February 2020 Books #AmReading

Ritu reads so much! Wonderful collection of books to discover. Thrilled by the 5 star review for Mr. Sagittarius and well done to Robbie Cheadle too! Awesome.

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The Magic of The Dragonfly: Poetry in Motion #SpiritualSisters #SistersofTheFey #MagicalConnections

Red, Devil’s needle,

Or luck bringer with kind eyes?

Ancient, sweet fellow,

Sacred magic bestower,

Change tumbling on fragile wings.

© M J Mallon 2020

The above is a poetry excerpt from my poetry, prose and photography book Mr. Sagittarius which is now available on Kindle Unlimited, and to buy in Kindle and full colour Paperback.

http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius

This poem was originally my post for Colleens’ Poetry challenge with the prompt words: Fall and Give. I used the synonyms tumbling for fall and bestower for give: https://colleenchesebro.com/2019/09/24/colleens-2019-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-146-synonymsonly/

I added the last line as the dragonfly has such a short life like the butterfly and change can be fragile unless we encourage and nurture it and learn to be our better selves.

A while ago on my frequent visits to Cambridge Botanical Gardens I came across a very friendly dragonfly. This particular fellow, or lady dragonfly, landed right next to me on the bench. Mr. or Miss. Dragonfly remained for a very long time as if enjoying my company! I even placed my hand above expecting the dragonfly to fly away but it stayed motionless enjoying the sunshine with me.

It flew off for a few moments and then came back to me as if showing off its flying prowess.

Later, I posted about this encounter on Facebook and received several comments, one of which said: dragonflies are good luck omens and seeing one may denote change.

How interesting! Yes, this ancient insect has many myths and legends attributed to it. In Japan, it is revered as a good luck symbol and often mentioned in haiku poetry. Some cultures link the dragonfly with the dragon which is a startling synergy as I intend to write about dragons in the final book of my YA series The Curse of Time. I’m currently editing book two and hope to have the second book out by Christmas.

The first book in the series is available via Amazon and is receiving a good amount of 4 and 5 star reviews: Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Returning to the dragonfly I’d recommend the following post if you want to find out more about dragonflies. It is a fascinating dragonfly article sharing different reactions from all over the world ranging from: celebrating, or fearing the dragonfly: J Sedgwick: http://www.icysedgwick.com/dragonfly-folklore/

Whatever the truth about dragonflies I like to believe in their magic.

Certainly, it is true that my life has changed in the most amazing way since I’ve discovered the joys of writing, blogging and photography.

Since encountering my dragonfly friend I have written a short story about twin brothers and a dragonfly bound to the magic of the gorgeous Golden Willow Tree which opens the narrative in Mr. Sagittarius.

I’ve mentioned the Willow Tree before in my series of posts about the magic of trees:

https://mjmallon.com/2020/02/24/the-magic-of-trees-the-weeping-willow-spiritualsisters-sistersofthefey/

It’s amazing that there are ideas/characters/inspirations for writing everywhere. All manner of strange beings: (Insects, trees and people!) can supply ideas which excite me as I pass by on my way to my day job, or on my days off work.

For instance, the two brothers in Mr. Sagittarius: Harold and William were inspired by a couple of elderly gents that I noticed on my way to work one day. They were such extraordinary looking characters that I just had to write about them! They had no idea what I had in store for them… Thank goodness it’s all fictional. Lol.

If you open your eyes to magic you will discover stories everywhere. Time to embrace change with a full and happy heart.

Getting back to the dragonfly. Have you had a similar encounter with a spirit animal?

Do let me know, I’d love to hear about it.

