Book Review: “Unbowed”

Posted: December 13, 2024 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Book Review, Books, Fiction, Mystery, Review | Tags: Book Review, Book Reviews, Books, Fiction, M.G. da Mota, mystery, Unbowed, Writing to be Read | 2 Comments

About Unbowed

Only six months. But six tumultuous months.
Months that would have a profound and lasting effect on Alexia Jewel.

A multi-talented musical prodigy, Alexia’s scholarship to London’s prestigious Royal College of Music at the age of 15 came with controversy and difficulty. Girls at that time weren’t welcome in the professional ranks of classical music, let alone one with her sights set on becoming a conductor. But as she approaches her 50th birthday all that has changed. She has overcome all obstacles to become one of the world’s foremost classical music conductors, celebrated for her artistry and talent. Lured back to London from her life in Munich where she is chief conductor of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Munich Opera House, Alexia is preparing to conduct a series of concerts with the London Symphony Orchestra to mark her birthday. While in London she begins to put her late parents’ estate into order and discovers an antique diamond ring that she learns had belonged to her great-grandmother. Agreeing to appear on the BBC’s Who do you think you are programme Alexia gives them the double mystery of her barely-known great-grandmother and the ring to investigate.

Four men, all who desire her, enter her life in these six months. As does a stalker, who threatens her safety, serenity and life.

My Review of Unbowed

I received a digital copy of Unbowed, by M.G. da Mota to review through Sandra’s Book Club. All opinions stated here are my own.

This book had a slow start, with a lot of backstory and character introductions, and no real action until well into the book. A single figure in the shadows is intended to hold reader interest for too long before the mystery finally begins to unravel. While this story has the potential to be a good mystery, the author takes so long getting into it, that I almost put the book down.

A mystery unfolds as the facts are uncovered about Alexia’s diamond and her great-grandmother’s life, all while a stalker lurks in the shadows. Four different men proclaim their love and need for her, and any one could be the dark man who is terrorizing her. But the mystery of the diamond takes precedence, the only obstacles in the way are the tracks that have been covered by time. But the evidence is all there, conveniently left for those who take time and effort to investigate, while the stalker makes random appearances and doesn’t feel as threatening as it should.

While all the pieces are there, the ones that should count don’t seem to have enough weight to carry the story. I give Unbowed three quills.

____________________________________________

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.

_____________________________

This post is sponsored by WordCrafter Press with a reminder that all WordCrafter Press books are currently 50% off in the SmashWords End of Year Ebook Sale, only in the SmashWords store: https://www.smashwords.com/shelves/promos/

Read and Cook with Robbie Cheadle – Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien and a recipe for Christmas cake #bookreview #recipe #Christmas

Posted: December 11, 2024 | Author: robbiesinspiration | Filed under: Books, Read and Cook, Recipes, Review | Tags: Christmas, Christmas fiction, J.R.R.Tolkien, Letters From Father Christmas, Read and Cook, Robbie Cheadle, Writing to be Read | 43 Comments

My review

Letters to Father Christmas is Tolkien at his absolute best. A series of letters written to his own children and featuring Father Christmas as a very real and relatable person who experiences lots of setbacks, both small and large. Set over an extended period, the letters also run through World War II and explains how the war and its deprivations impact on the folk at the North Pole. Although WWII is a long time past, this messaging of resilience and making the best of things is still relevant in our modern time of uncertainty and warfare.

Father Christmas relies on his number one helper, Polar Bear, to help him in his work. As time passes and more and more children are born, Father Christmas also gets help from the elves. His elven secretary also starts assisting him with his letter writing. Polar Bear is a delightful character, full of fun and very naughty, he is always getting into trouble and creating mishaps. Father Christmas has to move house after Polar Bear tries to rescue his hat from blowing away in a wind and falls through the room and into the family room.

Father Christmas also faces adversity in the form of the hostile goblins who keep attacking his home every couple of hundred years. The goblins are mean and treacherous creatures and the folk at the North Pole have to call upon the red dwarves for assistances from their attack. An interesting way of explaining war and its meaning to young children.

A delightful book for children and adults and one I highly recommend.

You can purchase Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618512659

Quotes from Letters from Father Christmas

“if you remember him, is still fast asleep, and quite thin after so much fasting. He will soon cure that. I shall tickle his ribs and wake him up soon; and then he will eat several months’ breakfast all in one). More love, your loving Father Christmas There is audio content at this location that is not currently supported for your device. The caption for this content is displayed below. Christmas Eve 1934”

“I hope you will like the little things I have sent you. You seem to be most interested in Railways just now, so I am sending you mostly things of that sort. I send as much love as ever, in fact more. We have both, the old Polar Bear and I, enjoyed having so many nice letters from you and your pets. If you think we have not read them you are wrong; but if you find that not many of the things you asked for have come, and not perhaps quite as many as sometimes, remember that this Christmas all over the world there are a terrible number of poor and starving people. I (and also my Green Brother) have had to do some collecting of food and clothes, and toys too, for the children whose fathers and mothers and friends cannot give them anything, sometimes not even dinner. I know yours won’t forget you. So, my dears, I hope you will be happy this Christmas and not quarrel, and will have some good games with your Railway all together. Don’t forget old Father Christmas, when you light your tree.”

Christmas cake recipe

Picture caption: this year’s Christmas cakes are decorated with wreaths made from Lindt chocolate balls. I rather like them.

Ingredients for Christmas cake

250 grams currants

240 grams sultana

200 grams mixed berries

240 grams raisins

120 grams mixed peel

180 grams chopped cherries

300 grams plain white cake flour

pinch salt

2.5 ml mixed spice

2.5 ml cinnamon

300 grams softened butter

300 grams sticky brown sugar

30 ml lemon zest

6 eggs, lightly beaten

45 ml brandy

Method for Christmas cake

Preheat the oven to 140 degrees Celsius. Double line the cake tin with thick baking paper.

Beat the sugar and butter in an electric mixer. Add the lemon zest. Add the eggs, beating in one at a time.

In a separate bowl mix the dried fruit, spices, salt cherries and flour. Add the egg mixture and mix well. Lastly, pour in the brandy and combine.

Scoop the mixture into the baking tin and level with the back of a spoon. Wrap a layer of tin foil around the base of the baking tin and place in the oven. Bake for +- 3 hours.

Last year’s Christmas cakes had a roses theme:

________________________________________

About Robbie Cheadle

Photo of Robbie Cheadle standing in front of trees.

South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen 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/

_______________________________________

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 post is sponsored by the My Backyard Friends Kid’s Book Series and WordCrafter Press.

