MJ Reviews: Lion Scream by @RobertaEaton17 @bakeandwrite #wildlife #poetry #southafrican #habitat #environment #climatechange

Blurb


“In this reflective collection of syllabic poetry, poet Roberta Cheadle weaves words, emotions, and images as she recounts her soul-stirring journey around South Africa in 2022. She highlights the plight of the animals in the face of the Sixth Mass Extinction, during a visit to Ukutula Lodge & Game Reserve. Lion Roar is a poetic and photographic roadmap to the heart & soul of South Africa with highlights about the increasing impact of global warming on humanity and the greater planet. A must read!”
Colleen M. Chesebro, Author of Word Craft: Prose & Poetry, The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry

My ARC review

Thank you so much to the author for a copy. Here are my thoughts on this book.

Lion Scream is a wonderful collection of well written, accessible, evocative poetry and stunning photography primarily about indigenous species and landscapes of South Africa.

The images and poetry transport you to South Africa; they compliment each other and are beautiful. It is obvious that the author, Robbie Cheadle is passionate about these magnificent animals and the ever growing concerns and cruel practices of rhinos being dehorned for their tusks, poachers, endangered species, climate change, conservation and the illegal trade in exotic pets.

Robbie Cheadle lives in South Africa and has visited facilities such as Ukutula which is a world-class research and conservation facility, specializing in Genetic Mammal Research and Predator Conservation, which she mentions in this book.

In Lion Scream Robbie Cheadle includes links to several youtube videos which is a welcome addition to this marvellous book.

Here is an extract poem which I loved.  In Lion Scream it is illustrated by an amazing photo of a lion up a tree!

Tree Lion.

Muscles of iron crouch
He propels upward
Settling his bulk into the crook of a branch
A unique position
To survey and wait
***
Great head moving smoothly
Mane protecting neck
His expression is smug; can I see a smile?
Relishing his power
A king on his throne
***
An unobservant bird
Settles on the pond
He springs, slick and fast; I hardly see him move
Just a splash of water
And a spray of blood

I also loved the amusing photos and poems about buffalos, (entitled: Don’t Be Fooled: I’m Africa’s most dangerous animal.)

There are the ugly five: warthogs, wildebeest, spotted hyenas, marabou storks, vulture, as well as lizards, weaver birds, flamingo, duck, and a cute and funny peacock romance.

Cheeta, tiger, wild dogs, antelope, black jacked jakal, monkey, giraffe, hypothalamus, crocodiles, hadeda (her pet bird,) woodpeckers, dung beetles, African bees, spiders, dragonflies, locusts and more!

“Cheetahs are also victims of the illegal trade in exotic pets as many of them die during transportation.”

The final section highlights sunflowers and the environment plus beautiful photos and accompanying poems of shadows, reflections, sounds, and fire.

This is followed by a short fiction tale, The Nutcracker, a tale about the sixth mass extinction, global warming, mental health, the careless use of medication to treat mental health issues, plastic pollution and cruelty to animals.

There is something for everyone in this beautifully illustrated, and must buy book. It would make a wonderful resource for schools too as it is educational and informative.

A fabulous read. 5 star without a doubt!

Some of the videos in the book… but for all the youtube links do buy a copy of the book.


REVIEW: Do what You Love #Poetry #prose #photography @NNP_W_Light

I am absolutely thrilled with blue tick influencer, and professional reviewer – N. N. Night’s review of my latest book.

N. N. Lights Review:

A creative approach to poetry and prose I thoroughly enjoyed. MJ Mallon uses her imagination to reflect on life using conversations with the three Fates as a vehicle. I’m familiar with the multiple myths about the Fates (three sisters who guide mortals using the past, present, and future) but never have I read such a tender depiction.

The poems are beautiful and easy to understand. Each poem conveys a moment, an emotion, an experience, which relate to life. Themes detailing a life filled with beauty and love are evident and allow the reader time to ponder.

The prose illustrating conversations with the three Fates is, by far, my favorite part. The writing is imaginative, creative, and flows without effort. The dialogue speaks to the heart of the matter, the reason for everything (both good and bad): live a life well lived.

The writing itself is emotive and has a meditative quality to it. MJ Mallon chooses words like an artist chooses paint colors before creating a masterpiece. Each word by itself doesn’t mean much but when put together transforms the reader. It’s an artform and one I admire.

