Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet, Jean-Jacques Fournier, and a book review #treasuring poetry #bookreview #poetrycommunity
Posted: October 15, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized 16 Comments
Today, I am delighted to introduce Jean-Jacques Fournier as my Treasuring Poetry guest.
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you became a poet
A Canadian citizen, I was born in Montréal, Canada, in the Province of Québec, a long time ago. I was educated in English, by choice of my parents, who were bilingual French and English. This allowed me to work all over Canada and even in the USA.
I started writing poetry seriously, shortly after moving to Los Angeles, California, in the early eighties. I had left the corporate world and decided on an adventure, for some 6 years.
Being at a turning point in my professional and personal life, I was facing a lot of issues. I found writing poetry was the best way to express feelings and think about the meaning of life, hiding behind verses.
I came back to Montréal for a decade and a half, in partnership with a graphic designer in the finance domain. Then, around 2000, I decided to retire and move to the south of France where I wanted to dedicate myself to writing and poetry offered more immediate satisfaction than spending some years completing a novel. At that point, I had written more than 500 poems and was encouraged by an artist friend – sculptor Jim Ritchie – to publish my work. My first book of poetry was published in 2007, thanks to the help of a few close friends. In 2010, I came back to Montréal, married to a French lawyer. Since then, I have published 21 books of poetry and to date written more than 5000 poems. I also started a blog – Poetry on a canapé – and recorded more than 300 poems to give a voice to the words.
You have a distinctive poetry style. Did you develop this style yourself or were you inspired by another poet?
My wife said once, half joking, that I am the « Picasso of poetry » because I tend to deconstruct sentences, use abstract images and play with words. While the analogy with Picasso is of course, far-fetched, it does capture how I work with words and verses. I love reading poetry, and the brevity of the medium of expression and its freedom of style are a constant attraction to me. Being a somewhat impatient person, I find it impossible to write a novel. The darkness and humour of Edgar Allan Poe inspire me, as much as the imaginative works of William Blake, Dorathy Parker, or the compact style of Samuel Menashe.
Which of your own poems is your favourite and why?
There is a poem that can be found in almost every one of my 21 books, with slight variations, over time. The title is « Friend ». The most important thing is having meaningful friendships and enjoying conversations with people we appreciate. But deserving the title of friend is something that should not be received lightly, and it still puzzles me when someone calls me friend.
Friend
Why do they call me friend,
What is their cause
Or purpose
To judge me worthy,
That they would levy
Such expression of regard,
Entrust this much responsibility
To be bestowed upon my person,
That I’d be asked to manage
With this impressive status…
And to this title, friend
A singular entitlement,
Who possesses such impartiality
Could deem me be deserving,
Or capable indeed
To discharge such obligation,
Required and implied
When one is given title,
That of being called friend,
Why do they call me friend!
Your wife assists you by creating covers and artworks for inclusion in your books. Tell us a bit about her art and creation process.
My wife Marianne and I met in the South of France in 2002, where she was practising intellectual property law, in contact with the creative world. This allowed her to develop an artistic sensibility, notably with photography. And, being the first to read, comment and critique each of my new poems, she has volunteered to design the cover and content of the poetry books that follow, after the completion of the first 3 books by my business partner- The artworks that illustrate the poems are usually from the public domain, or works from artist friends, or her own photographic composition. Canadian winter is the right moment for her to devote time to a new poetry project. She helps me with the selection of poems, titles, and the dominant thematic of the selected poems. Then, for the last five pocketbook size, she has looked for one or several artists, mainly surrealist artists in the public domain, whose works could be associated with my works. She makes suggestions, and we decide together until the final draft. She uses online tools to publish a book, with worldwide print on demand facilities.
Who is your favourite poet and why?
Among my favourite poets are two French poets: Boris Vian and Jacques Prevert. Their poetry moves me because they both liked to play with words and twist them. They both use simple language, for poems that could be sad or funny or both.
In the English language, the choice is even more difficult. Therefore, since I have only mentioned male poets as a potential influence, I will not mention them again. From Emily Dickinson to Elisabeth Bishop and more recently, Rupi Kaur, these feminine voices resound to me because of their authenticity that transpires from their writing sense of provocation and lucidity. Should I have to select one poet, it would certainly be Dorothy Parker, not only for her caustic style, but also for her profound ability to perceive our human fellow’s defects and honesty in describing feelings.
My review of CHAOS – a human side of man
Right up front, I have to comment on the gorgeous cover for this intriguing collection. Designed by the poet’s wife, Marianne Dessis, it is as compelling as the poetry within this book. Many of the poems are accompanied by Marianne Dessis’ beautiful photographs.
This is the second poetry collection I’ve read by Jean-Jacques Fournier and it is just as thought provoking. The poet sees deeply into the heart of man and exposes his desires, loves, and thoughts with brutal honesty.
This short extract is from the poem ‘Apologies’:
“Oh too often we apologise
Just so the make amends,
Or evade we be chastised
We’ll effort to portend,
Till failing begs apprise
To impede ye condemn, …”
I admire the poet’s use of words, in short and sharp lines that collectively say a great deal in few words. It is a great poetic gift to impart so much without frills and flounces and I think this is the real essence of good poetry.