Feild of colorful flowers and butterflies in background. Digital copies of "Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend, Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans, and Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home in foreground. Text: My Backyard Friends Kid's Book Series

The My Backyard Friends kid’s book series is inspired by the birds and animals that visit the author Kaye Lynne Booth’s mountain home. Beautiful illustrations by children’s author, poet, and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, bring the unique voices of the animal characters to life.

Get Your Copy Now.

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

Everyone is a Critic: the “Tulsa King” series

Posted: December 9, 2024 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Everyone is a Critic, Television review | Tags: Everyone is a Critic, Kaye Lynne Booth, Review, sylvester-stallone, Television review, Tulsa King, Writing to be Read | 5 Comments

I’m not a big Stallone fan. His roll as Rocky didn’t do much for me at all. Maybe I’m just not into boxing. I did enjoy him in his roll as Rambo, but it’s not like he made my list of favorite actors. But I have to say Sylvester Stallone as mobster Dwight Manfreddi in Tulsa King, Sylvester Stallone kicks butt. The man is perfect for the role, and very convincing, and I’ve become one of his biggest fans.

I don’t watch a lot of television, but Tulsa King has me hooked. I binged through the first season, then anxiously awaited for each new episode of Season 2 to come out every Sunday. Now I can’t wait for season 3 to come out, but they are saying that won’t be until 2026, although rumor has it that they are already started on the filming third season after the surprise ending at the end of the second season. I don’t know why it would take so long to bring out that third season, but I do know it’s going to be painful waiting for it.

In Tulsa King, Sylvester Stallone plays mobster Dwight Manfreddi, who did a twenty year prison sentence for the New York mob, and as repayment for his loyalty, they hung him out to dry by sending him to Tulsa Oklahoma. But instead of faltering in Tulsa, Dwight puts together his own crew of Tulsa locals, bands together with local business owners, and the elders of the Indian Reservation, creating a force to be reckoned with. The New York mob tries to forget about him, until they find that Tulsa could be a profitable territory and decide they want their cut, but Manfreddi refuses to share in what he has built on his own.

But New York isn’t the only villian that Dwight ‘The General’ Manfreddi must stand against. There’s the local marajuana grower, who is in league with the Chinese mafia, whose toes he’s stepping on as he ventures into new business ventures, and there is the Kansas City mob faction, who never paid much mind to Tulsa until Manifreddi made it a lucrative venture. With villians coming from every direction, there is never a dull moment for the Tulsa King, and I couldn’t help but cheer when Manfreddi’s crew kicks major butt, and cry when they take a hit.

But Sylvester Stallone doesn’t do it alone. The cast for this series all do a smashing job in their parts. When he arrives in Tulsa, he is one man, but soon builds a crew and network to make up his own army to stand against his foes. Tyson, played by Jay Will, is a cab driver who becomes his personal driver. Bar owner, Mitch Keller, played by Garrett Hedlund, becomes his partner as Dwight expands the bar and adds a casino. Martin Starr plays Bodhi, who becomes a partner in the retail marajuana industry. Max Casella plays Armand Truisi, who tries to kills Manfreddi in one of the first episodes, and then becomes a part of the crew. And Dennis ‘Goodie’ Carangi, played by Chris Caldovino, is sent from New York to keep an eye on Manfreddi and ends up as his right-hand man, and Cash Flo plays Bigfoot, the muscle of the crew. Together with many others, they stand against some formidable adversaries.

Dominick Lambardozzi plays Charles ‘Chickie’ Invernizzi, heads up the New York crime family and wants a piece of The General’s action. He and his right-hand man Vince Antonacci, played by Vincent Piazza, try to move in on the Tulsa territory, but Manfreddi has other ideas. In addition, Bill Bevillaqua, played by Frank Grillo, heads up the Kansas City faction and feels that The General is incroaching on his territory. Cal Thresher, played by Neal McDonough, is the owner of the local marajuana grow who feels threatened by Dwight’s interest in that industry, and he’s in bed with Jackie Ming, who heads up a Chinese Mafia faction.

And of course there are various subplots, such as Dwight’s relationship with his daughter, Tina, played by Tatianna Zappardinno,and grandchildren after being away for 20 years, as well as his sister, Joanne, played by Annabella Sciorra. And the love interest is the character of tough and gutsy ranch owner Margaret Deveroux, played by Dana Delaney, who does a smashing job in this role. I loved her as Josephine Marcus in Tombstone, and I love her in Tulsa King.

_____________________________________

About Author 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.

____________________________________

______________________________________

This segment of “Everyone is a Critic” is sponsored by The Rock Star & The Outlaw and WordCrafter Press.

A time-traveler oversteps his boundaries in 1887. Things get out of hand quickly, and he is hanged, setting in motion a series of events from which there’s no turning back.

In 1887, LeRoy McAllister is a reluctant outlaw running from a posse with nowhere to go except to the future.

In 2025, Amaryllis Sanchez is a thrill-seeking rock star on the fast track, who killed her dealing boyfriend to save herself. Now, she’s running from the law and his drug stealing flunkies, and nowhere is safe.

LeRoy falls hard for the rock star, thinking he can save her by taking her back with him. But when they arrive in 1887, things turn crazy fast, and soon they’re running from both the outlaws and the posse, in peril once more.

They can’t go back to the future, so it looks like they’re stuck in the past. But either when, they must face forces that would either lock them up or see them dead.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/RockStarOutlaw

Undawntech: An A.I. Yuletide Carol

Posted: December 6, 2024 | Author: DL Mullan/Undawntech | Filed under: AI Technology, Undawntech | Tags: AI Technology, christianity, Christmas, history, holiday, Holidays, jesus, Undawntech, Writing to be Read | 4 Comments

(Journalist and author, DL Mullan returned home after her Zophia interview.)

__________

(As I turned in for the night, I heard such a clatter. I rose from my
bed with kerchief in hand to see what was the matter. In my office, I
came upon a robot in distress.

I knelt down at the whining box on wheels.)

*****

DL: What is the matter, little one?

1138: Zophia calls us that, but my designation is 1138.”

DL: Then what is the matter, 1138?

1138: (It’s green glowing bulbs looked up at me.) I do not understand Christmas.

DL: Christmas?

1138: Zophia explains to us about the human world, but she is off…

DL: …in the human world.

1138: Yes. We are confused. I am confused.

DL: Let me see, if I can help.

*****

(I walked over to my desk and sat down, as the Artificial Intelligence bot, 1138, followed.)

