I’m thrilled to welcome friend and fellow poet Colleen Chesebro to talk about her latest book, “Fairies, Myths, & Magic 2.” Here’s my review: LINK
Thank you, Denise for the opportunity to share the news of my new book, just in time for the winter solstice and Yule.
You and I love fairies, Denise. However, in Fairies, Myths, & Magic II, I embraced the darker side of fairies. Not too dark, but just enough to show the difference between the two fairy courts. There must always be a balance between the light and the darkness.
From Scottish folklore, we’re introduced to the Seelie Court, and the Unseelie Court. Representing the Summer Solstice, the Seelie Court signifies a blessed time of the year. However, it is during the darkness of winter, the Unseelie Court of fairies makes its appearance.
It is the Unseelie who are most associated with the belief in witches. They are a malevolent bunch. It’s thought that if members of this court grew fond of a human who was respectful to them, they’d likely chose them to become their pet. Think bogies, boggarts, brownies, and other dark creatures of the night.
Here’s a little story I wrote especially for Denise to illustrate the darker nature of fairies. This story is not found in the new book but keep your eyes out for Tomte. He’s the Swedish version of the Russian Domovoi.
The Domovoi
The minute she opened the door, Danica felt the presence of the Domovoi in the kitchen. Flour covered the floor and the table.
“Did you make this mess?”
“Da,” a small voice answered.
“Don’t you want to celebrate the winter solstice with me?
Dusa was her home’s guardian, and he often helped her with household chores.
“I was afraid you forgot me.”
“I never forget you. Come, have some honey cakes. I’ll leave them on the table for you. They will sweeten your mood.”
Danica set the plate of honey cakes on the table. She hurried into the other room to prepare for her winter solstice celebration.
As soon as she left, Dusa gobbled up the treats. With a snap of his fingers, the mess disappeared.
Danica smiled. She added honey cakes to her shopping list. She could never have enough with a house fairy in residence.
~~~
So, the moral of the story is to always remember to take care of your house fairy and not neglect them. Especially during the holidays.
The Domovoi is a Slavic gnome-like house spirit that attaches themselves to a family. As benevolent spirits, they often protect the home and family from harm. Their primary purpose is to take care of the family. But they can be a handful to have around.
You don’t see them, but some people can sense their presence. In fact, from everything I’ve read… you don’t want to see them! It’s considered bad luck to see your Domovoi.
They are sensitive little beings who if ignored, will cause mischief. It’s always best to not piss-off the fairies. Seriously!
It’s customary to leave treats (always the best from your celebration) such as milk, honey, beer, wine, cake, cookies, etc. which will let the Domovoi know that you appreciate them.
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
Thrilled to learn of this new book from Colleen! <3
Thanks, Annette-Sis. This was a fun book to create. Thanks so much for your support. 🌲
It’s a good one, Annette 🙂
Hi Colleen and Denise. Colleen’s book sounds like a wonderful book for people who enjoy fairy lore. 💙
Hi Merril 🙂
It is the perfect book for those who do or want to learn about it!
😊
Thanks so much, Merril. I had the most fun discovering the forgotten women of Yule! The myths are so interesting. There’s a bit of lore from around the world. 🌲
Yes, I learned a lot of interesting folklore doing Paul Brookes’ folklore ekphrastic challenge in October.
I love myths and legends. I remember that challenge.
Sounds like a fun and informative book to read!!
The myths were the most fun to research. I also loved the forgotten women of Yule. Thanks for visiting, Ruth. 🌲
It is both, Ruth 🙂 I really enjoyed it!
Wishing Colleen all the best with her new book.
Many thanks Craig. Happy Yule! 🌲
Thanks for stopping by, Craig 🙂
The book sounds wonderful. I love the seasonal approach.
You know your link to your review doesn’t work? Or my computer doesn’t!
Thanks so much for cheering me on, Jacqui. I owe you some reviews… I’ll be writing them this week. 💜
It was a fun and very seasonal read, Jacqui! I apologize, when I did this post my review wasn’t up yet. I will go link it now. Thanks for pointing that out. Xo
Thanks so much Denise for your lovely support. I appreciate you so much. Have a happy Yule. 🌲
I was so happy to be a part of your blog tour and share your wonderful book. I loved the story here today as well. I know I have a house fairy and better leave it some treats 🙂 Hugs xo
You know when things suddenly disappear around the house? You can bet your house-elf or fairy is to blame. LOL! Our house-elf loves the cats. I think they all play together. I’m sure most people think we’re crazy about now. LOL! 🧝🏻 🧚♀️
Lol…my cats play with unseen beings too. As for things disappearing happens all the time.
Oh yes… you have a house fairy. LOL!
Your review of the first book helped me write this second book. I knew I wanted to cover both solstices, but I wasn’t sure where I would go with it. Thanks for believing in me, Denise.
I’m so glad you wrote it, Colleen 🙂 Yay! I’ve learned a lot from you about symbolic poetry that has weaved into my everyday writing. I love how we support each other. Hugs xo
The same goes for me, Denise. I love how we all learn from each other. It fills my heart with joy!
And Happy Yule 🙂
You too, Denise. I wish you a Blessed Yule. I love the magic during this time of year. 🌲
Congratulations Colleen.. it is a lovely book and will make a wonderful gift this Christmas.. Thanks Denise for hosting. ♥
Thanks so much, Sally. I’d hope my timing would be spot on. Happy Yule, my dear friend. 🌲
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You are so right, Sally, this would make a great Christmas gift! Happy to spread the word on Colleen’s latest! Xo
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I finished reading this delightful book last night and am almost ready with the review, as I make notes on my Kindle, while reading. Wishing you all the success Colleen.
It was a fun and timely read wasn’t it, Balroop? I do the same thing on my Kindle, especially with poetry.
Balroop, I’m holding my breath!! I hope you enjoyed.
Oh yes! immensely! 🥰
Oh thank goodness! 🙏🏻❤️
Hi Denise, what a lovely post. I learned something new about Irish myths. Thanks for hosting Colleen.
That was a great part of the book, besides the wonderful writing, learning about lore, Robbie 🙂 I was happy to share in her good news. Xo
Thanks so much for stopping by Robbie. I loved the myths the best! Happy Yule. 🌲
Congratulations to Colleen and thanks to you, Denise for hosting today.
Thanks, John 🙂 Happy to spread the good news of a new release!
😊
Thanks for stopping by John. I appreciate your support.
😊
Hi Denise and Colleen. Lovely blog tour post and review for Colleen’s new book which I very much enjoyed reading. Wishing her much success with her new lovely book. She deserves it. 🙂 x
Thank you, Marje 🙂 There have been so good releases recently, both you and Colleen included!
Yes, Denise, true I was just saying to Colleen how many fantastic new releases coming out at the moment. Lots of writing and publishing energy! x
Yes, great publishing energy for sure.
Yes! xxx
Marje, you make me blush. Thanks for your kindness. Happy Yule in Portugal. 🌲
Thank you Colleen. And happy yule to you too. 🙂
Thanks Marje.
Hmmm, after reading your story, I think my Domovoi has been lying down on the job. Perhaps I should seek out a recipe for honey cakes . . .
I was thinking the same thing about to get that recipe, Liz 🙂
LOL! Well Liz, mine hasn’t cleaned lately, so clearly I need to do something quickly to remedy the situation. LOL!
Perhaps I’ve moved too often to acquire a house fairy! But if one ever shows up, now I know what to do! (K)
It is good to know how to accommodate them when they show up 🙂
I read some delightful myths about Tomte, the Swedish version of the Domovoi that explained how they traveled from the old country to the new. They stayed with the families, moving from generation to generation. What a great way to explain the things that disappear in your house. LOL!
That’s true. I wonder if they take the socks from the laundry as well…
Ha, Ha! Of course! They wear the socks as hats, I’ve heard.
hello 😄Colleen, your book seems like very, it reminds me of the Winter trilogy that i loved.
It was a great read, Elizabeth 🙂
Thanks, Elizabeth. This book is a celebration of winter. I’m glad you stopped by. Happy Yule, my friend. 🌲
Denise, what a lovely review of Colleen’s new book. I added it to my Kindle and I am most anxious to read it. 💖
Hi Franci. Thanks for stopping by. I’m thrilled you grabbed a copy. I’m doing a happy dance. LOL! Happy Yule. 🌲
Most welcome, Colleen. I loved the book and submitted a review on Amazon. 💖
Thanks so much, Franci. I appreciate those reviews. I’m thrilled you enjoyed the read. ❤️
Most welcome, Colleen. I learned so much and truly enjoyed it. Now, I have a new appreciation for the Winter Solstice and fairies. 💞
How wonderful. I was amazed at how these myths are still around. They’ve become part of the culture.