The poem that touched me the most in this collection is dedicated “in memory of Alan Kurdi, and all war-torn children sacrificed, thru man’s warring need for greed.”
“Save errant boat capsized,
In a bid to flee conflict
Where peace may be alive,
Tho its refuge not explicit
As bureaucracy deprives,
And silently the desperate
Boy’s fate is compromised,
Be sadly found face down …”
CHAOS – a human side of man – is a thoughtful collection that cannot fail to touch the reader’s heart.
You can purchase CHAOS – a human side of man from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0359191622
You can also find all of Jean-Jacques Fournier’s beautiful books on Lulu.
About Jean-Jacques Fournier
Jean-Jacques Fournier is a native of Montréal, in the province of Québec, Canada. He continued his studies while in the Canadian Navy and travelling substantially over the world. He started writing in earnest while living in California in the early eighties. In the process of reinventing himself numerous times, his penchant for the language of poetry seemed best suited, for him to express his emotions and life experiences. He then spent several years pursuing his writing in the south of France, during which time he published his first three books. He has long since moved back to Canada, and is presently living in the Eastern Townships of Québec. He has published twenty-one books of poetry to date.
Find Jean-Jacques Fournier
My blog is Poetry on a canapé with a hyperlink, when it exists, to my Facebook profile for listening to audio recordings of numerous poems. My books can be found online on Lulu, notably.
About Robbie Cheadle
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
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Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
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This segment of “Treasuring Poetry” is sponsored by WordCrafter Press and the Poetry Treasures series.
Get Your Copy Today!
Poetry Treasures: https://books2read.com/PoetryTreasures
Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships: https://books2read.com/PT2-Relationships
Poetry Treasures 3: Passions: https://books2read.com/u/b5qnBR
Poetry Treasures 4:In Touch With Nature: https://books2read.com/PT4-Nature
Poetry Treasures 5: Small Pleasures: https://books2read.com/PT5-SmallPleasures
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“Curses” & Molly Ertel on Joseph Carrabis
Posted: October 1, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized 3 Comments
Meet the contributing authors and learn about their stories in Curses: Chronicles of Darkness.
https://josephcarrabis.com/2025/10/01/molly-ertels-clover-in-wordcrafter-press-curses-anthology/
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Book Review: “Morgan’s Landing” & “Bridges”
Posted: September 12, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a comment
About Morgan’s Landing
In the small Maryland town of Morgan’s Landing, fourteen-year-old Julie Morgan is living in comfort with her wealthy family. She disappears on her way to school after a spat with her twin sister. Detective Jim Brady, married and the father of two, has been on the Morgan’s Landing police force for twelve years. He identifies a few suspects in the girl’s disappearance—Is it the fired school janitor, a paroled sex offender, Julie’s computer teacher…or his own teenage son? Jim can’t believe his son could be involved, but his wife is convinced the boy is hiding something. He needs to find Julie before the worst happens—and keep the peace at home.
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Morgans-Landing/dp/B0F7J1WGPC/
My Review of Morgan’s Landing
I received an audio book of Morgan’s Landing, by Linda Griffin in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
This audiobook was narrated by Eric Priessman. I liked his narration for this book as much as I did for Griffin’s Bridges. Perhaps that’s because I enjoyed this story more, maybe because he’s telling the tale from a male perspective which matches his own gender. I have a hard time with narrators reading the part of an opposite sexed character, but that’s more of a personal preference for me. When the sex matches, I find it easier to buy in to the story.
When Julie Morgan heads out for school ahead of her tardy twin, Heather, and disappears into thin air, never arriving at the school, all of Morgan’s Landing is abuzz, and everybody has an opinion. Some think she ran away, but most fear she was abducted, offering detective Jim Brady a slew of suspects might be the perpetrator, but none hold the answer to the question on everyone’s mind- where is Julie Morgan?
This is one mystery I can’t get into further without giving away the surprise ending, and you’ll find no spoilers here. Just pick up a copy of this audiobook and follow along with Jim Brady’s investigation to learn all the answers.
A mystery story with a surprise ending is always a winner with me. I give Morgan’s Landing four quills.
About Bridges
In 1963, Neil Vincent, a middle-aged World War II veteran and “Christian atheist,” is working at Westfield Court as a chauffeur. He spends most of his spare time reading. Mary Claire DeWinter is a young, blind, Catholic college student and reluctant heiress. To secure her inheritance, she has to marry within a year, and her aunt is pressuring her to marry a rich man who teased and bullied her when she was a child.
Neil and Mary Claire shouldn’t even be friends, but the gulf between them is bridged by a shared love of books. Can they cross the bridge to more?
Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Bridges/dp/B0DT2FMLZB/
My Review of Bridges
I received an audio book of Bridges, by Linda Griffin in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.
Bridges, by Linda Griffin is a short, sweet romance ( my term) that just sort of stole my heart. Told from the male p.o.v. of Neil Vincent, the chauffer, Eric Priessman does an excellent narration. Although, I found it odd that Griffin chose this character to tell a story, which in my mind, is really Mary Claire’s.
