Tag Archive | writing

Beauty of Poetry

Apr11

Book Link

From Amazon:

Beauty of Poetry written by Author Brenda Mohammed is filled with poems of various genres separated by picturesque posters before every genre. She has penned poems on love, nature, world icons, world monuments, peace, motivational poems, and Christian life. As a cancer survivor, she has dedicated a section for persons fighting cancer, surviving cancer, or lost loved ones because of this dread disease. The book is easy to read as readers can read his/her favourite genres in the order they prefer. The famous English poet John Keats said, “An object of beauty gives us perennial joy. Beauty never fades and is not devalued. A thing of beauty is a joy forever and it makes us forget the sorrows and sufferings of the world.” Keats also conceptualized beauty as truth and truth as beauty. He said, “Beauty is truth, truth beauty that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know. Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter.” Another famous English poet, William Wordsworth said, “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words. Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks. Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity.” All the above describes the beautiful poetry in Beauty of Poetry, and what makes it special. It will be a beautiful asset to your library.

My Review:


Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching poetry Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2024

Verified Purchase

This book is a very touching book with many poems that touch the heart. From writing about the beauty of a butterfly landing on one’s clothes before flying away, the beauty of gardens in other countries, overcoming situations in which she could have drowned, gone septic, cancer striking, an array of hard to fight viral illnesses, dengue, the list is endless but the central theme that with God all would be won persevered. The power of love for God and belief in Him is the driving force.

Nova Terra: The Secret of Galeeza

Mar2

Please welcome Garland, to my blog. Shall we have a chat?

1. Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Hello everybody! My name’s Garland Redvine! I’m a pseudonymous self-published author who specializes in fantasy, science-fiction, and adventure books.

2. 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 to read and write. I learned to read quickly when I was young. As for writing and storytelling, that came equally as natural to me. Even though I was pretty shy, I used to tell and write stories to entertain my family and friends. To me, hearing, telling, or writing a great story was just magical.

I’ve been practicing writing my first book ever since I knew how to write (I’m not kidding!). I knew I wanted a career in literature, movies, or video games. I had dreams of writing a successful book or series.

3. How difficult was it writing your first book?

If I’m going to be honest, calling it “difficult” would be the understatement of the century.

For the past few years, life has been stressful. I was stuck in a struggling dead-end job that hardly paid any bills. I didn’t have any connections or network. Not even an online presence. And I was totally alone.

Basically, I had little money, no friends, and virtually no control over my life.

All these things overwhelmed me and I sank into a deep, dark depression. I felt invisible and helpless. I even felt like all the pressure was making me physically sick! It was horrible.

But if I ever had anything I could rely on, it was that I loved to write. So I did.

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

The stress of my situation definitely wore on me and there were times where all I wanted to do was lay there on the ground and rot. But my will was strong. I wasn’t about to let the unforgiving world stop me from doing what I loved.

I motivated myself and wrote that fantasy story that had been sitting around in my head for years. I knew that if there was anything I wanted to do in this life, it was to publish a book. I got inspiration from Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird (the creators of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Amanda Hocking. Their stories of success in self-publishing inspired me to try my hand at it. 

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

My parents generally gave me moral support. My father in particular really nurtured my love of reading and storytelling. My parents were ecstatic to see that I managed to self-publish a novel given my circumstances. 

6. Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I believe a story should not just be well-written, but exciting, emotional, and keep you turning the page. The first book in my fantasy series, Nova Terra: The Secret of Galeeza, is available on Amazon! Kindly leave a rating and review to support your new favorite fantasy author! 🙂

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

“Success is a planned event.” – a random fortune cookie.

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

My target audience is adult fans of fantasy, science-fiction, and adventure. The aspect of my writing that I feel targets the audience is the sense of adventure, wonder, and nostalgia while also exploring complex, unique characters.

I also believe in writing a story that is never boring. I want my books to feel like a movie in your head.

If you like Legend of Zelda or Final Fantasy, you’ll enjoy my work too.

