A Practical Look at the Use of AI Tools in Writing & Publishing

Posted: July 24, 2024 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Like It or Not, Publishers Are Licensing Books for AI Training—And Using AI Themselves

Day 2 of the WordCrafter My Backyard Friends Book Blog Tour

Posted: July 16, 2024 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Join us over at Roberta Writes, where Robbie Cheadle introduces Nicholas Nuthatch in a mini-interview and I share some fun facts about nuthatches and the inspiration for “Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home”.

Roberta Writes – Book Blog Tour, My Backyard Friends: Inspiration for Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home #childrensfiction

Welcome to the WordCrafter My Backyard Friends Series Book Blog Tour

Posted: July 15, 2024 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Welcome to the WordCrafter My Backyard Friends Book Blog Tour. We have a great tour planned with opportunities to meet all of the characters from the first three books in the series, as we launch Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend, Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans, and Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home. Heather and Timothy are picturebooks aimed at ages 3-5, and Charlie is a bit longer and is aimed at ages 6-8, but they are all inspired by the birds and animals that visit my mountain home, and they all have the wonderful illustrations of Robbie Cheadle.

Each stop will introduce a different character. You’ll meet the main characters: Heather Hummingbird, Timothy Turtle, and Charlie Chickadee, as well as the supporting characters: Ethan Eagle, Katy Cat, Becky Beaver, and Nancy and Nicholas Nuthatch through mini-interviews and excerpts and Robbie’s amazing illustrations. You’ll also learn about the inspirations for each story and some fun facts about these animals in the wild, and there will be some reviews of the books, as well. You can visit each stop through the links in the schedule below, but they won’t work until each stop goes live on its scheduled day. (Pssst! Stick with the tour. There’s a special suprise at the end.)

Tour Schedule

Monday – July 15 – Writing to be Read – Series introduction & My Backyard Friends Store

Tuesday – July 16 – Roberta Writes – Meet Nicholas Nuthatch & Inspiration for “Charlie Chaickadee”

Wednesday – July 17 – Undawnted – Meet Heather Hummingbird & Review of “Heather Hummingbird”

Thursday – July 18 – Robbie’s Inspiration – Meet Becky Beaver & Inspiration for “Timothy Turtle”

Friday – July 19 – Undawnted – Meet Timothy Turtle & Review of “Timothy Turtle”

Saturday – July 20 – Carla Loves to Read – Inspiration for “Heather Hummingbird” & Reviews of all 3 Books

Sunday – July 21 – Undawnted – Meet Charlie Chickadee & Revies of “Charlie Chickadee”

Monday- July 22 – Writing to be Read – Meet Ethan Eagle, Nancy Nuthatch & Katy Cat, & Wrap-up

The My Backyard Friends Series Trailer

My Backyard Friends Trailer

At this first stop, you will also find the My Backyard Friends store where you can purchase direct from the author and proceeds will go to publishing the print books in color. They are only being released through retailers now in eBook format, because Robbie’s colorful illustrations should not be featured in black and white. The store has discounted eBooks, posters, and signed print copies pre-orders. (If we don’t raise enough money to do the color printing, monies for signed print copies will be refunded.) When the tour ends, the store will go away, but you will still be able to purchase copies of these wonderful kid’s books through retailers.

My Backyard Friends Store

The store is gone, but you can still get digital copies of all three books from your favorite distributors at the following Books2Read purchase links.

Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend (ages 3-5): https://books2read.com/MBF-HeatherHummingbird

Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans (ages 3-5): https://books2read.com/MBF-TimothyTurtle

Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home (ages 6-8): https://books2read.com/MBF-CharlieChickadee

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Book your WordCrafter Book Blog Tour today!

In Touch With Nature – African killer bees, friend or foe? #intouchwithnature #Africankillerbees

Posted: June 26, 2024 | Author: robertawrites235681907 | Filed under: Uncategorized | 38 Comments

A landscape with the words: In Touch With Nature, "The Earth is a fine place and worth fighting for." Ernest Hemmingway

African honeybees, and their relatives Africanised honeybees, have gained the nickname “killer bees” due to their aggressive behaviour. A BBC article entitled Flying threat: Why are killer bees so dangerous? (by Jon Kelly) stated the following:

“They surround you in their multitudes – hundreds, maybe thousands of them, swooping and stinging and injecting venom into your flesh.

They might go for your eyes. Or fill up your mouth, nostrils and ears. You will have to run hundreds of yards to escape, if you can see where you are going.

And the air fills with the pheromone that tells the bees to protect their colony. Apparently, it smells like bananas.”

This article referred to Africanised honeybees which came about as a result of human intervention resulting in the mating of Brazilian honeybees with Southern African honeybees.”

Having witnessed an attack by African honeybees on my family’s dogs, I can vouch for the truth of these comments. This incident occurred when I was a teenager and both dogs had to have blood transfusions. They only survived because they jumped into the swimming pool. It was a traumatic event for me, and I’ve written a few poems, paragraphs and a short story about killer bees.

