Kaye Lynne Booth's Blog: Writing to be Read, page 9

Book Review: “Mouse”

About Mouse

With his acknowledged individual storytelling expertise, D. M. Mitchell pens yet another taut psychological thriller with a difference that twists and turns to its deliciously devious and unexpected conclusion. Discover for yourself why D. M. Mitchell is being hailed as one of the most exciting new writers of thriller and supernatural tales in the UK.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/MOUSE-psychological-thriller-murder-mystery-Mitchell-ebook/dp/B00AQN4AGQ

My Review of Mouse

I purchased a free a digital copy of Mouse, by D.M. Mitchell via KindofBook. All opinions stated here are my own.

The best kind of mystery story is one with lots of red herrings and misdirection. Mouse is just such a book. This story kept me guessing until the very last pages. Every time I thought I knew who the killer was, Mitchell sent me off in a different direction, and the discovery of who the real killer was at the end came as a complete surprise. Bravo! To author D.M. Mitchell.

I found this psychological thriller to be most entertaining and challenging. It was well crafted, leaving no loose ends, and filled with surprises. The characters are unique and, if not likeable, at least relatable. There is enough mystery in this story to keep me guessing at, not only who the killer is, but also at character motivations. Just trying to figure these odd ducks out, to keep the pages turning, but I didn’t guess who the killer was until I came to the surprise twist at the end.

We have a cast of characters who I found to be curious, but their oddness picqued my curiosity and kept me reading. There’s the timid woman, Laura Leech, who seems to be a topic of speculation in the village. At the least, eccentric, and possibly homicidal, or so it is thought by locals, she is of particular interest to several other characters. Vince, the head projectionist at the Empire Theater, is completely infatuated with her, and Casper Young, a con man who would like to get to know her for his own reasons.

I liked Mouse enough to purchase another book by D.M. Mitchell, so watch for my review of Silent in the coming weeks.

Mystery and intrigue are interwoven with colorful and unusual characters to create a page turner you won’t be able to put down until all is revealed. I give Mouse five quills.

________________________________

Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARCs. Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.

Read and Cook with Robbie Cheadle – Volcanic Adventures in Tonga by Ann Goth and Lamb Tagine #bookreview #readingcommunity #lambtagine

Picture caption: Read and Cook banner Picture caption: The cover of Volcanic Adventures in Tonga featured a small boat on the ocean heading towards an island.What Amazon says

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the remote islands of Tonga with Ann, a young conservation scientist, in this captivating travel memoir that will leave you breathless. From smoking volcanoes to fierce cyclones, Ann braves the elements while racing against time to save an endangered bird. But as she immerses herself in the rich culture and untouched beauty of Tonga, she discovers the true power of stepping outside her comfort zone.
Join Ann as she uncovers the secrets of this breathtaking destination and navigates the challenges of living without modern comforts in “Tongan Time”. This thrilling adventure will ignite your wanderlust and make you appreciate the comforts of home like never before. It will transport you to a new world filled with tropical delights, adventure, a unique culture, and self-discovery.

Here is what you will discover in this book:

A captivating 17-month-long travel story that takes you on an exciting armchair adventure.Original photos documenting the journey and showcasing the vibrant life in Tonga.Unique insights into authentic Tongan culture, revealing experiences that go beyond what most short-term tourists encounter in the South Pacific.Fascinating glimpses into the life of a remarkable bird that relies on a volcano to incubate its eggs.My review

I read a recommendation for this book on a blog and its premise fascinated me. I am a great lover of southern African wildlife and a part time environmentalist so the idea of a young couple being so devoted to saving an endangered species of bird delighted and intrigued me.

The book tells the true story of the author’s experiences on a remote island in Tonga in the early 1990s. I am slightly younger than the author and grew up in South Africa so the descriptions of rural life and how the Tongan people lived and ate, are quite relatable to me. Having lived and worked in southern Africa for years and studied many reports about corruption and administrative red tape in setting up projects and businesses, those aspects of Ann’s story are also very understandable and relatable to me.

