As you may know, this weekend is the 24-hour read-a-thon. In honor of the event and Dewey, I’m talking about some read-a-thon memories.
Join me and share your memories.
Join Us Oct. 7 — Poetic Book Tours and Kelly Davio, author of It’s Just Nerves
October 6, 2017 by
JOIN Poetic Book Tours and Kelly Davio, author of It’s Just Nerves, for a Facebook book launch event.
Oct. 7, 2017, at 7 p.m. EST
Join us on Facebook.
Ask burning questions about her candid essay collection, ask her about her writing life, and more.
Join Me at Bourgeon
September 1, 2017 by
Over the last weekend while on vacation, I got the wonderful news that a very personal poem about my Vovó, who passed away two years ago. I knew that she was ill and didn’t have much time left, and I was furiously writing.
I planned to read it at her funeral, but I was so emotionally wrecked, I was unable to do so. I did the next best thing — after seeking sage advice from a few writer friends — I let the poem rest with her.
Fast forward two years, I tried to read Pergola at the poetry reading I participated in this year, but failed miserably at that as well. However, during that reading, I met the wonderful Gregory Luce, who suggested I send him a few poems.
I was happy when he told me Pergola found a home at Bourgeon. Please feel free to check it out.
Vacation To-Read List
August 11, 2017 by
When we get ready for vacation, my daughter takes the time to pack her favorite stuffed animals, books, and her sleeping bag. You never know when you’ll need that for a sleep over. This year, she’ll probably add her favorite swim goggles and toys for the pool.
Me, I pack the essentials — BOOKS. I always over pack books for a trip. If we go away for a long weekend, I bring at least 5 books. While I don’t often read them all, I do change my mind on which one holds my attention while away. A kindle has helped in years past, allowing me to take several more books than usual. This year will be no different, but my top three picks this vacation are below.
Let me know if you’ve read them before and what you think I should start with:
The Inseparable Mr. & Mrs. Darcy by Jennifer Joy, this is book three in the Meryton Mystery series.
Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet have had their fill of crime-solving. Now engaged to be married, their greatest wish is to leave Meryton with its penchant for mysteries for the serenity of Pemberley. If only Mr. Bennet would give his consent.
When a secret correspondence is discovered, revealing a possible elopement, a plot against Parliament, and exposing their families’ reputations to shame, the investigations begin anew. The couple’s search for answers unfolds more trouble as Mr. Bennet becomes the target of their unknown enemy … or is it merely the desperate act of a lonely father unwilling to part with his favorite daughter?
Darcy and Elizabeth team up to once and for all prove that family trumps adversity and love conquers all — if they can make it to the altar…
Cocoa Beach by Beatriz Williams
Burdened by a dark family secret, Virginia Fortescue flees her oppressive home in New York City for the battlefields of World War I France. While an ambulance driver for the Red Cross, she meets a charismatic British army surgeon whose persistent charm opens her heart to the possibility of love. As the war rages, Virginia falls into a passionate affair with the dashing Captain Simon Fitzwilliam, only to discover that his past has its own dark secrets—secrets that will damage their eventual marriage and propel her back across the Atlantic to the sister and father she left behind.
Five years later, in the early days of Prohibition, the newly widowed Virginia Fitzwilliam arrives in the tropical boomtown of Cocoa Beach, Florida, to settle her husband’s estate. Despite the evidence, Virginia does not believe Simon perished in the fire that destroyed the seaside home he built for her and their young daughter. Separated from her husband since the early days of their marriage, the headstrong Virginia plans to uncover the truth, for the sake of the daughter Simon never met.
Simon’s brother and sister welcome her with open arms and introduce her to a dazzling new world of citrus groves, white beaches, bootleggers, and Prohibition agents. But Virginia senses a predatory presence lurking beneath the irresistible, hedonistic surface of this coastal oasis. The more she learns about Simon and his mysterious business interests, the more she fears that the dangers that surrounded Simon now threaten her and their daughter’s life as well.