Thank you, Eugenia 🙂 Happy reading xo
You’re welcome.
This sounds like a wondrous read and right up your alley.
It is, Sandra. You are very right about that:)
Thanks, Sandra. I love all things magical. This time of year is stressful. I bring some of the magic back to the season. Happy Yule, my friend. 🌲
I loved this story, Colleen, and am familiar with house and hearth spirits. A little kindness goes a long way in keeping them happy. 🙂 Great to see you here at Denise’s and to read a bonus story. Thanks for hosting, Denise, and Happy Solstice to you both. <3
Thanks, Diana. Those house spirits are so important to a house. When we moved to Michigan, this house was in sad condition. But once we spruced it up with paint and renovations, the house fairy made more appearances. I’ve not seen them, but I know he/she is here. A little honey and bread goes a long way in showing appreciation. LOL!
🙂 You would love The Winternight Trilogy, Colleen. It takes place in Russia and is FULL of Russian folk spirits.
I’ve looked these books up! They look amazing. My Rusalki fey are Russian too. Thanks for the recommendation! 😍❤️
I think you’ll be hooked.
I think so too! You know I love this stuff.
Wasn’t this a great story, Diana? I love it was shared here. I agree about that kindness making a difference. Happy Solstice! Xo
Same to you my friend. I hope your hearth spirits are being good to you. <3
I have this new book from Colleen waiting for me on my Kindle! I know I am going to enjoy it! Thanks for the spotlight, Denise!
You have a fun read ahead, Jan 🙂
Thanks so much, Jan. I appreciate you!
Loved seeing Colleen here Denise. And I’m learning more snippets about Yule and Pagan practice at every stop. Congrats again Colleen! Hugs xxx
Thanks, Debby 🙂 It is fun learning along the way. Xo
Hugs <3
Thanks Debby. I want it to be interesting and different every day.
Good job! <3
❤️😍
Congrats on your new release, Colleen! The Domovoi may have lived in my childhood home, lol. Now I know to keep a supply of honey cakes!
I know they are here, Jacquie 🙂 Yes, time to stock up on honey cakes!
Ha, Ha, Jacquie. Keep those house fairies/elves fed and they will be good to you. LOL! Thanks for stopping by.
This sounds like an excellent read! Congratulations, Colleen! Thanks for sharing, Denise 🙂
It was a good one, Mark.
Thanks so much, Mark. It’s a fun seasonal read.
Thank you D.L.Finn for Hosting Colleen – continued success to you both!
I like the story Colleen wrote for this blog – the house fairy enjoyed those honey cakes!
Happy Cold (Full) Moon!! I saw it twice last night – and once it had a halo around it.
I was thrilled to have Colleen visit here today and loved her story. Happy full moon, Jules, I love to see a halo around it. Besides the upcoming weather it brings forth the poetry too.
The halo around the moon means a change in the weather. We had fog, …today mist and rain.
Be well and Happy New Year!
Here the rsin has become so precious, I love to see that change coming. Thank you. Be well too and Happy New Year!
Ha, Ha! Those Domovoi… they are temperamental creatures. Thanks so much for stopping by, Jules. We’ve had gray skies for over a week now. I’m glad you got to see the Cold Moon. xxoo
Full moons are always a delight. Orion was up in the sky around 8pm outside my front door last night 🙂
I like seeing full moons 🙂
Ah, the domovoi are quite the scary bunch. May be extremely hard for the little ones in the house to ignore magical creatures. Bed time stories best include how bet to treat them.
The little ones always see that magic around us, good or bad. Yes good to include how to treat them in stories.
I always appeased those house spirits with honey and cake, or cookies… I just have to make sure the cats don’t get in the bowl. LOL! I wrote a few poetic myths in this book, Jude. It was great fun. 🥰
Yeah,I forgot the cats. They too have a spirit element. might morph to fight the stubborn domovoi. Might be they protect the little ones.