A.F. Stewart's Blog, page 94
July 30, 2013
Interview with Martin Roy Hill
Another interview today, this time with Martin Hill, author of the military thriller, The Killing Depths.
Interview with Martin Roy Hill
Why don’t you begin by
sharing a little about yourself?
Well, I’m a very rare native Californian, born and reared in
Southern California and, other than my military service, I've always lived here.
I worked as a journalist for twenty years, starting as a police reporter for a
daily newspaper, then as an investigative reporter for a magazine, and ending
as the editor of a business newspaper. I got tired of journalism and switched
careers, becoming a military research analyst in the field of combat medicine.
I've been a medic of one sort or another in both the military and in law
enforcement reserves, as well as on a disaster response team, so that was a
pretty natural transition. I live in San Diego, with my
wife, Winke, our son, Brandon, and our two feline masters, Harry and Alex, whom
we serve and obey.
How long have you been
writing, and how many books have you published to date?
I became interested in
writing in high school thanks to an English teacher who encouraged me to read classics
and develop my writing skills. That’s when I started studying journalism and
fiction writing. Over the years I've continued to write both nonfiction, both
as a staffer and as a freelancer, and fiction. I've had nonfiction pieces
published by LIFE, Newsweek, Reader’s Digest, Omni, and other magazines. My
short fiction has appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Plan B Mystery
Anthology, San Diego Magazine and others. So far, I have two books published, DUTY: Suspense and Mystery Stories from
the Cold War and Beyond, and The
Killing Depths.
Can you tell us about your books?
DUTY is a collection of previously published and
new short stories which share a common thread dealing with military service. In
the title story, an American soldier in the Cold War is ordered to do the
unthinkable—start World War III. In another story, “Something Far Away,” a
former Coastguardsman has to face the ghosts of his past as he helps smuggle a
boatload of marijuana ashore. “The Stragglers” examines the impact wars have
had on several generations of soldiers. In “The Use of Innocence,” a Vietnam
vet tries to understand why a younger generation of soldiers is so eager to
fight another war.
My novel, The Killing Depths,
is a military mystery thriller which features NCIS Agent Linus Schag, who also
appears in one of the short stories in DUTY. Schag is sent aboard the USS Encinitas, the
first American attack sub manned by both men and women, to investigate the
apparent suicide of a female sailor. He soon discovers the death was not only
murder, but also the work of a serial killer who’s left a trail of dead women
on shore. At the same time, the Encinitas is ordered on a covert mission to
intercept and destroy a renegade Iranian sub armed with nuclear missiles. As
the American crew engages in a life-or-death battle with the Iranian, Schag
struggles to find the identity of the serial killer before the murderer’s blood
lust destroys the Encinitas itself.
DUTY, by the way, was recently named the 2013 Best
Short Story Anthology/Collection by the San Diego Book Awards, and The Killing Depths was a finalist for
the 2013 San Diego Book Awards Sisters In Crime Mystery Award.
Why did you decide to write
thrillers, military thrillers in particular?
I’m not sure I am just a
thriller writer. The story line determines if it will be a thriller. There are
stories in DUTY that are suspenseful
and have the elements of thrillers, but others are more or less straight
mysteries.
Writing military-related
stories comes naturally, as I have served in the Coast Guard, Navy and a
component of the California National Guard, and I now work for the Navy as an
analyst. But sometimes the military aspect is tangential to the plot. The murder
mystery I have coming out later this year doesn't involve the military;
however, the protagonist is a war-weary war correspondent. The book I’m
currently writing on is a sci-fi novella, but it involves American soldiers who
make a startling discovery while serving in Iraq.
Can you tell us about your
writing process? Where do your ideas
originate? Do you have a certain writing
routine?
I get my ideas from a variety
of sources. From newspapers, from history books, even my friends. The short
story “Duty,” for instance, was inspired by a friend’s experience when he was
ordered to Vietnam. He was a nuclear demolitions specialist, and he thought the
only reason he was being sent to Nam was to take the war to the nuclear brink.