To Lay To Rest Our Ghosts: Stories by Caitlin Hamilton Summie
In these ten elegantly written short stories, Caitlin Hamilton Summie takes readers from WWII Kansas City to a poor, drug-ridden neighborhood in New York, and from the quiet of rural Minnesota to its pulsing Twin Cities, each time navigating the geographical boundaries that shape our lives as well as the geography of tender hearts, loss, and family bonds. Deeply moving and memorable, To Lay To Rest Our Ghosts examines the importance of family, the defining nature of place, the need for home, and the hope of reconciliation.
What do you pack as a must-have on vacation?
Guest Post: Books That Are Great for Writing Inspiration
August 6, 2017 by
Writer’s block is more common than you think. Most writers experience writing block at least a few times in their writing careers. When you feel like you cannot come up with good, creative ideas or you cannot produce exciting chapters for the book you are working on, there are a few things you can do. The most recommended thing is to keep writing and to not give up even though you struggle. Another great recommendation is to read as much as you can. You might wonder which books are the best for a writer who suffers from writer’s block so here are my suggestions:
1. Writing Exercises Books
The first thing that comes to writers’ minds when they are no longer able to write is that they need to read books about writing techniques. While this trick may work for some writers, the best writing books focus on more than writing techniques. They also include writing exercises that can be practiced on a regular basis to rewire the creative part of the brain that is responsible for writing. The Daily Writer is just an example of a book that offers information about writing techniques combined with writing exercises and it is definitely a must for all writers who lost their inspiration.
2. Spiritual books
Reading spiritual books when dealing with writer’s block may seem strange but the main purpose of spiritual books is to make people improve their lives by making them aware of their spiritual sides and hidden desires. This recommendation works best for writers who are open minded enough to try a totally new approach or for those who are in touch with their spiritual side. However, every writer should give this a try and if you are willing to do this there are plenty of spiritual books you can read.
3. Children’s Books
Another surprising recommendation maybe, but before dismissing it, think about it for a minute. What all children books have in common? A lot of creativity, a simple writing style and inspirational stories. Sometimes writer’s block happens when a writer is too stressed. This can be due to a deadline, due to self-doubt or many other problems that affect creative minds. The best way to disconnect and to find motivation again is to read an easy book that can reopen the creativity drawer in your brain. Also, in order to test your creativity you can find new ways to interpret the classic stories or to find new meanings for certain situations. Houghton Mifflin Books For Children is a publisher that offers a variety of children’s books with old and new characters that can help you find your muses again.
Besides these book recommendations, I have to say that a writer has to keep his mind and heart open in order to be able to try new things all the time. New experiences can mean new sources of inspiration so instead of locking yourself in the house, go outside, observe people and have the courage to do something that you did not do before.
Come Join Me at Mothers Always Write
July 21, 2017 by
It’s funny how life works sometimes. I had participated in a poetry prompt workshop through Two Sylvias Press in April and had one poem critiqued.
While the poem published this month in the new issue of Mothers Always Write was not the one I had critiqued by Two Sylvias Press, it was one of the poems created from one of the prompts in April.
“A Poem to Save Us” was a fun poem to write and work on. I’m happy to see it in print. Click the badge above to read it yourself. Feel free to leave comments.
Come Join the Modern Creative Life
July 7, 2017 by
Following my poetry reading in June, I set to work on an essay about the experience. If you’re interested click the image and feel free to join the conversation.
Happy Independence Day!
July 4, 2017 by
I hope everyone enjoys their 4th of July festivities. Happy Independence Day!
Summer…..Reads, a Giveaway, and More
June 29, 2017 by
It may be summer, but the weather does not really feel as sweltering as normal. We have cool mornings and breezes, instead of stagnant, bogged down, humid air. That will come as summer moves in more, but I’m enjoying these days with the windows open at night, less air conditioning, and my hot coffee at the desk.
As many of you probably know already, my daughter is on a summer swim team. She’s having a blast, though yesterday’s meet was the first time I saw her cry over her race in kickboarding. She complained to me that she was not fast anymore. I told her that everyone has a bad day, but she really didn’t cheer up until her best friend came to see her second event, the freestyle. She was much happier after that.
I’ve finished quite a few WWII books lately, and my best of list is expected to keep growing for 2017 since I’ve read so many gems. It’s amazing how many great books are out there. Currently, I’m reading through a collection of Pride & Prejudice short stories in The Darcy Monologues. I’m really enjoying them so far, and I love that they are all from Mr. Darcy’s point of view.
I’m working on a list of books I want to read this summer, too. I’m a bit behind in my planning. Shhh.
June 12 was my 10-year blogiversary. It’s hard to believe that this blog started that long ago. I feel like I’m still discovering new books and new readers online. It’s not as close-knit as it once was, but this club has expanded beyond my imagination, and I hope it continues to do so.
In honor of this blogiversary, I’d love to hear from readers about when you started reading, why, and what book you’d pick from my reviews, if you could win one.
Open internationally. Just one book per person. Browse the reviews.
I’ll pick a couple winners at the end of July.
Seasons of Joy: Every Day Is for Outdoor Play by Claudia Marie Lenart
June 28, 2017 by
I had the pleasure of working with Claudia Marie Lenart to edit her children’s poetry book, Seasons of Joy: Every Day is for Outdoor Play, which was published by Loving Healing Press in April 2017.
Her needle-felted wool paintings are incredibly detailed and depict children at play in all kinds of weather. Multi-cultural and joyous, these children become life-like characters that children will want to see and touch. Each poem calls to mind the carefree days of childhood. The games played and the imaginations running wild as the children romp and play with bunnies, birds, and in trees.
These pages are full of bright colors and fun games that kids can take with them into their own communities and neighborhoods. Not only do the poems show children enjoying the company of others who look different from themselves, but it also shows how much fun sharing can be.
Pick up a copy and share with your kids, grandkids, and others in the community. Get out there and play.
Poetry Reading in Gaithersburg, Md., Sunday, June 11, 3-5 p.m.
June 8, 2017 by
I am honored to be a part of the group at this inaugural poetry reading at The Gallery at Chesapeake Framing.
When Lucinda Marshall asked I was floored, as I am often behind the scenes promoting the poetry of others (a labor of love).
Even after sending her some sample work, I still did not expect to be asked given that I still have not finished a manuscript of poetry and I am in area with a ton of poetic talent — powerhouses, really.
At the same time that I am thrilled to be included, I’m also terrified. I am not a great public speaker, and yet, I continue to put myself in front of audiences either introducing people or reading poetry — mostly not my own which means this will bring a different level of anxiety.
BUT, enough of that! Despite all my whining, if you are in the area and would love to hear some great, local poets, I encourage you to come. I’ll be reading with these lovely people:
- Lucinda Marshall (on Facebook)
- Leeya Mehta
- Gregory Luce (on Twitter)
- Katherine E. Young
- Donald Illich
The Where: 123 Crown Park Ave. N. Potomac, MD 20878 The Date and Time: Sunday, June 11, 2017 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Refreshments will be served.
June Readalong: Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum
June 3, 2017 by
At War Through the Generations, Anna and I have chosen to read Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum for our June read-a-long.
We hope you will join us for discussions each Friday starting June 9.
About the book:
For fifty years, Anna Schlemmer has refused to talk about her life in Germany during World War II. Her daughter, Trudy, was only three when she and her mother were liberated by an American soldier and went to live with him in Minnesota. Trudy’s sole evidence of the past is an old photograph: a family portrait showing Anna, Trudy, and a Nazi officer. Trudy, now a professor of German history, begins investigating the past and finally unearths the heartbreaking truth of her mother’s life. Those Who Save Us is a profound exploration of what we endure to survive and the legacy of shame.
Discussions will be held every Friday as follows, and as always, we encourage you to share your thoughts and even pose your own questions.
June 9: Discussion of Prologue – Chapter 15
June 16: Discussion of Chapters 16-29
June 23: Discussion of Chapters 30-45
June 30: Discussion of Chapters 46 – End
We look forward to reading what sounds to be a fantastic book, and hope you will join us!
