A huge thanks to Lynda Filler! She’s my fabulous-traveling host for the “Just Her Poetry Blog Tour. Click on her name and show her some support.
Here is the link for today’s blog: Just Her Poetry
Month: March 2019
“Just Her Poetry” Blog Tour Day Three part 2
A huge thanks to Lizzie Chantree! She’s a wonderful host for the “Just Her Poetry” Blog Tour. Click on her name and show her some support.
Here is today‘s blog link: Just Her Poetry
“Just Her Poetry” Blog Tour Day Two
A huge thanks to Jan Sikes! She’s an extraordinary host for the “Just Her Poetry Blog Tour. Click on her name and show her some support.
Here is the link for today’s blog: Just Her Poetry
2019 “Books That Changed Me” Spring Edition @VashtiQV @Virgilante @BetteAStevens
Happy Spring Equinox, when light and dark are balanced. It’s time for the birds, flowers, bears, and bees to return to the forest. While nature is providing spring’s splendor, I debated whether to bring “Books That Changed Me.” back to my blog. Like my garden that springs forth life every year with growth, color and fragrance, so do the books I read. Many stories are still blooming in my mind with new ones planting seeds in my thoughts. I realized I had to share them with you.
“Books That Changed me” is here for another year celebrating the changing seasons, with the first three books of the year that left a lasting impression.
I really love how this author writes her characters. Her first book was great, but this one was amazing. Mixing in familiar Bible Stories only added to it. What really pulled me in was Dracul’s character. Taking someone coming from so much evil, and trying to do good, struck a chord in me. It was a sharp contrast between characters that came from so much good and ended up so evil. The first book had the same theme, but Dracul gave an insight that I really embraced. He represented to me the struggle we all feel, sometimes, to do the right thing even against all odds. I’m always a fan of the good vs. evil battle and this is the perfect balance of it.
Son of the Serpent (Fantasy Angel #2)
“Son of the Serpent” continues the Fantasy Angels Series with the son of Satan and Lilith, Dracul. I loved the first book and wasn’t disappointed in this story, in fact I think I enjoyed it even more. Familiar biblical people and events were interwoven into the story line perfectly. It’s told through two points of view: Dracul and Lilith. I sympathized with Dracul and his quest to be good and helpful, while coming from evil. Self-centered Lilith relished being cruel and malicious, while originating from good. It was a good balance of both sides. Familiar characters from the first book made appearances which I appreciated. The descriptions were vivid and well-written adding to the reality of Dracul’s journey. I highly recommend this book. Although you could read this as a stand-alone, I wouldn’t. Go back and enjoy this dark tale from the beginning.
This is an author who really makes you care about his characters. So much that I wish I actually had my own Root Monsters. I wouldn’t ask them to break any laws, but I can imagine them living with me in the forest. I have a feeling no bear would tip over another garbage can again! I won’t ruin how they were created, but to make me believe in them, that takes a lot of writing skill. Every character is full of life in their own way. Plus, add in a ship, pirates, and a quest–this is a world I’m happy to explore. I can easily picture this story on the big screen.
by C.S. Boyack
I’ve read other stories and books by this author and have always been impressed by them. When I saw Mr. Boyack had a new book with pirates and magic, I couldn’t wait to read it. I was not disappointed. It’s full of adventure, magic, excitement, friendship, love, family and the best part the root monsters. The Lanternfish is a ship I’d want to sail on and carries people I’d like to get to know. I loved the pirates, the monsters and their relationships, but the captain’s quest to save the woman he loved had me hooked. This is a world I’d like to visit where I could meet root monsters. I highly recommend this high-seas fantasy.
I think of this story when I make my bone broth soup. I try to imagine the soup being all I had to feed my family. It’s nothing I’ve had to endure. Yet, this author was able to show her readers what sacrifice, selfishness, hunger, and strength were through the characters. How a family could be treated so badly when a kind word might have had a huge difference. A story that made me think of life outside of what I’m comfortably used to. It’s a glimpse into the past, and ourselves.
