way.

My Review:

Top reviews from the United States

  • Mary Schmidt5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect timing on reading this book.Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025Verified Purchase
  • Going into this alphabet story for children, I figured cute illustrations and letters. Having read other books by the authors, I soon realized that this Valentine’s alphabet book went a step or two further. Within each page, the love between Derek and Julie shines bright. What a wonderful love and world they share.

Twelve Red Roses In Verse

Feb10

Book Link

From Amazon:

The world isn’t always kind, but there is love awaiting to release its boundless gifts in every corner. One of those gifts is the beautiful aromatic rose. Derek R. King reaches into a treasure trove of emotions to bring you on a journey of love—one rose at a time.

From the first poem to the last, you will learn the meaning behind each rose and bouquet of roses given to the love of your life. Then, as you travel along with the love affair of the rose and its lovers, you’ll learn what it’s like to yearn, to need, to want; and finally to become entwined with your one true soulmate.

The roses in this book symbolize the growth that people endure while seeking companionship throughout their lives. While one rose means one thing, ten roses mean another. In the end, what matters is how we show our love and the significance of the rose in the banquet of emotions as we become entwined, unconditionally, Forevermore.

My Review:

Fifty beautiful poems about love forevermore. Each poen has a Roman numeral of rose blossoms just above the title of each poetic piece. That alone makes this book a one of a kind. But the best is found within the words written about enduring love when missing one who is across the ocean and a forevermore love whether apart or in times of together. The essence of pure love and joy shines via the words in a brilliant manner that is swoon worthy. Never let Derek go, Julie! As if you could, entwined together evermore.

Forevermore (Red Roses Book 3)

Feb3

Book Link

From Amazon:

“Forevermore,” the third volume in King’s Red Roses Series, offers poetry expressing the true and profound love shared between the two that started in volume one, “Twelve Red Roses in Verse,” and beautifully develops further in volume two, “More Red Roses In Verse.” Now, in “Forevermore,” that relationship blooms fully and, as the book’s title suggests, reveals the forever-lasting, entwined love between these lovers. This collection warms the heart, satisfies the soul, and reminds each of us that the possibility of true love is real. This book is a treasure trove of eternal love.

My Review:

Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars Moved beyond measure

Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2025

Verified Purchase

This particular book of poetry by King moved me beyond measure. The words speak of a true love so rare and perfect moments in time while walking, viewing the night sky, sketching nearby each other, the twinkle of stars, the curve of lips, the yearning to be together as one, not an ocean apart. King is deeply in love with Julie, and the poetry from his soul speaks deeply. That love is returned by Julie to him, but this book focuses on his feelings for Julie and what he sees in a simple raindrop or the waves lapping the shoreline. Thank you for sharing how you feel with me. You are truly a forevermore man and woman.

Meet JP MacDougall

Jan27

Please welcome JP MacDougall to my blog. Hello James. James wrote the Pangean Chronicles series. Shall we chat about this series?

Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Hi, I’m James MacDougall from the UK and I am the author of the Pangean Chronicles series. Over the past twenty years I’ve written the Pangean Chronicles series which is made up of five books: A main trilogy and then two prequels.

Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?

I always loved creative writing as a child and it was always a strength of mine at school. It wasn’t until I was about 19 and I was going through a bad patch and went off the rails a little – the writing really kicked in then and it acted as a coping mechanism. To begin with I just wrote poetry (really badly!) but then this idea started to form and I just started writing what would later become Awakenings, which is the first of the Pangean Chronicles. For the past 20 years I have dipped in and out of the story, adding things, changing things and it became a hobby that never left. I don’t think I was aware that this was going to be my first book and I certainly never imagined that it would be published!

How difficult was it writing your first book?

I didn’t find it difficult – or maybe I did – it took twenty years for the main trilogy to be in any state where I was happy for other people to read them. I think I would have moments when I just ran out of ideas and so I’d park it and sit on it for a few years before coming back to it again. But really, the whole writing process is so pleasurable and rewarding and as I said it also helped with times when my mental health was not as good as it should have been.

Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?

No, I’ve never wanted to give up writing. Even when I got to a point where the ideas weren’t flowing, I always knew that something would come to me eventually – I was never in a rush to get it finished.

Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?