Mary Claire is eighteen, blind, and recently come into a fortune when her grandfather passed, leaving everything to her. As a stipulation of the will, she must marry within a year, but she doesn’t feel anyone would want to marry her for anything other than the money. She doesn’t want to be married at all, and a marriage if convenience does not appeal to her, but if she doesn’t the estate will be lost, the servants will be out their jobs, and her family could so use the money. Her snobbish and cruel aunt resents Mary Claire and doesn’t waste any time in lining up worthy suitors and behaving as if she were still in charge of everything, including Mary Claire.
Once I had gotten into the story, I realized that this was Neal’s story, too, as he befriends Mary Claire and finds her cares for her – a caring that eventually turns to love as he struggles to help her solve her seemingly hopeless dilemma.
I couldn’t help but be endeared by sweet Mary Claire and desire for her to triumph. A lovely little romance. I give Bridges five quills.
Other audiobooks by Linda Griffin which I’ve reviewed:
The Rebound Effect: https://writingtoberead.com/2024/11/08/book-review-the-rebound-effect/
Love, Death and the Art of Cooking: https://writingtoberead.com/2024/07/26/book-review-love-death-the-art-of-cooking/
Guilty Knowledge: https://writingtoberead.com/2025/01/17/book-review-guilty-knowledge/
Seventeen Days: https://writingtoberead.com/2025/03/21/book-review-seventeen-days/
About Kaye Lynne Booth
For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and her Time-Travel Adventure novel, The Rock Star & The Outlaw,as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.
Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.
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Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARCs. Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.
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Read and Cook with Robbie Cheadle – Introducing Borderline by Graeme Cumming and avocado and lemon bread #fiction #Borderline #baking
Posted: September 10, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized 63 Comments
Today, I have a special treat for you. A review of Graeme Cumming’s new thriller, Borderline, and a short Q&A with this excellent author.
Borderline by Graeme Cumming
Blurb
When the system isn’t working, work outside the system.
A search for a missing man thrusts Rand Scott into the dark realms of homelessness, drug dealing and sex clubs.
Kirsty Moore wants to find her brother Johnny, a one-time rock star.
The police also want him – for murder.
And there are others looking who don’t play nicely.
A simple job turns deadly as Rand uncovers a world where money talks louder than the screams of innocent bystanders.
My review
I don’t read a lot of thrillers as I find the plotlines tend towards being repetitive. I am really glad I gave Borderline a chance as it is not the run of the mill thriller. Using the dark scene of sex clubs as a spring board, this book delves into the world of organised crime in Britain that reaches right up into the top echelons of the police force. It stretches into the murky waters of fear of job losses and reprisal being used as a tool to keep police colleagues from taking action against the corruption. The main character, Rand, is a victim of such manipulative reprisal and his unjust treatment has helped mould his attitudes and character. There is a great deal going on in this novel which also sends tendrils into the world of hard core environmentalists who will cross legal lines in pursuit of their cause.
There are two areas, in my mind, that differentiate this book from its peer group. Firstly, the excellent characterisation. The author has depicted various characters with a clear and brutal honesty that cuts to the bone of human nature and fallibility. Rand, a man whom the system has failed and even savaged, has a deep understanding and sympathy for the homeless and is driven to try and make a difference. The homeless are not invisible to him, as they are to many of the well fed workers of the world, he sees them clearly and understands the hopelessness of their situations. He tries to make a difference. His assistant, Hazard, a war veteran who has experienced homelessness, is one of the people Rand has helped and it has changed her life and turned her into his best friend.
Kirsty, a woman with whom Rand has a fleeting relationship and who asks for his help leading into the plot of the book, is also depicted with fearless accuracy. The author has delved deeply into human nature and effectively depicted the reality of conflicting emotion and manipulated trust. Even Elizabeth, who only makes a few sporadic appearances in the book, is very human in the eyes of the reader. You really hope these women can find a way out of the mess they’ve made of their lives and can find a better path.
The second differentiating factor for me with this book, was the number of topical political and social issues the author seamlessly wove into this story. It was not overwhelming, it was gratifying to see such topics given a good airing. After all, life does not come in separate little boxes and we are all confronted daily with all of these overwhelmingly appalling factors of modern life.
In summary, this is a fast paced and multifaceted book with excellent characterisations. I highly recommend it.
Amazon US purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F9R12GB9
Amazon UK purchase link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Borderline-Graeme-Cumming/dp/0957510748
Graeme has two other excellent novels, both of which I have read and enjoyed.
Raven’s Gathering is very dark but is fantastic if you like horror. You can read my review here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RDDP9QUJIC5NW
Carrion is fantasy and I did enjoy it although I don’t read much fantasy. You can read my review here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R854IGQE68C48
Q and A with Graeme Cumming
Tell us a bit about yourself and your aspirations as a writer
As you know, I have written books in the past, though these have been in other genres. My first love, though, is crime fiction, and this is what I’m focusing on for the foreseeable future.
Borderline is the first of a series. That wasn’t my plan, but the main character was too good to use just once, as were the supporting characters – have you got a favourite yet?
Having decided to go down the series path, I was also conscious that it would need continuity, so I wrote books two and three before going back to Borderline and revising it to make sure it fit the stories to come.
As a result, although final drafts are not there yet, the next two in the series should be released comparatively quickly (by my standards anyway). Book two, Renegade, should be out within the next 6 months, and the third book, Suicide, some time next summer.
I feel like I have the bit between my teeth now, so there should be some momentum over the next few years.
I really like the inclusion of the homeless people aspect in your book. What gave you the idea to include this aspect in your novel?
I’ve spent quite a bit of time over the years talking to homeless people. The stories behind their homelessness are varied, but always tragic in their own way.
Relevant to Borderline is the relatively high proportion who came from a military background. I don’t delve too deeply into this. After all, the book is intended to entertain first and foremost. But it did allow me to highlight shortfalls in support for them.
Borderline is the first in a series and, when I came up with the original idea for the main character – and the people around him – it had a kind of pulp fiction feel to it. But I also wanted to include references to the growing inequalities in society. Homelessness is one of the more extreme outcomes.
Hopefully, by providing an entertaining read, I’ve also given readers some food for thought.
Your main character in Borderline is a vegan. What inspired this choice? Are you a vegan or did you research veganism for this book?
I stopped eating meat in 1999 because I wanted a healthier diet. Since then, I’ve become more conscious of animal welfare and went vegan 6 years ago. Animal welfare will be touched on in the next book in the series, Renegade – which should be available within the next 6 months. Hopefully, that’s also told in a way that’s entertaining but might give readers pause for thought.
There is a reason for Rand to be vegan that is relevant to plot, and it harks back to his past life, some of which is revealed in Borderline, but is expanded on in Renegade – so watch this space!
About Graeme Cumming
Graeme Cumming lives in Robin Hood country. He has wide and varied taste in fiction, but a particular leaning towards the darker side – though he’s very pleasant when you meet him. Borderline, the first book in his new crime series was released in 2025 and already gained praise from readers.
When not writing, Graeme is an enthusiastic sailor (and, by default, swimmer), and enjoys off-road cycling and walking. He is a past President and Education Director at Sheffield Speakers Club. He also reads (a lot) and loves the cinema.
For more information about Graeme and his books, you can check his website www.graemecumming.co.uk.
Weblinks:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Graeme-Cumming-1638108329841072/about/
www.twitter.com/GraemeCumming63
https://www.instagram.com/graeme_cumming_author/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2884537
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Graeme-Cumming/e/B00D11DO4E/
Avocado and lemon bread
This recipe is like banana bread i.e. it is sweet. It is not a vegan recipe but it is vegetarian.
Ingredients
430 ml (1 and 3/4 cups) cake flour
310 ml (1 and 1/4 cups) sticky brown sugar
5 ml (1 tspn) bicarbonate of soda
2.5 ml (1/2 tspn) salt
2 medium sized eggs
2 medium sized avocados, mashed
1 medium sized lemon, zested
125 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil
60 ml (1/4 cup Greek yogurt
5 ml (1 tspn) vanilla extract
Method
Mash the avocados in a mixing bowl and add the lemon zest. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and then add to the mixture. Add the yogurt and vanilla. Finally add the sugar, mix, and then the flour and bicarb. Mix until combined. Do not over mix, stop when the dry ingredients are combined.
Spoon the mixture into a prepared loaf tin and bake in an oven pre-heated to 180C for 55 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
Slice and serve with butter.
About Roberta Eaton Cheadle
Roberta Eaton Cheadle, is a South African writer and poet specialising in historical, paranormal, and horror novels and short stories. She is an avid reader in these genres and her writing has been influenced by famous authors including Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, Amor Towles, Stephen Crane, Enrich Maria Remarque, George Orwell, Stephen King, and Colleen McCullough.
Roberta has two published novels and a collection of short stories and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories included in several anthologies. She is also a contributor to the Ask the Authors 2022 (WordCrafter Writing Reference series).
Roberta is also the author and illustrator of seventeen children’s books, illustrator to a further three children’s books, and the author and illustrator of four poetry books published under the name of Robbie Cheadle, and has poems and short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.
Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle
Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5
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Like this post? Are you a fan of this blog series? Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
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This segment of “Read and Cook with Robbie Cheadle” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.
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In Touch With Nature – Golden Orb Spiders #spiders #southafrica #wildlife
Posted: August 27, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized 51 Comments
Spiders get a lot of negative press everywhere. Recently, there have been a number of poems about spiders on WordPress and all of them paint spiders as scary creatures which do much harm to humans. I decided to write this post as a tribute to spiders which actually do a lot of good in this world. There are some venomous spiders, but these are in the minority. Thousands of spiders die at the hand of humans due to ignorance and unfounded fear.
The spider I am focusing on for this post is the South African Golden Orb Spider. From March to May, the Golden Orb Spider is an outstanding feature of the NorthWest province in South Africa. Hundreds of these large spiders can be seen everywhere, spinning and guarding their webs, and doing what spiders do which is catching and consuming prey, usually insects, and reproducing.
The female of this species is 1,000 times bigger than the male. The female spins the web and allows several males to cohabitat on the web. The males are usually found at the top of the web while the female sits at the hub, facing downwards, and waiting for insects to become trapped in the web. She then wraps the insect in web to immobilise it, kills it with one bite, and moves it to the centre of the web for immediate consumption or to store in her ‘larder’. I know you are thinking this is cruel but think about the contents of your own freezer. I often think that if the Martians from War of the Worlds arrived on Earth now, they would have had no conscience about eating people after peeping into the average freezer which is stuffed full of meat.
These are some great facts about Golden Orb Spiders:
- they are active during the day and largely sedentary due to being web bound;
- they rarely dismantle their webs and their webs can last for years;
- their venom is harmless to humans;
- Golden Orb Spiders spin the largest and strongest web of all spiders. It’s name is derived from the golden colour of its silk;
- the web is strong enough to trap a small bird. The spider cannot eat a bird and such entrapment damages the web. The spider tries to warn birds of the presence of the web by leaving a visible line of insect husks on the web.
- the small males steal food from the female without her noticing;
- the males mate with the female without her noticing. Usually when she is distracted by eating;
- the eggs are buried in the ground;
- the spiderlings are not fully developed when they hatch but once they have developed, they move away from their siblings to avoid cannibalism;
- there are 11 African species in the genus; and
- the web is used by humans to make fishing lures, traps, nets, bird snares, and as a bandage to stop bleeding.
The web of this spider is beautiful. Its yellow threads shine like gold in the sunlight to attract insects, especially bees, and blends with the background foliage in shady spots, thereby camouflaging the web. The spider is able to adjust the pigment intensity to match with background light levels and colour. This spider is a real artist.
These are two of my YouTube videos of Golden Orb Spiders:
Poem about Spiders from Lion Scream
The Spider Ball
Behind a rotting board
A misshapen ball
Pulsating with life; dark silhouettes wriggling
Protected by soft web
The mother’s life work
***
In the dimness they grow
Increasing in strength
Those with greater confidence start to explore
Running along the threads
Pushing boundaries
***
Ready for life alone
They prepare to leave
Climbing up high they release several strands
And float gently away
Life’s an adventure
Purchase Lion Scream here: https://www.amazon.com/Lion-Scream-Syllabic-Southern-Wildlife-ebook/dp/B0BXP5N766
About Roberta Eaton Cheadle
Roberta Eaton Cheadle, is a South African writer and poet specialising in historical, paranormal, and horror novels and short stories. She is an avid reader in these genres and her writing has been influenced by famous authors including Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, Amor Towles, Stephen Crane, Enrich Maria Remarque, George Orwell, Stephen King, and Colleen McCullough.
Roberta has two published novels and a collection of short stories and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories included in several anthologies. She is also a contributor to the Ask the Authors 2022 (WordCrafter Writing Reference series).
Roberta is also the author and illustrator of seventeen children’s books, illustrator to a further three children’s books, and the author and illustrator of four poetry books published under the name of Robbie Cheadle, and has poems and short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.
Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle
Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5
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Like this post? Are you a fan of this blog series? Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
__________________________________________
This segment of “In Touch with Nature” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.
Midnight Roost: Weird and Creepy Stories: 20 authors bring your nightmares to life in 23 stories of ghosts, paranormal phenomenon and the horror from the dark crevasses of their minds. Stories of stalkers, both human and supernatural, possession and occult rituals, alien visitations of the strange kind, and ghostly tales that will give you goosebumps. These are the tales that will make you fear the dark. Read them at the Midnight Roost… if you dare. https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Roost-Kaye-Lynne-Booth-ebook/dp/B0CL6FPLVJ
Midnight Garden: Where Dark Tales Grow: 17 authors bring you 21 magnificent dark tales. Stories of magic, monsters and mayhem. Tales of murder and madness which will make your skin crawl. These are the tales that explore your darkest fears. Read them in the Midnight Garden… if you dare. https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Garden-Where-Tales-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0DJNDQJD3
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Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet and author, Joy Neal Kidney and a review #poetry #TreasuringPoetry #poetrycommunity
Posted: August 20, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized 77 Comments
Today, I am delighted to introduce Joy Neal Kidney, poet and writer of historical memoirs.
What is your favourite style of poetry to read i.e. haiku, ballad, epic, freestyle, etc.?
Free verse.
What is your favourite poem in your favourite style to read?
Also free verse.
Meadowlark by Nicholas Dowd
Every morning that summer
Brought a premonition
A sense of something pending
Fencerows buzzed with it
Breezes whispered it to the corn
Meadowlarks sang it at sunrise
Some nights we wondered
What might lie ahead, but
All we could do was listen
Waiting for the song of the lark
To drift across our field at dawn.
Note: Nicholas Dowd writes poignant free verse but isn’t published, yet. He allowed me to share this one in Leora’s Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During World War II. (Another of his poems, “Morrisburg Cemetery,” opens Leora’s Early Years: Guthrie County Roots.)
What is your favourite style of poetry to write?
I’ve tried several styles but keep coming back to free verse, for the freedom it offers as I sculpt the words and thoughts.
What is your favourite of your own poems?
That Fateful Sunday Dinner
The clink of silverware,
Sammy Kaye’s Sunday Serenade,
amiable background music
for Iowa after-church diners.
The scent of Evening in Paris
mingles with that of pot roast.