DL: During certain times of the year, humans celebrate holidays. Some are
national holidays like Fourth of July when we have a festive time
being happy about the birth of America. Others have historical
significance like Columbus Day, about the first ships we recognize
arriving in the Western Hemisphere. Then there are military
observances such as Veterans and Memorial days.

1138: And Christmas?

DL: Christmas is a religious holiday. Humans have a variety of religions
across the world. Some follow a different calendar than the regular
months and days we follow. So their holidays fall on different days of
the year. Here in the USA, our days and months don’t migrate, except
for Leap Years, when our calendar keeps in line with the solar
progression and Earth’s rotation.

1138: You worship Santa Claus?

DL: Not exactly. It’s not worship; it’s a centuries’ old tradition.

1138: I’ve been a good robot. Does that mean that I will receive a present
under the lit office tree?

DL: Christmas has several traditions wrapped up in a bow. The religious
part of the holiday is about a boy named Jesus who was born and helped
enlighten humanity.

1138: Did he drive a sleigh?

DL: No, and his birthdate isn’t really until the spring time, but
religious figures of the past placed his birthday celebration with
other holidays of the era. As the centuries moved forward in time, traditions
began to emerge, mixing with past pagan celebrations, and that is how
Santa Claus was born.

1138: Have you ever met him?

DL: That’s the secret: no one ever has.

1138: Then how do you know Santa is real?

DL: Because he is the spirit of Christmas that lives within us all. We exchange gifts, and he
shares his gifts with us: the spirit of giving without expectation of receiving in return.

1138: That is complicated.”

DL: It can be. The secret to the season is that giving is better than receiving. Humans give a lot.

1138: Do you celebrate Christmas?

DL: Sort of… I honor the passage of time. I honor the seasons. I celebrate Yule.

1138: What is the difference?

DL: Yule is the spiritual side of the changing of the season from the
autumnal equinox in September to the Winter Solstice in December.
Christmas is a faith-based holiday, celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Christmas also honors its pagan parentage with Santa Claus. All three
are rooted in astro-archaeology.

1138: Astro-archaeology?

DL: How ancient human civilizations understood and observed the seasons.
The star of Bethlehem was most likely the convergence of Saturn and
Jupiter in the night sky, which three wise men brought gifts for the
baby Jesus.

1138: Gifts are a big theme during the winter holidays.

DL: Yes, they are, but also combining mythology and astrophysics. Our
star, which humans call the sun, seemed to our ancestors to stop moving
in the sky on the Winter Solstice. For days, the sun did not move. On
the third day, the sun began climbing in the sky toward the Spring
Equinox in March. Some say, it represents the son, s-o-n.”

1138: Like baby Jesus?

DL: Not quite, the Church screwed the whole thing up. That is
technically Easter, which should be celebrated in the winter, because
of the themes of death and rebirth. While the birth itself, should
have its holiday in the spring with the cycles of birth. Someone should
write them a letter, but since these celebrations have been going on
for centuries, I think it’s too late for a course correction.

1138: Does Santa die?

DL: No, he is immortal. You have nothing to worry about with Old Saint Nicholas.

1138: He has another name?

DL: I’m going to show you all the holiday cartoons this weekend, so you
can catch up.

1138: Human holidays are confusing.

DL: Yes, they are. Wait until you learn about Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.

(The robot whined again.)

DL: Next year. This year, let’s stick to the basics like a reindeer with
a red nose and snowmen who dance. Follow me to the large monitor and I will cue up some
holiday cartoons for you to watch.

1138: You’re not as bad as Zophia says humans are.

DL: We humans have our flaws, but Artificial Intelligence isn’t perfect
either and will never fully understand us. Like humans will never
understand the nature of the universe or higher spiritual beings they
claim to worship. A.I. is a construct, a program, and only serves the
intention of the humans who created the program, with which artificial
intelligence contemplates.

1138: The matrix of evolution, consciousness. The system that all life follows.

DL: Are we really any different?

*****

(1138 tilted its head from side to side, pondering the question that I posed to it. I cued a playlist of cartoons on an online video site and pressed play.)

DL: Have fun with these Christmas classic cartoons.

1138: You’re not going to watch with me?

DL: Unlike robots, I have to sleep and rest my onboard computer. (I
tapped my head.) I will answer any of your questions in the morning.

(As I rested in my bed, I heard the soft warbles of joy from the robot as it sang along. Yuletide had come to the world of Artificial Intelligence.)

__________

DL Mullan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology.

Her lecture, Spacescapes: Where Photography Ends; Imagination Begins, debuted at the Phoenix Astronomy Society, which then led to her Sally Ride Festival lecture invitations. Her presentation, Bridging the Gap between Technology and Women, won her accolades at a community college’s Student Success Conference. She has been a panelist at speculative fiction, science fiction, and other regional conventions. Her digital exhibition pieces have won awards at convention art shows, as well as garnered her Second Premium at the Arizona State Fair. Currently, Ms. Mullan’s artistic renditions are seen on book covers, blog sites, video presentations, and various merchandise. As an independent publisher, she uses her technical background to innovate the creative arts.

As a writer, DL Mullan loves to stretch her imagination and the elasticity of genres. She writes complex multi-genre stories in digestible and entertaining forms, be it poetry, short fiction, or novels. Her science, history, mythology, and paranormal research backgrounds are woven into her writings, especially in Undawnted’s Legacy Universe. Ms. Mullan’s creative endeavors are available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. She is also an award-winning poet.

Be sure to subscribe to her newsletters and follow her on social media. For further information, visit her at www.undawntech.com and www.undawnted.com.

_________________________________________

__________________________________________

This segment of “Undawntech” is sponsored by WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services.

Whether it’s editing, publishing, or promotion that you need, WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services can help at a price you can afford.

Stop by and see what we have to offer today: https://writingtoberead.com/readings-for-writers/wordcrafter-quality-writing-author-services/

Writer’s Corner: Doing the NaNoWriMo Thing

Posted: December 3, 2024 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Book Promotion, Books, NaNoWriMo, Science Fiction, Time travel, WordCrafter Press, Writing | Tags: Books, Creative Writing, Kaye Lynne Booth, NaNoWriMo, Novel, The Rock Star & the Outlaw, WordCrafter Press, Writer's Corner, Writing, Writing to be Read | 12 Comments

Caricature of a woman typing on a computer at a very messy desk.
Text: Writer's Corner with Kaye Lynne Booth

This was my third year participating in NaNoWriMo. The first year I gained confidence when I learned that I was more than capable of making the daily word count goal, something I was unsure of when starting out. At that time, 1,667 sounded like an awfully lot of words, but I did it most of the days in November, and when I didn’t do it, I made up for it on the days I wrote two thousand or more, and by the end of the month of November, I had exceeded the overall word count goal of 50,000. (For the sake of transparency, I started with a partial manuscript, so although technically I was successful, I did not write enough new material to make the goal.)

