Special Feature – I Read Canadian Darlene Foster, D G Kaye, & Christy Birmingham #nowmorethanever #ireadcanadian @ireadcanadian

I discovered about #ireadcanadian from Darlene Foster’s instagram page:

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Today, I am featuring three wonderful ladies from Canada, Debby Gies (D G Kaye,) Darlene Foster and Christy Birmingham. You might remember that in 2019 I travelled to Canada with my two daughters, Natasha and Georgina for a special girls’ trip! We visited Montreal and I absolutely loved it. Would love to go back one day.

So, I’ve chosen to go with a travel theme for the first two books I’m reading for #ireadcanadian

Debby, Darlene and Christy are all wonderfully inspiring, fantastic supporters of the writing and blogging community. As they say in Scotland, lovely lassies too!

I’ve been meaning to read Darlene and Christy’s books, so I thought here’s an opportunity to do so and have a mini readathan!

Darlene Foster is a Children’s author, traveller, dreamer of dreams, teller of tales. Darlene writes middle grade tales about a young girl, Amanda travelling abroad to exotic destinations. The travel appealed to me especially right now as we are unable to go anywhere! So, I fancied being whisked away to the Middle East, (my dad worked in Abu Dhabhi and Dubai and often reminisces about his time there,) so I chose to read Amanda in Arabia, The Perfume Flask.

She has a whole lot more books too!

https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/supermegawoman

http://www.darlenefoster.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/darlene6490/

D G Kaye is a nonfiction/memoir #author who writes about women’s issues, life & overcoming adversity. I’ve read D G Kaye before, I loved her writing in her memoir, P.S. I Forgive You, a personal account of the author’s experiences of coping and coming to terms with the emotions experienced after the death of a narcissistic mother. This time, I’m taking a look at a different kind of book from D. G. Kaye, I’m reading Have Bags Will Travel which I think will be an absolute scream! I’ve already started it and find it so witty!

Debby has lots of books to read… check these out…

https://dgkayewriter.com/

https://www.facebook.com/dgkaye

https://twitter.com/pokercubster

https://www.instagram.com/dgkaye/

https://www.amazon.com/D.G.-Kaye/e/B00HE028FO

The lovely, Christy Birmingham… she has the most informative, inspiring and interesting blog: https://whenwomeninspire.com/

Poetry is a particularly appropriate choice as I am releasing a new poetry book soon. With that in mind, I chose Christy Birmingham’s Versions of The Self, which sounds so interesting, personal and unusual.

Christy’s debut collection is Pathways to Illumination which is available exclusively at Redmund Productions: http://redmundpro.com/book-store/pi/  

The book follows one woman’s journey following the end of an abusive relationship. Read how she struggles to rise from darkness, a soul reaching for light, with words that weave hope and despair through the pages.

Christy Birmingham, Owner of When Women Inspire. Taking empowerment and motivation to the next level. Author | Blogger | Copywriter

https://whenwomeninspire.com/

https://twitter.com/christybis

https://www.facebook.com/whenwomeninspire

My blog posts about my trip to Montreal, Canada in 2019:

https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2019/05/26/grafitti-murals-montreal-canada/
https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2019/06/06/notre-dame-basilica-montreal-canada-travel-holiday/
https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2019/06/16/scrummy-food-tulips-and-cocktails-food-montreal-canada-holiday-tulips/

Looking forward to reviewing these wonderful books soon.

I may not be Canadian but I do love the international feel this kind of promo brings.

Happy #ireadcanadianday!

AUTHOR SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS

Authors Website:: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Twitter: @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 

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

Book Alert: Lockdown Innit (Poems About Absurdity) by MJ Mallon – This Is My Truth Now

Thank you so much to James Cudney for this beautifully presented book alert for my forthcoming poetry release. Lockdown Innit which releases February 26th, it is available to preorder via this link: https://mybook.to/Lockdowninnit

Source: Book Alert: Lockdown Innit (Poems About Absurdity) by MJ Mallon – This Is My Truth Now

#Bookreview – This is Lockdown by M.J. Mallon – Robbie’s inspiration

Thank you to Robbie Cheadle for this thoughtful review of This Is Lockdown for Rosie’s Book Review Team. I truly appreciate her taking the time to read and review.