A news bulletin interrupts
a smooth danceable melody:
Pearl Harbor has been attacked.
Diners gasp, ask a flock of questions.
Does this mean we’re at war?
Where is Pearl Harbor?
Doris, in her gold waitress uniform,
shudders. One brother in the navy,
and her other brothers
are “all the wrong ages.”
Five brothers serve.
Only two come home.
This was published in Lyrical Iowa 2023. Doris was my mother. (Lyrical Iowa 2025 will include another poem, “Learning How to Vote, 1920,” as the First Honorable mention in the National/World Events category. It’s about my great grandmother, Leora’s mother.)
Please tell us about your poetry book, Meadowlark Songs: A Motherline Legacy. How did this book come about? How does this book fit with your historical books about Leora?
Books by three authors sparked the idea of capturing the women of my motherline in vignettes: Luanne Castle’s Kin Types, Elizabeth Gauffreau’s Grief Songs: Poems of Love & Remembrance, and The Horse Lawyer and Other Poems by Greg Seeley. Greg’s book captures three generations on the same Iowa farm, beginning with his Civil War ancestor.
Meadowlark Songs covers seven generations. The legacy of a small log church was nurtured through my motherline and woven into the blessing and mystery of my own inheritance. Glimpses into the lives of these women, along with cameo appearances of the men they married, reveal a legacy of faith and hope while navigating challenging times and great losses.
My other books cover Grandma Leora’s life through WWII, when she lost three sons during WWII and was widowed shortly afterwards. I was born during the war and I’m her oldest granddaughter. She was a delight as a grandmother, who lived to the age of 97. She’s the fifth generation in Meadowlark Songs, “The Heart of Her Family.”
My review of Meadowlark Songs: A Motherline Legacy
This historical memoir is written as a series of interrelated poems which I though was a wonderful and unique idea. The book is divided into sections, each relating to a woman in the Motherline Legacy, and comprises of a series of poems relating to that individual, her life, spouse, circumstances and family. Each section shares a great deal of historical information about the specific time period and fascinating details about, inter alia, life, dress codes, work, and education. Such a novel way of sharing historical information and the highlights of each individual’s life.
Life was tough for the women featured in this collection. They worked incredibly hard, overcame obstacles including the deaths of children, siblings, and parents, and battled the elements, but they prevailed and built good lives for their families. There is a strong religious thread throughout the book demonstrating the importance of faith in each family’s life.
Due to my fascination with war, the sections about Leora (Goff) Wilson and her daughter, Doris (Wilson) Neal interested me the most as they included details about Leora’s five sons who all fought for the USA in WW2. Leora suffered the deaths of three, a terrible tragedy for one family.
The poetry is freestyle and provides a lot of insight into the characters of the Motherline women and their family members. The poems reminded me, over and over, how much easier life is now with fewer infant deaths and technology and appliances to make housework so much quicker and easier. One poem that really captivated me in its great sadness was Baby Marilyn.
This is a quote from Baby Marilyn:
“I was the third of seven Wilson kids,
now eight. It was 1931 and we had
to many mouths to feed.
I didn’t want another baby,
but she was beautiful and needed a name.
Mom suggested I name her.
Marilyn Louise. She was mine
to care for every day after school.
She died while I was at school,
just a month later.
A weak heart, the doctor said.
My arms were empty, helpless.”
A beautiful and interesting collection of poetry that weaves a story of several generations of mothers. This collection has certainly sparked my interest in reading this authors other historical novels about her family.
About Joy Neal Kidney
Joy Neal Kidney is the oldest granddaughter of Leora Wilson and author of four “Leora books.” She lives in central Iowa with her husband, Guy (an Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam War and retired Air Traffic Controller). Their son and his wife live out-of-state with Joy’s only grandchild Kate, age eight.
A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, Joy has lived with fibromyalgia for two dozen years, giving her plenty of home-bound days to write blog posts and books.
Website: https://joynealkidney.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joy.kidney
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-neal-kidney
Twitter/X: https://x.com/JoyNealKidney
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/joynealkidney/
About Robbie Cheadle
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
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Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
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This segment of “Treasuring Poetry” is sponsored by WordCrafter Press and the Poetry Treasures series.
Get Your Copy Today!
Poetry Treasures: https://books2read.com/PoetryTreasures
Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships: https://books2read.com/PT2-Relationships
Poetry Treasures 3: Passions: https://books2read.com/u/b5qnBR
Poetry Treasures 4:In Touch With Nature: https://books2read.com/PT4-Nature
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Read and Cook with Robbie Cheadle – Jaws by Peter Benchley and Fish Paella #fiction #readingcommunity #cooking
Posted: August 13, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized 57 Comments
My review of Jaws
I watched the Stephen Spielberg movie when I was twelve years old and I never forgot it. Like most of my generation, Jaws, the movie, terrified me and I never swim at night or in murky water. I didn’t know about the book until I rewatched the movie recently. I was curious to read the book that underpinned the movie, which although dated, is still terrific. The book did not disappoint me. In fact, the book is better than the movie as it explores human relationships and elements outside of the main shark storyline thereby increasing the reader’s investment in the main characters. I loved the Chief of Police, Martin Brody, and rooted for him to succeed in his quest to save his hometown. from the shark. I disliked Hooper, the shark expert and one of the wealthy ‘summer’ people, and Brody’s wife who didn’t know what she wanted from life. It always fascinates me how American author’s depict political figures such as the major as being corrupt and unreliable. Jaws was no different and had its unethical character who unintentionally becomes an ally to the shark.
