Media Kit: Lockdown Innit Poems About Absurdity #media #kit #poetry #book #lockdown #poems

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!

Lockdown Innit Poems About Absurdity is now available in paperback via Amazon.

Amazon Universal link: mybook.to/Lockdowninnit

It is also available in paperback at Waterstones online store: https://www.waterstones.com/book/lockdown-innit/m-j-mallon/9781999822408

Amazon/Goodreads Customer Reviews

Reader4life 5.0 out of 5 stars Poetic pieces of pandemic history Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 March 2021 Lockdown innit is a wonderful collection of predominantly free verse poetry on all kinds of themes experienced during the author’s third lockdown. I am sure many of the pieces will resonate with readers who have also experienced humanities frustrating behaviours during this pandemic.
The discarded masks rolling down the roads and the impact of this on wildlife in the future when landfills are filled, and oceans invariably get full of them is certainly something that has crossed my mind. (Simply cutting off the side strings from the masks before throwing disposable ones away could make a big difference so they don’t get tangled on wildlife!) I’ve also had my fair share of dealing with drivers filled with road rage, presumably from the stress!
The varied mood and tone of the pieces is equally matched with the lovely presentation and wonderful splashes of humour. Emotive and descriptive language is employed to engage our senses and of course my favourite piece is probably ‘This Face.’ Making this a highly enjoyable collection and one I have no doubt in recommending!
Author Sarah Northwood

DGKaye 5.0 out of 5 stars Life and Observations Through Covid Lockdown Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 March 2021 This is Mallon’s second book where she shares her views, observations and incidents she’s endured dealing with the Covid lockdown. Mallon shares her thoughts and worries and experiences through poetic prose, and free verse writing in this book, documenting a range of emotions from fear to humor.

The author gives us a glimpse of her views from taking in the mundane and everyday happenings in life, to a few scares of her own, expressed from her point of experience. She shares stories about her daughters and elaborates on some of the ideas they had to stay entertained, to an ode to her mum and the silly shenanigans that go on in supermarkets – “Shopping Bozos”, demonstrating some of the inconsiderate behaviors of some people during a pandemic.

This an entertaining documented journey through the author’s eyes of circumstances and life during the Covid lockdowns. Memorabilia for the future – lest we forget.

Disclaimer: I was gifted with an ARC by the author

Feb 26, 2021 Didi Oviatt rated it it was amazing I devoured this quick book of poetry in one sitting. It took me less than an hour and I enjoyed every page. Mallon has a way of capturing your attention, and every poem is relatable. It’s smooth easy reading offers a mix of thoughts, events, and a variety of happenings some of which are silly and some are a lot more edgy and serious. I’ll quickly highlight a couple of my favorites:
Road Rage is a poem about an outing that has Mallon on edge. I really enjoyed this one because I get massive road rage myself, so it gave me a little perspective on own outrage!
Breast Lump really hit home as cancer runs in my family. I was on edge during the entire poem wondering what was going to happen. My heart really went out to the people in the waiting room, and it was a big reminder for me personally to stay humble, positive and to keep on top of checkups.
Bucket list was also a favorite for me. Its simple and adorable and I could relate to every line.
All in all I really enjoyed every single poem. Kudos M.J. on another winning release!

Colleen Chesebro‘s review Apr 15, 2021
it was amazing book shelves: poetry

“Lockdown Innit – Poems About Absurdity” is a collection of poetry about the third wave of lockdowns in the U.K. because of the Corona Virus pandemic. Seen through the eyes of poet and author M. J. Mallon, not everything is as it seems, and we should take nothing for granted.

The Coronavirus has brought much of the U.K. and Europe to their knees, while here in the U. S. they’ve taken a more lackadaisical approach to the pandemic. Mallon shares the trials and tribulations of her life in lockdown through her poetry.

Her poem, “The Face Mask Rolls” left me with the haunting image of a discarded mask rolling down the road, clearly, a metaphor for the despair this virus has wracked upon humanity.

This is a short, poignant collection that will forever remind us of a time when no one had control over their lives. A must-read!

Many thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book.