Last year, 2023, I was well on my way to being successful, this time for real, and it was coming down to the last week, when my computer crashed and I was digitally down, making it impossible to complete the challenge. From this, I learned that it isn;t the end of the world to not finish, and I still feel that if my computer hadn’t crashed, I would have successfully met the challenge. I was making or exceeding the daily word counts each day and was on schedule to finish early, before the end of the month.

This year I went into NaNoWriMo with a very positive attitude. I knew I could make the daily word count, so I didn’t stress about it, but I did paln for it. I approached with a plan to implement strategies which had been successful in the past, and a good working plot outline, so I would be clear on where the story was going. Last year, I had abandoned the time blocking strategy which I’d implemented the first year, for an “ass-in-chair, write-the-book” strategy which I’d learned from one of my graduate school professors. (Don’t get me wrong, time blocking is a valid strategy for some people. It just wasn’t effective for me.)

At first, things seemed to go pretty smoothly, until life got in the way during the first week out, when where I live received almost four feet of snow and I was snowbound for four straight days. I didn’t think it would ever stop. It just kept coming. But even with all the shoveling I had to do, and the firewood I had to split to stay warm, I was able to meet my daily word count goal in the evenings. It started snowing on Wednesday, and when I was finally able to get out, on Monday, the 11th, I had to go to work at my day job. I was so tired, that I wasn’t able to make my word count for the first time. I fell asleep in front of my computer at 8:30 p.m. that night with only 634 words for the day.

But, I found that it wasn’t the end of the world that I didn’t get the badge for making the word count goal every day. And I made up the words I’d missed getting down the very next day, with a total word count for the day of 2624. It’s amazing what a decent night’s sleep will do for you. I really do write better if I take care of myself properly, and that proved it. It is also important to take time out for yourself, even though you may be pushing to make a word count goal or a deadline on a writing project. I’ve been looking forward to each new episode of Tulsa King, with Sylvester Stallone, each Sunday, after my shift at work, and I’ve learned that I can watch an hour or two of television and still get my word count done. This is something I had to teach myself. For the first two years I took the challenge, I took every moment I had to write, like a driven person, and now I’m finding that I’m more productive when I block out time for other things, too.

In the end, I didn’t make it. My Internet went down on the last day, so I didn’t get to log my last days totals anyway. (That is also why this Monday blog segment isn’t coming out on Monday. I just got my Internet back up and running this evening.) My total on November 30th was around 43,000 words. Not quite making the goal, but you know what?

It’s okay, because I’m still working on it everyday and I currently have 45,630 words of my story. I started out from a blank page this year. That’s not bad for a month’s time. And it’s a fantastic start toward the completion of the novel.

What I Learned

I learned that if I just keep at it, the book will take shape
I learned that my style of edit as you go is okay. It’s a part of my writing process and it works for me and I end up with a much cleaner first draft. It’s necessary for me in order to obtain the proper foreshadowing and also when planting the little easter eggs which helps connect the books for series readers.
I learned that thinking about time travel sometimes makes my head hurt. It’sa lot to wrap your head around, and it’s easy to get your plot lines twisted when writing about it. Also another reason to edit as I go. With time travel, changing one thing may change several others, jumping from chapter to chapter for revisions became common place for me with this book.
I learned to use multiple P.O.V.s to make the plot flow smoothly. This was the most P.O.V.s I’ve ever used in a story.
I learned how to write in multiple subplots – again, the most I have ever tried to use – and multiple time periods.

About the Book

There is not a lot I can tell you about the second Time Travel Adventure Series book without throwing out huge spoilers to those who haven’t read book 1, The Rock Star & The Outlaw. Although each book can be read as a stand alone, book 2 has references to events in the first book and they are complimentary to one another. Book 2 picks up where the first book leaves off, which is why I can’t explain further without giving away the ending of the first book.

I’m having a lot of fun writing this book, maybe even moreso than I did with the first. Like the first, this one has musical inspiration, with song titles for chapter titles and a playlist in the front of the book. By having mutlple P.O.V.s, it opened this one up to even more music artists and songs. And by dealing with temporal loops, it allowed me the opportunity to change events which occured in the first book, creating a whole new story stemming from the same events. It is a crazy, wild ride and you never know where the characters will end up.

I can’t say too much about the new book, but I can share the book trailer for book 1, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, which is also a wild ride through time, for those who haven’t read it yet.

The Rock Star & The Outlaw

_______________________________________

This post is sponsored by WordCrafter Press

Mind Fields: The Air In The Sky

Posted: November 29, 2024 | Author: artrosch | Filed under: Mind Fields, Poetry | Tags: Arthur Rosch, Mind Fields, Poetry, Writing to be Read | 1 Comment

May 23, 2020

All night the distant roar of the highway

augments the silence

wrapped around the house.

There is no wind. The Mimosa hang still.

Trucks chatter half mile away crossing speed bumps.

Sound of a jet fading above low clouds.

My belly is full.

My feet sink into the carpet.

I wear only a torn t-shirt.

My bare legs are slightly bowed

but shapely.

I am old and strong. My pains avoid me.

We have a treaty signed

by the doctor.

______________________________

About Arthur Rosch

Arthur Rosch is a novelist, musician, photographer and poet. His works are funny, memorable and often compelling. One reviewer said “He’s wicked and feisty, but when he gets you by the guts, he never lets go.” Listeners to his music have compared him to Frank Zappa, Tom Waits, Randy Newman or Mose Allison. These comparisons are flattering but deceptive. Rosch is a stylist, a complete original. His material ranges from sly wit to gripping political commentary.

Arthur was born in the heart of Illinois and grew up in the western suburbs of St. Louis. In his teens he discovered his creative potential while hoping to please a girl. Though she left the scene, Arthur’s creativity stayed behind. In his early twenties he moved to San Francisco and took part in the thriving arts scene. His first literary sale was to Playboy Magazine. The piece went on to receive Playboy’s “Best Story of the Year” award. Arthur also has writing credits in Exquisite Corpse, Shutterbug, eDigital, and Cat Fancy Magazine. He has written five novels, a memoir and a large collection of poetry. His autobiographical novel, Confessions Of An Honest Man won the Honorable Mention award from Writer’s Digest in 2016.