Of course, it turned out to be for other reasons.
“Something Far Away” was
inspired by a true incident I heard about when I reported to my first duty
station in the Coast Guard involving a fellow Coastie with PTSD.
Unfortunately, my writing
schedule is inconsistent. I can only write part-time, since I have to work to
pay the rent and put food on the table. I try to squeeze in an hour a day, or
about 500 words, and more on the weekends, but I don’t always succeed. I
recently purchased a Kindle Fire and a Bluetooth keyboard that I keep in my
backpack. If I get a few minutes here or there, I can whip them out and write a
few words.
How do you research your
books?
With my background as a
journalist and research analyst, researching my books comes pretty naturally.
Researching The Killing Depths was a
challenge, though. After all, submariners aren't called the Silent Service for
nothing. I read a lot about submarine warfare and technology, studied
schematics of Los Angeles-class submarines, and talked to former
submariners. I really scored big when the Navy agreed to give me a tour of a
Los Angeles-class sub.
I also had to research the
psychology of serial killers in order to get into the head of the antagonist. I
read several papers on the subject, which eventually made me completely change
the backstory I had planned for the serial killer.
You've also worked as a
journalist. Was it difficult to transition into writing fiction? What is your
greatest challenge as a fiction writer?
I never had to make a
transition. I wrote fiction the entire time I was worked as a journalist. I
also worked for both newspapers and magazines, and each of those requires a
different style of writing. As a result, switching from one form of writing to
another isn't that difficult for me.
However, the one thing I
really took away from my journalism career is an appreciation for good editing.
I've known good editors and really rotten editors. Fortunately, my wife, Winke,
is a highly experienced editor and edits everything I write.
I think my greatest challenge
as a fiction writer is not giving up. I went a long stretch without writing
anything, mostly because we were involved in two wars and the op tempo at my
Navy job was very high. But I also think I didn't write because I was
disillusioned. I had had some bad
experiences with three incompetent literary agencies, and I started feeling
hopeless. I had to get away from that before I could start writing again.
Fortunately, I discovered indie publishing and I can stay away from lit
agencies.
Who has inspired you as an author?
In my personal life, I was inspired by my high school English
teacher, as I said earlier. I was also inspired by my late father-in-law,
Robert Wade, who wrote twenty or thirty mysteries under the pen names Wade
Miller and Whit Masterson, as well as under his own name. If you've ever seen
the Orson Wells film noir classic, “Touch of Evil,” that was based on one of
Bob’s books.
As far as being influenced by other writers, there are too many to
name. I’m a prolific reader of many genres of fiction – mysteries, thrillers,
sci-fi – and I learn something most everything I read.
What’s next for you?
My next book, Empty
Places, is a murder mystery set in the California desert in the mid-1980s.
Peter Brandt, a war correspondent, returns to the desert resort of Palm Springs
to attend his ex-wife’s funeral only to learn she’d been brutally murdered and
he’s the next target of her killer or killers. In trying to solve his ex-wife’s
murder, Brandt uncovers a hornet’s nest of anti-communist rebels, smugglers,
pornographers, and child sex slaves. It’s quasi-historical, in that it’s a
microcosmic look at what was actually going on in the country during that
period. Empty Places should be out
before the end of the year.
Links for Martin Hill:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Martin.Roy.Hill
Website: http://www.martinroyhill.com
Martin's books are available on Amazon
Interview with Martin Roy Hill
Why don’t you begin by
sharing a little about yourself?
Well, I’m a very rare native Californian, born and reared in
Southern California and, other than my military service, I've always lived here.
I worked as a journalist for twenty years, starting as a police reporter for a
daily newspaper, then as an investigative reporter for a magazine, and ending
as the editor of a business newspaper. I got tired of journalism and switched
careers, becoming a military research analyst in the field of combat medicine.
I've been a medic of one sort or another in both the military and in law
enforcement reserves, as well as on a disaster response team, so that was a
pretty natural transition. I live in San Diego, with my
wife, Winke, our son, Brandon, and our two feline masters, Harry and Alex, whom
we serve and obey.