Adele Park 5.0 out of 5 stars A release from Lockdown fever Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 April 2021 Verified Purchase My review for M J Mallon’s Lockdown Innit.
I always enjoy Marjorie Mallon’s poetry and stories and this was no exception.
The poems were topical and contained excerpts which we all can relate to. Living under the strain of lockdown we all need a release and reading these poems made me smile, nod my head in agreement or shed a tear. A funny but poignant look at life under lockdown.
One of my favourites was Lockdown Breeze what a great piece to open with.
5 stars and a book I will go back to again and again.

Mar 05, 2021 Lizzie Chantree rated it was amazing. Interesting and thought provoking. A short book and quick read. The content is about the author’s thoughts on lockdown and how it affected her and others around her. Well written poetry and a book I’d recommend to others.

R J DOCKETT 5.0 out of 5 stars I loved it.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 February 2021I loved the poems, they captured the spirit of the times, the vagaries of human behaviour, the poignant signs of a society in change. There are some beautiful observations of what has become the new normal.

Priscilla Bettis 4.0 out of 5 stars From Washing Clothes to Butterfly Horses Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2021 This is a short collection of poetry inspired by covid lockdowns of 2020.

Mallon’s subjects range from silly to sad. It covers the everyday (like hanging clothes on a line) to sweet love to people getting stressed out.

My favorite poem is Horses Like Statues which is a butterfly cinquain. I like the imagery, and I think it’s cool how the poem looks like a butterfly on the page.

I picked up this book through my Kindle Unlimited subscription. Glad I gave it a read!

D.L. Finn 4.0 out of 5 stars A unique perspective in strange times.Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2021. “Lockdown Innit” is a glimpse into the pandemic through poetry. There were various subjects and types of poetry, including going to the supermarket, driving, cancer, and books. I laughed when reading “SuperMarket Bozos,” it reminded me of my feisty grandmother. “ROAD RAGE DURING COVID-19” is an all too often occurrence, even during the last year. While “Little Library” offered a picture of something one could do during the stay-at-home orders, read. The collection ended with “THIS author longs for Pets,” and I admit jumping into a cat’s dream might be that perfect escape from the heaviness of the epidemic. This is a book I’d like to go back and read ten years from now as a reminder of this time in history because it gives a unique perspective into strange times.

SVG 4.0 out of 5 stars Truthful collection of poems Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2021Author Marjorie Mallon’s keen sense of observation came to play in the way the poems were penned. Different emotions like fear, anger, longing, desire, humor were evoked while reading them.

The words also showed how people behaved during these tough times. It is the truth that some have still not learned after losing so many lives across the world. Many in the book were hard-hitting, some were humorous, and the best ones were, where the spoke of her love for her daughters through her words. Hope sailed through in them.

Then the author sneaked in a wispy one longing to be like the cat, dreaming peacefully of normal times. A perfect way to end the book.

Felicia Denise 4.0 out of 5 stars Living in the Time of Covid-19 Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2021 Frustration, trepidation, fear, confusion, ennui, and boredom. Marjorie Mallon has taken the emotions so many of us experienced at life’s ironies and absurdities during coronavirus lockdowns and penned them in musings with her short prose and poetry.

From anger at the unmasked and the privileged to the trials of working from home and a health scare to a bin-guarding swan, memories of 2020 are crystal clear.

This short collection isn’t just a memoir and observations, but also a tribute to the spring the whole world changed.

Sheila 4.0 out of 5 stars Discerning and quirky poetic observation of life in lockdown Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 4, 2021. In this collection of poems, MJ Mallon has given us a wry series of vignettes of our society during a very strange year in history; it reminded me in part of theatre of the absurd, and she carries it out with an admirable lightness of touch. She conveys the folly, the irritability, the absurdity of people’s behaviour, along with a feeling of being lost and adrift.

The reader has a sense of having opened various windows, to see how other people have coped with lockdown. We find honest observation of life: people doing foolish things in supermarkets; quirky observations of nature that may well have gone unnoticed in other, busier times; or which may not have been there for us to see, but for the fact that wild animals too have felt the strangeness, and strayed into the urban environment. Examples given are the appearance of a swan by a dustbin.