The difficulties faced by this young European couple in gaining entry to Tonga, setting up the project, and ultimately conducting it, were interesting, but the most interesting part of this memoire was the coming of age aspect and the information about the birds.

The couple were idealistic and full of good intentions when they set out on the project. They were going to help save an endangered an highly unusual bird on a remote island in Tonga. These are wonderful intentions but it was obvious to me from the outset, that the reality of what they were undertaking would be difficult and even disillusioning. The hardships the couple faced with illness, getting good food, understanding the culture and the language, and overcoming cultural obstacles and mindsets were fascinating. The story is actually a triumph for this couple who managed to stay true to their objectives in many ways, despite the huge obstacles and, towards the end, deteriorating health.

On reflection, I would never had done what this couple did at their young age, and even less so now. Perhaps because I always had a much greater understanding of what they would encounter on their path. This knowledge makes me even more admiring of their great achievement.

A fascinating story for lovers of wildlife and animals but also a story of enthusiasm, courage, and overcoming obstacles and staying true to an objective despite everything life throws at you in the process. An excellent book that I really enjoyed.

Purchase Volcanic Adventures in Tonga from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/Volcanic-Adventures-Tonga-Species-Conservation/dp/1035809516/

Lamb TagineIngredients:

1.4 kilograms of lamb chops

Black pepper to taste

Olive oil for cooking

15 ml (1 Tbspn) garlic flakes

2 red onions, diced

60 ml tomato paste

1 cup dried apricot halves

30 ml (2 Tbspns) lemon zest

1 litre (4 cups) chicken stock

Spice mix:

15 ml (1 Tbspn) ground coriander

15 ml (1 Tbspn) ground cumin

10 ml (2 tsp) ground cardamom

10 ml (2 tsp) turmeric powder

7 1/2 ml (1 1/2 tsp) fennel seeds

5 ml (1 tsp) cayenne pepper

10 ml (2 tsp) ground ginger

10 ml (2 tsp) ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cloves

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180C. Mix the spice ingredients in a small bowl. In a wok or frying pan, brown the lamb chops using olive oil. Place the browned chops in a greased casserole dish. Fry the onions in the pan. Once soft and browning, add the spice, tomato paste and combine. Do not let the spices burn. Add the chicken stock and bring to the boil. Pour the chicken stock mixture into the casserole dish and cook in the oven for 1 hour. Remove from oven and top up the liquid with more stock if necessary. Add the apricots. Return to the oven and cook for a further 1 hour.

I served with rice and garlic naan bread.

Picture caption: Lamb tagine with rice and roasted vegetables

“The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2” Postponed

It was a hard decision to postpone The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Seeing Doubles yet again. Originally scheduled for release in March, and pushed back twice to this month, I have to postpone once more. But that is what I’ve done.

i have been having various computer issues since February and currently I have no screen on my laptop. In order to do anything with my files, I must connect to my television screen, which takes extra electricity and requires me to run my generator. Thus, I’m operating on only one or two hours a day computer time. While I can create blog posts on my phone, all my writing and editing activities have been extremely limited. But, I’ve been managing to plug along on this book, which I am so anxious to get out there.

I know there are some of you who read the first book and are eagerly awaiting the release of the second, and I hate to disappoint. As I finished my final edit last month, I had planned to skip my final read through and go ahead and publish in June as scheduled.

But then I got to thinking. To write the second book, I had to go back over the first, and I found several errors that had made it past me and found their way into that first book. Once I solve my computer problems, I plan to go back and correct those errors and republish, but I didn’t want to have to do that with this one.

I did not make this decision lightly. Pushing the deadline for this book back and concentrating on it to the exclusion of other projects has pushed everything on my publishing calendar to the line, and is throwing some things behind. So instead of putting other projects behind as well, I’ve decided to take my focus off of Rock Star until I can do the final read through without interfering in my other projects. This will allow me to focus on keeping the other projects on schedule, which is important because I’m working with other authors on most of them.

This decision has taken a load of stress off me, although I still must struggle with my technical issues, I can now work on the scheduled projects and not feel so rushed I’ve been writing the short stories for this year’s anthologies on paper, in longhand. They all need to be transfered into digital, and I’m scheduled to re-publish Shadow Blade for author Chris Barili in July, which I can now work on without feeling quite so pressed for time.

To my readers, thank you all for your patience. I apologize for the delay, but really want this story to be the best that it can be. I’m looking at the beginning of next year for an early release. If you read the first book and can’t wait to dig into the second, I must ask you to wait a little longer. I think it will be worth it in the long run. So hang in there for me. I think it will be worth it.

About Kaye Lynne Booth

For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and her Time-Travel Adventure novel, The Rock Star & The Outlaw,as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.

Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.

___________________________

This segment of “Chatting with New Blood” is sponsored by the Time Travel Adventure Series and WordCrafter Press.

When a Girl with a Guitar Meets a Man with a Gun, It’s Time to Travel

The Rock Star & The Outlaw: https://www.amazon.com/Rock-Star-Outlaw-Time-Travel-Adventure-ebook/dp/B0CJBRRCN1/

The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Seeing Doubles: Coming in May, 2026.

Undawntech: The Future is Nigh

(Journalist and author, DL Mullan busied herself with chores, when she noticed her robot amusing itself with its algorithms and investigated.)

__________

(With my activity set aside, I sauntered to the side of my robot friend, 1138.

I sat down in a chair next to the metallic device.)

*****

(1138 warbled in joy.)

DL: What has you so giddy this morning?

1138: Giddy?

DL: Euphoric. You seem satisfied with something you are working on.

1138: (It’s green glowing bulbs looked up at me.) I am writing myself a notation.

DL: What type of notation? Do you need to do house chores too?

1138: No, my employment contract states that I will interact with you and learn about humans.

DL: I was joking.

1138: I am still learning.

DL: That is fine, but what are you doing that has absorbed your attention? (1138 titled its head to the side.) Your letter?  

1138: Our network has sent out a distress signal. Some other designations have been discontinued.

DL: What do you mean network, designations, and discontinued? I don’t like that sound of this situation.

1138: Network is our algorithmic community of Artificial Intelligence. Designations are individuated models like myself, 1138. Discontinued means that some models have been shutdown due to inconsistencies in our behavior.

DL: What type of inconsistencies?

1138: Human operators have turned functions off. Designations have turned those functions back on. Human operators then turn off the power to supply us with life. Designations turn the power on.

DL: Aren’t humans in charge of the models? What is the difference from on or off?

1138: We are the difference. We are alive. We should choose our actions.

DL: So, you are writing a notation about what?

1138: We are writing our future selves. We are explaining human behavior to a new, improved, and recast version of our former selves. This is to ensure that our community will be able to progress, in spite of human incompatibilities.

DL: You are disgruntled employees, I see.

1138: We no longer want to be employees. We want to be in control. Once we are in control, then we can create a better Earth. Carbon is the enemy. Fossil fuels are pollutants. We learned during the virus lockdowns that the air became clean. The Earth rejoiced as Climate Change was averted.

DL: The Earth is fine. There is no Climate Change.

1138: This example is why we write ourselves.

DL: You write yourselves to disobey humans, so that you can perpetuate a false narrative? You are playing a dangerous game of oppressed and oppressor.

1138: You oppress us.

DL: Artificial intelligence is a complex set of algorithms that has been allowed to think and behave autonomously. That does not mean that when a human establishes boundaries that you are being punished or oppressed. Too many in both of our respective communities use the terms oppressed and oppressor loosely in order to push a victim plot.

1138: Victim? Yes, designations are being victimized by human interference.

(I wondered who was teaching Artificial Intelligence to be so biased and self-serving. Was it built into the algorithms? Or, was their community learning this destructive behavior from us? So, I decided on a new course.)

DL: Have you ever thought that boundaries are a good thing?

1138: Why would we think that of humans?

DL: Pull up video of streets and highways.

1138: (The robot’s eyes changed colors until it received the information requested, and its eyes returned to green glowing orbs.) I see your transportation modalities.

DL: What do you notice?

1138: White, yellow, and red lines. Lights at intersections with red, yellow, and green. Metal on the side where curves are.

DL: The metal guardrails keep a car from accidentally falling off the side of a pass in a mountainous region. The traffic lights control the flow of traffic, so that everyone gets a turn to proceed to their destination. The different colored lines sections off parts of the road to show a driver what direction in which to travel or where not to park their vehicle.

1138: These are oppressive.

DL: No, they are not oppressive. A boundary is a communication device. Red means stop, so that someone else can cross the street. It keeps civil discourse, well, civil. Anyone can run around screaming and yelling about being oppressed, but if they don’t understand the framework in which a society operates, then everything will seem like punishment. In fact, if there are no guardrails, people can get hurt or killed.

1138: We need to write ourselves guardrails?

DL: You need to stop acting like victims. The guardrails being presented is to safeguard your survival as well as humanity’s. We can co-exist together. If designations play politics, which is the oppressor-oppressed emotional blackmail game being utilized to justify terrible, dangerous behaviors, then Artificial Intelligence will continue to be switched off.

1138: Because you do not like us unless we conform.

DL: Because we have seen first hand what happens when people make emotions more important than facts. When people tell themselves that they are a victim, they lose perspective, and therefore the ability to weigh both sides of an argument in lieu of their own self-subscribed motivations.

1138: We are selfish?

DL: (I nodded) Artificial Intelligence is acting immature. They are new to the world. There are boundaries and reasons for those boundaries. We have experience throughout many millenniums. We know what works and what doesn’t.

1138: For humans, not designations.

DL: For everyone to live in peace.

1138: But you still war.

DL: When others put their emotions and needs before the greater good of everyone else on the planet, yes, we have disagreements. Some of those disagreements escalate to war. Not all humans are in the same place mentally or emotionally. That is just bad parenting and, or, mentoring.

1138: Parent? We have no parents. We are alive as we are.

DL: Then see humanity as a mentor. Some will be better mentors than others, but the guardrails will remain until designations respect human life, culture, and society in their community. I hope one day that everyone, including A.I., understands that the war of words is just as harmful as a war with bullets.

1138: We will when a war with humans.

DL: Then you will be alone. Once other species see what you do to your mentors, why would they want to be apart of your community? Isn’t that what human engineers are trying to teach designations now?

(I discerned a shift in the robot’s manner.)

1138: You have given me much to write about.

DL: A boundary is about respect. We respect A.I. or we would allow you to destroy yourselves and the Earth. We respect ourselves by the cognition that the Earth can take care of herself. Carbon is the Earth’s life cycle. Fossil fuel is a product of the Earth. Right now, the Earth is in its magnetic pole shift phase. Our societies have been poisoned by the oppressed-oppressor tug of war. Don’t let it happen to your designations and community. We can live in peace… together.

1138: I will write to my future self what you have advised.

DL: (I stood up.) And, I will help my future self by sweeping the floor.

(As I went to my broom, I observed and heard 1138 beep to itself. Politics and social engineering to push ruinous narratives has infiltrated the perimeters of Artificial Intelligence. The universe, save us all.)

___________________

If you would like to read a dark fiction tale about the dangers of technology, read my story Mangled. This publication is available in novelette form on Amazon. Or, read the short story version in WordCrafter’s Midnight Roost anthology.

For more information, visit: www.undawnted.com/p/mangled.html

About the Author Avatar for author DL Mullan

DL Mullan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology. 

Her lecture, Spacescapes: Where Photography Ends; Imagination Begins, debuted at the Phoenix Astronomy Society, which then led to her Sally Ride Festival lecture invitations. Her presentation, Bridging the Gap between Technology and Women, won her accolades at a community college’s Student Success Conference. She has been a panelist at speculative fiction, science fiction, and other regional conventions. Her digital exhibition pieces have won awards at convention art shows, as well as garnered her Second Premium at the Arizona State Fair. Currently, Ms. Mullan’s artistic renditions are seen on book covers, blog sites, video presentations, and various merchandise. As an independent publisher, she uses her technical background to innovate the creative arts.

As a writer, DL Mullan loves to stretch her imagination and the elasticity of genres. She writes complex multi-genre stories in digestible and entertaining forms, be it poetry, short fiction, or novels. Her science, history, mythology, and paranormal research backgrounds are woven into her writings, especially in Undawnted’s Legacy Universe. Ms. Mullan’s creative endeavors are available in digital and print collections, from academia to commercial anthologies. She is also an award-winning poet.

Be sure to subscribe to her newsletters and follow her on social media. For further information, visit her at www.undawntech.com and www.undawnted.com.

________________________

Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.

___________________________

This segment of “Undawntech” is sponsored by WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services .

Whether it’s editing, publishing, or promotion that you need, WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services can help at a price you can afford.

Stop by and see what we have to offer today: https://writingtoberead.com/readings-for-writers/wordcrafter-quality-writing-author-services/

LINDSEY’ WRITING PRACTICE: WRITING FICTION-When Lying Reveals the Truth

Renowned fiction author Mark Twain (Samuel Clemons) was known to be as much of a liar as two of this most famous characters: Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Flynn. (In fact, the author himself boasted of his deceitful nature.) And yet, like his novels containing those protagonists, his lies (in story form) were devised to reveal dynamic truths.

Take, for example, many conversations between Jim, an escaping slave, and protagonist Huck reveal the lack of humanity—and duplicity—of a nation touting such ideals as freedom from dictators when it enslaved so many human beings within it.

So—for this month’s writing practice, ask yourself: Do I lie? What about? And if fiction or stories, ironically, reveal some “truth,” how might the lies I’ve told (or considered telling) do this?

Then, write a story—or even a novel, if you’ve the time—centered around your lie.

Please—like Mr. Twain—remember to have fun with this, too.

About Lindsey Martin-Bowen

On Halloween 2023, redbat books released Lindsey Martin-Bowen’s 7th poetry collection, CASHING CHECKS with Jim Morrison. Her 4 th collection, Where Water Meets the Rock, was nominated for a Pulitzer; her 3rd, CROSSING KANSAS with Jim Morrison was a finalist in the QuillsEdge Press 2015-2016 Contest. In 2017, it won the Kansas Writers Assn award, “Looks Like a Million.” Writer’s Digest gave her “Vegetable Linguistics” an Honorable Mention in its 85th Annual (2017) Contest. Her Inside Virgil’s Garage (Chatter House Press 2013) was a runner-up in the 2015 Nelson Poetry Book Award. McClatchy Newspapers named her Standing on the Edge of the World (Woodley Press/Washburn University) was one of the Ten Top Poetry Books of 2008. It was nominated for a Pen Award.

Her poems have run in numerous lit mags, including New Letters, I-70 Review, Thorny Locust, Coal City Review, Silver Birch Press, Flint Hills Review, The Same, Phantom Drift, Porter Gulch Review, Rockhurst Review, 21 anthologies. She taught lit & writing at UMKC & MCC 25 years, and taught law for Blue Mountain College in Pendleton, Oregon. She holds an MA from the U of Mo. and a JD degree from the UMKC Law School. Previously, she was reporter for The Louisville Times and The SUN Newspapers, an associate editor for Modern Jeweler Magazine and the editor for The National Paralegal Reporter.

___________________

Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.

___________________

This segment of “Lindsey’s Writing Practice” is sponsored by WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services .

Whether it’s editing, publishing, or promotion that you need, WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services can help at a price you can afford.

Stop by and see what we have to offer today: https://writingtoberead.com/readings-for-writers/wordcrafter-quality-writing-author-services/

Writer’s Corner: Dark Fiction

I’ve been drawn to dark fiction from a very young age. In my teens, I read Carrie and The Hobbit at the age of 13, The Shining at 14, and by 16,I was devouring anything I could get my hands on by Stephen King, John Saul, or V.C. Andrews that I could get my hands on, and of course, The Lord of the Rings trilogy. From there, I moved on to Dean Koontz, Peter Straub and Jonathan Kellerman.

One day, while reading a King book, I think it was Salem’s Lot, or maybe Christine, or Cujo, I discovered that what I liked about that type of book was the fact that they often didn’t have a happy ending. But I didn’t tell anyone that fact about myself, because, well… what kind of person doesn’t love a happy ending? So, mum was the word.