DOG BONE SOUP (Historical Fiction): A Boomer’s Journey
“Dog Bone Soup” is a story told through a boy’s eyes as he grows up in a desperately poor family in the 50’s with an abusive-alcoholic father. Shawn spends time surviving and taking care of his family’s needs, as well as finding time to enjoy life with his brother. I wondered what dog bone soup was and quickly found out it came from Shawn having to get dog bones at the butcher, so his family could eat. Ms. Stevens’ descriptions of the era really pulled me into the story. I loved the relationship between Shawn and his younger brother Willie and the creative ways they found to supply the family with food. It was sad how people treated them and the pride the family had–that ended up hurting them at times. Using an outhouse and having to bring water in each day when everyone else had indoor plumbing was made worse when the father made sure he had electricity for his TV. This was one of many examples of what four children had to endure from a selfish father and a mother struggling to care for her family. A beautifully written coming of age story that I can highly recommend!
The “Just Her Poetry” tour continues! I will post the links for each day.
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Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D.L. Finn
“Just Her Poetry” Blog Tour Day One
A huge thanks to Suzanne Burke! She’s the first awesome host for the “Just Her Poetry” Blog Tour. Click on her name and show her some support.
Here is today‘s blog link: Just Her Poetry
March Book Reviews @StephenGeez @ammanay @stacitroilo @BalroopShado
Let’s take a break from “Just Her Poetry” to talk about some great books I’ve read!
“Timeless Echoes” is a beautiful collection of free verse poetry. I loved the echo theme throughout the words that connected them. There were many subjects, but all came from the heart. I could relate as a mother and human being with the poem, “Shrieking Echoes.” It tugged on my soul. Ms. Singh’s use of nature provided solid images to guide me through the feelings. “Captive” reminded me that nothing is permanent, much like the snow–so are our emotions. “First Love” references books, and that brought an inner smile of a reader’s truth. Poetry finds a way to connect us, and this collection did that on many levels. I recommend this heartfelt book of poems.
Mind Control (Medici Protectorate #2)
by Staci Troilo
This is the second book in the “Medici Protectorate” Series. It continues the story of the brothers whose job it is to protect the bloodline of the Medici family or the Notaro sisters. The focus in “Mind Control” is on Vinnie and Jo and the secrets they both have. Drawn to each other they let their fears get in the way, which only adds to their attraction. Their past keeps them from trusting and in Jo’s case makes her want to run away. I found myself rooting for them to get past themselves. With the enemy one step behind the group, Vinnie and Jo’s steamy romance takes over the story. There were some surprises I wasn’t expecting, which I always appreciate. I loved the Italian culture infused into the storyline along with the magic, family, relationships, betrayal and coming to terms with the past. I’m enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next book. If you love a steamy romance, adventure, history, strong characters, and family, you’ll love this series, but start with book one and take the whole journey.
By A. M. Manay
“Unclean” is the second installment of the “Hexborn Chronicles,” and the storyline continues where the first book left off. I’ve come to adore the new relationship between Shiloh and Silas. I was sad they were apart, thanks to greed, corruption, power and some bad decisions. This left Shiloh finding her inner leader as she takes care of the people falling sick. Then things go from bad to worse, and Shiloh develops new friendships. Her determination pulled me further into this intriguing story that’s filled with magic, royalty, family, loyalty, and deception. Shiloh gains more knowledge of not only herself but how to maneuver within a bleak situation.
This is a well-written, fast-paced adventure with enough twists, making it hard to put down. Shiloh is at the heart of this tale and has quickly become one of my favorite characters with her strength and sense of justice, even though she is one of the “unclean.” Like I said about the first book, I’m captivated with the magical girl who has pink hair and eyes. Although this can be a stand-alone, I’d start with “Hexborn.” You don’t want to miss any of this tale. I highly recommend this YA book for all ages.
by Stephen Geez
A simple trip to an art gallery and a pen drawing changes the lives of Geoffrey and Phrekka. A friendship ensues over a picture of a young boy. Then an amazing journey begins to find the artist, Sara. What these two people discover is more than just an artist, it is also a journey of finding themselves, too. I loved the inner dialog and insecurities that made both characters incredibly real to me. The story was tender and painful as it unfolded. I was utterly taken in by the complicated relationships and spellbound as each detail was revealed. It is a unique story of love with some cruel realities of life thrown in. Beautifully written, this is a story I will remember.
This will be a busy week:
- There will be a special edition blog for “Books That Changed Me” 2019 Spring Edition.
- Monthly Newsletter will make it to your email on the first day of spring.