We also find gems of delight in all this: the author’s observation of the horses like statues, and the violin player on a tightrope; and I loved the poem about the local village community library. We have a pop-up lending library at the bottom of our road. It demonstrates how human beings can react so differently to crises, and while some withdraw into themselves, doing things that seem selfish or stupid to others, we also find those who come up with inspirational ideas to make life better for those around them.

The poem about breast cancer explores the subject beautifully, showing the author’s relief set against her poignant awareness of others who are not so lucky. Through the entire volume, there floats a sensation of oddness, simply noted and preserved in a poem.

I feel these poems are written by someone who sees life at an angle, shifted one degree by the quiet act of observation.

Highly recommended.

S. G. Cronin 4.0 out of 5 stars Reflections on a year of lockdown with a touch of humour Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 March 2021This is a collection of poems that most of us can relate to. In the year since the first lockdown, families have been brought together in the confines of a home with limited opportunity to go further than a walk in the park. Normal activities suddenly become more valued and minds become creative in finding new ways to stay engaged and sane.

The author also takes a look at society and how some are happy to be selfish in the face of a national and global pandemic, with disregard for their own safety and others around them.. and a road rage bully is not about to change his spots.

There is humour in the verses and poignant reminders of the worry of being too far away from loved ones to support them.. I had some favourites and The Little Library is one which was a tribute to the comfort of books and Bucket List with inventive ideas to brighten the long lockdown days and weeks.

A lovely collection with verses to cheer and others to remind us to be safe..

Ellen Best 4.0 out of 5 stars poetic justice or at least examples of. One day books like this will be lol moments to share Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 February 2021A sometimes belly laugh account in poetic form and sometimes a shocking poem of others behaviour. All are relatable and many are reminders of what lots of us experienced during the lockdown. Marje captures it all in this book of unexpected titters and tears.

Lockdown Innit – Poems About Absurdity – #Paperback #Reviews #Poetry #Excerpt

Find out about the cute image on the back cover created by Sarah Northwood on this previous blog post: https://mjmallon.com/2021/04/10/lockdown-innit-poems-about-absurdity-paperback-reviews-poetry-excerpt/

Interview with M.J. Mallon, author of Lockdown Innit

https://dgkayewriter.com/q-a-with-d-g-kaye-featuring-mj-mallon-and-newrelease-lockdown-innit/

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April 15, 2021 4

Media Kit: Mr. Sagittarius #poetry #prose #photography

Blurb

Who Is Mr. Sagittarius?

And what is his connection to twin brothers, Harold and William?

When Harold dies he leaves a simple memorial request

Will his sister Annette honour it?

Or, will the magic of the garden ensure that she does.

A magical story expressed via poetry and prose with photographic images.

Mr. Sagittarius is a collection of poetry, prose and photographic images inspired by the botanical gardens in Cambridge. Photography is in the genes! Both my uncle and grandfather were photographers. My grandfather A.G. Ingram was originally with the photography company Ingram, Gordon & Co in Haddington up until the mid thirties. Then he ventured on his own to form the Scottish Pictorial Press in Edinburgh supplying photos to the press. When war broke out Scottish Pictorial Press became defunct. After the war he started AG Ingram Ltd, Commercial Photographers, at 3 successive locations in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Mr. Sagittarius features a variety of photographs including ones of: trees, a robin and a dragonfly! As well as this there are several stories, and some Halloween poems.

It is dedicated to two amazing ladies: Colleen Chesebro (for her weekly poetry challenges and Charli Mills (flash fiction challenges.) Both ladies have been a source of inspiration and encouragement.

Mr. Sagittarius is a magical celebration of the natural world, a circle of life story with an emphasis on the changing seasons of the year.

Featured at Treasuring Poetry, hosted and reviewed by Robbie Cheadle

Treasuring Poetry: Meet author and poet M J Mallon

Contents include:

THE GOLDEN WEEPING WILLOW (story and poem plus photo of a dragonfly)

GOLDEN WILLOW TREE (poem and photo)

ROBIN: ETHEREE (poem and photo)

LIFE LESSONS FROM BUDDHA (poem)

LIFE LESSONS FROM CATS (poem and photo image via Samantha Murdoch)

MR. FROWNING TREE (poem and photo)

RAINBOW CHILD (story and image of Tourmaline crystal via Samantha Murdoch)

FRIENDS FOR TEA (poem)

THE CANDY CORN MONSTER (Halloween poem)

CANDYFLOSS CRITTER (Halloween poem)

MR GHOST WITH EASE (Halloween poem)

DREAMING AT HALLOWEEN (Halloween poem)

ODE TO LOVE –ETERNAL (Ghost/love poem)

LOVE TAKEN BY DEATH: DIAMANTE (poem)

GHOST: SEPTOLET (Ghost poem)

A FACE ON BARK: ETHEREE (poem)

LOLLIPOP SUNSHINE TREE (poem and photo)

FOR MR. SNOWMAN (poem)

SERENA’S CHRISTMAS BUBBLE MONSTER (humorous story and photo)

BUBBLY SNOWMAN KISSES (poem)

THAT TWINKLE IN HER EYES IS MAGIC (poem)

THE OLD MAN OF SNOW AND THE SNOW SNAKE (story)

MY HEART IS A CAVE (poem)

MR. SAGITTARIUS (story)

MR. SAGITTARIUS DIED THIS DAY IN THIS SNOW DROP GARDEN (poem/prose/photo of snow drops.)

LOVE (story)

Wonderful 5+ star review from Vine Voice Reviewer: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/5-stars-for-mr-sagittarius-poetry-prose-by-marjorie_mallon-nature-poetry-prose-bookreview

Wonderful 5 star review for Mr. Sagittarius poetry and prose from author D. L. Finn

“Mr. Sagittarius” is a wonderful collection of poetry, prose, and pictures weaved into a magical story. The book focuses on three older siblings. The male twins have developed a special relationship, making their sister feeling left out. When one twin passes, that leaves the brother and sister to grieve. The stories have powerful images that move the narrative along and sometimes veer off into the unknown for a quick visit. We are led through picturesque scenery and whimsical moments, which include an unusual bubble bath, a rainbow hat, and an ice cave. The poetry was beautiful and powerful, and the photos captured nature brilliantly. A quick read that I found relaxing and endearing. A perfect escape in unsettled times that I recommend.

by M.J. Mallon (Goodreads Author)
Robbie Cheadle‘s 5 star review May 09, 2021
Mr Sagittarius is a beautiful collection of poems and short stories, set in the lovely gardens of Cambridge and linked by the visits and experiences of a family of twin brothers and their younger sister.

The story starts with William visiting the weeping willow tree in the garden, a place that was special to his twin brother, Harold, who has recently passed away. William sees Harold’s spirit in a dragonfly that he chats to and finds solace in their one-sided communication.

This is a few lines from a poem about the dragonfly:
“Ancient, sweet fellow
Sacred magic bestower,
Change tumbling on fragile wings.”

When William returns home, he has an altercation with his sister, Annette. During their spat Annette reveals that she has always felt left out and overlooked by her twin brothers. This revelation leads to William and Annette becoming closer and visiting the garden together. Not long after, William passes on and Annette is left alone. She visits the garden and communicates with the spirits of both her brothers over the course of the rest of her long life.

The visits of the siblings to the garden are captured in lovely verse. This is an example I really enjoyed:
“I dream in colour
But now everything is dark
Where has the light gone?
Oh, cruel leafy canopy,
No green meadow, just blue thoughts.”

My favourite of the short stories was The Old Man of Snow and The Snow Snake. This is a story about making good choices in life and rejecting greed. I enjoyed the tale and the descriptive writing.

Mr Sagittarius is a gorgeous book full of delightfully depictive poems and short stories and decorated with striking photographs. This is a book that lovers of poetry, mystery, and wonder will love.

Also, many thanks to Sally Cronin for a wonderful feature review shout out recently too for Mr. Sagittarius.

Smorgasbord Posts from My Archives – Past Book Reviews 2020 – #Poetry and #Prose Mr. Sagittarius by M.J. Mallon

5 stars from Ritu Bhathal A beautiful combination of Prose, Poetry and Photography.

“A magical book filled with prose, poetry and photographs all linking back to twin brothers, William and Harold.
A fascination with the botanical gardens, and regular visits to the bench under the Golden weeping willow, spark poetic memorise and introduce magical creatures.
I have to say, I loved the Bubble Monster!
The author, MJ, Mallon, has weaved a mystical tale using her poetry and story-telling, to produce a lovely short read that can be dipped into whenever you want.”

https://butismileanyway.com/2020/02/29/february-2020-books-amreading/

5 stars from Colleen Chesebro: A marvelous journey through photographs, prose, and poetry. A marvelous journey through photographs, prose, and poetry.

“Mr. Sagittarius is the tale of two very different brothers and their only sister, told in poetry and prose inspired by the natural beauty of the botanical gardens in Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Montreal. The accompanying photographs compliment the story adding to the beauty of the author’s words.

We begin with William, who is mourning the loss of his brother Harold. However, he isn’t the only one feeling the pain of bereavement. Annette, the sister, also laments Harold’s passing. This loss forces the two remaining members of the family to come to grips with their grief in a most extraordinary way.

This is a charming poetic journey inspired by the author’s chance meeting with a dragonfly and a robin, sure to delight all readers. Yet, there is more than one magical tale spilling from this collection. By the time you reach the finale, Mr. Sagittarius reveals the wisdom of a life richly lived.”

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

5 stars from Sally Cronin A Magical Collection of Prose and Verse.

“Set against the beautiful back drop of the botanical gardens in Cambridge, prose and verse tell the story of people who find solace and joy in the weeping willow tree and dragonflies and in the wonders of the orchids in the hot house. Twin brothers have a favourite bench where they watch the world go by, and their sister Annette reflects on her life after their loss… Other characters make their appearances sharing the magic of the natural world, including young Aurora who collects rainbows and semi-precious stones.

The author takes us through the seasons with poems reflecting the festivals such as Halloween and Christmas, with ghosts and snowmen and a Christmas Bubble Monster. Finally we meet Mr. Sagittarius who shares the loves of his long life….

This is a delightful read with wonderful photographs to enhance the words, and you will find yourself returning to certain passages to read again and enjoy. I am sure you will find your own favourites and I was hard pushed to select just one, but the Etheree: A Face on Bark struck a chord with me.” Author Sally Cronin.

https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2020/03/04/smorgasbord-book-reviews-poetry-and-prose-mr-sagittarius-by-m-j-mallon/

“This is a short book of poetry and prose about aging siblings and the wisdom of Nature. Mallon’s prose reads like fairy tales, and her poetry reads like magic. The stories and poems are loosely linked, episodic snapshots of the sibling’s lives. It’s an upbeat, happy read.” A Happy Read – Priscilla Bettis, author.

“What a magical Web is woven here by author Marjorie Mallon. A tale of two brothers and a sister, botanical gardens, magical creatures and a bench under a Golden Willow Tree. This delightful mix can be either read in one go or enjoyed as momentary fix. I truly cannot recommend Mr Sagittarius enough there is something for everyone inside it’s pages. I shall say no more apart from urge you to read this book and be totally charmed by it.” Willow Willers.

From poet and author Camilla Downs:

“I absolutely adore this book and will be sharing it with my 18 year old daughter. I enjoyed the different styles of poetry and prose mixed together with photography. It flowed beautifully. An uplifting, magical, sweet gem of a book.”

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3291542791/

This was a charming and whimsical read. The author, Mallon, takes us into a magical world in her prose in a tale about 2 siblings, Annette and William, both aging and dealing in their own ways with the grief and some resentments of their departed brother Harold, twin to William. They open up to each other on a bench under the Golden Weeping Willow tree where nature reveals messages.

Mallon did a wonderful job projecting the imagery as the story interconnects with intermittent poetry taking place in the magical botanical gardens, and beautiful photographs added to complement the story.

This is a short upbeat read with great descriptions and an engaging story.

5 star review from author D G Kaye: https://dgkayewriter.com/sunday-book-review-marjorie-mallons-mr-sagittarius-poetry/

5.0 out of 5 stars A poetic journey through life. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 April 2020 Verified Purchase Shaped with poems and beautiful pictures this book is a must-read and keep. This novel is the kind you will go back to again and again to dip into and read your favourites. A fantastic book, the author has delivered with engaging characters and beautiful prose. Well done. Adele Marie Park.

Details of my blog tour posts here: https://mjmallon.com/2020/02/23/thank-you-to-my-blog-tour-hosts-mr-sagittarius-poetry-and-prose/

Q and A: https://dgkayewriter.com/q-a-with-d-g-kaye-featuring-marjorie-mallon-and-mr-sagittarius/

Camilla Downs: http://meetingtheauthors.com/2020/03/28/meet-the-author-mr-sagittarius-by-m-j-mallon/

Ruchira Khanna: https://abracabadra.blogspot.com/2020/02/book-blitz-mr-sagittarius-by-m-j-mallon.html

Richard Dee: https://richarddeescifi.co.uk/the-indie-showcase-presents-marjorie-mallon-2/

Available on Amazon Kindle and free on Amazon Kindle Unlimited and now in paperback: Buying Link: http://mybook.to/MrSagittarius

Short Stories in Anthologies:

Bestselling horror compilation –

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/

Author Bio – Long

I am an author who has been blogging for many moons at my lovely blog home Kyrosmagica: https://mjmallon.com.

My interests include writing, photography, poetry, and alternative therapies. I write YA Fantasy/Paranormal novels, ghost/horror short stories and middle grade fiction as well as micropoetry – haiku and tanka.

I love to read and have written over 100 reviews: https://mjmallon.com/2015/09/28/a-m-of-my-book-reviews/

My alter ego is MJ – Mary Jane from Spiderman. I love superheros! I was born on the 17th of November in Lion City: Singapore, (a passionate Scorpio, with the Chinese Zodiac sign a lucky rabbit. I grew up in a mountainous court in the Peak District in Hong Kong.

As a teenager I travelled to many far-flung destinations. It’s rumoured that I now live in the Venice of Cambridge, with my six foot hunk of a Rock God husband. My two enchanted daughters often return to visit me with a cheery smile.

When I’m not writing, I eat exotic delicacies while belly dancing, or surf to the far reaches of the moon. To chill out, I practise Tai Chi. If the mood takes me I snorkel with mermaids, or sign up for idyllic holidays with the Chinese Unicorn, whose magnificent voice sings like a thousand wind chimes.

Professional Details:

I’m a member of two professional writing groups: The Society of Children’s Writers and Book Illustrators and Cambridge Writers.

I run a supportive group for authors/bloggers with fellow Administrator D G Kaye on Facebook: Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club

Publishing credits:

To prologue or not to prologue that is the question… with @Marjorie_Mallon #Sundayblogshare

The Magic of The Dragonfly: Poetry in Motion

Author Bio – Short

I write YA Fantasy/Paranormal novels, Horror/Ghost short stories and multi-genre flash fiction as well as micro poetry – haiku and Tanka. I share book reviews, poetry, flash fiction, photography and inspirational details of my writing journey at my lovely blog home – Kyrosmagica: https://mjmallon.com/

I run a supportive group for authors/bloggers on Facebook: Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club

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March 1, 2020 13

MEDIA KIT: The Curse of Time – M J Mallon #YA #Fantasy #Paranormal #Horror #Writer #Poet

I am an author who has been blogging for many moons at my lovely blog home Kyrosmagica: https://mjmallon.com. My interests include writing, photography, poetry, and alternative therapies. I write Fantasy YA/Paranormal novels, Horror/Ghost Short stories and micro poetry – haiku and tanka. I love to read and have written over 100 reviews: https://mjmallon.com/2015/09/28/a-z-of-my-book-reviews/

My alter ego is MJ – Mary Jane from Spiderman. I love superheroes! I was born on the 17th of November in Lion City: Singapore, (a passionate Scorpio, with the Chinese Zodiac sign a lucky rabbit,) second child and only daughter to my proud parents Paula and Ronald. I grew up in a mountainous court in the Peak District in Hong Kong with my elder brother Donald. My parents dragged me away from my exotic childhood and my much loved dog Topsy to the frozen wastelands of Scotland. In bonnie Edinburgh I mastered Scottish country dancing, and a whole new Och Aye lingo.

As a teenager I travelled to many far-flung destinations to visit my abacus wielding wayfarer dad. It’s rumoured that I now live in the Venice of Cambridge, with my six foot hunk of a Rock God husband, and my two enchanted daughters. After such an upbringing my author’s mind has taken total leave of its senses! When I’m not writing, I eat exotic delicacies while belly dancing, or surf to the far reaches of the moon. To chill out, I practise Tai Chi. If the mood takes me I snorkel with mermaids, or sign up for idyllic holidays with the Chinese Unicorn, whose magnificent voice sings like a thousand wind chimes.

Books by M J Mallon:

The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone

Blurb:

Fifteen-year-old Amelina Scott lives in Cambridge with her dysfunctional family, a mysterious black cat, and an unusual girl who’s 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 pathway where she encounters Ryder, a charismatic, but perplexing stranger.

With the help of a magical paint set, and some crystal wizard stones she discovers the truth about a shocking curse that has destroyed her family’s happiness.

NEWS!!! THE CURSE OF TIME HAS BEEN ACQUIRED BY PUBLISHER – NEXT CHAPTER PUBLISHING. MORE DETAILS SOON.

ORIGINAL Title DETAILS:

The Curse of Time Book 1 – Bloodstone
Kindle Publication date: 27th August 2017
Genre: YA/Paranormal Fantasy
Pages: 237
ASIN: B074CDJPY9
Buy Book (Original Title,) updated republished version coming soon: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Paperback Release date – 2nd April 2018
Genre: YA/Paranormal Fantasy
Pages: 240
ISBN: 9781999822439
Book Design: https://wendyannedarling.wordpress.com/
Photography Credit: Dr John C Taylor, OBE: http://www.johnctaylor.com/
Illustration: Paperback includes additional material – two black and white illustrations by Artist – Carolina Russo: https://yesterdayafter.com/
Edited by Colleen Chesebro: https://colleenchesebro.com

Buy Book (Original Title): myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Unique Selling Point: Unique, Imaginative, ‘Charming, enchanting and richly layered this is purely delightful.’

Latest author interview: http://fiphillipswriter.com/2020/05/11/author-interview-with-m-j-mallon/

“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)

The Curse of Time – Book 1 – Bloodstone

Blurb:

With the help of a magical paint set, and some crystal wizard stones she discovers the truth about a shocking curse that has destroyed her family’s happiness.

My poetry, prose and photography collection released on February 16th.

Mr. Sagittarius is available in kindle, full colour paperback and free in Amazon Kindle Unlimited.

Blurb:

Who Is Mr. Sagittarius?

And what is his connection to twin brothers, Harold and William?

When Harold dies he leaves a simple memorial request

Will his sister Annette honour it?

Or, will the magic of the garden ensure that she does.

A magical story expressed via poetry and prose with photographic images.

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

Amazon UK Kindle links:

Amazon USA kindle link:

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Sagittarius-Poetry-Prose-Mallon-ebook/dp/B084DQV3HW/

Horror Anthologies:

I am a participating author in Dan Alatorre’s anthology: Nightmareland with my story Scrabble Boy.

From the creators of the #1 bestseller The Box Under The Bed horror anthology and its #1 bestseller sequel Dark Visions, comes Nightmareland
A best-selling horror anthology with 23 stories from 14 authors.

I am a participating author in Plaisted Publishing House’s Ghostly Anthology 2019 with my short story Dexter’s Creepy Caverns.

Free Universal Buying Link: https://books2read.com/b/mv2Vvz?fbclid=IwAR1QxHsgD-ahPT4jhydWid7IC5bfpmSoV4N34XjEZXeEazQ-s5QJcX4A21k

Please note, it is showing as 99p on Amazon, which take a little longer for it to recognise its free elsewhere.

I’m contributing two poems to Plaisted Publishing House Ghostly Writers short story collection. Ghostly Romance Anthology Volume 1 is now FREE on Amazon:

I also contributed to Plaisted Publishing House Ghostly Writes Anthology 2018 with my story Ghostly Goodbye.

Ghostly Goodbye by M J Mallon

Ghostly Goodbye is a paranormal love story about a young woman called Iris who can’t get over her husband’s death. She is mourning him so much that she feels dead inside. Her husband Ed sends her a ghostly message from beyond the grave via an old forgotten garment in her wardrobe. She responds by dragging herself from her tomb-like bed and he draws back the curtain of death to visit her in a most unusual way.

Reviews needed! Please support us.

Available on Amazon, Apple, Nook, Kobo, Scribd, 24S, Playster, Indigo, Angus & Robertson, Mondadori Store: Universal Buying Link

Articles:

The Magic of The Dragonfly: Poetry in Motion

To prologue or not to prologue that is the question… with @Marjorie_Mallon #Sundayblogshare

Social Media Links

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

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

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-j-mallon

Collaborations:

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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Samantha Murdoch kindly allowed me to use the following images in my publicity and on the spine of my paperback of The Curse of Time Book 1 Bloodstone.

The Bloodstone

and images of her cat Lily (who is very like the black cat Shadow in my book, The Curse of Time.

Characters Illustration – A Collaboration with Author MJ Mallon – 1st Stop Blog Tour! #ABRSC

Carolina Russo has created two wonderful portraits of my characters which feature in my paperback. Below is the full colour version, the paperback images are in black and white.

Esme And The Mirror ©Carolina Russo - Online Use

Fun facts about Marje:

1. I wish I could be wonder woman or MJ from Spiderman
2. I adore crystals, alternative therapies, the unusual and the strange. I’m a qualified Aromatherapist, Reflexologist, (I no longer work as a therapist instead I devote my spare time to reading, writing, blogging and reviewing.)
3. Some say that I am a white witch…my blogging friends confer and have included me in the Sisters of The Fey, a writerly collaboration.
4. My husband can’t remember asking me to marry him and neither can I. He suspects I cast a spell on him!
5. I have travelled to many foreign destinations, including: Papua New Guinea, Fiji, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Rome, Venice, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium and Portugal. I would love the funds to travel some more!
6. I currently work as a receptionist for a private sixth form in Cambridge. In quiet moments I observe peoples’ mannerisms, listen to snippets of gossip and dream up new story ideas.
7. I love food! Asian food and anything spicy, yum…My mother is Malaysian and my father is Scottish so I grew up with a very varied diet.
8. My motto is to do what you love! Stay true to your heart’s desires, remain young at heart, and inspire others to do so, even if the odds are stacked against you like black-hearted shadows.
9. I studied Communication Studies at University, (marketing, media studies, public relations, etc.) My degree is coming in mighty handy now.
10. I love cats but don’t own one (my husband and daughter are allergic,) so I adopted a virtual black cat called Lily who looks like my black cat character Shadow in my book: https://mjmallon.com/2017/05/17/shadow-welcomes-lily-the-cat-to-kyrosmagica/
11. I have so many writing projects and so little time! I am a writing butterfly so this pains me greatly!
12. I am an original! I have been to every single Bloggers Bash until now. http://sachablack.co.uk/annual-bloggers-bash/
13. I have met the inventor of The Corpus Christi Chronophage clock – Dr John C Taylor, OBE who kindly gave me permission to use his images in my book. http://www.johnctaylor.com/the-chronophage/
14. I enjoy interviewing my fictional characters on my blog. Currently you can meet
Shadow: https://mjmallon.com/2017/05/11/my-interview-with-shadow-a-black-cat-character-with-a-past/
Amelina: https://mjmallon.com/2017/08/20/mj-interviews-amelina-the-curse-of-time-bloodstone-sundayblogshare/

Ryder: https://mjmallon.com/2017/07/02/mj-interviews-ryder-the-curse-of-time-bloodstone/

1st Prize Winner of The Bloggers Bash Blog Post Competition 2018: https://mjmallon.com/2018/03/21/the-bloggers-bash-blog-post-competition-2018-the-queens-dress-down-day/

Winner of Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge no. 7 with my murderous flash – Mr Blamey. https://carrotranch.com/2017/12/19/winner-of-flash-fiction-contest-7/

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