If you’re looking to make a change in your life or want to escape for a short time for reflection, pick up this book. A delightful, inspiring collection of poems and prose.

Rating: 5+ stars

Buy it Now:

Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BKLC9DYY

Amazon CA https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BKLC9DYY

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BKLC9DYY

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63114445-do-what-you-love

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/books/do-what-you-love-fragility-of-your-flame-poems-photography-and-flash-fiction-by-m-j-mallon

More details here:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/do-what-you-love-br

Tanka Tuesday no. 308 #ekphrastic #poem #senryu #discrimination #women’s #rights

This week, Colleen is using the painting below as inspiration, please write either a syllabic poetry foror a freestyle poem, including a syllabic form (both poetry forms on the same post).

REMEMBER… don’t just describe the woman… we can all see her. Like all of us, this woman has a story. Write THAT poem…

Portrait of Lady Agnew of Lochnaw (1865-1932) by John Singer Sargent, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Write your poem using a syllabic form from the cheat sheet or from the poetscollective.org/poetryforms. Here is more information on how to write an Ekphrastic poem: How Do You Write an Ekphrastic Poem.

“Ekphrastic poems exist to respond to a piece of art critically, analytically, and reverentially.”Ekphrastic poetry explained

I’ve decided to write a senryu

From Colleen blog:

A form with 3 or more lines following the short-long-short, 3-5-3, 2-3-2, (5-7-5 traditional) approximately twelve syllables. Senryu do not rhyme, nor do they contain metaphors and similes.

A senryu is written about love, human foibles relating to a personal event, and should have an element of irony present somewhere in the form. Humor and sarcasm are two of the most favorable elements in a senryu. But not always… think in tone. What is the tone of your senryu? 

Senryu focus on the awkward moments in life making the human, not the world around them, the subject of their creative endeavor. Senryu poetry deals with the human condition. The most important distinction between haiku and senryu is the tone of your poem. Think of it this way:

Haiku desires to create a feeling, while senryu wants to make a point.

Focus on sexual matters, family relations, religion, politics, and anything that touches on the pain we experience through sorrow, prejudice, oppression, anger, and frustration. Humor and sarcasm are two of the most favorable elements in a senryu. No titles.

silks flow free 
trapped eyes reveal pain
poor woman

he smiles
in false silks
she glares

longing to be free

lilac silks hide her bruises

Such a cruel facade

To participate follow the link to Colleen’s blog:

https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2023/02/21/tankatuesday-ekphrastic-poetry-challenge-no-308-2-21-23/

AUTHOR SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Authors Amazon Pagehttps://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Next Chapter Publishing Author Page: https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/mj-mallon
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon https://twitter.com/Marjorie_Mallon 

#ABRSC – Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mjmallonauthor

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

Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjm_reviews/

TANKA Tuesday no. 307 #haiku #poetry #writing #dilemma

The photo has nothing to do with the poetry but I’m smiling and been deliberating…. so… this week I’m writing a haiku to consider my forthcoming dilemma… Do I self publish my final book in the Curse of Time series, or search for a new publisher, or keep with the one I have?

Do I stay with you?
To flourish... see what happens?
Should I exchange you?

Decisions, decisions. Lots of time to make up my mind as I have just begun writing book three.

Dilemma, it is...
What to do? Decision time
Decide. Switch. Promote.

For Change chose switch, exchange
For Grow flourish, promote

In case you’ve missed it check out my interview at Colleen’s coffee klatch: https://colleenmchesebro.com/2022/11/23/colleens-coffee-klatch-mj-mallon-do-what-you-love-newrelease/

AUTHOR SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Authors Amazon Pagehttps://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Next Chapter Publishing Author Page: https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/mj-mallon
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon https://twitter.com/Marjorie_Mallon 

#ABRSC – Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-j-mallon 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mjmallonauthor

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

Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjm_reviews/

#TankaTuesdayWeekly #Poetry Challenge #etheree

This week’s challenge is a photo prompt. from photographer, Terri Webster Schrandt, from secondwindleisure.com to share her photos with us for inspiration. Terri runs a weekly photo challenge called Sunday Stills. Check it out HERE.