- “Just Her Poetry” Tour starts Tuesday, March 19-29. I will post a link here each day of the tour.
- “Just Her Poetry” release day on Amazon, March 22nd! March 31st everywhere else.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Spring Week:)
Embrace your inner child by reading a book! D.L. Finn
Debut Novel “Murder in Plane Sight” by author Julie Holmes @julieholmes2k13
I’m pleased to welcome author Julie Holmes for the release of her debut book, “Murder in Plane Sight”. Isn’t that a great title? I have my copy:)
Thank you, Denise, for helping me spread the word about my debut novel release. It’s great to finally share my creation with readers everywhere.
And the inevitable question (and one I love to ask other writers): How did you come up with this idea?
That is an easy one. (psst–don’t ask me how I came up with any of my other ideas) After spending a few years revising and querying my police procedural with some interest but no success, I knew I needed to write something new. That (in)famous advice we’ve all heard, “Write what you know”, kept running through my head.
What do I know? I know about growing up in rural Minnesota. That could be fun, but I’ll save that for now. I know about vegetable gardening. I know about information technology, at least from the early days of Windows 95 and fax machines through the death of parallel ports and the expansion of Bluetooth and USB.
Then I considered something else. As an avid reader with an interest in aviation, all the books I could find in my younger days that involved aviation were military thrillers like Flight of the Intruder or Firefox. I read a few of those many years ago, but the whole military and espionage thing didn’t inspire me. The aviation part did.
These days one can find books involving aviation with main characters such as pilots, flight attendants, aviation inspectors, even an airport manager. Missing from the list: aircraft mechanic. It’s a different perspective of aviation than people generally see. Aviation maintenance is one of the vital parts of the industry that ensures air travel is the safest form of transportation we have.
I know aviation. I have a handful of years of experience as an aircraft mechanic to draw on. I can write a mystery with an aviation angle that is not a military, espionage, or international thriller.
So I wrote what I know. And Sierra Bauer was born. I leaned on my experience in commercial aviation, but Sierra is her own woman. She is a survivor, strong and confident, someone I think people would want to meet.
And now you can meet her. Say ‘Hi’ from me!
Find at Amazon and Barnes and Noble and wherever books are sold.
Blurb:
Sierra Bauer is nobody’s fool—a skilled and confident aircraft mechanic, a woman operating in a man’s world. But her world is about to be turned upside down, and her confidence challenged.
After her stalker was sent to prison, and she was cleared of wrongdoing by the FAA in her brother’s fatal plane crash, Sierra has finally reclaimed her life. But in the dead of winter at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, she makes a gruesome discovery—a woman’s frozen body hidden inside the maintenance bay of a Range Airlines plane Sierra was inspecting. Her life is pitched into a tailspin.
Enter Detective Quinn Moore of the Airport Police Department, who finds himself attracted to Sierra despite mounting evidence forcing him to consider her the prime suspect.
Sierra’s stalker may be back, and someone is trying to frame her for the murder. The woman Sierra blames for her brother’s death may hold the key to uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire aviation industry. She and Quinn must expose the truth before Sierra becomes the next casualty.
Web | Blog | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook
What is Poetry? “Just Her Poetry Seasons of a Soul”
What is poetry? Here’s the definition I found on dictionary.com.
“poetry
[poh-i-tree]
noun
the art of rhythmical composition, written or spoken, for exciting pleasure by beautiful,
imaginative, or elevated thoughts.
literary work in metrical form; verse.
prose with poetic qualities.
poetic qualities however manifested: the poetry of simple acts and things.
poetic spirit or feeling: The pianist played the prelude with poetry.
something suggestive of or likened to poetry: the pure poetry of a beautiful view on a clear day.”
Poetry’s origin isn’t clear. It’s believed to have been around for thousands of years in different forms. Over time it has grown and changed. Now, there are over 50 types of poetry, including Haikus, Lyrical, Dramatic, Cinquains, Epic/Ballads, Sonnets, Couplet, Narrative, Limerick, and Free Verse. For most of these, there’s structure, and rules including lines, stanza, metering (measuring), and rhyming (patterns).