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

When making the cover, I remember I had a specific image in mind: That of my  two main characters, Deronis Narpaz and Greenstar, fighting a monster (the Chimera as its known in the story). I wanted the cover to be eye-catching so I requested my cover artist to make it vibrant. I also wanted readers to feel like they were behind the characters as if preparing to fight the monster too. It would look both ominous and interesting.

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

The next book in the Nova Terra series is called The Crystals of Order.

The following excerpt is a monologue spoken by Sivaldion, the God of Order to his team called the Defenders of Order:

“We have tasked ourselves with locating the six Crystals that hold my divinity. So far, we have been successful in doing that. They are in six different areas of Nova Terra: Tamas, Miktlan, the Mechanisarria, Midgard, and Ybardia.

To combat the plans of  the Tribe of Insanity and their mad god, we have carefully selected five capable, honorable warriors to get back the Crystals and restore Order to Nova Terra. Those warriors, dear friends, are all of you.”

11. Any last words before we wrap things up?

Writing a book, whether traditionally-published or self-published, is anything but easy. It requires money, commitment, passion, and creativity. My goal is to give readers a literary experience they’ll never forget. Any and all support is welcome and appreciated! Also, feel free to follow me on any of my socials!

Links needed for:  Blog, author page, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon, Tumblr, Barnes & Noble, Instagram, etc. Give them in list form, thanks.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nova-Terra-Galeeza-Garland-Redvine/dp/B0C9S9QBW2

Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/garlandredvine

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

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/GarlandRedvine

Verbiage From Literary Titan

Feb21

Book Link

Christmas in Evergreen: Heart of Evergreen by Mary Schmidt presents a riveting narrative centered around Kim Dailey’s profound personal upheaval. The story begins as Kim uncovers a shocking truth about her husband of five years, leading her into a vortex of emotional and physical danger. The discovery of her name atop her husband’s ominous hit list propels Kim into an unforeseen journey of survival and self-discovery.

The novel is captivating from the outset, with Schmidt’s meticulous writing effortlessly drawing the reader into Kim’s world. The intimate portrayal of Kim’s life with her husband, Steve, and the subsequent unraveling of their seemingly idyllic existence is both compelling and emotionally resonant. Schmidt’s narrative deftly navigates the complexities of betrayal and resilience, making Christmas in Evergreen a page-turner. Kim’s character is particularly engaging, her strength and vulnerability painted with a realistic brush. The suspenseful elements, particularly the looming threat of assassination, add a thrilling dimension to the plot. Schmidt’s ability to intertwine themes of suspense, romance, and mystery is noteworthy, crafting a story that is as much about self-discovery and new beginnings as it is about love and danger. The novel’s detailed settings and well-crafted dialogue enhance its immersive quality. Each character is rendered with depth, allowing readers to feel a genuine connection to their journeys. The twists and turns of the plot maintain a gripping pace, ensuring that readers remain engaged until the final page.

Christmas in Evergreen is a commendable work by Mary Schmidt, showcasing her talent for creating a multifaceted story that blends mystery, thriller, and romance elements. It is a recommended read for those who appreciate a story that skillfully combines suspense with emotional depth, set against the backdrop of a festive season. Schmidt’s next work is eagerly anticipated as she continues to establish herself as a versatile and skilled storyteller.

Pages: 165 | ASIN : B0CRGH8ZVY

The Countdown: The last breath

Feb2

Book Link

From Amazon:

Immerse yourself in the gripping crime suspense of “The Countdown,” a heart-pounding suspense/thriller that challenges everything you thought you knew. What if the reality you lived turned out to be a lie? What if every breath you took led you down a treacherous and dark path?

Justice, an innocent young woman, suffers a devastating loss as her parents fall victim to a twisted attack on their farm. Left with a heavy burden and a father who is confined to a wheelchair, she feels compelled to protect her family and her home. Little does she know that darkness lurks in the shadows, ready to reveal horrifying secrets.

When her father introduces Raymond Storm, an enigmatic ex-convict assigned to complete his community service, Justice’s distrust is palpable. How can she trust a man bound by chains? But as the layers of deception unfold, Justice realizes that her perception of reality has been shattered. Torn and confused by the unsettling truths staring her in the face, she descends into a chilling maze of deceit.

Secrets emerge, forcing Justice to confront the unthinkable and pushing her into a dangerous race against time. With each passing moment, her life hangs in the balance. As she grapples with the weight of regret, Storm and she grow close. He is determined to save her from the clutches of a malicious force. Together, they embark on an illicit journey, their souls soaring among the stars as they uncover the sinister underbelly of her father’s love.

In a heart-stopping narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat, “The Countdown” delivers suspense, thrills, and unexpected twists. Brace yourself for a relentless pursuit of truth, a chase that leaves no room for second chances. Prepare to question everything as Justice fights to survive, knowing that each breath could be her last.

My Review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life is hardReviewed in the United States on January 27, 2024

Verified Purchase

Life is hard for Justice. Her work with the horses she loved was her only comfort for a long time. Her mother dead, or so her father said, and he was wheelchair bound, or so he wanted Justice to think he was. That gives a tiny speck of this novel away. In rides a newly freed from prison man to help out at the ranch. Was he going to kill or rape her? Would he be trouble? Why was mud on her father’s boots? What is Justice blocking out? Could the unimaginable happen more than once? This novel has all the feels and more.

The Neptune Girl

Jan5

Please welcome Nick Lloyd-Davies to my blog. Hello Nick, Shall we have a chat today?

1. Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Hi everybody. I’m Nick Lloyd-Davies and I’m a self-published author of several children’s books. I live in the West Sussex countryside in England with my wife and son  – my daughter away at University (which I still can’t cope with!).

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

I remember being at primary school, aged 7, wanting to write in my lunch hour, somewhat in competition with a friend of mine. We also competed with reading too! I think it was more about ‘who wrote the most pages’ rather than anything else, but clearly it was something we both enjoyed.

I didn’t pick up writing fiction again until I was doing jury service in my early 40s, sitting around waiting for a case. I had by then become a dad and was telling made-up stories most nights to my kids – they loved them, often more so than the other books that had been read a million times. It was being a dad that got my imagination flowing again and, when jury service came along I started to put these stories to paper.

3. How difficult was it writing your first book?

I didn’t find it particularly difficult to write (it just flowed out), but then I had little in the way of training as an author and it was full of many flaws, which I only came to see later on. Nevertheless, it was a sweet kids’ book about bullying and being my first – and only five thousand words – I am still proud of it.

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

Never. If anything, I have only ever wanted to write full time but my day job and the reality of paying the bills means that that remains a dream. On many occasions, like most authors (unless on a trad contract with deadlines!), I go through drought periods. As a self-published author (with little in the way of financial gain through sales), you need that internal fire – plus free time and good health – to come together in tandem and this has been a rarity for me recently.

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

Firstly, I would say myself, but secondly (and more significantly) my Twitter/X writing community. It’s wonderful how authors will support authors (especially in the world of self-publishing) and how social media can, in this instance, be a very positive resource.  

6. Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I would firstly say thank you, from the depths of my heart, for giving my books a go. If you are pondering, I would really urge you to give them a go, as I do believe they are a great read, full of silliness, adventure, imaginary worlds and important messages for children (eg around climate change, ocean pollution). Our readers are everything, especially if they can provide a glowing review!

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

The best advice I have had has been from a tremendous children’s author, Bryony Pearce (@bryonypearce on X/Twitter). She taught me so much about ‘show not tell’, passive voice and world-building. With this crucial knowledge, I’ve been able to write with much more confidence and self-criticism.

The other source of advice I would say is simply through reading – some very influential authors, for their descriptive skill are Daphne du Maurier, Hardy, Margaret Atwood and Catherine McCarthy (@serialsemantic on X/Twitter).  Each of these authors manage to bring every scene to life, immersing you in their world. And as for children’s books, I especially love Ali Sparkes, Lewis Carroll and the great Roald Dahl.

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

I have a series of books aimed at 6-9 year olds (the Glowstone Adventures, a series of five) which have animals as the lead characters, but led by a determined twelve-year-old girl, wanting to make a positive difference to the world and its innocent creatures. These books tend to have a subtle message, about the environment, or behaviours (eg. vanity, bullying, bad manners!).

My other books are middle grade/teen novels and are unapologetic adventures filled with imaginary worlds, dastardly villains, Sci-Fi, dystopian backdrop and lashings of hope! Always (well, maybe not always!) with a happy ending or a hint of a sequel.

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

I tend to have an early idea of what I want for my cover, but to date I have worked with illustrators, and one particular part-time illustrator, Nay Wilson (@0ysterchild on X/Twitter) , to produce these. My earlier books were vanity-published and that’s another story…!

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

I am working on a new teen/YA novel, set on Mars in the year 2046. A new Mars colony is under threat of destruction – and only eleven-year-old Kasper has cottoned on to this and the conspirator involved. Will anyone believe him before it is too late? Is the conspirator right to try and focus human effort to saving Earth, rather than reaching for new homes? Is there life on Mars – and will it make an appearance? Here is an excerpt – I hope you like it!

 FOUR-THREE-TWO-ONE-LAUNCH PML-EIGHTEEN!

As my whole body was thrust back into the seat, I forgot everything we were taught about controlled breathing and just held my breath. For how long I had no idea, but it was unbelievable force. Before I knew it, I felt the module heating up as we began punching through the Martian atmosphere. I started to breathe again and found myself just transfixed at the yellow glow splaying out from the heat shield. The module was shaking vigorously now, non-stop, my teeth chatting involuntarily.

Don’t bite your tongue. Just don’t bite your tongue. Deep breaths. I talked to myself in my head trying to manage the million sensations going through me. Fascination. Fear. A compulsion to laugh out of sheer terror. Excitement that the journey was nearly ending and no holes found yet!

The burning glow outside was fading.

Parachute deploy T-minus ten seconds.

As it opened we were all thrust forward, straining our harnesses to their limit. Now I felt sick and beads of sweat cooling on my forehead. The module was shuddering and another jolt came as the parachutes opened fully.

Heat-shield jettison! T-minus twenty seconds.

Surface lock-on confirmed.

Dad looked to me and winked. Mum was just staring in abject terror.

TRN confirmed.

Descent rocket start-up. T-minus ten seconds.

I held my breath now. I could see the landing point really clearly now and a defined landing pad marked PM18. Martian dust was now swirling everywhere, starting to blur any view in all directions. I couldn’t see the ground anymore. I had to trust that this thing would land safely.

And then it happened. Touchdown. I could feel that reassuring jolt as the module landed. We were no longer floating in space – we were on land, actual land. Martian land. I released my breath as the dust began to settle outside and I could see shapes and movement through the windows.

‘Welcome to Phoenix Four, Mars,’ announced Control.

‘Woo-hooooo!’ screamed Dad. ‘We’ve done it! We’re on Mars!’

‘Thank God for that!’ replied Mum, a huge smile of relief on her face.

11. Any last words before we wrap things up?

Just to ask all agents and readers, on behalf of all self-published authors – give us a go, give us a chance! You will find something special! And thank you to wonderful supportive people like you, Mary, thank you, thank you!

BIO

Nick has self-published 7 children’s books to date:

– Katie Helps a Giraffe Scared of Heights

– Katie Helps a Lizard in a Blizzard

– Katie Helps a Bear with Bad Hair

– The Boy Who Saved Time

– Katie Helps a Turtle with Tummy Ache (including a foreword from TV Presenter Julia Bradbury)

– Katie Helps at Seal Sports Day (including a forewords from an IPCC Lead Author, Greta Pecl);

and more recently

-The Neptune Girl

Now he is developing his writing, with new titles aimed at the mid-grade and Teen genres. Titles including Tommy’s Escape from Amelion and his current work in progress – Kasper and the Mars Conspiracy! These are fast-paced adventures with kids leading the way.

Nick is passionate about giving children alternatives to the world of WiFi, passionate also about protecting our precious planet, climate change issues featuring frequently in his books, including The Neptune Girl and Katie Helps at Seal Sports Day!