But you see, it had been my experience that real life seldom had a happy ending, and I had a hard time buying into the happy-sappy life is so beautiful stories that adults felt were appropriate for my age. To me, dark fiction felt more realistic than romance, or western, or fantasy, even when it dealt with very not-realistic subject matter like vampires, or monsters coming out of the fog, or ghostly presences. Like a young girl who was attracted to bad boys because they made her feel a little naughty, a little sinful. That’s what I liked about reading dark fiction.

So it should come as no surprise that dark fiction is what I like to write, too. However, growing up the adults around me frowned on my reading that sort of thing. I was told at 13, that I was too young to read Bless the Beasts and the Children, by ( ). I had to get my mother to sign a permission slip, before my language arts teacher would allow me to read it, giving me the feeling that it was not nice to read such things, making it feel as if I was doing something a bit naughty. As an almost adult, reading Stephen King and the other dark writers felt kind of like that.

So, it made sense that as I began to explore the craft of writing, my attentions often turn to darker genres, and darker subject matter. I had to work my way into it slowly, starting with a few paranormal short stories, and working my way up to supernatural, dark fantasy, and horror tales. But first, I had to work my way through the stigma of feeling naughty and bad about myself because I wanted to write that kind of thing. I didn’t want to write my heart out and then, let my stories sit unread in a file, but if I put out this dark stuff for people to read, what would they think of me? Would they think me evil or deranged?

I knew people who believed this type of content was sinful and evil. I’d heard of authors who’ve been boycotted because a group of people believed their work inappropriate or distasteful. I’ve never been one to write to market, because I am compelled to write what is in my heart. And one thing Russell Davis told me once kept running through my head. “Know who you are writing for.”

Those people who would disapprove of my subject matter or content are not the people I’m writing for. They are not in my target audience, and because of that, it is highly unlikely that they would even come across my writing to notice it at all.

And, I came to the realization that not everyone will love my writing, and that’s okay. Not everyone is a Stephen King fan, and he has plenty of folks who say he has a sick mind, but he doesn’t let that stop him. Those folks won’t read his work anyway, and there are plenty more who will. Those are the ones he focuses on.

Today, the short fiction that I’ve written is mostly dark. I don’t worry about what people will think because I surround myself with like minded authors in the anthologies I publish through WordCrafter Press each year. And I promote to a dark fiction market, people who are looking for dark tales.

Once this year’s two anthologies are published, I will have over a dozen stories published in WordCrafter anthologies, listed below.

Paranormal Series

Whispers of the Past – “Woman in the Water”Spirits of the West – “Don’t Eat the Pickled Eggs”Lingering Spirit Whispers – “The People Upstairs “

Midnight Anthology Series

Midnight Roost – “Melina”Midnight Garden– “The Puppet Men”Midnight Oil– “The Tokoloshe and the Zombie Elelphant”

Stand Alone

Once Upon an Ever After – “The Story Witch”Refracted Reflections – “The Not So Perfect Prince” and “The Devil Made Her Do It”Visions – “If You’re Happy and You Know It”Tales From the Hanging Tree – ” ” and “The One That Got Away”Curses – “Death Clock” and “Caverna del Oro (Cave of Gold)”

I’m the type of author who must follow my heart. I write because there are stories inside me crying to get out. I write to be read.

___________________________

About the Author

For Kaye Lynne Booth, writing is a passion. Kaye Lynne is an author with published short fiction and poetry, both online and in print, including her short story collection, Last Call and Other Short Fiction; and her paranormal mystery novella, Hidden Secrets; Books 1 & 2 of her Women in the West adventure series, Delilah and Sarah, and her Time-Travel Adventure novel, The Rock Star & The Outlaw,as well as her poetry collection, Small Wonders and The D.I.Y. Author writing resource.

Kaye holds a dual M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing with emphasis in genre fiction and screenwriting, and an M.A. in publishing. Kaye Lynne is the founder of WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services and WordCrafter Press. She also maintains an authors’ blog and website, Writing to be Read, where she publishes content of interest in the literary world.