I found my love of poetry when I enrolled in a poetry class in college. I tackled metering, rhyming, played with syllable emphasis, presentation, sound, images, and many other elements of poetry. Free verse became my favorite to work with. It gave me room to express myself fully. I didn’t have to worry about the rules that went along with more traditional poetry.
I still use some of the basic parts of poetry in my free verse. One of my favorites is alliteration or same first letter. Images can be brought forth through similes or metaphors. Sometimes rhyming takes over giving the poem flow, like a gentle creek. This type of writing has a strange side effect on me, though. For the rest of the day, I find myself rhyming everything. This also happens when I read Dr. Seuss books, but it doesn’t stop me from reading or writing it.
“Just Her Poetry” is the product of the last two years of my life, with the addition of fan favorites from “No Fairy Tale.” I love expressing this “Word Art-Form” through nature as in the first half of the book. Certain emotions needed to be expressed differently, which is why there is a second half. Many venting poems didn’t make the cut, but I did feel better after writing them.
In sharing my first poetry book, I hope you will take a moment to join me on the back of a Harley, the beach, the forest…or at my desk wondering about life.
JUST HER POETRY PRE-ORDER LINK
Note: The photo of the ocean was my first choice to be the book cover. No matter what we did with the title, it didn’t look right. So, we tried other pictures and the forest won. I still love the picture of the ocean, but I’m very happy with this cover.
Watch for a special edition blog this week!
Sorry I haven’t been around on social media. I’m recovering from a nasty virus. I’m getting there but have to pace myself.
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D.L. Finn
Sources:
dictionary.com
#RRBC MARCH “SPOTLIGHT” AUTHOR, JULIE WATSON @BornForMidwife
I’m excited to welcome fellow #RRBC member, Julie Watson here today. She is this month’s “Spotlight” author!
Writing can Heal a Broken Heart
Following the death of my baby daughter at birth, my second baby, I became deeply depressed. Looking back now I was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) although it was not recognized at the time. The trauma was exacerbated by the circumstances surrounding the birth such as I was not allowed to see my baby, hold her and I was not allowed to go to the funeral. Unbelievable as the year was 1973. I was 20 years old and as I was brought up to respect authority, I just did what I was told.
I continued to live in misery with a marriage that was just hanging in there, as my husband Barry did not know how to cope or comfort me and was dealing with his own grief. He would just go out. Adding to this I had a miscarriage nine months later and then I was unable to conceive again as I was given the contraceptive injection that left me sterile for another two years.
I had a beautiful daughter in 1977 and then another daughter in 1986.
When I left school I worked in a maternity ward as a nurse aid so had a love of caring for women and babies during this most lovely time in their lives. My dream to become a midwife was realized later on in my late 30’s. With my qualification as a midwife I was able to become an independent midwife taking on my own caseload and attending women who had homebirths as well as hospital births. My career also took me to Africa to work and to other countries including the United Kingdom.
With all the emotional ups and downs along the way and before I embarked on my nursing and then midwifery training, I became a Christian and Jesus became my rock and anchor. With my newfound faith I was able to weather the storms of life better and started to heal and become more positive about life.
While working in Australia I had a lot of time on my hands so my daughter suggested that I write a book about my life and what I had endured but how life had turned around.
Writing Born for Life: A Midwife’s Story was a cathartic exercise that has seen the last scars of my trauma healed. It has been a journey that has shaped my life and made me the person I am today and also by discovering the truth of life I know that my baby is safe in heaven in the arms of Jesus. I am very thankful!
Author Bio
Julie grew up in a small, rural town in New Zealand. After leaving school, she worked at the local maternity annexe as a nurse aide, which gave her a love for caring for mothers and babies. Life could not have been happier, until the death of her second baby at birth led to depression, loneliness and despair.
Julie’s first book Born for Life: A Midwife’s Story follows her journey to overcome the challenges she faced to become the midwife that she was born to be.
She always had a dream to travel and work in a developing country. She had the opportunity to work as a midwife in many countries – including Zambia, Africa where she worked at Kalene Mission Hospital.
Julie’s second book Born for Life: Midwife in Africa describes her experiences living and working in Africa. She shares her incredible journey to make a difference in the lives of African women and their babies.
Julie lives in Palmerston North, New Zealand with her husband, Barry. She has recently retired and enjoys writing, travelling, volunteer work and spending time with her friends and family.