Terri says: “This is a filtered version of a rose I photographed at the International Rose Test Garden in Portland.”

I imagined an artist painting a life portrait of his love.

Here are my Etheree poems:

Love Unchained❤️

Love
Unchained
Heartstrings play
Captured verses
Loose petals scatter
My brush strokes velveteen
On your desirable skin!
My breath hitches with excitement
Your hair loosens, and your smile escapes,
You laugh so hard that each rose tumbles free…

© M J MALLON

Painting Your Beauty With Rose Petals 🌹

A bouquet of a dozen blooms arrive
As lipstick red as each dewy kiss
My rapt caresses make you smile
With trembling hands I begin
To paint your dear beauty
With red rose petals
I’m cherishing
Such naked
Sweetest
Love

© M J MALLON

https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2023/02/07/tankatuesday-weekly-poetry-challenge-no-306-2-7-23/

Latest Release Details:

Blurb

Do What You Love Fragility of Your Flame Poems, Photography & Flash Fiction is a personal poetry collection celebrating how the fates may have a part in all that we do.

With special poems and short reflective moments inspired by family, flowers and nature, love, scrumptious morsels, places I’ve visited, lived and intend to live in, the friendships and hopes I have for the future.

The overarching theme is to live a life well lived… And to do what you love.

float along with me
create clouds of sweetest joy
to do what you love
hold fate’s hand as we venture
near and far on life’s journey

(EXCERPT DO WHAT YOU LOVE © M J MALLON)

Buy Links Do What You Love:

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BKLC9DYY/

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/What-You-love-Fragility-Photography-ebook/dp/B0BKLC9DYY/

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/What-You-love-Fragility-Photography-ebook/dp/B0BKLC9DYY/#

Reviews And Features:

Book Review: ‘Do What You Love – Fragility of Your Flame’ by MJ Mallon

A review of Marjorie Mallon’s new book. Do What You Love .

I am thrilled to say that three of my poetry collections, (Mr. Sagittarius, The Hedge Witch & The Musical Poet and Lockdown Innit,) have been requested by prestigious libraries in the UK: The British Library, The Bodleian Library Oxford University, the Cambridge University Library, National Library of Scotland, National Library of Wales and Trinity College Dublin for Legal Deposit.

Add the book to your TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63114445-do-what-you-love

Media kit: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2022/11/04/media-kit-do-what-you-love-fragility-of-your-flame-poems-photography-flashfiction-new-book-release-writingcommunity-poetrycommunity-mediakit-paperback/

Other poetry/flash fiction collections:

Kyrosmagica Publishing

The Hedge Witch And The Musical Poet

https://books2read.com/u/mv1OeV

Mr. Sagittarius Poetry and Prose

http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius

Anthology – This Is Lockdown, (poetry, diaries and flash fiction – kindle)

http://mybook.to/Thisislockdown

Poetry during Lockdown – Lockdown Innit

http://mybook.to/Lockdowninnit

Colleen’s publishing services including cover design and formatting which I can recommend:

https://colleenmchesebro.com/my-services/

Poetry also features in my highly acclaimed YA Fantasy series.  Each chapter begins with a short poem. The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone and Book 2 Golden Healer are published by Next Chapter Publishing.

https://www.nextchapter.pub/books/bloodstone

https://www.nextchapter.pub/books/golden-healer

https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/mj-mallon

Book Review Bird People and other Stories @Chanatkins #books #review #shortstories

Synopsis

Loneliness, alienation, revenge, first love, violence, dreams, fractured families and broken communities. A twisted plot to exact revenge on a school bully, a teenage alcoholic who dreams of being a singer, a young girl’s developing obsession with a boy from the wrong side of town, a lonely boy’s attempt to collect strangers as friends, and a chilling glimpse into a future where owning seeds and growing food is banned. A unique collection of dark and edgy short stories and character snapshots, all connected in some way to the novels by Chantelle Atkins.

My review

Bird People and other stories is a collection of short stories inspired by characters, novels and future projects of Chantelle Atkins. If you like dark tales this is for you.

This type of collection is a great way to introduce readers to an author’s writing style. I enjoyed and can recommend this short, and at times disturbing but satisfying read.