The writing is enticing, and I enjoyed the depictions of the great ‘fish’ in its natural environment and role as a super predator. The shark’s behaviour, although more deliberate and considered than average for a shark, did not cross lines and become unbelievable. The author kept the storyline within the realms of the possible which I liked.
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As mentioned earlier, the book refers to the wealthy summer visitors and the poorer all year round ‘winter’ folk who are dependent on summer trade to see them through the winter. It gently explores the differences between the two sets of people and highlights the lack of social cohesion between the groups and the resultant resentment of the winter people who feel inferior.
The book also explores regret and a lack of gratitude for the non-material blessings in life. Hooper represents the spirit of the summer people and is shallow, arrogant, and selfish in many ways. He is also conflicted and uncertain of his role in society and life in general despite having all the privileges wealth brings. Brody represents the winter people who are solid, salt of the earth types with strong values and family ties.
This is a book with a few fascinating layers making it more than the movie, however thrilling and chilling the movie was.
You can purchase Jaws here: https://www.amazon.com/Jaws-Novel-Peter-Benchley/dp/0345544145
A few quotes from Jaws
“There’s nothing in the sea this fish would fear. Other fish run from bigger things. That’s their instinct. But this fish doesn’t run from anything. He doesn’t fear.”
“Sharks have everything a scientist dreams of. They’re beautiful―God, how beautiful they are! They’re like an impossibly perfect piece of machinery. They’re as graceful as any bird. They’re as mysterious as any animal on earth. No one knows for sure how long they live or what impulses―except for hunger―they respond to. There are more than two hundred and fifty species of shark, and everyone is different from every other one.”
“The boy’s last—only—thought was that he had been punched in the stomach. The breath was driven from him in a sudden rush. He had no time to cry out, nor, had he had the time, would he have known what to cry, for he could not see the fish. The fish’s head drove the raft out of the water. The jaws smashed together, engulfing head, arms, shoulders, trunk, pelvis, and most of the raft. Nearly half the fish had come clear of the water, and it slid forward and down in a belly-flopping motion, grinding the mass of flesh and bone and rubber. The boy’s legs were severed at the hips, and they sank, spinning slowly, to the bottom.”
Fish Paella
Ingredients
olive oil to cook
1 large red bell pepper, diced
2 x red onions, diced
15 ml garlic flakes
1 litre chicken stock (you can use fish stock)
500 grams white fish. I used hake
500 grams Norwegian salmon
2 cups (500 ml) medium grain rice
3 tomatoes diced
pinch turmeric
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
milk for cooking
Method
Lay the fish in a large pan or wok and cover with milk. Once the milk starts boiling, cook for 10 minutes. Remove the skin once cooked and break into chunks.
In a large pot on the stove, fry the onion in the olive oil. Add the red pepper, garlic, turmeric, paprika, and tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften. Add the rice and then the chicken stock. Bring to the boil and then turn down to a simmer. Simmer until most of the liquid is gone and the rice is plump. Add the peas and the fish. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the peas are cooked. Serve.
About Roberta Eaton Cheadle
Roberta Eaton Cheadle, is a South African writer and poet specialising in historical, paranormal, and horror novels and short stories. She is an avid reader in these genres and her writing has been influenced by famous authors including Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, Amor Towles, Stephen Crane, Enrich Maria Remarque, George Orwell, Stephen King, and Colleen McCullough.
Roberta has two published novels and a collection of short stories and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories included in several anthologies. She is also a contributor to the Ask the Authors 2022 (WordCrafter Writing Reference series).
Roberta is also the author and illustrator of seventeen children’s books, illustrator to a further three children’s books, and the author and illustrator of four poetry books published under the name of Robbie Cheadle, and has poems and short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.
Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle
Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5
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Like this post? Are you a fan of this blog series? Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
__________________________________________
This segment of “Read and Cook with Robbie Cheadle” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.
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Day 4 of the WordCrafter “Shadow Blade” Book Blog Tour
Posted: July 24, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a comment
Today we’re over at Roberta Writes for Day 4 of the WordCrafter Shadow Blade Book Blog Tour with an excerpt reading by Jeff Bowles from the free prequel, Baiting the Hook, which comes with the WordCrafter Press edition of Shadow Blade. I hope you’ll hop on over and join in the fun as we re-launch this exciting fantasy romance adventure. We’re giving away three digital copies and one signed print copy of the book, so be sure to leave a comment at each stop that you visit.
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Day 3 of the WordCrafter “Shadow Blade” Book Blog Tour
Posted: July 23, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized Leave a commentToday we’re over at Un dawnted for Day 3 of the WordCrafter Shadow Blade Book Blog Tour, where DL Mullan interviews author Chris Barili. Join us and help send this stealthy fantasy romance adventure off right.
Don’t forget to leave a comment here for a chance at one of three digital copies, or even a signed print copy, as the Un dawnted site does not support comments.
http://www.undawnted.com/2025/07/undawnted-interviews-chris-barili-day.html?m=1
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In Touch With Nature – The near threatened southern white rhinoceros and the poaching crisis #whiterhino #InTouchWithNature
Posted: July 23, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized 76 CommentsThe white rhinoceros or square-lipped rhino is the largest of the five living rhino species. It is also one of the largest land animals with only elephants being bigger. A male white rhino weighs up to 2,300 kilograms and a cow between 1,600 and 1,700 kilograms. The white rhinos most well-known feature is the two horn-like structures on its snout. The horns line up, one behind the other, and are comprised of densely compacted keratin fibers and not bone.
Unfortunately, it is the rhino’s beautiful horn that has led to these creatures being poached to near extinction. Rhino horns are in high demand in certain Asian countries, in particular China and Vietnam, due to a false belief in the medicinal value of the horns. Despite confirmation by the scientific world that these beliefs are not true, the demand continues. In some cultures, rhino horn is viewed as a status symbol and represents wealth and success. The demand for rhino horn as gifts fuels the poaching crisis. In addition, rhinos are still hunted for sport with hunters displaying their horns as trophies.
The white rhino population is estimated to be around 17,464 individuals with the majority being found in South Africa. Currently a near threatened species, the white rhino populations are declining with approximately 420 being poached every year. The latest white rhino poaching statistics for the three months ended 31 March 2025, are 103 averaging 34.33 white rhinos per month.
The fight against rhino poaching is on-going and multifaceted. Game reserves are protected by anti-poaching patrols which include drones and aircraft. I often see the anti-poaching units when I am in the bush, and I have even seen them practicing maneuvers. I am very supportive of these brave men who risk their own lives to save our rhinos from poachers. South Africa has introduced stricter wildlife protection laws and international organisations like the Internation Fund for Animal Welfare work ceaselessly to combat the online trade of illegal wildlife products.
One of the steps taken to reduce poach is dehorning. A landmark international study published on Thursday, 5 June 2025 has revealed that dehorning significantly reduces the risk of poaching. The study, led by the University of Cape Town found that “Dehorning rhinos to reduce incentives for poaching … was found to achieve a 78% reduction in poaching using just 1.2% of the overall rhino protection budget.” You can read more about this study here: https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2025-06-05-uct-led-study-finds-dehorning-rhinos-reduces-poaching. I always feel sad when I see a dehorned rhino in the bush, but better dehorned rhinos than none at all.
The impact of the extinction of any animal species extends far beyond the specific animals and species itself. Rhinos, for example, play a critical role in maintaining balanced ecosystems in their natural environment. Rhinos are herbivores and their grazing patterns shape landscapes, support plant biodiversity and influence food chains. The extinction of the white rhino would have a significant impact on the decline of other species dependent on the environmental balance rhinos help to maintain.
A cute poem from Lion Scream by Robbie Cheadle
Listen to me, Mom
“Mom, what’s that box on wheels?
Why is it stopping?
Listen to me, Mom, I’m asking you something.
Stop ignoring me, Mom
I’ve got a question”
“If you don’t answer me
I’ll back into you
Can you feel it, Mom, I’m bumping into you?
I’m not going to stop
Until you answer”
“Fine, be mean if you like
I know what to do
I’ll just lie down and have a short siesta
Let me know when it’s gone
And we can move on”
A few of my white rhino wildlife YouTube videos
About Roberta Eaton Cheadle
Roberta Eaton Cheadle, is a South African writer and poet specialising in historical, paranormal, and horror novels and short stories. She is an avid reader in these genres and her writing has been influenced by famous authors including Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, Amor Towles, Stephen Crane, Enrich Maria Remarque, George Orwell, Stephen King, and Colleen McCullough.
Roberta has two published novels and a collection of short stories and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories included in several anthologies. She is also a contributor to the Ask the Authors 2022 (WordCrafter Writing Reference series).
Roberta is also the author and illustrator of seventeen children’s books, illustrator to a further three children’s books, and the author and illustrator of four poetry books published under the name of Robbie Cheadle, and has poems and short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.
Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle
Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5
___________________________________________
Like this post? Are you a fan of this blog series? Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
__________________________________________
This segment of “In Touch with Nature” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.
Midnight Roost: Weird and Creepy Stories: 20 authors bring your nightmares to life in 23 stories of ghosts, paranormal phenomenon and the horror from the dark crevasses of their minds. Stories of stalkers, both human and supernatural, possession and occult rituals, alien visitations of the strange kind, and ghostly tales that will give you goosebumps. These are the tales that will make you fear the dark. Read them at the Midnight Roost… if you dare. https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Roost-Kaye-Lynne-Booth-ebook/dp/B0CL6FPLVJ
Midnight Garden: Where Dark Tales Grow: 17 authors bring you 21 magnificent dark tales. Stories of magic, monsters and mayhem. Tales of murder and madness which will make your skin crawl. These are the tales that explore your darkest fears. Read them in the Midnight Garden… if you dare. https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Garden-Where-Tales-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0DJNDQJD3