Born for Life: A Midwife’s Story
From a young age Julie pondered what she would do with her life. A job as a nurse aide in the local Maternity Annexe at the age of sixteen gave her a love for being with women during labour and birth and caring for mothers and their babies.
Life could not have been happier, married to the man she loved and the birth of a son. The tragic and unexpected death of her second baby in her first hour of life led to depression, loneliness and despair.
Born for Life: A Midwife’s Story tells of Julie’s struggle to overcome tragedy and who triumphs to become the midwife that she was born to be.
The many birth stories are told from an era in the 1970s through the eyes of a young nurse aide to modern day midwifery in New Zealand as an independent midwife with her own caseload.
Follow Julie online!
Thank you so much for visiting with us today. Follow along the rest of Julie’s blog tour and exciting month by visiting the RRBC website.
An Interview with Nature. “Just Her Poetry Seasons of a Soul”
For March, I’ll be focusing on poetry to celebrate the release of “Just Her Poetry Seasons of a Soul.” This will include a blog tour with some amazing hosts. Although, there will still be my Book Reviews, along with any special edition posts.
This week I’m interviewing Nature, who’s had a huge influence on my poetry and writing. She’s been particularly busy, so I feel lucky she was able to drop by for a quick visit.
D.L.’s interview with Nature.
DL: I’m happy to be here with you today Nature.
N: Well, I’m happy to be here, but then I’m always here. You are usually inside your house.
DL: Yes, that’s where I live, but I love being outside with you.
N: You do look happier once you are with me.
DL: I am. Thank you. I love to write poetry under your grand trees or by the ocean.
N: I’ve observed that. You sit by yourself with that blue notepad. Sometimes your family is down the beach, or your wonderful kitties are by your side when you are home. I did have to wonder when I saw you on the back of the motorcycle, writing. I thought perhaps you weren’t well or needed help.
DL: I didn’t think you noticed, but yes, I try to write in as many places as I can, including on the Harley with my husband. His back comes in handy as a table.
N: I see everything and wish more people would notice me. They would be so much healthier and peaceful.
DL: They would, I agree. Your four seasons are amazing, Nature. Do you have a favorite?
N: They are all wonderful in their own way, although some places don’t have all four of my seasons. If I had to choose…well, I won’t. It would be like picking a favorite child. Do you have a favorite child?
DL: No, I love them all equally and get why you won’t pick a season. Each one has their gift.
N: Exactly. You seem to enjoy all of my seasons. I’ve watched you snowshoe through the icy drifts in the winter, lay on your deck at night stargazing in the summer, hike through the fall colors and work in your garden or sit by the river in the spring. I’m glad you’ve included all the seasons in your current poetry book.
DL: It’s because you’ve inspired me no matter what season it is.
N: Thank you. I’m honored to be such a substantial part of your writing. I appreciate your pictures of me, too. I think you’ve captured the forest on this cover. The sun peeking through was a nice touch. I’m hoping that more people will think about me as they read your words. Then, they might start taking care of what I have to offer. In these modern times, they seem to prefer staring at their cell phones.
DL: I’m glad you like the cover. It’s my favorite one to date, but all I did was take the picture, you provided the rest. I’m with you; I hope people will put their phones down, venture outside and enjoy what you have to offer and take care of it, too. You help us connect to our souls.
N: Well your souls are what communicate to me. I’ve learned a lot from those interactions. Mostly all good.
DL: Some of it isn’t good?
N: No. Better not to talk about that while we are promoting your new poetry book. There are a few that…well…never mind.
DL: Understood. I’m thankful you were able to make time to visit with us today, Nature. I know I’ll be seeing you soon.
N: Anytime and yes, I will see you in a couple of hours when you walk the dogs. That always amuses me how you say you are walking them when they are dragging you.
DL: I can’t argue that.
N: No you can’t. I’d better get back to work. Bye.
I have a favor to ask! My youngest daughter, Danielle who has been on my blog before, wrote a book and “Mom” has beta read it. I think this requires another set of eyes or two. So if anyone has “extra” time and could help with a read, I’d be forever grateful. Email me at d.l.finn.author@gmail.com if you can help out. I know how busy everyone, too. I will be helping her publish hopefully this summer. Right now we are “discussing” the benefits of editing and joining clubs…
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Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D.L. Finn