My favourite stories in the collection are:
• Bird People which features Bill Robinson and his thoughts about flying away, growing wings, escaping from the terrors of climate change, and having “no need for speech then. Just song. Just music. “
• The Collection about a person following and collecting strangers. There is a great twist at the end.
• And another Bill Robinson tale: Night Prowler, about a murder, a night prowler and unspoken decisions.
• The disturbing He Is A Storm.
• Teenage tale of awkward attraction and love of music in The Boy With The Headphones.
• She is… a shocking tale of teenage mean girls and shocking extremes with what a twist! Ohh!
• We Met in Blood. Boredom, and teenage kicks in extremes. (Trigger: self harm) Taking characters from Chantelle Atkins The Mess of Me, (which I loved.)
• Tales From Provence 5 about nature replenishing itself and its vengence towards humans for wrongs done.

Thank you so much to the author Chantelle Atkins for my paperback copy which I won. I thoroughly enjoyed. Every story was memorable. I read this twice! Fast becoming a fan of Chantelle Atkin’s writing.

Do check out all of Chantelle Atkin’s books via her Author blog: https://chantelleatkins.com/

Please support my review efforts by following my bookstagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

All my links are available via: https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor

Book review: Golden Healer by MJ Mallon – When Women Inspire #ya #fantasy #series #review @christybis

Absolutely blown away by this fabulous review for Golden Healer from the wonderful Christy Birmingham. Read it at source… it will tell you all you need to know. It has really fired me up to continue writing this series…. and the audiobook is in production. News about that soon!

Source: Book review: Golden Healer by MJ Mallon – When Women Inspire

Giveaway #fantasy #indieauthors #amwriting #writersnetwork #fsfwritersalliance #freebooksGiveaway

There is an amazing giveaway currently running on my Instagram and other social media accounts to win lots of amazing books. Including the first book in my YA Fantasy series Bloodstone.

Enter to win 24 fantasy and science fiction books!
1. Like this post
2. Follow the authors for updates and information about future books and giveaways
3. Sign up here!
https://kingsumo.com/g/eke84z/fantastical-books-and-where-to-find-them

As a special bonus… if you use the link you’ll receive after you sign up, you can share the giveaway! Why would you want to do this? Because if you refer your friends to enter the contest, you’ll actually INCREASE your chances of winning (just one friend referred will quadruple your chances). And, who doesn’t love more books?

Follow these authors on Instagram and like and share their giveaway posts:

@author.markpiggot https://www.instagram.com/author.markpiggott/
@lindalingwrites https://www.instagram.com/lindalingwrites/
@llgrayauthor https://www.instagram.com/llgrayauthor/
@authorcourtneydavis https://www.instagram.com/authorcourtneydavis/
@amenajamali.author https://www.instagram.com/amenajamali.author/

@laurajaylive https://www.instagram.com/laurajaylive/
@author.jamie.samland https://www.instagram.com/author.jamie.samland/
@imperativepress https://www.instagram.com/imperativepress/
@gemmaclatworthy https://www.instagram.com/gemmaclatworthy/
@jessie.j.webb https://www.instagram.com/jessie.j.webb/

@davidjharrisonwriter https://www.instagram.com/davidjharrisonwriter/
@ms.c.ingscribbles https://www.instagram.com/ms.c.ingscribbles/
@patrickjohnwrites https://www.instagram.com/patrickjohnswrites/
@c.h.smith_author https://www.instagram.com/c.h.smith_author/
@lucy_a_mclaren https://www.instagram.com/lucy_a_mclaren/

@jordanskellerauthor https://www.instagram.com/jordanskellerauthor/
@aashtonwriter https://www.instagram.com/aashtonwriter/
@marktimmony https://www.instagram.com/marktimmony/
@jkansanen https://www.instagram.com/jkansanen/
@refractedcreative https://www.instagram.com/refractedcreative/

@j.kdivia https://www.instagram.com/j.kdivia/
@rachaneelumayno https://www.instagram.com/rachaneelumayno/
@mjmallonauthor https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

Sign up and share to increase your chances!
https://kingsumo.com/g/eke84z/fantastical-books-and-where-to-find-them

Amena has created this listopia of all the authors books on Goodreads – you can vote for your favourites there.

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/185004.Fantastical_Books_of_the_Fantasy_Sci_Fi_Writers_Alliance

#bookstagramfollow #bookstagram #bookgiveaway #bookstagramgiveaway #tbr #books #reading #amreading #fiction #fantasy #indieauthors #amwriting #writersnetwork #fsfwritersalliance #freebooks

Bloodstone is part one of a two part series with more spin off stories to come. It is available in kindle, paperback hardback and audiobook. Book 2 Golden Healer is to be released in audiobook soon.

BLURB

I didn’t think my life could get weirder, but I was wrong…

Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who is imprisoned within the mirrors located in her house.

When an unexpected message arrives inviting her to visit the Crystal Cottage, she sets off on a forbidden path where she encounters Ryder: a charismatic, perplexing stranger.

With the help of a magical paint set and some crystal wizard stones, can Amelina discover the truth about her family?

A unique, imaginative mystery full of magic-wielding and dark elements, Bloodstone is a riveting adventure for anyone interested in fantasy, mythology or the world of the paranormal.

TRIGGER WARNING: this book contains mention of self-harm, mental health issues and alludes to the potential dangers of sexual attraction, which may trigger younger/sensitive readers.

Please support my review efforts by following my bookstagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

All my links are available via: https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor

Book Review: Fifteen First Times @pokercubster #memoir #review

Blurb

This book is a collection of stories about some of Kaye’s first-time experiences with life’s most natural events. Told through the intimate conversational writing we’ve come to know from this author, poignant personal steppingstones to learning moments are revealed. She encompasses the heart of each matter with sincerity and sprinkled inflections of humor.

From first kiss to first car to walking in the desert with four-inch heels, Kaye’s short coming-of-age stories take us through her awakenings and important moments of growth, often without warning. Some good and some not, life lessons are learned through trial and error, winging it, and navigating by the seat of her pants.

My review

Fifteen first times is a lovely memoir by D G Kaye. Reading it I recalled many of my first times too! In this short memoir, she mentions memories such as her diets, first kiss, colouring her hair, Christmas tree, first apartment, getting her driving licence, travel to Israel and Europe and much more. It is a personal, and relatable collection which I enjoyed.

I think it would be enjoyed by all and in particular bloggers, writers (a lot of the content is female centric such as the short section on first period!) This is a topic that needs to be spoke about openly! So hats off to D G Kaye for being so honest sharing her personal memories.

She also shares her sadness at loss of several family members, a dear friend Alba and her much loved husband.

So, at times humourous, sometimes poignant, a sneak peak into the author’s life.

A recommended read. 5 stars.

And I’d also like to recommend Have Bags Will Travel which is one of my Christmas Book pics for this author. More about that here: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2022/12/10/merry-indie-christmas-bookstoread-recommendations-writingcommunity/

D.G. Kaye was born and resides in Toronto, Canada. She is the author of Conflicted Hearts – A Daughter’s Quest for Solace From Emotional Guilt, Meno-What? – A Memoir, Words We Carry, Have Bags, Will Travel, P.S. I Forgive You, and her newest release – Twenty Years: After “I Do”. Kaye is a nonfiction/memoir writer and writes about her life experiences, matters of the heart and women’s issues.

Kaye writes to inspire others. Her writing encompasses stories taken from events she encountered in her own life, and the lessons that were taken from them. Her sunny outlook on life developed from learning to overcome some of the many obstacles that challenged her. From an emotionally neglected childhood, to growing up with a narcissistic mother, leaving her with a severely deflated self-esteem, D.G. began seeking a path to rise above her issues. When she isn’t writing intimate memoirs, Kaye brings her natural sense of humor into her other works.

D.G. began writing when pen and paper became tools to express her pent-up emotions during a turbulent childhood. Her writing began as notes and cards she wrote for the people she loved and admired when she was afraid to use her voice.

Through the years, Kaye journaled about life, writing about her opinions on people and events and later began writing poetry and health articles for a Canadian magazine as her interest grew in natural healthcare. Kaye became interested in natural healing and remedies after encountering a few serious health issues. Against many odds, D.G. has overcome adversity several times throughout her life.

D.G. began writing books to share her stories and inspiration. Her compassion and life experiences inspire her to write from the heart. She looks for the good and the positive in everything, and believes in paying it forward.

“For every kindness, there should be kindness in return, Wouldn’t that just make the world right?”