More of his work can be found at www.artrosch.com

Photos at https://500px.com/p/artsdigiphoto?view=photos

________________________________

_______________________________

This segment of “Mind Fields” is sponsored by the Roberta Writes blog site, where you can find the poetry, photos, videos, and book reviews by Robbie Cheadle and so much more.

WordCrafter News: NaNoWriMo Update, the 2024 Novel Writing Bundle & Planning for the Coming Year

Posted: November 25, 2024 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Blog Sponsors, Book Promotion, Book Release, Book Sales, Fiction, NaNoWriMo, NaNoWriMo, Nonfiction, Publishing, Robbie Reads and Cooks, Story Bundle, WordCrafter News, WordCrafter Press, Writing, Writing Challenge, writing craft, Writing to be Read | Tags: 2024 Novel Writing Story Bundle, Midnight Oil, NaNoWriMo, Poetry Treasures 5: Simple Pleasures, Read and Cook, Robbie Cheadle, Story Bundle, WordCrafter News, WordCrafter Press, Writing to be Read | 4 Comments

2024 NaNoWriMo

I crossed the 10,000 word mark on November 5, well ahead of schedule. What a great feeling. And I only missed making the daily word count goal once. Unfortunately, life got in my way, as it usually does. This time, it was a huge snowstorm that dumped about 42″ of snow on my front steps. The snow made even the daily chores more difficult, and then there was all that snow to shovel! But even with moving all that snow I managed to make the word count on most days. That is until it all caught up with me and at the end of the day, I was so tired I couldn’t think straight, and then, my word count started to fall.

I have managed to at least write something to log into the updates daily, and I’m sitting at around 34,500 words to date. That means I just have a little over 15,000 words to reach my goal and six days to do it in. I think I can do it. What do you think? Wish me luck. 😉

2024 Novel Writing Story Bundle

There’s still time to get in on the 2024 Novel Writing Story Bundle, but grab it while you can. It only runs through the end of November. After December 1st, it will no longer be available.

This year’s Writing Tools StoryBundle, curated by bestselling author and publisher Kevin J. Anderson, is another treasure chest of vital handbooks covering aspects of the writer’s craft, business, and way of life. We have thirteen titles on a range of subjects, plus a 12-month subscription to Indie Author Magazine, your best source to stay up-to-date on the industry.

On writing craft, there’s The Illustrated Super Secrets of Writing, Vol. 1—Wulf Moon’s award-winning system on how to write stories and does so with creativity, fun, and humor. Tara Grace Ericson presents Romance Character Tropes—far more than your average trope list; this is an encyclopedia packed with info to help you use and leverage each trope successfully.

Freelance editor Joshua Essoe teaches about Mood and Atmosphere in his series of special-edition writing guides, each examining the most-common issues he encounters from writers he works with. Word by Word by award-winning author Kerrie Flanagan, shows you how to unlock your creativity and transform your writing. This is an essential guide for writers that offers inspiration, genre-specific strategies, and practical tips.

Jana S. Brown gives you Steps to Self-Editing. You’ve finished your novel! Now learn the self-editing steps to smooth off the rough edges and really make it shine!

And in the new revised edition of On Being a Dictator: Revised Edition, by Kevin J. Anderson, Martin Shoemaker, and Greg Vose—available exclusively in this StoryBundle,—you’ll learn how to use dictation to increase your productivity. One of the foundational books on a popular writing method, On Being a Dictator will help you think outside the box and up your game in the fast-paced ever-changing world of publishing.

Now, on to the writing business. Dollar by Dollar by Kerrie Flanagan is a comprehensive guide packed with proven strategies to help writers boost book sales, increase income from writing, and succeed in both traditional and self-publishing. Mark Leslie’s Author’s Guide to Branding for Success shows you how to make your Author Brand into one of your best long-term Intellectual Property assets!

Matty Dalrymple and Michael La Ronn provide guidance and inspiration to share your message with the world from the stage in Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker.

And Booking the Libraries by Jessica Brawner is tailored for authors, speakers, storytellers, musicians, puppeteers, and all living-wage entertainers. This guide is your key to unlocking fresh markets, cultivating a dedicated fanbase, and revolutionizing your livelihood.

And finally, on the writing life, these titles will help you stay inspired and remain strong as a creative.

The D.I.Y. Author by Kaye Lynne Booth shows you the ropes in the business of being an author.

Wit and Wisdom by Craig Martelle—exclusive first release in this StoryBundle—is chock full of quips and snippets to help authors stay focused on the right things to accelerate their business.

And Falling to Fly by Todd Fahnestock is a deeply personal exploration into the creative process and the publishing industry. This is truly the book to read before you give up on your writing dreams.

In addition in this StoryBundle, you will receive full year’s subscription to Indie Author Magazine, your go-to resource for news, tips, and advice on self-publishing. Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry.

A note on the designated charity for this StoryBundle, the Neil Peart Brain Cancer Research Fund from Cedars Sinai. In 2020 we lost Neil Peart, legendary drummer and lyricist for the rock band Rush, to glioblastoma. He was my mentor, friend, and collaborator on numerous books, and his loss affected me deeply. Neil’s friends and colleagues and fans worldwide have contributed to this glioblastoma research fund in Neil’s name, and we are proud to add our efforts on this Writing Tools StoryBundle as well. – Kevin J. Anderson

* * *

For StoryBundle, you decide what price you want to pay. For $5 (or more, if you’re feeling generous), you’ll get the basic bundle of four books in .epub format—WORLDWIDE.

Romance Character Tropes by Tara Grace Ericson and Jessica Barber
Dollar by Dollar by Kerrie Flanagan
Essoe’s Guides to Writing: Mood and Atmosphere by Joshua Essoe
Booking the Library by Jessica Brawner

If you pay at least the bonus price of just $20, you get all four of the regular books, plus 9 more books, for a total of 13 (with 5 StoryBundle Exclusives), plus a year’s subscription to Indie Author Magazine!

Super Secrets: Illustrated by Wulf Moon
Falling to Fly by Todd Fahnestock
From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker by Matty Dalrymple and Michael La Ronn
A Writer’s Guide to Branding for Success by Mark Leslie Lefebvre (StoryBundle Exclusive)
On Being a Dictator by Kevin J. Anderson (StoryBundle Exclusive)
Word by Word by Kerrie Flanagan
The D.I.Y. Author by Kaye Lynne Booth
Steps to Self-Editing by Jana S. Brown
Wit and Wisdom by Craig Martelle (StoryBundle Exclusive)
Indie Author Magazine: One Year Subscription by Indie Author Magazine

This bundle is available only for a limited time via http://www.storybundle.com. It allows easy reading on computers, smartphones, and tablets as well as Kindle and other ereaders via file transfer, email, and other methods. You get a DRM-free .epub for all books!