Some good news! My full colour paperback is now available in Amazon. Here’s my universal link for Mr. Sagitarrius which is available in paperback, kindle and free on kindle unlimited: http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius

Early reviews: 5 stars from Ritu Bhathal https://butismileanyway.com/2020/02/29/february-2020-books-amreading/

And 5 star review from Colleen Chesebro: https://colleenchesebro.com/2020/02/16/colleens-2020-book-reviews-mr-sagittarus-by-author-mj-mallon-marjorie_mallon/

I’m thrilled to announce I am included amongst some wonderful poets in Colleen Chesebro’s poetry book store with my poetry, prose and photography collection Mr. Sagittarius: https://colleenchesebro.com/poetry-books-for-sale/

Amazon UK Kindle:

Amazon US Kindle:

This post is from:

Marje @ Kyrosmagica xx

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The Spiritual Sisters are:

Adele Marie Park Author & Personal Blog: Firefly465

Annette Rochelle Aben Author & Personal Blog: Annette Rochelle Aben

Colleen M. Chesebro Author & Personal Blog: Word Craft ~ Prose & Poetry colleenchesebro.com

Debby Gies (aka, D. G. Kaye) Author & Personal Blog: D. G. Kaye, Writer

Marjorie (MJ) Mallon YA/Paranormal Author: mjmallon.com

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Colleen’s 2020 Weekly #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge No. 166, #ThemePrompt – Finding Clarity

I’m sitting in a cafe in Cambridge watching the snow fall. A lady crosses the road with a large black umbrella, the white flecks of pure snow fall covering its surface. I am drawn to this image to write a poem.

The world faces so many challenges at the moment: climate crisis, Coronovirus, economic crises. Where are we headed? Unfortunately, the Coronovirus has led to some racist abuse due to the origin of the virus. So, this is my poetic take on the state of affairs, expressed with a Tanka…

White snow falls to black
Umbrellas hiding cold stares
Finding clarity
Sick quarantine continues
Media spreads people’s fears.

© M J Mallon 2020

Thank you so much to Colleen for including my new release Mr. Sagittarius poetry and prose in her online poetry store on her blog: https://colleenchesebro.com/poetry-books-for-sale/

My full colour paperback is now available on Amazon.
Here is the link to Mr. Sagittarius in paperback, kindle and free in kindle unlimited:

http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius

Isn’t that good news!

Until we chat again do check out Colleen’s 5 star review of Mr. Sagittarius on her blog: https://colleenchesebro.com/2020/02/16/colleens-2020-book-reviews-mr-sagittarus-by-author-mj-mallon-marjorie_mallon/

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live love laugh

Love and hugs to The Lonely Author. So sorry to hear that he’s not well so let’s send our good wishes for his heart to be strong. <3

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The Magic of Trees: The Weeping Willow #SpiritualSisters #SistersofTheFey

 

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I will be writing about the magic of trees on my blog as part of our group The Spiritual Sisters, originally known as The Sisters of The Fey.

I discovered this magnificent tree, (which you can see in my photographs above and below,) on my lunchtime walks in Cambridge Botanical Gardens. It inspired me so much that it is featured in the first short story (and photographs,) in my new release – Mr. Sagittarius – a magical collection of poetry, prose and photography.

This particular tree is a Golden Willow Tree and a very stunning one at that. You can see how it bends as if yearning to sink into the water below it.

The Willow tree is known for its wondrous connection to the moon, water, the Goddess and all that is feminine.

Its association with dreaming, intuition and the deepest held emotions makes it a wonderful tree to commune with.

It has an affinity with the season of Spring.  When life begins to awaken after its slumbers, making it a truly remarkable tree full of energy and potential.

The Willow tree has a magical link with creativity, fertility, female rights of passage, inspiration, emotion, love, protection and the healing arts.

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Many say that it is the tree of immortality, growth and healing because of its powerful ability to grow from a fallen branch if it finds the right conditions: moist ground – water and soil to sustain it.

A wand made from the wood of a Willow tree has many uses:

  • Perhaps you might be inclined to sleep with it, to release vivid dreams, use it to draw the moon down from afar, or use its powers of protection to keep you safe.
  • Magical witch’s brooms are traditionally bound with a willow’s branch but before you take a piece of branch remember to respect the tree and ask for permission to cut!

The Willow’s weeping posture reflects its association with grief, allowing the person who connects with it to gain healing and inner strength.

The Weeping Willow is without a doubt a beautiful, soulful tree.