Source: #Bookreview – This is Lockdown by M.J. Mallon – Robbie’s inspiration

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#TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 212 #SYNONYMSONLY #Diningin #Spicy #Food #Celebrations #Fun #Nonet

https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2021/02/09/tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-212-synonymsonly/#comment-91326

The synonyms this week are loose and tough. Sound tricky, thinking, thinking… what to write?

NONET: A nonet is stanzaic and written in any number of 9-line stanzas with the following syllable count per line: 9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 syllables per line

Bless all manner of ingredients

Making something unique and free

Hard to decide what to use

But chili is a must

As is some red beans

By now you’ll guess

What I am

Grab a

Drink!

I’ve been having fun creating new recipes at home with my eldest daughter, Natasha.

The other day I had an urge to make some scones and we did. We weren’t sure what to use, one recipe said eggs, the other one omitted them, so in the end we decided upon adding the eggs (a Mary Berry’s recipe,) and the scones turned out really well.

Recently, we did our own take on the traditional Chilli Con Carne recipe. I’m planning to share this later in the year around Halloween… More about that to come!

We also had great fun making a Chinese Banquet for Lunar New Year, we made Roast Duck and Singapore noodles plus I bought a lot of dim sum. It was so tasty!

Such a fun thing to do. I’m really enjoying trying out new ideas with food at the moment.

Hope you enjoyed the nonet. Happy Valentines, I’m looking forward to my dinner tonight, hubby is making me his signature dish – steak!

I have a new book coming out soon… Lockdown Innit, Poems About Absurdity. It is available to preorder. Make this author really happy by ordering your copy on kindle today!

Universal link for kindle: https://mybook.to/Lockdowninnit

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Twitter: @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 

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

Collaborative Group: https://www.facebook.com/pg/5SpiritualSisters/

Great News on Marjorie Mallons New Book : Lockdown Innit: Poems About Absurdity | willowdot21

Thank you so much to my lovely friend Willow for sharing about my new book coming out on 26th February.

Source: Great News on Marjorie Mallons New Book : Lockdown Innit: Poems About Absurdity | willowdot21

Marjorie Mallon (@mjmallonauthor) • Instagram photos and videos #fashion #sustainable #swimwear #survey

I’m sharing this for my daughter Georgina, who is a final year fashion business student.

Could you spare a few moments to fill out her short survey on sustainable fashion. This is for her final project at University:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/georgina-mallon-b76146195_sustainable-swimwear-activity-6765654730166423552-Bk7t?fbclid=IwAR1R_dwx5rWNigQpKOIhA5ExQOhvLHLsoIeURE3LpBUXBGVVmsdeOKH3g-Y

Many thanks, I appreciate it so much.

Her instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/georgina_mallon/

Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – New Book on the Shelves – #Poetry Lockdown Innit: Poems About Absurdity by M.J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Thank you so much to Sally Cronin for this wonderful feature on her blog for my new release Lockdown Innit Poems About Absurdity (which is currently on pre-order on Amazon.) Releases February 26th.

Preorder Buying Links Lockdown Innit Releases February 26th

Universal link for kindle: https://mybook.to/Lockdowninnit

Source: Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – New Book on the Shelves – #Poetry Lockdown Innit: Poems About Absurdity by M.J. Mallon | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Special Collection Flash Fiction Challenge #carrotranch #literary #community

There is a special schedule at Carrot Ranch to support Sue Vincent who has been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. I’ve written about this in a previous post: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com/2021/02/01/the-sue-vincent-rodeo-classic-has-begun-carrotranch-literary-community-rodeo-classic/

Here’s a schedule for you so you know what to expect:

  • January 28 Special Collection Challenge to Honor the work of Sue Vincent
  • February 1-19: Sue Vincent Classic Rodeo Contest and Parade of Reblogs (announced Monday, February 1 at CarrotRanch.com/blog)
  • February 3 No Collection
  • February 4 Special Host: D. Avery
  • February 10 Special Host Collection
  • February 11 Sue Vincent Reblog Parade (no challenge)
  • February 17 Special Sue V Collection posted
  • February 18 Regular Flash Fiction Challenges return
  • February 19 Contest ends
  • March 22 Winner and Runners Up Announced

January 28, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about life as a river of consciousness. Think about the possibilities of the prompt. Go where the prompt leads!

Respond by February 11, 2021. 

This is my special flash fiction piece for Sue Vincent.

Life As A River of Consciousness

Do What You Love

What makes us human extends beyond the care we give our young. Perhaps it is our creativity which marks us as distinctive from other species.

Life is akin to a river of consciousness, we may drift along, or choose who we truly desire to be. Whatever we decide, we must live life to the full, expressing ourselves in music, words, performance, or art. Troubling obstacles will come and go, pebbles of uncertainty, meandering moments, thunderstorms and floods of tears, unsure and uncertain times. To accomplish our hearts’ desires we must stay focused, determined and resolute on life’s turbulent river.

To enter the Sue Vincent Rodeo Classic competition: https://carrotranch.com/2021/02/01/the-sue-vincent-rodeo-classic/

Link to the : Special Collection Flash Fiction Challenge

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

February Book Reviews Part 1! @VashtiQV @ChuckWesJ @stacitroilo @Marjorie_Mallon #IARTG #ASMSG #WritingCommunity #bookreviews #mustread #indieauthors – Author D.L. Finn

Thank you so much to D. L. Finn for this wonderful review post supporting so many indie authors : Vashti Vega, Charles W Jones, D. L. Cross (Staci Troilo,) and including yours truly and Mr. Sagittarius is so thrilled!

Source: February Book Reviews Part 1! @VashtiQV @ChuckWesJ @stacitroilo @Marjorie_Mallon #IARTG #ASMSG #WritingCommunity #bookreviews #mustread #indieauthors – Author D.L. Finn

#TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 211, #ABHANGA, OR #POETSCHOICE

The Abhanga is written in 4 line stanzas with the following pattern, 6 -6-6-4

The second and third line rhyme.

I’m intrigued by the new form Abhanga that Colleen mentioned on her blog, https://wordcraftpoetry.com/2021/02/02/tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-211-abhanga-or-poetschoice/ so I’m giving it a go – using this photo as inspiration.

You know I love superheroes!

Used to be Bateman Street!

Spray paint vandals, a whim

Batman, you’ve heard of him?

Vigilante.

***

Perhaps the joker’s deed?

To paint all of these signs?

Funny road, what a bind,

Where’s batman now?

Yes, Bateman street does exist. I can vouch for that. But what about Batman street? It exists until someone gets rid of that red paint!

I haven’t been there for a while so it could still be Batman street!

Before I go, I have a new release coming out soon which is currently on pre-order. A poetry collection, Lockdown Innit, Poems About Absurdity. Release date scheduled for 26th February!!!

It is available to pre-order:

Preorder Buying Links Lockdown Innit Releases February 26th

Kindle Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08VW81Q53/

Kindle Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VW81Q53/

Universal link for kindle: https://mybook.to/Lockdowninnit

BLURB

Lockdown Innit is a poetry collection of eighteen poems about life’s absurdities and frustrations during lockdown. Wherever you live in this world, this is for you. Expect humour, a dollop of banter and ridiculous rants here and there. Amongst other delights, witness the strange antics of a swan posing by a bin and two statuesque horses appearing like arc deco pieces in a field. Check out the violin player on a tightrope, or the cheeky unmentionables wafting in the lockdown breeze!

Have a restful Sunday, stay safe and well. x

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Authors Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Mallon/e/B074CGNK4L
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon