Debby Gies covers all the essentials of self-publishing in this fantastic blog post.
COLLEEN’S WEEKLY #TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 91, “Magic & Green,” #SYNONYMSONLY
Yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Pembroke College with the SCBWI group – writers and illustrators. We had a fantastic time.
A statue – Figure in a Shelter – by Henry Moore caught my eye and I wrote a short piece of flash fiction using it as inspiration. So today I thought I’d share with you the photos and flash fiction plus a Tanka too.
For Green I used greenery and devilry for magic.
This ended up very Dr Who like!
Behold a statue,
What devilry can this be?
A woman captured,
Fooled by the lush greenery,
Buckled, damaged by a child.
A statue dominated the landscape of green, lush perfection. Two halves beckoned to her to approach. She hesitated, unsure. Captured within she imagined that a triangle of light fell on the woman within enveloping her hunched over body. But she couldn’t see her expression. She didn’t smile, frown or speak. It was as if a terrible freak of nature had broken the woman’s heart and left her mute.
One side of the statue curled inwards pointing an accusing, gnarled finger. It resembled a walnut cracked – its hard exterior broken and lost without its other significant half.
The missing part curved into a perfect mould with no sharp edges or broken pieces. Its womb-like space quivered dancing away from her – out of reach.
She sighed.
She felt a hand grip her fingertips. A child’s hand, small, urgent. The voice of this hand spoke to her. ‘Come on!’
It was her four-year-old niece urging her to move away from the statue to come and play.
This small person reminded her that she was needed. Wanted. She felt a tug and another and another.
She gazed at her niece’s playful grey eyes and saw the truth. Tiny freckles speckled across her face like displaced rays of sunshine.
‘This is for you,’ she said.
It was a sunflower. Such a beautiful gift, but wilted.
The woman cried.
‘Why are you crying, Aunty?’ asked the little girl.
The statue murmured. The two halves moved inwards to caress the woman.
The girl vanished.
And so did the woman.
© M J Mallon 2018
My lovely SCBWI friends and I enjoying the sunshine and sharing our work:
To enter Colleen’s challenge please follow the link below:
Buy Paperback Book link: http://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime
Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’
“This delightful book will appeal to teens and young adults who love stories filled with magical crystals, dark family curses, and mysteries waiting to be solved around every corner. Each chapter leads you on a journey of discovery where Amelina earns the right to use three wizard stones to reset the balance of time and finally break the curse that holds her family hostage. A captivating tale!” – Colleen M. Chesebro (Editor)
Social Media:
Authors Website: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
Facebook Authors/Bloggers Support Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
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#ABRSC Review of Wisp by Adele Marie Park #YA #Fantasy #LGBT
Goodreads Synopsis:
Edra; a world where magic flourishes and where dark secrets are concealed by those who rule. Secrets which can get the innocent killed without a thought. When the body of an elf is discovered in a treacherous area of the city, Wisp a young Law Enforcer is assigned the case. He soon realises the case is far from simple. As soon as he finds one thread another one leads him to unravel a tapestry woven from lies, secrets, corruption and evil. When friendship turns to love, Wisps life, as he knew it will completely change. What started out as a murder case ends in a grisly battle which Wisp and his companions seem to have no chance of winning.
Review:
This was one of the most unusual and imaginative YA fantasy stories I have read for a long time. I really loved it. I particularly enjoyed the wonderful range of characters in the novel, which Ms. Park brought to life via her engaging writing style. I especially loved Wisp, a marsh fairy law enforcer.
The dialogue flowed effortlessly and the narrative kept me engaged throughout with some really exciting passages and witty repartee. I am so looking forward to reading the second book in this series.
Adele Marie Park shows great promise. This is her debut novel and I will definitely be following this author’s progress with great interest and much excitement.
YAY!!!
Ms. Park has also written stories for several anthologies including The Box Under The Bed, edited by Dan Alatorre, Plaisted Publishing Ghostly Writes Anthology, The Darkest Midnight in December: Ghost Stories for the Winter Season Anthology, and Betrayals of Another Kind: 2016 Fantasy Writers Anthology.
My rating of Wisp: 4.5 stars.
A definite recommendation for readers of fantasy readers, LGBT YA Fiction, (male love affair.)
Author Details:
Adele Marie Park – Bio:
I love writing, it`s my passion. My genres include fantasy, horror, urban fantasy, and a mixture of all those. I love telling stories; period. I am married to my wonderful wife, who is my rock. Our daughter and our dog, German shepherd collie cross, are also my passions. To experience a moment of pure love is to experience the world.
Creativity is something I couldn`t live without.
I am also a Supernatural geek, and love my music. Punk, Goth, Rockabilly and visual Kei music from Japan.
The paranormal is my normal.
oh, and I also totally believe in faeries.
Adele Marie Park’s Author page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adele-Park/e/B01G9VHA9W/
Blog: https://firefly465.wordpress.com/
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com/
I’ve written oodles of reviews for traditionally published and self-published authors. Reading is my passion. To see my reviews please follow the links below:
https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-my-book-reviews/
https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2016/11/27/my-kyrosmagica-reviews-n-z/
Please note:
I’d love you to leave a comment. Please read my Full GDPR Privacy and Compliance for further details: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/privacy-and-gdpr-compliance/
My Social Media:
Buy Paperback Book link: http://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime
Authors Website: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
Founder of Facebook #ABRSC Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
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Blog Tour and Review: If You Love Me I’m Yours – Lizzie Chantree #RRBC #ABRSC
I’m thrilled to be part of Lizzie Chantree’s blog tour for her latest novel: If You Love Me I’m Yours.
Thank you to Lizzie Chantree for an ARC copy of If you Love Me, I’m Yours.
Please note: Receiving a copy via the author in no way influences my review.
Goodreads Synopsis
‘If you love me, I’m yours…’
Maud didn’t mind being boring, not really. She had a sensible job, clothes, and love life… if you counted an overbearing ex who had thanked her, rolled over and was snoring before she even realised he’d begun! She could tolerate not fulfilling her dreams, if her parents would pay her one compliment about the only thing she was passionate about in life: her art.
Dot should have fit in with her flamboyant and slightly eccentric family of talented artists, but somehow, she was an anomaly who couldn’t paint. She tried hard to be part of their world by becoming an art agent extraordinaire, but she dreamed of finding her own voice.
Dot’s brother Nate, a smoulderingly sexy and famous artist, was adored by everyone. His creative talent left them in awe of his ability to capture such passion on canvas. Women worshipped him, and even Dot’s friend Maud flushed and bumped into things when he walked into a room, but a tragic event in his past had left him emotionally and physically scarred, and reluctant to face the world again.
Someone was leaving exquisite little paintings on park benches, with a tag saying, ‘If you love me, I’m yours’. The art was so fresh and cutting-edge, that it generated a media frenzy and a scramble to discover where the mystery artist could be hiding. The revelation of who the prodigious artist was interlinked Maud, Dot and Nate’s lives forever, but their worlds came crashing down.
Were bonds of friendship, love and loyalty strong enough to withstand fame, success and scandal?
My review:
I was delighted with the prospect of reading another novel from Lizzie Chantree as I really enjoyed Ninja School Mum.
Here is a link to my review for Ninja School Mum: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/01/07/abrsc-review-of-ninja-school-mum/
What I didn’t expect was that this latest book If You Love Me I’m Yours is now my favourite!
What did I like about it?
Lovely engaging characters, I especially loved the main protagonist Maud and her relationship with Daisy and new friend Dot. And Nate is too cute and his brother Elliot is too! Oh, I could go on and on… Basically I loved all the characters and the characterisation was one of the strongest aspects of this novel.
It was nice to read a light-hearted chick lit romance for a change. And I really enjoyed the fantastic conclusion. Loved the ending!
I engaged with the art aspect to it – how Maud didn’t have much confidence about her creative talents – but then left her art everywhere for people to enjoy. This was charming and touching too. I’m not an artist myself but do enjoy funky, eccentric characters and If you Love Me I’m Yours really delivered on this.
It’s an uplifting, sweet romance – a great option for a holiday read and with summer upon us…
What I wanted more of!
I loved the sexy scenes between Maud and Nate but I wanted more! I’m greedy that way. This was quite a slow burn with Maud and Nate’s uncertainties and fears, holding back the ‘love action’ which had me desperate for more! I could understand why they were both reluctant but even so. Lol.
Overall a charming, engaging novel which will bring you lots of smiles! Definitely a recommendation.
Author Bio:
Award-winning inventor and author, Lizzie Chantree, started her own business at the age of 18 and became one of Fair Play London and The Patent Office’s British Female Inventors of the Year in 2000. She discovered her love of writing fiction when her children were little and now runs networking hours on social media, where creative businesses, writers, photographers and designers can offer advice and support to each other. She lives with her family on the coast in Essex. Visit her website at www.lizziechantree.com or follow her on Twitter @Lizzie_Chantree https://twitter.com/Lizzie_Chantree.
Social media links:
Website: https://lizziechantree.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lizzie_Chantree
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizzie.chantree.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzie_chantree/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7391757.Lizzie_Chantree
Universal book buy link: viewbook.at/IfYouLoveMe-ImYours
My rating 4.5 stars.
To read all of my reviews (I review lots!!!):
https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-)my-book-reviews/
https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2016/11/27/my-kyrosmagica-reviews-n-z/
Please note:
I’d love you to leave a comment. Please read my Full GDPR Privacy and Compliance for further details: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/privacy-and-gdpr-compliance/
Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime
Social Media:
Authors Website: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
Facebook Authors/Bloggers Support Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/
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#RWISA TARGET THE TALENT (#TTT) WRITING CONTEST! – #RRBC
An opportunity for RRBC members to enter a writing competition to get a special invitation to RWISA. (Rave Writers’ Int’l Society of Authors,) and a chance to be included in the 2018 RWISA Anthology. More details via #RWISA TARGET THE TALENT (#TTT) WRITING CONTEST! – #RRBC
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10 Yoga With Adriene practices I’d recommend
A lovely post from Jenny In Neverland about 10 Yoga Practices with Adriene. Including a beginner’s option. Tempted? I am.
If I have a chance to talk about Yoga, I will. People I know who don’t care about Yoga are probably sick to death of me talking about it but hey, guess what? I’m not going to stop. In fact, I’m one click away from booking myself into a Yoga retreat in November so that’ll give me another excuse to talk about it even more! Wheyy! Anyway, Yoga is a big part of my life. I practice it every single day (unless I really can’t like being ill or on holiday) and over the last year or so, it really has changed my life.
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Interview with Author Marcia Meara!
It’s never to late to follow a dream it is never too late to write. Lovely, inspiring interview of Marcia Meara via Janice Spina at Jems Books.
MARCIA MEARA
Please welcome author Marcia Meara to Jemsbooks Blog Author Interview Segment.
Thank you, Marcia, for coming today.
Lovely to be here today, Janice! Thanks so much for having me.
I’ll step aside so you can begin, Marcia. I look forward to learning more about you.
Please tell us something about yourself.
I’m Marcia (pronounced Marsha) and I live in central Florida. I’m an ardent lover of wildlife and have spent decades birding and canoeing in the many creeks and streams of my home state, far preferring Florida’s quiet, shady swamps to its hot, sunny beaches.
I’m particularly fond of reptiles, especially snakes, and I enjoy sharing the things I’ve learned over the years. I do two or three Meet the Author slide presentations per month at various local venues, speaking as often about our fabulous wildlife and wetlands as I do about books and writing.
Gardening has…
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Why you need to be part of the Writing Community
Read post from Ari Meghlen on the importance of a writing community to encourage, share ideas and help each other. Together we are stronger.
Writing is often considered a lonely profession, and while it’s true that it’s a solitary task, it does not have to be lonesome. Even a socially-awkward, highly-anxiety-ridden person like myself, can make connections within the writing community.
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New Release! Scott Hutchison “Tribute Portrait”
A beautiful tribute from my artist friend Carolina Russo. Scott Hutchison of indie rock band Frightened Rabbit. Portion of proceeds will be donated by Carolina to Scottish Association For Mental Health. Please share widely.
Scott Hutchison Tribute – Watercolor Painting ©CarolinaRusso
Hello everyone,
Today post is to Officially Release my new watercolor painting!
My painting it is a Tribute Portrait dedicated to Scottish music artist “Scott Hutchison” this is a very emotional painting created In Loving Memory of Scott (20/11/81 – 10/5/18) R.I.P
Scott Hutchison was a wonderful music artist founding and primary songwriter of indie rock band Frightened Rabbit
This painting is my humble contribution to honor Scott soul and to raise awareness on Mental Health and suicide prevention. Scott Hutchison left our world last May 10, 2018 at age of 36. Struggling with the demons of depression. He never hid his suffering, but translated his feelings using his alienation in words creating songs that touched the heart of many around the world. He always reassured fans who reached to him about their problems that “there’s always hope”.