How long have you been
writing, and how many books have you published to date?
I became interested in
writing in high school thanks to an English teacher who encouraged me to read classics
and develop my writing skills. That’s when I started studying journalism and
fiction writing. Over the years I've continued to write both nonfiction, both
as a staffer and as a freelancer, and fiction. I've had nonfiction pieces
published by LIFE, Newsweek, Reader’s Digest, Omni, and other magazines. My
short fiction has appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Plan B Mystery
Anthology, San Diego Magazine and others. So far, I have two books published, DUTY: Suspense and Mystery Stories from
the Cold War and Beyond, and The
Killing Depths.
Can you tell us about your books?
DUTY is a collection of previously published and
new short stories which share a common thread dealing with military service. In
the title story, an American soldier in the Cold War is ordered to do the
unthinkable—start World War III. In another story, “Something Far Away,” a
former Coastguardsman has to face the ghosts of his past as he helps smuggle a
boatload of marijuana ashore. “The Stragglers” examines the impact wars have
had on several generations of soldiers. In “The Use of Innocence,” a Vietnam
vet tries to understand why a younger generation of soldiers is so eager to
fight another war.
My novel, The Killing Depths,
is a military mystery thriller which features NCIS Agent Linus Schag, who also
appears in one of the short stories in DUTY. Schag is sent aboard the USS Encinitas, the
first American attack sub manned by both men and women, to investigate the
apparent suicide of a female sailor. He soon discovers the death was not only
murder, but also the work of a serial killer who’s left a trail of dead women
on shore. At the same time, the Encinitas is ordered on a covert mission to
intercept and destroy a renegade Iranian sub armed with nuclear missiles. As
the American crew engages in a life-or-death battle with the Iranian, Schag
struggles to find the identity of the serial killer before the murderer’s blood
lust destroys the Encinitas itself.
DUTY, by the way, was recently named the 2013 Best
Short Story Anthology/Collection by the San Diego Book Awards, and The Killing Depths was a finalist for
the 2013 San Diego Book Awards Sisters In Crime Mystery Award.
Why did you decide to write
thrillers, military thrillers in particular?
I’m not sure I am just a
thriller writer. The story line determines if it will be a thriller. There are
stories in DUTY that are suspenseful
and have the elements of thrillers, but others are more or less straight
mysteries.
Writing military-related
stories comes naturally, as I have served in the Coast Guard, Navy and a
component of the California National Guard, and I now work for the Navy as an
analyst. But sometimes the military aspect is tangential to the plot. The murder
mystery I have coming out later this year doesn't involve the military;
however, the protagonist is a war-weary war correspondent. The book I’m
currently writing on is a sci-fi novella, but it involves American soldiers who
make a startling discovery while serving in Iraq.
Can you tell us about your
writing process? Where do your ideas
originate? Do you have a certain writing
routine?
I get my ideas from a variety
of sources. From newspapers, from history books, even my friends. The short
story “Duty,” for instance, was inspired by a friend’s experience when he was
ordered to Vietnam. He was a nuclear demolitions specialist, and he thought the
only reason he was being sent to Nam was to take the war to the nuclear brink.
Of course, it turned out to be for other reasons.
“Something Far Away” was
inspired by a true incident I heard about when I reported to my first duty
station in the Coast Guard involving a fellow Coastie with PTSD.
Unfortunately, my writing
schedule is inconsistent. I can only write part-time, since I have to work to
pay the rent and put food on the table. I try to squeeze in an hour a day, or
about 500 words, and more on the weekends, but I don’t always succeed. I
recently purchased a Kindle Fire and a Bluetooth keyboard that I keep in my
backpack. If I get a few minutes here or there, I can whip them out and write a
few words.
How do you research your
books?
With my background as a
journalist and research analyst, researching my books comes pretty naturally.
Researching The Killing Depths was a
challenge, though. After all, submariners aren't called the Silent Service for
nothing. I read a lot about submarine warfare and technology, studied
schematics of Los Angeles-class submarines, and talked to former
submariners. I really scored big when the Navy agreed to give me a tour of a
Los Angeles-class sub.
I also had to research the
psychology of serial killers in order to get into the head of the antagonist. I
read several papers on the subject, which eventually made me completely change
the backstory I had planned for the serial killer.
You've also worked as a
journalist. Was it difficult to transition into writing fiction? What is your
greatest challenge as a fiction writer?
I never had to make a
transition. I wrote fiction the entire time I was worked as a journalist. I
also worked for both newspapers and magazines, and each of those requires a
different style of writing. As a result, switching from one form of writing to
another isn't that difficult for me.
However, the one thing I
really took away from my journalism career is an appreciation for good editing.
I've known good editors and really rotten editors. Fortunately, my wife, Winke,
is a highly experienced editor and edits everything I write.
I think my greatest challenge
as a fiction writer is not giving up. I went a long stretch without writing
anything, mostly because we were involved in two wars and the op tempo at my
Navy job was very high. But I also think I didn't write because I was
disillusioned. I had had some bad
experiences with three incompetent literary agencies, and I started feeling
hopeless. I had to get away from that before I could start writing again.
Fortunately, I discovered indie publishing and I can stay away from lit
agencies.
Who has inspired you as an author?
In my personal life, I was inspired by my high school English
teacher, as I said earlier. I was also inspired by my late father-in-law,
Robert Wade, who wrote twenty or thirty mysteries under the pen names Wade
Miller and Whit Masterson, as well as under his own name. If you've ever seen
the Orson Wells film noir classic, “Touch of Evil,” that was based on one of
Bob’s books.
As far as being influenced by other writers, there are too many to
name. I’m a prolific reader of many genres of fiction – mysteries, thrillers,
sci-fi – and I learn something most everything I read.
What’s next for you?
My next book, Empty
Places, is a murder mystery set in the California desert in the mid-1980s.
Peter Brandt, a war correspondent, returns to the desert resort of Palm Springs
to attend his ex-wife’s funeral only to learn she’d been brutally murdered and
he’s the next target of her killer or killers. In trying to solve his ex-wife’s
murder, Brandt uncovers a hornet’s nest of anti-communist rebels, smugglers,
pornographers, and child sex slaves. It’s quasi-historical, in that it’s a
microcosmic look at what was actually going on in the country during that
period. Empty Places should be out
before the end of the year.
Links for Martin Hill:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Martin.Roy.Hill
Website: http://www.martinroyhill.com
Martin's books are available on Amazon
July 28, 2013
Interview With Author Steve Schmutz
Today I have an interview for everyone, with Steve Schmutz author of Sons of Prophecy: Davian's Deception.
Interview with Steve Schmutz
Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
I grew up in Orem, Utah. As a youngster, I was active in sports like soccer and baseball. After high school, I served a two-year mission for my church in Honduras, then enrolled at BYU where I received a bachelor’s degree in business. I married my best friend in 1983. We have five daughters who have blessed us with 11 grandchildren, with the 12th on the way. I’m a software entrepreneur specializing in the claim and risk management industry. We live in a suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Can you tell us a bit about your book, Sons of Prophecy: Davian's Deception?
At the heart of the book is a prophecy about triplet sons who are separated at birth. They don’t know they are brothers, and they don’t know they have been born in fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. The Sons of Prophecy series tells the story of how the three brothers each play a role in the great fight between good and evil. Here’s the prophecy:
Three to be born upon the mount
To a woman torn from hearth
One of Greatness
One to Strength
And One to Serve the Dark
Divided at birth the three will be
Not knowing of each other
Divided by Light
Divided by Faith
Divided but ever brothers
Why did you decide to write in the fantasy genre?
I didn't like reading when I was a kid – until 7th grade that is. One day, my friends turned my on to “The Hobbit.” Reading fantasy opened a new world to me – many new worlds, actually. I love the way new worlds, new cultures, new creatures, and a host of other magical things can happen in fantasy books. Writing fantasy allows my creativity to extend beyond reality…without going too far.
What is the hardest part of writing fantasy fiction?
The biggest challenge in writing fantasy fiction, at least for me, is being consistent. The characters, creatures, magic, and other things you create have to remain consistent throughout the book (or series).
Another challenge is believability. Although fantasy allows you to step out of the bounds of reality, you can’t go too far.
Did anything surprise you about the process of writing Sons of Prophecy?
Yes, I was amazed at how long the editing process took. Honestly, I think editing took more time than writing. It was a long, tedious process, but an extremely important one.
Can you tell us about some the research you did for your book?
I didn't really do research in the traditional sense of that term. Because I was making up my own world, characters, creatures, etc., I didn't have to research existing information. However, I did take time to create my world, including creating a map, a history of its people, etc. Most of that “research” is never mentioned in my book, but it gave me a foundation of “knowledge” upon which I could create my world.
Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate? Do you have a certain writing routine? What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
For my work, I travel quite a bit. Whether I’m sitting on a plane, or driving five hours to visit my parents, I do a lot of thinking and brainstorming. I always have a yellow pad with me, and I scribble my notes as fast as I can write. Then I go back and massage those ideas until they are just right.
Most of my actual writing takes place at my little desk on my Mac. I usually don’t like any music at all, but sometimes I’ll listen to Enya, or some piano music in the background, but it’s always turned down way low.
The biggest challenge I have as a writer is time. One of these days, maybe I’ll make enough from writing that I won’t need a day job. Until then, I have a software business I’m running which requires a lot of time.
You acknowledge J.R.R Tolkien as the author who sparked you interest in reading and (I'm assuming) in writing. Who else has inspired you as a writer?
There are a lot of excellent fantasy authors who have inspired me. Besides Tolkien, I would have to say that Terry Goodkind (Wizard’s First Rule), and Stephen R. Donaldson (the Thomas Covenant series) have been very influential on me as a writer. I couldn't get enough of their books, and it made me want to write like they did.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I enjoy being with my family most of all. I also enjoy working in my yard, running, playing games, and traveling with my wife. Also, I mentioned my software company – I love what I do in my day job. It’s a lot of fun to start and build businesses.
What’s next for you?
Book Two is already in the works. I actually have three book planned, and I know how it’s all going to end – I just need to fill in the story! I’m hoping to release Book Two in the middle of 2014.
Author Bio:
Before seventh grade, Steve hated to read, but a stroke of fate happened one day when his friends introduced him to the amazing world of J.R.R Tolkien. Literally overnight Steve found himself reading like never before. A new world was opened to his eyes--a world that would never again be without a book on his shelf, in his pocket, and on his mind.
Although Steve's love for reading has spread to other genres, fantasy books will always be his home.
Steve has been married to his best friend for over 30 years. They have five beautiful daughters and will soon welcome their twelfth grandchild into the family.
In addition to reading and writing, Steve enjoys spending time with his family, working in his yard, running, hiking, golfing, and traveling with his wife. They live in Utah where Steve is a software entrepreneur.
Website: sonsofprophecy.com
Facebook page
Sons of Prophecy is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.
Interview with Steve Schmutz
Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
I grew up in Orem, Utah. As a youngster, I was active in sports like soccer and baseball. After high school, I served a two-year mission for my church in Honduras, then enrolled at BYU where I received a bachelor’s degree in business. I married my best friend in 1983. We have five daughters who have blessed us with 11 grandchildren, with the 12th on the way. I’m a software entrepreneur specializing in the claim and risk management industry. We live in a suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Can you tell us a bit about your book, Sons of Prophecy: Davian's Deception?
At the heart of the book is a prophecy about triplet sons who are separated at birth. They don’t know they are brothers, and they don’t know they have been born in fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. The Sons of Prophecy series tells the story of how the three brothers each play a role in the great fight between good and evil. Here’s the prophecy:
Three to be born upon the mount
To a woman torn from hearth
One of Greatness
One to Strength
And One to Serve the Dark
Divided at birth the three will be
Not knowing of each other
Divided by Light
Divided by Faith
Divided but ever brothers
Why did you decide to write in the fantasy genre?