Picture caption: My photograph of an African bee. They look pretty innocuous, don’t they?

African honeybees are a lot more hostile than other bees due to their natural environment having far more predators looking to destroy their hives for honey. Some of these predators are ants, anteaters, armadillos, honey badgers, and bee eater birds. African honeybees attack in far greater numbers than Europeans bees which makes them dangerous to humans. When disturbed, they will also chase humans far further than European bees and remain agitated for much longer. However, it should be noted that the venom of African honeybees is no more toxic than European bees.

Picture caption: My photograph of a small bee-eater bird

African honeybees occur in the natural veld of South African and Central Africa and is an important pollinator of flowering plants, including many thorn trees such as acacia trees (the favourite food of giraffes). Without African honeybees, southern Africa would not have many of the fruit and vegetables that grow in this region.

South African cultural stories about African honeybees

In the Xhosa culture (Madiba clan), visitation by a swarm of bees is presumed to be a message from the ancestors who would like the family to do something for them (e.g. the brewing of traditional African beer (umqombothi) and/or the slaughtering of a goat). If the bees produced honey while they were visiting, all honey combs will be removed by a member of the family and placed on small branches before being consumed. But most importantly, words of respect will be said to the bees as they are being persuaded to leave.

In the Pedi culture, a swarm of bees in the yard is always taken as a symbol of the ancestors bringing luck to the family. One needs to then prepare some kind of African beer, but it should not ferment like umqombothi. It is called mashifa, and the sorghum should still be strong and prevalent in the water. You then summon the ancestors accordingly and acknowledge their presence and let them know that you anticipate the good wishes or blessings. The bees are never chased away or killed, and are left in peace to leave of their own accord.

Also in the Pedi culture, the queen bee is used in traditional strengthening. The queen bee is alive when she reaches the traditional healer, but is then respectfully killed and mixed in with a concoction that is applied to the face daily or weekly. This is to subdue your enemies and command respect from those around you – just like the queen bee does in the colony.

This information is from the South African National Biodiversity Institute here: https://www.sanbi.org/animal-of-the-week/african-honeybee/

BBC Earth Youtube video of an African killer bee hive:

Invasion

The colonization of much of the western hemisphere by the African honey bee (Apis mellifera scutellata) in the last 60 years is one of the most rapid and impressive biological invasions in recent history (Schneider et al 2004). Originally, African honey bees were thought to displace European honey bee subspecies through hybridization and to give rise to “Africanized honey bees” in Latin America. However the incredible success of African bees that have invaded European populations, has led to much of the European characteristics to be lost and existing honey bee populations to remain essentially African in their nesting behavior (McNally and Schneider 1992), swarming and absconding behavior (Otis et al 2002; Rubink et al 1996; Schneider 1995; Schneider and McNally 1992 and 1994; Sousa et al 2002), foraging and diet selection (Fewell and Bertran 2002; Schneider and Hall 1997; Schneider and McNally 1993), and maternal DNA characteristics (Clarke et al 2001 and 2002; Hall 1999; Segura 1989).

This information is extracted from this article: https://bee-health.extension.org/africanized-bees-better-understanding-better-prepared/

I’m closing with this extract that should serve as a lesson to humankind about interfering with nature. But it won’t!

Below is a poem duo I wrote about African bees. The poems are extracted from my book, Lion Scream.

Searching for a Home

An overcrowded hive
Results in a split
The old queen and her maids prepare for a move
Some drones are invited
To join their party
***
Scouts take off in a group
Searching high and low
For a safe and secure place to make their own
The swarm waits patiently
In a nearby tree
***
Under a wooden floor
The best place is found
The scouts return and perform their waggle dance
Giving clear directions
To the nesting site

Eviction

Prepped for occupation
The bees move in fast
Much to the chagrin of the resident dogs
Who attempt to drive off
The enemy force
***
The warriors line up
Ready for action
Their gold and black attire carefully designed
To strike fear into hearts
Ensuring respect
***
Unified bombardment
By the deadly cloud
Sends the dogs running, desperate to escape
Useless resistance
Swiftly overcome

Picture caption: Cover of Lion Scream featuring a lion with its mouth open in a roar.

About Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Award-winning, bestselling author, 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 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 also has thirteen children’s books and two 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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobertaEaton17

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

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5

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Want to be sure not to miss any of Robbie’s “In Touch With Nature” segments? Subscribe to Writing to be Read for e-mail notifications whenever new content is posted or follow WtbR on WordPress. If you found it interesting or entertaining, please share.

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This segment of “In Touch with Nature” is sponsored by Midnight Roost: Weird & Creepy Stories and WordCrafter Press.

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.

On sale now for only $4.99

June 15 – August 31,2024

https://books2read.com/MidnightRoost

Growing Bookworms – Sir Chocolate hosts a fashion show #cakeart #fondantart #growingbookworms

Posted: June 12, 2024 | Author: robbiesinspiration | Filed under: Uncategorized | 57 Comments

Talented poem, Merril Smith, gave me the idea for this Sir Chocolate hosts a fashion show post with her poem Changing Styles. Thank you, Merril.

Sir Chocolate decides to host a fashion show. All the villagers can come and show off their choice of outfit.

This is the stage:

Picture caption: Sir Chocolate’s stage made from chocolate. Witch Goodie’s cat is sleeping on top.

Sir Chocolate is round and fat,
he wears a waistcoat and brown top hat,
Lady Sweet wears a stripy skirt and top,
She looks just like a lollipop.
Introduction to Sir Chocolate and Lady Sweet from Sir Chocolate and the strawberry cream berries story and cookbook.

Picture caption: Sir Chocolate in his brown top hat.

Picture caption: Lady Sweet with her two Nougat Clown friends in their tall, pointed hats

For the fashion show, Sir Chocolate buys a new hat.

Picture caption: Sir Chocolate gets a new hat – a limerick, extract from *Sir Chocolate and the Missing Christmas Harp*

Lady Sweet can’t decide with bag and shoes to wear for the show:

Picture caption: Fashion Love – a limerick, extract from Sir Chocolate and the Chinese Candy Dragon

Merinda arrives in her new fairy ballroom gown.

Picture caption: You can learn how to make this doll cake in Silly Willy Goes To Cape Town

Silly Willy loves his new Peter Pan costume.

Picture caption: Silly Willy models his Peter Pan costume

Lady Drama is very dramatic with her huge pink beehive hairstyle.

Picture caption: Lady Drama models her new hairstyle. You can read my illustrated children’s story featuring Lady Drama here: https://alwayswrite.blog/2023/12/05/y3-story-chat-5-sir-stealthy-and-the-jewellery-thieves-by-robbie-michael-cheadle/

Lastly, the Valentine Toffee Cupid arrives. He isn’t wearing anything at all …

Picture caption: The Valentine Toffee Cupid from Sir Chocolate and the Valentine Toffee Cupid

I’ve shared my cupid made from toffee for Resa who reminded me of this cute little guy when she posted her Baby Angel with a Heart street art post.

The show ends with a delightful song by Queen Filigree (from Sally Cronin’s Tales from the Irish Garden).

Picture caption: Queen Filigree sings a beautiful song to end the fashion show

About Robbie Cheadle

Photo of Robbie Cheadle standing in front of trees.

Award-winning, bestselling author, Robbie Cheadle, has published fifteen children’s book and three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.

Robbie also has two novels published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

The eleven Sir Chocolate children’s picture books, co-authored by Robbie and Michael Cheadle, are written in sweet, short rhymes which are easy for young children to follow and are illustrated with pictures of delicious cakes and cake decorations. Each book also includes simple recipes or biscuit art directions which children can make under adult supervision.

Robbie and Michael’s new Southern African Safari Adventures series is aimed at teaching young children about Southern African wildlife in a fun and entertaining way. Each book contains a rhyming verse story about a particular animal, as well as illustrations by Robbie Cheadle, photographs and links to video footage about that animal.

Robbie’s blog includes recipes, fondant and cake artwork, poetry, and book reviews. https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/

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Want to be sure not to miss any of Robbie’s “Growing Bookworms” segments? Subscribe to Writing to be Read for e-mail notifications whenever new content is posted or follow WtbR on WordPress. If you found it interesting or entertaining, please share.

Robbie Cheadle has done it again

Posted: June 9, 2024 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Uncategorized | 8 Comments

“Square Peg in a Round Hole”, A Book Review

Day 5- Bringing the WordCrafter “Sarah” Book Blog Tour to a Close

Posted: May 10, 2024 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Today is the last day of the WordCrafter Sarah Book Blog Tour and we’re over at Patty’s Worlds, where Patty Fletcher interviews me, and offers a review of the book. Won’t you join us in wrapping up the tour to send Sarah off right?

All comments enter you in the giveaway and there’s a schedule with links so you can go back and catch any stops you missed. Be sure to stop by Day 4 for a chance to get a signed print copy, exclusive to your participants through this weekend.

https://pattysworlds.com/welcome-to-day-5-of-the-sara-book-blog-tour-authorinterview-bookreview-westernseries/

A Smashing Review for Sarah!

Posted: May 8, 2024 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Check out what Loretta Miles Tollefson had to say about Sarah. Perfect timing for the release, too. Thank you, Loretta. 😘

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2428297848?source=link_share

Day 2 of the WordCrafter “Sarah” Book Blog Tour

Posted: May 7, 2024 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Join us over at Roberta Writes for Day 2 of the WordCrafter Sarah Book Blog Tour to learn about the Ute people of Colorado and how they play a role in Sarah. Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy.