Feature When Women Inspire @ChristyBis #womenshistorymonth #women #poets #inspiring

Thank you so much to Christy for inviting ❤️ me to contribute for Women’s History Month. I’m discussing a new Portuguese poet, Florbela Espanca, and my love of poetry.

Do popover to Christy’s blog to read all her wonderful posts and contributors for Women’s History Month.

Here is the link to my post:

https://whenwomeninspire.com/2023/03/23/poet-florbela-espanca-mj-mallon/?amp=1

AUTHOR SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.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/

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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.


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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 pain 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

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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:

#TankaTuesday #Ekphrastic #Poetry Challenge No. 308, 2/21/23

AUTHOR SOCIAL MEDIA DETAILS

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.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/

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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://mjmallon.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/

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#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

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://mjmallon.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:

My Services: Unicorn Cats Publishing 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

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Christmas Present to my Readers. Free ebook!!! Do What You Love #poetrycommunity #writingcommunity #Christmas #gift #ebook #inspiring #creativity #dowhatyoulove #positivity

As a thank you to my readers, a little present to put in your stocking. My latest book, Do What You Love in ebook is FREE and on offer from 22nd to 23rd December

Thursday, December 22, 2022, 12:00 AM PSTFriday, December 23, 2022, 11:59 PM PST

So I do hope you will partake of this offer! It is an inspiring little book, a short read of poetry, flash fiction, and photography. A memoir of sorts with me talking to the fates about my life to date. So, an easy read to enjoy over Christmas!

Blurb

Do What You Love 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

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/

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mqXJq8

Reviews and features:

Linda Hill, Linda’s Book Bag 5 stars

A small and perfectly formed collection about finding your way in life.

Do What You Love is simply lovely. Marjorie Mallon bases her collection on an iterative image of and conversation with the Fates as well as the concept of doing what a person loves and she affords the reader a personal insight into her life and family as she does so. I really recommend reading her author introduction in advance of the rest of the book because it sets the scene so beautifully.

Given that this is a very personal book, I was concerned that it would be too specific to the author. Not a bit of it.  There’s a wide range in Do What You Love that encompasses poetry, prose and photography so that there really is something for every reader. I particularly enjoyed the variety of writing style. The first entry, Fragility Of Your Flame, feels very traditional in style, reminiscent of traditional fables and this is continued throughout the collection, giving balance to the shorter entries as the author imagines conversations with the Fates that enable her to reflect on her life and family.

There’s such a range of emotion in Do What You Love. Parents will experience the pain of letting go of their children even whilst they might be immensely proud of them. Marjorie Mallon illustrates love, joy, sadness, pride, the impact of nature on an individual and so much more. Her sense of place and history comes through with just a tweak of her pen and she so celebrates a childlike sense of awe and joy that she helps readers connect (or indeed reconnect) with their own happiness. I especially enjoyed the entries about trees because the author reignited my love of nature.

Do What You Love is a highly personal collection to Marjorie Mallon, but at the same time as giving readers a glimpse into who she is and where she has come from, she gently guides readers to contemplate their own lives, to live more positively and to appreciate each moment. This is such a wonderful message. and a much needed one in today’s world.

Debby Gies (D G Kaye) – 5 stars

MJ Mallon has written a heartfelt book with memories, prose, and poetry, incorporated with stories of life, love, family, and nature. In some of her stories, she is in conversation with the fates: Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos, the three Moirai representing the cycle of life – birth, life and death, past, present and future. We will read shared conversations about meeting her husband, her homeland of Scotland, stories about children that grow up and leave the nest, and nostalgic stories of growing up with her parents. There are many beautiful images MJ intersperes amid her stories.

Stories from the heart is what I would classify this book – poignant moments that left indelible imprints on the author and will touch the reader, a reminiscing through life and new adventures. This book is a wonderful slice of life celebrated and spoken by the author through beautiful written words.

Favorite Quote: Long lasting marriages must be friends…”

D L Finn 5 stars

“Do What You Love” is a beautiful collection of words and photos that invite the reader into Ms. Mallon’s life. It is connected uniquely through the three sisters of fate: past, present, and future, and their insights. Whether it’s a trip abroad or down memory lane, it found a way to tug at my heart or engage me in her experiences. It is a wonderful way to share reality and engage others with flowing words and mythical beings. A quick but satisfying read that I can easily recommend to any poetry, prose, or memoir fan.

Robbie Cheadle 5 stars

This is a beautiful and personal account through poetry, prose and photographs, of the emotional highs and lows of the poet’s life. The poet is accompanied on her walk down memory lane by the three sisters of fate, the Morai: Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos with whom she engages in conversation about the particular moments in time highlighted by the poems.

While the poems are personal, their themes are universal which makes them relatable to the reader and facilitates emotional engagement with the particular set of circumstances detailed in the various syllabic poems. The poems are accompanied by beautiful photographs, many of which are nature orientated. I particularly liked the Botanical Gardens Cambridge UK.

One of my favourite poems in the collection is My Daughters. Perhaps this one appeals so much to me because my own sons are standing on the cusp of adulthood and will soon be flying the nest. This is a short extract:

“Now the drama’s nearly over. I tremble.
Expecting the next crisis to come
rippling around the lake.
The waters swaying. It’s stiller now.
They’re wiser.”

This is a book that is best savoured slowly over a glass of wine. 

Chantelle Atkins 4 stars

As other reviewers have said, this is an overwhelmingly sweet and positive collection that will not fail to make you smile during these tough times. A well written and thought provoking collection of poetry, flash fiction and photography, this is an inviting read and can be read quickly in one sitting. I loved the conversations with the Fates, as the author reflects on stages of her life. There was a lot I could relate to in this book, and as with her other works, I appreciate the author’s love and appreciation of nature. A wonderful, heart-warming collection

Balroop Singh 5 stars

‘Do What You Love’ is a little memoir that captures beautiful moments of life, giving an insight into the author’s experiences, hopes and adventures. A delightful concoction of poetry, photography and flash fiction, imagination and reality merge here to share the stories of her life in a succinct manner.

With the symbol of hibiscus flower, Marje introduces herself as a giggling and carefree child whose mentor is Lachesis – the goddess of future. How creative! It is her innovative style of writing that would capture your heart, as all three “sisters of fate” – Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos remain close to her and offer her friendly advice at each step of life.

With a pang in her heart and tears of pride in her eyes, the empty nester also shares the story of her successful daughters and is reassured by Atropos that they have to take their own path. So relatable! It is fascinating to watch the poet conversing with “sisters of fate” and the moments we cherish come alive through her poems.

Willow Willers Review

Marjorie sent me her wonderful new book to read. When I say wonderful I mean it is a book full of wonder. Marjorie takes us on a journey through her life from when she was a small child up to now where she is on verge of yet another life adventure.

In this little book of delights Marjorie introduces us to the three sisters of fate who basically are in charge of spinning out life, measuring the length of life and the ending of life. I won’t tell you anymore about them Marjorie will introduce them to you and then you can eavesdrop on their conversation and their jokes.

I really enjoyed this very personal book by Marjorie, her past, present and her future, her family and her friends . The magic she finds in the every day, her love of insects, creatures and trees her love of life. Don’t be put off by the word personal, this book is so welcoming. I strongly recommend it to you all.

EARLY REVIEWS:

Book and Brew With Ritu Bhathal  5 stars

Oh what a lovely book, filled with poetic gems and beautiful prose!
I enjoy reading MJ Mallon’s poetic fiction, where she ties poetry with prose, and have read several of her previous books written similarly.
Do What You Love is almost autobiographical in a sense that she has taken her memories and written them in poetic form, and the fictional, almost fantastical element is where she meets the three sisters of fate through her journey of reminiscences, and they talk about her different memories.
It’s not linear, but no conversation ever is, is it? Memories jump from the more recent to the older ones as they come tumbling into your mind.
I felt a keen connection to the poems about her daughters, and the autumn trees. Autumn is one of my favourite seasons.
A lovely book with a personal touch. 

 see review

Oct 31, 2022 S.C. Skillman  5 stars

Goodreads Shelves: inspirational

I’ve read this author’s work before: young adult novels, poetry and flash fiction, and I love her imaginative handling of the magical, the phantasmagorical and surreal. This short book is no exception to the quality of MJ Mallon’s output. I found her exploration of her past life captivating.

We may consider that the inclusion of often very personal material in a compilation of this sort would make it difficult for the outside reader to find a way in. This is not true at all of MJ Mallon’s poetry and prose: in many places, I related so much to what she writes, especially about a daughter ‘flying the nest’ to a faraway country. I particularly loved the device MJ Mallon uses to draw all this together: she presents it as a conversation with Atropos, one of the three Fates in Greek mythology: the Morai.

Atropos presides over the past. I thought this worked extremely well as a central metaphor. It had me googling the three Fates, and reading all about them: Clotho, who spins the threads of life, guardian of the present; Lachesis, who measures the length of life with her measuring rod, and is guardian of the future: and Atropos, who is the guardian of fate and destiny, and who chooses the manner of death by snipping the threads of an individual’s life.

MJ Mallon has had a fascinating and varied life experience: born in Singapore, she spent her childhood in Hong Kong and her teens in Edinburgh. She now lives in Cambridge. Every culture she has lived in, I believe, has influenced her imagination, her interests and her approach as a writer. In this book, we find a compilation of words and images which draw us in: poignant, sensitive, delicate, playful, as she opens up for us her past and present relationships, the places she has loved and spent time in, and her thoughts and feelings about it all.

A highly recommended book for you.

see review

Sally Cronin 5 stars

This is a delightful poetic and reflective collection of poetry, photography and flash fiction. In the company of three sisters of fate, the Morai: Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos, the author travels back in time to showcase meaningful moments of love, family, adventure and places close to her heart.

The three mythical sisters allow for interaction and exploration behind the meaning of events, meetings and connections to nature. This makes the collection very intimate and also heart-warming as the reader is reminded of their own special moments in life.

As with other collections by Marjorie Mallon nature is a key element to the narrative with flowers and trees in particular receiving their moment in the spotlight.

Family is also given the prominence it deserves, with parents and childhood memories celebrated. The love and pride for the achievements of daughters are touched by the sorrow of an inevitable parting of ways, despite the knowledge that both have inherited strength and talent that will enable them to thrive.

This is a gentle recollection of exotic places, nature, family, memories and excitement for new adventures in the sun of Portugal. The reader is left with a sense of hope and a reminder of their own lives and moments they treasure. Recommended.

Richard Dee, Welcome To The Worlds of Richard Dee 5 stars

This is a wonderful, uplifting collection of poems, short fiction pieces and pictures.

The three fates of Greek myth and their imagined interaction with the author is a great way to hold this selection of musings together.  

The overriding message is joy, hope and love. And the celebration of a life well lived.

There are some beautiful descriptions, from the Hibiscus flower to the loss of a sock, the memories of life and the poems span the globe.

I particularly liked the set of poems about the trees and the reminiscences of times spent by the sea.

Recommended for anyone who likes to be taken on a journey through the eyes of another.

Highly recommended.

Colleen Chesebro 5 stars

This is a delightful poetic and reflective collection of poetry, photography and flash fiction. In the company of three sisters of fate, the Morai: Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos, the author travels back in time to showcase meaningful moments of love, family, adventure and places close to her heart.

The three mythical sisters allow for interaction and exploration behind the meaning of events, meetings and connections to nature. This makes the collection very intimate and also heart-warming as the reader is reminded of their own special moments in life.

As with other collections by Marjorie Mallon nature is a key element to the narrative with flowers and trees in particular receiving their moment in the spotlight.

Family is also given the prominence it deserves, with parents and childhood memories celebrated. The love and pride for the achievements of daughters are touched by the sorrow of an inevitable parting of ways, despite the knowledge that both have inherited strength and talent that will enable them to thrive.

This is a gentle recollection of exotic places, nature, family, memories and excitement for new adventures in the sun of Portugal. The reader is left with a sense of hope and a reminder of their own lives and moments they treasure. Recommended.

Colleen’s Coffee Klatch: MJ Mallon, “Do What You Love,” #NewRelease

Adele Marie Park 5 Stars

M J Mallon’s new release is a wonderful mix of poetry, photography and flash fiction which leads us on a journey of discovery with the author.

The three fates advise and help our author through all phases of her life. Offering advice, sympathy and love these otherworldly beings are as much a part of the journey as they guide the young Marjorie and advise the older one.

Through each epoch of her life, we stand beside them, witnessing every decision and happiness with the author.

The mix of poetry, flash fiction and photography is something M J Mallon does very well. She combines them as part of the journey and the adventure she leads us on. She is a very skilled author and this newest release is a joy to traverse. 

Features:

https://lizziechantree.com/2022/11/25/mjmallon/embed/#?secret=V1m5XiNc3c#?secret=jMv36S8Waq

Places in our Memories: With Marjorie Mallon #MondayBlogs #Memories #<strong>Gardens and Sculptural Treasures</strong>

Interview at Mary Schwartz blog

And Do What You Love is also available in paperback with full colour photography.

I am thrilled to say that two of my poetry collections, (Mr. Sagittarius Poetry and Prose 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

The cover of the paperback and kindle have been designed by Colleen Chesebro who has a new service for authors which I can highly recommend. Colleen also designed the interior and cover of The Hedge Witch And The Musical Poet. Link to her portfolio:

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

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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://mjmallon.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.

Please support my review efforts by following my bookstagram:

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

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

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Fairies, Myths, & Magic II A Winter Celebration – Colleen Chesebro #newrelease #poetry #winter #myths #magic

A warm welcome to Colleen who is here to celebrate the launch of her new book, Fairies, Myths, & Magic II. I have had the pleasure of reading book I too! Both are wonderful books.

I was delighted to receive an early copy of Fairies, Myths, & Magic II to beta read and review.

It is a delight and will definitely get you in the mood for winter and the Christmas season.

More about that below … and a review for now… A Lovely Celebration Of The Winter Solstice.

Day Fourteen: 12/14/22 Yule Blessings Book Tour

  1. Why you wrote your book, and how much research you did for it.

Hi, Marje. Thank you for the opportunity to share the news of my new book, just in time for the winter solstice and Yule.

In writing Fairies, Myths, & Magic II, I spent a couple of years researching the different winter and Yule celebrations from around the world. I might have slipped down the rabbit hole of research for a year or so. It was interesting to find that almost every culture celebrated the winter solstice in some form.

The poetry and short stories took months for me to write. I’m not a fast writer, and often mull things over before deciding the story or poem is what I meant it to be.

This book is the second in the series. The first book included poetry and short stories dedicated to summer and the summer solstice. In the coming months, I’ll make this a two-book series boxed edition.

  • I’d also like to know which winter customs you follow.

We’re Buddhist and Pagan, so we don’t celebrate Christmas. Don’t get me wrong, when our children were still at home, we celebrated Christmas with them. After they all grew up and moved away, my husband and I decided to celebrate the winter solstice which has become our main winter celebration.

I usually start the day with some prayers and meditation. I like to do some light cleaning to sweep out last season’s energies to let in the new.

Later, we fix a lovely dinner. Some years the food is special, other years we eat whatever we have. We always share a toast to the return of the light. I always leave some honey and bread out for the house elf and the good neighbors. I want to keep them all happy.

When the darkness falls, we light white candles to chase away the darkness. White is a symbol of hope and purification. This color of candle helps to clear your thoughts for a new season. Candles also help to purify your thoughts so you can release negative energy and celebrate the longest night of the year. The winter solstice is all about celebrating the return of the light… what better way to celebrate than with candles.

We have these wonderful built-in shelves next to the fireplace. They were perfect for my winter altar for Buddha. As you can see, I have my white winter solstice candles ready to light on December 21st.

Some years we exchange a small gift with each other. This year, our gifts were various house renovations. We’re happy to have finally finished our reno project, so no other gifts are necessary—it’s good to have each other and be together.

In past years, we always hosted friends and family for the winter solstice. What better way to bring in the magic of the new year than to celebrate with those who matter most to you.

  • And which is your favourite personal poem/story in the book and why, include excerpt of that. And anything else you would like to ask yourself.

When I started researching the myths of Yule, I found all this wonderful information about the forgotten women of Yule. I was captivated by the idea that women were the first figures to influence our modern holiday celebrations.