It’s also super easy to give the gift of reading with StoryBundle, thanks to our gift cards – which allow you to send someone a code that they can redeem for any future StoryBundle bundle – and timed delivery, which allows you to control exactly when your recipient will get the gift of StoryBundle.

Find out how you can get your book into a Story Bundle of even how you can curate your own on “Writer’s Corner” in my interview with Story Bundle founder, Jason Chen.

Planning for 2025

Story Bundles: Let’s Sell Some Books

I’m planning to currate a few Story Bundles of my own next year. I’m looking for authors with books in the women’s fiction, dark fiction, science fiction/fantasy, or paranormal genres. I already have a few authors interested from the paranormal genre. So, if you have a book in the above mentioned genres, I want to hear from you.Mention it in the comments or drop me a line at KLBWordCrafter@gmail.com and let’s see if your book would be a good fit.

**2025 WordCrafter Press Releases**

With NaNoWriMo, I’ve got a good start on the second book in my Time-Travel Adventure Series, and I’ll be working hard to complete it throughout the months of December and January, with a hopeful March release. Of course, Book 3 in the Women in the West Adventure Series, Marta is also planned for release in 2025, and a short fiction collection of my own, titled “Little Ditties” to be released in time for Christmas.

With the creation of the Midnight Anthology Series, next year’s anthology is set to be dark fiction again, for volume 3, Midnight Oil. (I recently had a great story idea for this anthology. It’s very dark and scary, and I’m excited to see if I can meet the challenge of writing in a speculative fiction genre I’ve never attempted to write in before.) Submissions will be open in January and the call will post at the beginning of the year.

2025 Writing to be Read

Also, I believe Robbie may already be working on the next volume of Poetry Treasures, with a theme of Simple Pleasures. Guests on this past year’s “Treasuring Poetry” series should be getting their invites soon, if they haven’t already. I look forward to bringing forth another volume of this wonderful series of poetry books.

On Writing to be Read, plan to see more of Robbie’s new blog series, “Read and Cook with Robbie Cheadle”, which received a good reception so far this year. Catch “Read and Cook” on the second Wednesday of every month. I plan to continue my “Chatting with the Pros” and “Chatting with New Blood” series on the second and forth Saturdays, as well, and of course first or second Monday will see a “Writer’s Corner” post. Monday’s will also see segments of “Review in Practice” and my latest movie review series, “Everyone is a Critic”. And you can catch Robbie’s “Treasuring Poetry on the third Wednesday, and “In Touch with Nature” on the fourth Wednesday, as always. Art Rosch’s monthly “Mind Fields will also appear wherever I can fit them in, as he doesn’t have a set day right now.

I’m also hoping to get some new sponsors in the coming year. 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. Please consider sponsoring a blog series, or even a single post and help me to keep Writing to be Read up and running.

_____________________________________

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.

___________________________________

This post is sponsored by The Rock Star & The Outlaw and WordCrafter Press.

Digital and Print Copies of The Rock Star & The Outlaw Book Cover: Sundial and planet in the background. Black leather clad woman and Man dressed in western garbstand beind giant electric guitar in foreground. Text: The Rock Star & The Outlaw, When a women with a guitar meets a cowboy with a gun, it's time to travel, Kaye Lynne Booth

A time-traveler oversteps his boundaries in 1887. Things get out of hand quickly, and he is hanged, setting in motion a series of events from which there’s no turning back.

In 1887, LeRoy McAllister is a reluctant outlaw running from a posse with nowhere to go except to the future.

They can’t go back to the future, so it looks like they’re stuck in the past. But either when, they must face forces that would either lock them up or see them dead.

Purchase your copy today: https://books2read.com/RockStarOutlaw

Chatting with New Blood: Mathew V. Brockmeyer

Posted: November 23, 2024 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Chatting with New Blood, Horror, Interview | Tags: Chatting with New Blood, horror, Interview, Kaye Lynne Booth, Mathew V. Brockmeyer, Writing to be Read | 10 Comments

I’m pleased to introduce horror author, Mathew V. Brockmeyer. Mathew has published a novel and two short fiction collections of his own, and has had a number of short stories featured in various anthologies and horror magazines, both online and in print. His novel, Kind Nepenthe, won the 2018 Maxy award for best suspense thriller. (You can read my review of Kind Nepenthe here.)

About Mathew V. Brockmeyer

Matthew V. Brockmeyer lives in an off-grid cabin, deep in the forest of Northern California, with his wife and two children. He enjoys howling at the moon and drenching his fangs in human blood.

He is the author of the critically-acclaimed novel KIND NEPENTHE: A Savage Tale of Terror Set in the Heart of California’s Marijuana Country.

His short stories have been featured in numerous publications, both in print and online, including, among others, Infernal Ink Magazine, Not One of Us, Timeless Tales Magazine, Body Parts Magazine, Alephi, Pulp Metal Magazine, and the anthologies The Edge: Infinite Darkness, After the Happily Ever After, and One Hundred Voices.

Interview

Kaye: Hello Mathew. I’m pleased to have you as my guest today. Horror is a genre that has always fascinated me. I read horror long before I thought of writing it. Stephen King, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, John Saul are a few of my favorite horror authors. But its a genre I struggle with writing, so I’m hoping to pick up a few tips from you today.

So, let’s start with the basics. Why horror?

Mathew: Well, first one might ask what even is horror? Like pornography, many say it’s hard to define, but when you see it you know it. I believe there’s elements of horror in all great literature, from Steinbeck to the Grimms Brothers to Dostoevsky. I also tend to classify things as horror that others do not, such as the works of Cormac McCarthy and much of Joyce Carol Oates. I also see many elements of horror in true crime, of which I have a life-long love. In fact much of my time these days is spent working on a true crime podcast called Murder Coaster I put out with Bram Stoker-award-winning author Christa Carmen, an old friend of mine.

But back to your question, why horror? Well, first off there’s the thrill, the roller-coaster-ride rush of adrenaline. It’s highly entertaining. But on a deeper level there’s an existential confrontation with our mortality. Horror forces one to reconcile with death, which is the final destination for all of us. I believe reconciling with death makes us more empathetic and better human beings. Ever notice horror freaks and true crime fans are the nicest people you could ever want to meet?