I didn't like reading when I was a kid – until 7th grade that is. One day, my friends turned my on to “The Hobbit.” Reading fantasy opened a new world to me – many new worlds, actually. I love the way new worlds, new cultures, new creatures, and a host of other magical things can happen in fantasy books. Writing fantasy allows my creativity to extend beyond reality…without going too far.
What is the hardest part of writing fantasy fiction?
The biggest challenge in writing fantasy fiction, at least for me, is being consistent. The characters, creatures, magic, and other things you create have to remain consistent throughout the book (or series).
Another challenge is believability. Although fantasy allows you to step out of the bounds of reality, you can’t go too far.
Did anything surprise you about the process of writing Sons of Prophecy?
Yes, I was amazed at how long the editing process took. Honestly, I think editing took more time than writing. It was a long, tedious process, but an extremely important one.
Can you tell us about some the research you did for your book?
I didn't really do research in the traditional sense of that term. Because I was making up my own world, characters, creatures, etc., I didn't have to research existing information. However, I did take time to create my world, including creating a map, a history of its people, etc. Most of that “research” is never mentioned in my book, but it gave me a foundation of “knowledge” upon which I could create my world.
Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate? Do you have a certain writing routine? What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
For my work, I travel quite a bit. Whether I’m sitting on a plane, or driving five hours to visit my parents, I do a lot of thinking and brainstorming. I always have a yellow pad with me, and I scribble my notes as fast as I can write. Then I go back and massage those ideas until they are just right.
Most of my actual writing takes place at my little desk on my Mac. I usually don’t like any music at all, but sometimes I’ll listen to Enya, or some piano music in the background, but it’s always turned down way low.
The biggest challenge I have as a writer is time. One of these days, maybe I’ll make enough from writing that I won’t need a day job. Until then, I have a software business I’m running which requires a lot of time.
You acknowledge J.R.R Tolkien as the author who sparked you interest in reading and (I'm assuming) in writing. Who else has inspired you as a writer?
There are a lot of excellent fantasy authors who have inspired me. Besides Tolkien, I would have to say that Terry Goodkind (Wizard’s First Rule), and Stephen R. Donaldson (the Thomas Covenant series) have been very influential on me as a writer. I couldn't get enough of their books, and it made me want to write like they did.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I enjoy being with my family most of all. I also enjoy working in my yard, running, playing games, and traveling with my wife. Also, I mentioned my software company – I love what I do in my day job. It’s a lot of fun to start and build businesses.
What’s next for you?
Book Two is already in the works. I actually have three book planned, and I know how it’s all going to end – I just need to fill in the story! I’m hoping to release Book Two in the middle of 2014.
Author Bio:
Before seventh grade, Steve hated to read, but a stroke of fate happened one day when his friends introduced him to the amazing world of J.R.R Tolkien. Literally overnight Steve found himself reading like never before. A new world was opened to his eyes--a world that would never again be without a book on his shelf, in his pocket, and on his mind.
Although Steve's love for reading has spread to other genres, fantasy books will always be his home.
Steve has been married to his best friend for over 30 years. They have five beautiful daughters and will soon welcome their twelfth grandchild into the family.
In addition to reading and writing, Steve enjoys spending time with his family, working in his yard, running, hiking, golfing, and traveling with his wife. They live in Utah where Steve is a software entrepreneur.
Website: sonsofprophecy.com
Facebook page
Sons of Prophecy is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.
July 27, 2013
Kintsugi Poets Society Blog Hop: Wrap up
Well, it's been a fabulous week, full of terrific poetry and I hope everyone enjoyed the introduction to the Kintsugi Poets Society. I'd like to thank all my fellow Kintsugi poets for their wonderful words, with special thanks to Kim Koning who envisioned this new society.
Now on to the contest winner.
The name pulled out the proverbial hat, from the entries provided by Rafflecopter is... (drumroll please): Ash Krafton
Congratulations Ash. I've sent you the Smashwords coupon code for your free book.