Her branches often bend toward’s the water’s edge whilst her roots journey below its surface. She has a great wisdom, so spend time with her (preferably with a source of water nearby) and let the sounds of flowing water and wind rustling leaves soothe your mind, body and soul.

This is the perfect way to reconnect with the intuitive part of you.

If you struggle to sleep at night take a piece of willow (preferably one that has already fallen) and place it under your pillow.

In the Bach Flower Remedies, Willow Flower Essence is a helpful remedy for bitterness and resentment.

My previous posts about the magic of trees:

https://sistersofthefey.com/2019/03/16/the-magic-of-trees-purpurea/

https://sistersofthefey.com/2018/12/30/the-magic-of-trees-dawn-redwood/

My Tanka poem about the Golden Willow Tree:

https://mjmallon.com/2019/07/12/colleens-2019-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-135/

Hope you enjoyed finding out more about the Golden Willow Tree.

Buying links:

Mr. Sagittarius – Amazon Kindle UK:

Mr. Sagittarius – Amazon Kindle USA.

 

This post is from Marje @ Kyrosmagica xxx

Please visit the blogs of the spiritual sisters…

The Spiritual Sisters are:

Adele Marie Park Author & Personal Blog: Firefly465

Annette Rochelle Aben Author & Personal Blog: Annette Rochelle Aben

Colleen M. Chesebro Author & Personal Blog: Word Craft ~ Prose & Poetry colleenchesebro.com

Debby Gies (aka, D. G. Kaye) Author & Personal Blog: D. G. Kaye, Writer

Marjorie (MJ) Mallon YA/Paranormal Author: mjmallon.com

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A Magical Gate in Cambridge #SistersofTheFey #SpiritualSisters #Nature #MagicalConnections

This feature was originally posted on our collaborative blog: The Sisters of The Fey on 8th May, 2018. We are writing under a new name #SpiritualSisters on our own blogs.

Spiritual Sisters are also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5SpiritualSisters/

On that particular date in May 2018 I was at a creative writing course in Cambridge run by artist Lyndell Phelps and poet, writer, producer Dan Simpson. It was a very warm day, perhaps too warm to be cooped inside writing. Luckily, we were able to sit out in the warm sunshine for the second half of the writing day.

On my way home I decided to have a wander in  the sun. I stumbled upon a gate which I’d never seen before. This was odd as I often walk down this particular road and have NEVER noticed it before. Being curious by nature I decided to venture inside even though it was deserted and there were abundant eerie shadows at the entrance.

I discovered a tiny park with lots of pretty trees, a fabulous blue sky up above and the added bonus of some shadows! Yes, I do like shadows!

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I took some photos which you can see and even though the park was tiny these images seem to make it look enormous!

HOW STRANGE!

I lingered a while and then left the park via a different gate.  To my surprise I ended up coming out on an entirely different road. This was so odd and somewhat disorientating. How could I have started on Shaftesbury Road and ended up on Aberdeen Avenue? Is that even possible? Perhaps I had too much sun? Or maybe, could this be…

MAGIC!!

The tiny park had its gates wide open just as if it intended to say:

COME IN!

Who knows? It would be wonderful to imagine that magic played a part in this.

I shall investigate again who knows I might find a fairy or two, or maybe even a unicorn next time!

Bye for now,

Marje @ Kyrosmagica xxx

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The Spiritual Sisters are:

Adele Marie Park Author & Personal Blog: Firefly465

Annette Rochelle Aben Author & Personal Blog: Annette Rochelle Aben

Colleen M. Chesebro Author & Personal Blog: Word Craft ~ Prose & Poetry colleenchesebro.com

Debby Gies (aka, D. G. Kaye) Author & Personal Blog: D. G. Kaye, Writer

Marjorie (MJ) Mallon YA/Paranormal Author: mjmallon.com

Buying links for Marje’s books:

Mr Sagittarius a magical compilation of poetry, prose, and photography.

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Buying Link: http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius

Also by: Kyrosmagica Publishing

 YA Fantasy:

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The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone

http://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime

Coming in 2020

YA Fantasy:

The Curse of Time Book 2 Golden Healer.