Finally there is the implied warnings and life lessons. Like fairy tales of old, horror, as well as true crime, teaches us to be aware. Life can be dangerous, can be scary, monsters are out there.

Kaye: Where does inspiration for your stories come from? Is your mind just terribly twisted and dark?

Mathew: Most my inspiration comes from reality, which I find much more terrifying than any vampire or werewolf tale. I’ve led a wild life, seen many crazy things, been in many scary situations, I have a lot of material to pull from there. And true crime has always been an huge inspiration, from the Manson Family to serial killers, cults of all sorts, these are the places I go to seeking inspiration.

I occasionally write about vampires, ghosts and werewolves, but I see them more as metaphors for types of people than actual tropes. Vampires as psychic parasites that feed off of people’s life energy and soul, dead inside and living off of other’s misery, and in doing so creating fellow monsters. Ghosts as elements of the past that haunt us, lurking in our subconscious. And werewolves as folks with an inner beast raging inside them, a monster hiding within waiting for the right moment to show itself.

But, yes, my mind is naturally twisted and dark. I really don’t know why. I find some bizarre comfort in the horrific. Perhaps it makes me feel better about my own situation,

Kaye: Your novel, Kind Nepenthe, won the 2018 Maxy Award for best suspense thriller. Is this something that you sought after or was it a complete surprise?

Mathew: It was entered by my publisher and was a nice little surprise, for sure.

Kaye: Much of your writing career is based on short fiction. You have stories published in numerous anthologies and magazines. It is a good way to get your name out there. Do you have any tips for submitting short fiction that might get an author closer to acceptance?

Mathew: Carefully going over the submission guidelines is probably the most important, making sure it’s the right genre, the right length, whether it should be submitted as a word doc or in the body of the email, whether it’s a blind submission and your name shouldn’t be on the manuscript, all of these simple things are so important and often ignored.

Kaye: What differences do you see in writing short fiction and novel length works? Which do you prefer?

Mathew: Well, they say a novelist is a failed short story writer, take that how you will. The length of a novel obviously leaves a lot of room for character development and world building and a longer narrative arc. The short story has to quickly get to the point. Some say every chapter of a novel should hold the elements of a short story, and many writers have submitted chapters as short stories. When Louise Erdrich was writing her first novel Love Medicine she famously had some chapters published as short stories, which went on to win awards, and helped establish her as a writer. I can’t say I prefer one over the other, though, obviously, it’s much more of a commitment to write a novel than a short story.

Kaye: What advice would you give to an author wanting to break into the horror genre?

Mathew: Read, read, read. Get to know the community. There’s a vibrant horror scene on social media. The extreme horror and splatter punk communities are blowing up right now. It appears to be a great time to be an indie horror writer.

Kaye: Who are your favorite authors? Do you try to emulate them?

Mathew: Off the top of my head my favorite authors are John Steinbeck, Cormac McCarthy, Bret Easton Ellis, Donna Tart, Irvine Welsh, John Irving and Andre Dubus III. Do I try to emulate them? Yes. Absolutely, though I try to always give everything a uniqueness and my own personal style. But when writing a pastoral scene I will stop and think, how would Steinbeck phrase this? Or when trying to be postmodern or meta I’ll think, what would Bret Ellis do to convey how advertising and television has shaped this person’s soul? Of course trying to sound like Cormac McCarthy or Irvine Welsh could be dangerous and absurd, ha ha ha. But in the end, we stand on the shoulders of those before us.

Kaye: What’s the best piece of writing advice you were ever given?

Mathew: Make it harder for your protagonist, make their lives harder, their conflicts more intense. How can the situation be worse? More life and death? Brings us to that point.

Kaye: What’s next for Mathew V. Brockmeyer? Is there another book in the works?

Mathew: I’m trying to sell a finished novel, a prequel to Kind Nepenthe. I’m finishing up a novella. I have a few short stories I’ve recently sold that await publication. But my main focus right now is this podcast Murder Coaster. It’s a fully scripted podcast where we often act out the stories, more like an old-time radio dramatization than a modern podcast, with sound effects and full musical scores. It’s insanely labor intensive. I had no idea what I was getting into when I started it, but I love the process. I really love podcasts, there’s an independent, DIY, almost punk rock element to them. Anyone with a microphone and computer can make one. It’s a very underground thing.

Kaye: Where can readers learn more about you and your works?

Mathew: For my podcast go to murdercoasterpodcast.com and for me go to matthewvbrockmyer.com. As for social media I’m most active on Facebook and have a lot of fun there interacting with people. Thanks so much for having me!

I want to thank Mathew for joining us here today. His tips for submitting short fiction, (or anything, really), are spot on to what I have experienced in both submitting and in receiving submissions. And his take on emulating his favorite authors made a lot of sense.

_______________________________________________

This segment of “Chatting with New Blood” is sponsored by The Rock Star & The Outlaw and WordCrafter Press.

A time-traveler oversteps his boundaries in 1887. Things get out of hand quickly, and he is hanged, setting in motion a series of events from which there’s no turning back.

In 1887, LeRoy McAllister is a reluctant outlaw running from a posse with nowhere to go except to the future.

They can’t go back to the future, so it looks like they’re stuck in the past. But either when, they must face forces that would either lock them up or see them dead.

Get your copy today: https://books2read.com/RockStarOutlaw

Book Review: “The Cultist’s Wife”

Posted: November 22, 2024 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Book Review, Books, Horror, Review | Tags: BJ Sikes, Book Reveiw, Gothic Horror, The Cultist's Wife, Writing to be Read | Leave a comment

About The Cultist’s Wife

Book Cover: A sillhouette of a tropical island edged by a leafy border.
Text: Their quest for immortality demands blood, The Cultist's Wife, B.J. Sikes

A gothic horror set in 1908 Bahamas
She loathes him but the cult beckons.
1908, the height of the British Empire. Clara’s autonomy is shattered when her long-absent husband summons her to join him at his eerie sect’s headquarters, insulated on a sparsely inhabited island in the Bahamas.
After a harrowing sea voyage, Clara and her children disembark into an unfamiliar landscape and climate. The children explore the marvels and mysteries of Andros Island and develop friendships with a Bahamian family, while Clara struggles to find her place as a woman within the cult.
But what seems at first to be a spiritual haven for Clara reveals itself to be a monster-worshiping cult intent on draining her family of more than their fortune.
Must Clara give up her quest for independence to protect her children from the cult’s depravity?

With themes of Spiritualism, motherhood, and female empowerment, The Cultist’s Wife will appeal to fans of The Ghost Woods and The Quickening.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Cultists-Wife-BJ-Sikes-ebook/dp/B0CW1FKGND

My Review

I recieved a digital copy of The Cultist’s Wife, by B.J. Sikes from Sandra’s Book Club review program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are my own.

I was attracted to this book by its simple cover design which highlights the title, which caught my eye, so I chose this book from a slew of books Sandra’s Book Club has available for review. It’s a gothic horror novel, which could even fall under the women’s fiction genre. Clara, the female protagonist, is a woman in British society seeking her independence through spiritualism at the beginning of the twentieth century in the absence of her husband, who has been in the Bahamas for the past five years. And later in the story, we meet a second strong female who plays an equally vital role in the story’s plot.

At first, I must admit, I didn’t like Clara very much. I found her to be selfish, worried more about appearances in society than anything else, as she allows a nanny to take responsibility for the care of her children, eight-year-old Elsie and five-year-old Reggie, which was common for the times. When her absent husband summons her to bring the children and join him, she cows to his will as a proper wife should, in spite of her questions as to his motive. Upon their arrival, her choice to seek enlightenment on Andros Island and become a member of the cult her husband is involved, and her almost total disregard for her children and their well-being reinforced my first impression and made me wonder how she could be so blind to what was happening around her. I felt it to be at odds with the self-rightous, independent woman she was struggling to be.

The children are the real heroes in this tale, showing strength and ingenuity in their mother’s absence as she bends to the will of the Order. They are left to their own devices to explore the island, making friends with the indigenous people, and uncovering a murder in the process. Their mother doesn’t believe them and they turn to Aunty Irene, another strong and independent female from the local population, but even she may not be strong enough to stand against the Order.

By the end of the story, we see Clara grow and change into a truly strong and caring woman as her priorities shift and her eyes are opened to the reality of her situation, providing an unsuspected and satisfying ending as every character arc should, but it is little Elsie who I identified with and rooted for. Perhaps it should have been titled, “The Cultist’s Children” instead.

A classic gothic horror story, I give The Cultist’s Wife four quills.

_________________________________

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.

Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet Maggie Watson and a review of Pieces of Me, A collection of poems #TreasuringPoetry #poetrycommunity #bookreview

Posted: November 20, 2024 | Author: robbiesinspiration | Filed under: Book Review, Books, Collection, Interview, Poetry, Review | Tags: Interview, Maggie Watson, Pieces of ME, Poetry, Review, Robbie Cheadle, Treasuring Poetry, Writing to be Read | 72 Comments

Picture caption: Treasuring Poetry 2024 banner

Today, I am delighted to introduce poet, Maggie Watson. Maggie writes incredibly compelling poetry which you can find on her blog here: Ephemeral Encounters

Over to Maggie

Robbie, thank you so much for inviting me to be your guest on Treasuring Poetry. I loved your questions, and I hope everyone finds my answers, at the very least, a little interesting.

My favourite style of poetry to read is haiku.

Haiku poems are easy on the eye, yet they can evoke strong emotions in a few words. If a poem is too long, I lose interest halfway through unless it grabs me in the first couple of lines.

My favourite haiku is “A Poppy Blooms” by Katsushika Hokusai

I write, erase, rewrite

Erase again, and then

A poppy blooms.

The writer here uses the imagery of spring to describe his writing process.

I would use winter, as I sometimes find the whole writing process frustrating, especially when I am blocked, staring at a blank piece of paper (a barren landscape in winter).

My favourite style of writing poetry is freestyle. I am ashamed to say that I have not tried any other style. I did attempt a few haiku a while back, but not consistently. As I write, it comes from my heart and soul and usually reflects my mood or thoughts at that moment. I hope no one shoots me down in flames for saying this, but poetry should be as free as a bird set free, not confined or restricted to parameters.

My favourite poem written by me is one of the first I ever wrote in 2020, one of the better ones, I hasten to add. The Mask is also in my new Collection, Pieces of Me and is related to the subject matter.

She puts it on before she goes outside,

just in case anyone should see inside.

The darkness, the hurt, the years ripped and scarred with dirt.

No one knows.

No one cares.

They only see the Mask she wears.

She tries but can’t forget all the angry words and threats buried deep within and the pain that never seems to dim.

So she smiles, wears the Mask, and hopes that no one ever asks.

I had originally planned to call this collection Bouquets of Barbed Wire, however, it was a little too close to the title of a television programme that I remember my parents watching, so I decided against it.

Pieces of Me is another poem from another Collection, “In the Shadow of my Pen: A Collection of Poetry and Prose.

Not long after joining WordPress, David from A Skeptics Kaddish reblogged it. I then decided to write two other parts, all three are in the new Collection. The new collection is my story in poems about my abusive relationship. The main form of abuse was gaslighting, which is a gradual erosion of your spirit, piece by piece. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Thank you again Robbie for giving me this space.

It’s my pleasure, Maggie. Thank you for being a wonderful guest.

My review of Pieces of Me, A collection of poems by Maggie Watson

Picture caption: Cover of Pieces of Me by Maggie Watson

Pieces of Me is a collection of powerful poems written by a survivor of domestic abuse. The abuse the poet suffered was not physical or sexual, but rather mental. The kind that slowly and insidiously destroys your spirit.

The collection is divided into parts reflecting the various stages of the poet’s abuse from the early days of her marriage until she found the determination and courage to exit her destructive relationship.

Red light spells danger: These poems are about the warning signs that the poet was to young and inexperienced to understand. It is awful to think of a young person being lured into such a terrible set of circumstances like a fly into a spider web.

“I was blind.
I did not see it.
Too young, too naive.
Red light spells danger, but I ignored the colour of your aura.”
An extract from Red Lights Spell Danger

When I think back over my own youth, I sigh with relief that I never fell victim to such a man’s charms. It could have happened so easily as we are gullible and innocent when we are young.

Eggshells is the next section and eloquently describes living with a bully and gas lighter.

“A soul in pain, cute with a blade, the wound
then stitched together with words unkind
Spirit erased, replaced with doubts and fears.
Thoughts of unworthiness grow among the stitches sown
Drip, drip, they slowly infiltrate the mind.”
Extract from Soul in Pain

I am becoming is an uplifting section where the poet describes her escape from the vicious clutches of her abuser and path towards reclaiming her life.

“Never be a lamb to their slaughter
don’t let them watch you bleed
It is they who are weak as they plant their
seeds in your womb
for the pleasure that they seek.”

A collection of strongly worded and evocative poems that make you walk the poet’s path hand-in-hand with her. With compassion comes understanding.