Nick’s idea of excitement is more likely to come from buying fresh tomatoes in a paper bag or doing some DIY, but otherwise writing from his home in the countryside of West Sussex.

Oh, and he would quite like to travel to Mars if he gets the chance. If this isn’t possible, then writing about it must surely be the next best thing!

Check out more at – www.nicklloyddavies.com

Memories from another Lifetime LOVE

Jan5

Book Link

From Amazon:

Can poetry be memories from a previous life?

Love is the second book in the series Memories from another Lifetime.

Memories from another Lifetime is a collection of very personal and hauntingly beautiful poems about love, desire, heartbreak, betrayal, hurt and denial. They go to the core of raw and visceral emotions, perhaps from another lifetime. A powerful and moving experience.

My Review:

I’ve read quite a bit of poetry lately, but this book is the cream of poetry due to the young age of the writer, age 13, and the verbiage of the written words found within. At 13, writing love poetry with the brain and experience of one who is older compelled me to think how this could be so. I think it was easier to lay bare emotions and feelings due to early teenage hormones but also reading her own mother’s poetry over the years. Poetry begets poetry. Like mother, like daughter. The poetry within is very deep, sensual, and full of all kinds of emotions

Christmas With You

Dec15

Book Link

From Amazon:

I planned to ditch Christmas, but a guy in a Santa hat spun my boycott into mistletoe magic.

After making a choice that destroyed two lives, I embarked on a road trip that would earn me a designer label and redemption.

Simple. Until my car died, and Finley, the country bumkin who offered a tow, also jumpstarted my heart.

Simple. Until a blizzard blew in, stranding me with Mr. Fix-It’s family, who reminded me of my unraveled family threads.

***

When my fiancée dumped me like a flat tire on the side of the road, I gave up on love. Engines were more predictable.

Predictable. Until I came across Jocelyn, an Uptown Girl stranded in a conked-out car.

Predictable. Until this uppity woman ignited all my spark plugs and lit up my life.

Christmas With You is a sweet, holiday romance story about overcoming self-doubt and finding the attraction between opposites. Some Santa matchmaking might appear.

Read less

My Review:

Jonesee has written the perfect Christmas story set in Christmas settings that show the world, “I want to be a Christmas movie!” For real. It was St. Nick, who brought the people together for this yule themed novel. Love weaves a magical spell, and the loss of one’s parents becomes a story of its own to conclude contentment over anxiety and guilt. The human element is clearly present, as is the magic of Christmas and a perfect mountain setting rich with love for one another. Small town love, actually, just like Santa meant for this to happen. Perfect five stars. Also, it is refreshing to read a new novel with no errors.

Love on a Winter’s Night

Dec15

Book Link

From Amazon:

Step into a world where winter’s gentle touch paints landscapes in shades of ivory and silver, where the hush of snowflakes conceals whispered secrets blowing through the trees. “Love on a Winter’s Night” is a spellbinding journey that invites you to nestle deep within the warmth of frosty evenings. In this exquisite collection of winter-themed love poetry, you’ll discover the magic of true love, woven into each verse like a tapestry of emotions.

As you turn the pages, you’ll be transported to a realm where every stanza is a hearth, crackling with the fires of passion, just like sipping cocoa by the fireside. The verses will kindle the flames of your soul, offering solace amidst the enchanting snowy world that surrounds us.

Jill Yoder, an accomplished editor, remarked, “As I read this book, I could envision nearly every scene. I could feel every bit of excitement, yearning, and love throughout each page.”

“Love on a Winter’s Night” is not just a book of poetry; it’s a testament to the enduring power of love amidst the chill of winter. Let its pages envelop you in its magical embrace, where love shines as brightly as a star on a frosty night.

My Review:

Winter’s love is what I felt as I read this book. No matter how cold, rainy, or snowy the weather, true love warms the heart and spirit of two in love. Cuddles, sharing food, an Eskimo kiss, spooning, or laughing in the rain, true love warms the heart, body, and soul. Perfect poetry on love.