In fact, my research shared that many of the Pagan traditions were adopted by the Christians because many of the myths were firmly rooted in the culture of the people. It was easier to change the women of Yule into saints or witches. Over time, the changes took hold. Instead of goddesses, we began to describe these female figures as fairy godmothers.

Slowly, men replaced the likes of Frau Holle with Father Christmas, Santa Claus, and the Russian, Ded Moroz. These male characters are all believed to be inspired by Odin himself!

Mōdraniht, which translates to Mother’s Night was really a surprise. On December 20th, families used to celebrate motherhood and female ancestors, as the feminine ancestors were also considered to be the guardians of the family line.

The Winter Solstice is celebrated as the rebirth of the sun, so it made sense the ancient people would celebrate the feminine connection to fertility and crops. It all goes back to our humble beginnings as an agrarian society.

I love the idea of celebrating the women we came from. Here’s a syllabic poem to celebrate our female ancestors on December 20th:

Mothers Night

Rejoice on the Night of the Mothers

pay homage to our female roots

toast your mother, grandmother,

the women in your life

who touched you with love

be brave, protect

family

blood lines,

thrive

the

mother

goddess soon

rebirths our sun,

we honor with food,

grateful messages sent

to the women who gave of

themselves, they made us who we are

we offer you our lasting respect

To Our Mothers!

Thanks so much for helping me celebrate the release of Fairies, Myths, & magic II, Marje. Happy Yule.

It’s my pleasure Colleen and I love that poem.

About the Book:

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.

Fairies, Myths, & Magic II Links:

Colleen’s Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Colleen-M-Chesebro/e/B01N9MV2RX

Amazon Universal Link: https://mybook.to/FairiesMythsMagicII

About the Author:

An avid reader, Colleen M. Chesebro rekindled her love of writing poetry after years spent working in the accounting industry. These days, she loves crafting syllabic poetry, flash fiction, and creative fiction and nonfiction.

In addition to poetry books, Chesebro’s publishing career includes participation in various anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. She’s an avid supporter of her writing community on Word Craft Poetry.com by organizing and sponsoring a weekly syllabic poetry challenge, called #TankaTuesday, where participants experiment with traditional and current forms of Japanese and American syllabic poetry. 

Chesebro is an assistant editor of The Congress of the Rough Writers Flash Fiction Anthology & Gitty Up Press, a micro-press founded by Charli Mills and Carrot Ranch.

In January 2022, Colleen founded Unicorn Cats Publishing Services to assist poets and authors in creating eBooks and print books for publication. In addition, she creates affordable book covers for Kindle and print books.

Chesebro lives in the house of her dreams in mid-Michigan surrounded by the Great Lakes with her husband and two (unicorn) cats, Chloe & Sophie.

Find Colleen here:

Word Craft Poetry: https://wordcraftpoetry.com

Colleen M. Chesebro, Author, Poet & Unicorn Cats Publishing Services: https://colleenmchesebro.com

Facebook Page: Colleen M. Chesebro, Poet & Author: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085941528913

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/colleen-m-chesebro-6b856b237

Here is a tentative schedule:

12/1/2022: Diana Peach

12/3/2022: D.L. Finn

12/5/2022: Elizabeth Gauffreau

12/7/2022: Willow Willers

12/9/2022: Ritu Bhathal

12/11/2022: Robbie Cheadle

12:13/2022: Annette Rochelle Aben

Me on the 14th

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Smorgasbord Christmas Book Fair 2022 – @sgc58 @piketoni1 #Photography #Poetry #Flash M.J. Mallon, #Women’sLit Toni Pike, #Family #Poetry Lauren Scott | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

Thank you so much to Sally for featuring myself, Toni Pike and Lauren Scott in this wonderful Book Fair at Smorgasbord.

Check out the reviews for my latest poetry, flash fiction and photography collection Do What You Love, Toni Pike’s Linda’s Mid Life Crisis, and Lauren Scott’s More Like Coffee, Memories in Verse and Prose at Sally’s Smorgasbord…

Source: Smorgasbord Christmas Book Fair 2022 – #Photography #Poetry #Flash M.J. Mallon, #Women’sLit Toni Pike, #Family #Poetry Lauren Scott | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

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