My wife is amazing and it was she who told me a few years ago that I should get my stories published. She is very patient as well – I tend to disappear off into my own little world and she handles that very well. My dad has also been an incredible supporter, he has read all my books and always gives me very honest feedback!

What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?

Be patient! I am the most impatient and knee jerky person and the whole publishing game is designed for very patient people. I made some silly mistakes at the beginning of this whole thing purely down to my impulsiveness, but I think I have learnt some lessons and have accepted that things just don’t happen overnight!

What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?

My writing is quite fast paced and there is always something going on. I’ve always felt that it would appeal to tweens and teens but I know a number of older readers who have also very much enjoyed the stories.

Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?

For Awakenings I had a cover designer working with me to come up with the front cover and it was her idea to have a character on the front cover. I’m really pleased with the result people say it is quite an enticing front cover. I think I only began thinking about the front cover when I was close to publishing – it’s a bit corny but the writing has always been my priority.

What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?

Having now finished the Pangean Chronicles series, I am now working on an origins series. Throughout the five books, there are loads of references and back stories to my version of the time of Pangea and I thought it would be great to write that story. So, I’m beginning from the very beginning and am planning to chart the story of the Dark Lord’s first rise and the fall of Pangea into Darkness. I’m about three quarters of the way through the first one at the moment and hopefully will have that complete by March. There is a second part as well which I am scribbling away on my note pad!

Any last words before we wrap things up?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to say hello! If you are ever considering writing a book… Do it and do it for yourself above everything else. I am not sure where I would be without my writing, it certainly picked me up when I was in some very dark places.

BIO:

James started writing at the age of 19, just 3 years after his dyslexia diagnosis. Refusing to allow his dyslexia to define him, James always had a great imagination for stories and found an endless source of inspiration through the works of J.R. Tolkein, Ian Fleming and Stephen King. It has been a 20 year labour of love to combine these genres in his own series of books, ‘The Pangean Chronicles’, which were written while working as a full time teacher in the south east. As a devoted father to three young children, James also enjoys practicing the skill of oral storytelling, a skill he credits to helping him overcome the challenges of being a dyslexic author. When he is not writing, teaching or telling stories, James loves to be outdoors, promoting outdoor learning, working in his own garden or walking on the Ashdown Forest with his family.

Author Page: www.thepangeanchronicles.com

Twitter: https://x.com/PangeanChrons

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095127045157&locale=en_GB

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepangeanchronicles/

BlueSky: @pangeanchronicles.bsky.social

Tiktok: @pangeanchronicles

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/48899277.JP_MacDougall

Pencraft Winter Book Awards 2025!

Jan25

We are proud to announce that your book, Her Alibi, has been selected as a winner of the 2025 PenCraft Seasonal Book Award Winter Competition. This recognition celebrates your outstanding achievement in crafting a work that not only resonates deeply with readers but also exemplifies exceptional literary quality. It acknowledges your ability to create compelling narratives, vivid characters, and thought-provoking themes that leave a lasting impact on your audience. Winning a PenCraft Seasonal Book Award is a testament to your unwavering dedication, boundless creativity, and refined expertise as an author. It reflects the countless hours, persistence, and passion you have poured into your craft. We hope this honor not only brings you pride but also serves as a powerful source of inspiration, motivating you to continue exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of your writing in future endeavors. The PenCraft Seasonal Book Awards were created to celebrate books that embody exceptional literary quality, artistic merit, and a meaningful connection with readers. Your book, “Her Alibi”, exemplifies these qualities, earning its well-deserved recognition as a winner in the Non-Fiction – Relationships genre. Book Link

We hope that receiving this award will further propel your writing career, helping you reach new heights and connect with an even broader audience. Your dedication and talent have been evident in every piece you create, resonating deeply with readers and leaving a lasting impression. Your work has made a meaningful impact, inspiring others and contributing to important conversations. We are confident that this recognition will not only celebrate your achievements but also open new doors of opportunity, allowing you to share your voice and vision with even more people around the world. The full list of winners is now available on the PenCraft Book Award website, where your achievement is proudly showcased. Furthermore, all winners will be highlighted in an upcoming national press release, set to be distributed in the next few weeks. This provides an excellent opportunity for even greater exposure and recognition of your exceptional work. Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved achievement!