Short Stories in Anthologies:

Bestselling horror compilation –

Nightmareland

Nightmareland edited by Dan Alatorre –

“Scrabble Boy” (Short Story)

Amazon  UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1702784886/

Amazon USA: https://www.amazon.com/Nightmareland-horror-anthology-stories-authors-ebook/dp/B07ZG3ZXP3/

 

Ghostly Rites Anthology 2019 –

“Dexter’s Creepy Caverns” (Short Story)

Amazon  UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ghostly-Rites-2019-Plaisted-Publishing/dp/1705367402/

Amazon USA: https://www.amazon.com/Ghostly-Rites-2019-Plaisted-Publishing-ebook/dp/B07ZQV2Y4Q/

 

Ghostly Writes Anthology 2018 –

“Ghostly Goodbye” (Short Story)

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07JMHWMZN/

Amazon USA: https://www.amazon.com/Ghostly-Anthology-Plaisted-Publishing-Presents-ebook/dp/B07JMHWMZN/

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Thank you to my Blog Tour Hosts!!!! Mr. Sagittarius Poetry and Prose

A huge thank you to all my blog tour hosts:

  • My book cover designer, Rachael Ritchey who did an amazing job. The cover is entered in Author Shout book cover awards more news about that soon.

https://rachaelritchey.com/2020/02/19/new-release-poetry-prose-mr-sagittarius-by-m-j-mallon/

  • Colleen Chesebro with a blog tour post and 5 star review:

https://colleenchesebro.com/2020/02/20/2020-conversations-with-colleen-featuring-author-m-j-mallon-marjorie_mallon/

https://colleenchesebro.com/2020/02/16/colleens-2020-book-reviews-mr-sagittarus-by-author-mj-mallon-marjorie_mallon/

  • Jacquie Biggar:

Mr. Sagittarius by M J Mallon #NewRelease #Poetry

  • Ritu Bhathal with a blog tour post and five star review:

Mr Sagittarius Blog Tour

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-reviews/R6F3XI7JPH3UW/

And to Willow who closes off my official tour but has been such a supportive soul sharing all the blog tour posts everywhere! She has been such a help. <3

https://willowdot21.wordpress.com/2020/02/23/marjorie-mallons-blog-tour-for-mr-sagittarius-day/

Thank you also to Sally Cronin who featured me in her Smorgasborg Daily with wonderful bookish company: https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2020/02/19/smorgasbord-blogger-daily-wednesday-february-19th-2020-history-john-w-howell-booktour-charli-mills-with-m-j-mallon-spotlight-james-j-cudney-with-sandra-j-jackson/

And to Sally Cronin, Debby Gies, Ruchira Khanna, and Richard Dockett who will also be featuring me. I appreciate you all.

Please do support these authors/bloggers they are the best.

Thank you also to all of you who have already bought a copy. <3 xxx And twitter friends who have been sharing like mad for me!!!

I will be donating the first month’s ebook royalties to the Australian bush fires. More about the charity to be selected soon once I count up the coffers… and see how much I have to donate. 

Buying links:

Amazon Kindle UK

(Paperback to launch soon!)

Amazon USA:

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Charli Mills Flash Fiction Challenge

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February 20, 2020, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a library cat named Rainbow who escapes. Use this situation to write what happens next. Where does this situation take place, and who else might be involved? Go where the prompt leads!

https://carrotranch.com/2020/02/21/february-20-flash-fiction-challenge/

Rainbow’s Heaven

While cats hide, rainbows emblazon the sky with short-lived brilliance!

Rainbow the cat crept into the library one rainy day and never left. A confirmed cat bachelor his colourful tail had never been turned before. Not once! Until… a beautiful white cat stuck her pretty nose into his favourite book. She turned the pages with her cute paws. His imagination went wild. Rainbow imagined her to be the softest, fluffiest, most angelic being he’d ever seen. He didn’t hesitate; he followed her out the door. Purring, he realised that heaven’s shelves overflowed with rainbow books!

 

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My new release: Mr Sagittarius Poetry and Prose

Kindle Buying Link: http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius

Paperback will be available soon.

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YA Fantasy:

The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone

http://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime

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