D.G.’s Favorite Saying: “Live. Laugh. Love …and don’t forget to breathe!”

When D.G. is not writing, she’s reading. Her favorite genres of reading are: biographies, memoirs, writing and natural health. Kaye loves to read about people who overcome adversity, victories and redemption and believes we have to keep learning–there is always room for improvement! She loves to cook, travel, and play poker (when she gets the chance).

You can find D.G. on social media and her author and blog pages:

http://www.dgkayewriter.com

http://www.goodreads.com/dgkaye

http://www.amazon.com/author/dgkaye7

http://www.twitter.com/@pokercubster

http://www.facebook.com/dgkaye

http://www.youtube.com/DebbyDGKayeGies

http://www.linkedin.com/in/dgkaye7

Please support my review efforts by following my bookstagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

All my links are available via: https://linktr.ee/mjmallonauthor

Book Review Fairies, Myths & Magic II by Colleen Chesebro #yuletide #magic #fairies #myths #review #newbook

Blurb

In this second book in the Fairies, Myths, & Magic series, step into a world where dark fairies and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by winter and the celebration of the winter solstice.

From autumn’s scary fairies to the forgotten female characters of Yule, prepare to embrace the magical winter solstice myths from around the world. Meet Frau Holle in the Wild Hunt, Befana—the Christmas Witch of Italy, and the Japanese goddess Ameratasu who controls the springtime. Prepare to embrace the Scottish trows, the Irish Goddess of Winter—the Cailleach Béara, and Snegurochka—the Snow Girl.

Learn how to make Yuletide rituals part of your celebration by embracing the symbols of Yule by decorating with evergreens and crystals.

My review

I really enjoyed reading the 2nd book in Fairies, Myth and Magic series. It’s a wonderful celebration of the winter solstice, with a fabulous mix of stories, flash fiction and poetry.

There are details of international myths and legends in the Introduction To The Myths & Legends of Yule section at the end, highlighting pagan yule traditions. Two of my favourites were Iceland’s Christmas Troll Grýla! And Amatersu (Shine Your Light,) from Feudal Japan.

I certainly learnt a lot from this book and it is clear the author, Colleen Chesebro researched, loves and breathes magic into her subject matter.

There is a light-heartedness within the collection with the tale of the winter Green Fairy and the fairies drinks recipes which the author shares! This continues with flash fiction pieces such as Trash or Treasure.

As well as this, there are more serious pieces such as Fairy Hoar Frost, a short but powerful piece of flash fiction about the ever growing fear of climate change.

Colleen is an accomplished poet and wordsmith. She runs her own weekly poetry challenge and there is no doubt that her poetry shines. I particularly loved the opening poem, Samhain’s song as well as The Night of The Mothers, a celebration of women and motherhood, and the luscious darkness of The Wild Hunt.

Highly recommended.
A lovely collection to savour at wintertime.

My rating 5 stars

I was recently part of the blog tour do visit that post here: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2022/12/14/fairies-myths-magic-ii-a-winter-celebration-colleen-chesebro-newrelease-poetry-winter-myths-magic/

Colleen M. Chesebro is a Michigan Poet who loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly poetry challenge, called Tanka Tuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com where participants learn how to write traditional and current forms of syllabic poetry.

Along with JulesPaige, Colleen is also a co-editor of “Word Weaving, a Word Craft Journal of Syllabic Verse,” at wordweavingpoetryjournal.com. The debut issue of this journal will publish in October 2021.

Colleen’s syllabic poetry has appeared in various other online publications. Recently, she created the Double Ennead, a 99-syllable poetry form for Carrot Ranch. Colleen’s poetry has poetry in various anthologies and journals including “Hedgerow-a journal of small poems,” and “Poetry Treasures,” and Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships.

Colleen published “Word Craft: Prose & Poetry, The Art of Crafting Syllabic Poetry,” which illustrates how to write various syllabic poetry forms used in her Tanka Tuesday challenges; and a collection of poetry, flash fiction, and short stories called, “Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration,” dedicated to the Summer Solstice. She contributed a short story called “The Changeling,” in the “Ghostly Rites Anthology 2020,” published by Plaisted Publishing House.

Find Colleen at Word Craft Poetry at wordcraftpoetry.com, or her author blog at https://colleenmchesebro.com.

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