And here's a little taste of what you can find in Reflections of Poetry:
Desolation
The sky is raining ash,
your umbrella black with stain.
Rain and tears will not splash,
the sky is raining ash.
You exhale, surrender, crash.
Drifting far away, alone, in pain.
The sky is raining ash,
your umbrella black with stain.
And be sure to visit the Kintsugi Poets Society often to keep track of all the wonderful poets there and our ongoing dark adventures.
Kintsugi Blog Hop: Final Night
We bow, for my last new poem of the Kintsugi Poets Society Blog Hop...
Final Night
Darkness falls
as the world spins
across the universe
an organic cog
in a biological
machine
Stars and suns
sputter, spent
Darkness falls
like a thick curtain
on the inevitability
~
Come back tomorrow for the contest winners and an excerpt from Reflections of Poetry.
We say farewell for now, but see you soon over at:
The Kintsugi Poets Society
Final Night
Darkness falls
as the world spins
across the universe
an organic cog
in a biological
machine
Stars and suns
sputter, spent
Darkness falls
like a thick curtain
on the inevitability
~
Come back tomorrow for the contest winners and an excerpt from Reflections of Poetry.
We say farewell for now, but see you soon over at:
The Kintsugi Poets Society
July 26, 2013
Kintsugi Blog Hop: Shades and Reflection
Time to reflect on this, Day Six of the blog hop...
Shades and Reflection
I looked into the heart
of the black night.
What did I find?
An image, distorted
in a gilded mirror.
An image desolate,
of me.
See you over at the main site: http://kintsugiart.wordpress.com/
Shades and Reflection
I looked into the heart
of the black night.
What did I find?
An image, distorted
in a gilded mirror.
An image desolate,
of me.
See you over at the main site: http://kintsugiart.wordpress.com/
July 25, 2013
Kintsugi Blog Hop: Cimmerian
Time to submerge yourself in Day Five...
Cimmerian
In the stygian waters you descend
drowning, dying with every surge
far underneath, fighting to emerge
In the stygian waters you descend
Drowning, dying with every surge
of breath, lost to expanding tide
your nebulous, inky fate implied
drowning, dying with every surge
Of breath, lost to expanding tide
trapped with your voiceless screams
riding the swell of broken streams
of breath, lost to expanding tide
Trapped with your voiceless screams
Into the stygian waters you descend
Shut your eyes, persisting to pretend
Trapped with your voiceless screams
Into the stygian waters you descend
drowning, dying with every surge
far underneath, fighting to emerge
Into the stygian waters you descend
Now on to the main site for the Kintsugi Poets Society
Cimmerian
In the stygian waters you descend
drowning, dying with every surge
far underneath, fighting to emerge
In the stygian waters you descend
Drowning, dying with every surge
of breath, lost to expanding tide
your nebulous, inky fate implied
drowning, dying with every surge
Of breath, lost to expanding tide
trapped with your voiceless screams
riding the swell of broken streams
of breath, lost to expanding tide
Trapped with your voiceless screams
Into the stygian waters you descend
Shut your eyes, persisting to pretend
Trapped with your voiceless screams
Into the stygian waters you descend
drowning, dying with every surge
far underneath, fighting to emerge
Into the stygian waters you descend
Now on to the main site for the Kintsugi Poets Society
July 24, 2013
Kintsugi Blog Hop: Insignificant
Welcome to Day Four, unfurl the sails...
Insignificant
A solitary tear passing
over his weathered skin
swallowed by opaque fog,
as sails catch the wind
with the shadow's moon
~
Now head on over the the main Kintsugi Poets Society site for more: http://kintsugiart.wordpress.com/
Insignificant
A solitary tear passing
over his weathered skin
swallowed by opaque fog,
as sails catch the wind
with the shadow's moon
~
Now head on over the the main Kintsugi Poets Society site for more: http://kintsugiart.wordpress.com/
July 23, 2013
Kintsugi Blog Hop: Living in Shadows
Day Three of the Blog Hop...