Scott-Hutchison – Photo by Paul Stevenson/Flickrhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode
❤❤❤
I…
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#ABRSC #Review Fairies, Myths, & Magic: A Summer Celebration – Colleen Chesebro
Thank you to Colleen Chesebro for an ARC of her latest book: Fairies, Myths & Magic: A Summer Celebration. Receiving a free copy in no way influences my review. All opinions are my own.
Amazon Synopsis:
Step into a world where fairies, dragons, and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by the celebration of Litha, the Summer Solstice.
Meet Drac, a dragon cursed by his own poisonous deeds, and two pixies who help an old man remember a lost love. You’ll meet a pair of fairies with a sense of humor, and a young girl who fulfills her destiny after being struck by lightning. Learn what happens when a modern witch’s spell goes terribly wrong. Meet the Sisters of the Fey, a group of Slavic Witches who sign a pact with the Rusalki Fey to preserve their magic for the good of all.
Atmospheric and haunting, the prose and poetry, will rewrite the mythologies of the past bringing them into the future.
My review:
A charming collection of short stories and poetry which I read through in delight, enthralled by it all. It would particularly appeal to those who love the allure of fairies, myths, fairy-tales and magic.
It begins with a short introduction to Lithia – the Midsummer Solstice – the longest day of the year which begins on June 21st.
There is a section on the different kinds of fairies: brownies, elves, pixies, sprites, dryads, leprechauns, and the author’s own amazing experience seeing her first fairy!
All the stories and poems are fantastic.
Below are my personal favourite stories and poems in the collection:
‘Just What the Doctor Ordered.’ – a couple of pixies get up to some cheeky mischief!
‘The Fairies Spider’s Lair.’ – evocative poem.
‘The Sisters of The Fey: The Beginning, A Short Story.’
‘A Fairy Love Spell’ – this is what happens if you play with magic – so funny!
‘Believe’ – A short story with the bees!
‘Waiting For A Summer Love’ – a poem.
‘The Healer – A Short story’ – with a dragon, and a blood witch. Fantastic.
‘A Litha Celebration – a poem.’
‘A Fish Tale – Short Story’ – so charming.
‘Halloween Magic’ – anyone who has had their fill of laundry will love this story. It is so funny!
‘The Leaving. A Story of Supernatural Magic.’ Definite favourite.
Colleen M. Chesebro is an American Novelist writing YA fantasy and magical realism, cross-genre fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. She loves all things magical which may mean that she could be experiencing her second childhood—or not. That part of her life hasn’t been fully decided yet.
A few years ago, a mystical experience led her to renew her passion for writing and storytelling. These days she resides in the fantasy realm of the Fairy Whisperer where she writes the magical poetry and stories that the fairy nymphs whisper to her in her dreams.
Colleen won the Little and Laugh Flash Fiction Contest sponsored by the CarrotRanch Literary Community.com in November 2017 for her piece, called “The Bus Stop.” Her debut novel, The Heart Stone Chronicles: The Swamp Fairy won gold in the 2017 AuthorsDB.com cover contest.
Colleen lives in Colorado with her husband, Ron. When she is not writing, Colleen enjoys spending time with her husband and friends. She also loves gardening, reading, and crocheting old-fashioned doilies into works of art. You can learn more about Colleen at www.colleenchesebro.com.
My rating: 5 stars
Here is the Country Tagged Universal Book Link: Smarturl.it.FairiesMythsMagic”>http://smarturl.it/FairiesMythsMagic”>Smarturl.it.FairiesMythsMagic
You can find Colleen in all the usual places. Drop by anytime.
colleenchesebro.com Author Blog
Sisters of the Fey Group Blog
I’ve written loads of reviews. Please follow to links to read more of my reviews:
https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-my-book-reviews/
https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2016/11/27/my-kyrosmagica-reviews-n-z/
I’d love you to leave a comment.
Please read my Full GDPR Privacy and Compliance details: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/2018/05/20/privacy-and-gdpr-compliance/
Buy Paperback Book link: http://mybook.to/TheCurseofTime
Social Media:
Authors Website: https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com
Collaborative blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
Facebook #ABRSC – Authors/Bloggers Support Group. Come and join us in our Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/
Tumblr: http://mjmallonauthor.tumblr.com/
M J Mallon YA Author and Poet 