Living in Shadows
enveloped in familiar darkness,
adrift in this absence of light
no hope
an emotional deprivation
shredded senses overload
on empty
negative contact, a void
black, bitter, indifferent
and alone
Don't forget to check out all the other wonderful poets on our main site: Kintsugi Poets Society
Living in Shadows
enveloped in familiar darkness,
adrift in this absence of light
no hope
an emotional deprivation
shredded senses overload
on empty
negative contact, a void
black, bitter, indifferent
and alone
Don't forget to check out all the other wonderful poets on our main site: Kintsugi Poets Society
July 22, 2013
Kintsugi Blog Hop: Once Upon a Time
Let the poetry begin for the Kintsugi Poets Society Blog Hop...
Once Upon a Time
A flurry of frosty air blusters
across the well-trodden woodland
A vestige of murky mist, twisting
around the ever changing wind
Come
it cries,
come
walk the dark path
Dance
with shadows
And something smiles
inside those shadows
A faceless wicked, woven
in whispers, in corners of time
softly tempting, in our desires
on the edges of our nightmares
Come closer,
it beckons,
come play
on the dark path
Be
swallowed by the shadows
We
want you to stay
Don't forget to check out all the other wonderful poets on our main site: Kintsugi Poets Society
Once Upon a Time
A flurry of frosty air blusters
across the well-trodden woodland
A vestige of murky mist, twisting
around the ever changing wind
Come
it cries,
come
walk the dark path
Dance
with shadows
And something smiles
inside those shadows
A faceless wicked, woven
in whispers, in corners of time
softly tempting, in our desires
on the edges of our nightmares
Come closer,
it beckons,
come play
on the dark path
Be
swallowed by the shadows
We
want you to stay
Don't forget to check out all the other wonderful poets on our main site: Kintsugi Poets Society
July 21, 2013
Welcome to the Kintsugi Poets Society Blog Hop!
Kintsugi Poets Society Blog Hop
Welcome to the blog hop for the launch of the Kintsugi Poets Society!
Where poets plumb the depths of the black and bleak to extract the shadowy beauty within. For the next week you will be treated to the somber side of poetry, sent on a journey into the lyrical, dusky mists to emerge on the other side of the enigmatic darkness...
...unchanged or transformed?
Only time will tell.
"Turning dark cracks & broken fragments into golden seams of poetry."
Our theme for this hop is: Darkness
Eventide
Night cascades, alive
Its shrouded obscurity
of sunless splendour
~
Join us for the next week in this veritable fest of poetry, as we, Kintsugi members, post our creative musings on our blogs and on the main site for the Kintsugi Poets Society: http://kintsugiart.wordpress.com/
And be sure to come back each day for a new poem from me, and head over to the Kintsugi Poets Society for details on all the other wonderful poets taking part.
And as an extra bonus in honour of the launch, I'm running a contest.
The prize is a free copy of Reflections of Poetry from Smashwords.
Enter over at my Facebook Page all week
OR
you can enter here on this post
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Welcome to the blog hop for the launch of the Kintsugi Poets Society!
Where poets plumb the depths of the black and bleak to extract the shadowy beauty within. For the next week you will be treated to the somber side of poetry, sent on a journey into the lyrical, dusky mists to emerge on the other side of the enigmatic darkness...
...unchanged or transformed?
Only time will tell.
"Turning dark cracks & broken fragments into golden seams of poetry."
Our theme for this hop is: Darkness
Eventide
Night cascades, alive
Its shrouded obscurity
of sunless splendour
~
Join us for the next week in this veritable fest of poetry, as we, Kintsugi members, post our creative musings on our blogs and on the main site for the Kintsugi Poets Society: http://kintsugiart.wordpress.com/
And be sure to come back each day for a new poem from me, and head over to the Kintsugi Poets Society for details on all the other wonderful poets taking part.
And as an extra bonus in honour of the launch, I'm running a contest.
The prize is a free copy of Reflections of Poetry from Smashwords.
Enter over at my Facebook Page all week
OR
you can enter here on this post
a Rafflecopter giveaway