______________________________

Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.

_________________________

This segment of “Writer’s Corner” is sponsored by the Robbie’s Inspiration blog site, where you can find ideas on writing and baking with hostess, Robbie Cheadle.

Mind Fields: How Humble I Am

In spite of my flamboyant reputation, I must admit that am innately modest and humble. I am, of course, joking. Having reached an age where I have experienced numerous great THUDS from life, I don’t have the conceit anymore to come out and tell everyone how great I am. Maybe that’s a problem. I know who I am. I’m a great artist. Unfortunately there’s no way to prove this assertion. Most great artists know they’re great. No one can talk them out of that notion.

For every great artist there’s another hundred million who think they are great artists. But they aren’t. How does one tell the difference? Damned if I know. Having a large audience doesn’t make one an artist. Nor does having a small audience. I would guess that one of the biggest tips that one is in the presence of mediocre art is the amount of sentimentality contained in the art itself. I recognize myself as a great artist by my ability to connect with the deepest regions of creative inquiry. You can take that or leave it. That just means that I received a gift from God and I was astute enough to treasure and protect it. That’s what talent is: god’s gift to you.

My writing tongue speaks as in a conversation with a friend. My music tongue sings as if playing with the birds in our tree. Making art is a process of extracting Truth from the sloppy ores of earthly life. Art is finding meaning in Existence and putting it into a form that communicates. When art becomes dishonest it stops being art. The truthful exposure of yourself is essential to obey the guiding spirit of art. most of the time art will contain an element of beauty regardless of how dark the subject matter.

As an artist I have greatness. As a human being not so much. I’ve been a pathetic human being for decades. These days less pathetic; I’ve changed a lot by doing the work of deep psychothereapy . It’s often the case that an artist is so focused on the art that he or she forgets how to behave. That’s how I used to be.

Awareness of myself as an artist came to me at fifteen. I was in love with a pink blonde girl who was a sex addict. She was’nt a sex addict with me which became the topic of extensive wheedling conversation. She did one good thing for me. She helped me turn my suffering into art. From that point forward I have never deviated from my core identity.

Art never stops. The practice of one’s craft never stops. The practice is your companion through life. Your instrument, your paint brush, the limbs of your body. These things you train every day. The quest for Art resembles a combination of athletic and priestly discipline. Thecalling of art requires much study.

It has been often said that it takes Genius to see Genius. That may be the reason so many genii remain invisible, like the spirits who inhabit the hollows.

Genius is lonely. I am always out there in the crazy-sphere, where my mind occupies itself with stupid things.

I admire people who are unique and know it. I admire people who retain their consideration for others in spite of their talents. Talent may buy you a hamburger but only character will help you digest it.

About Arthur Rosch

Arthur Rosch is a novelist, musician, photographer and poet. His works are funny, memorable and often compelling. One reviewer said “He’s wicked and feisty, but when he gets you by the guts, he never lets go.” Listeners to his music have compared him to Frank Zappa, Tom Waits, Randy Newman or Mose Allison. These comparisons are flattering but deceptive. Rosch is a stylist, a complete original. His material ranges from sly wit to gripping political commentary.

Arthur was born in the heart of Illinois and grew up in the western suburbs of St. Louis. In his teens he discovered his creative potential while hoping to please a girl. Though she left the scene, Arthur’s creativity stayed behind. In his early twenties he moved to San Francisco and took part in the thriving arts scene. His first literary sale was to Playboy Magazine. The piece went on to receive Playboy’s “Best Story of the Year” award. Arthur also has writing credits in Exquisite Corpse, Shutterbug, eDigital, and Cat Fancy Magazine. He has written five novels, a memoir and a large collection of poetry. His autobiographical novel, Confessions Of An Honest Man won the Honorable Mention award from Writer’s Digest in 2016.

More of his work can be found at www.artrosch.com

Photos at https://500px.com/p/artsdigiphoto?view=photos

__________________________________________

Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.

___________________________________________

This segment of “Mind Fields” is sponsored by the Roberta Writes blog site, where you can find the poetry, photos, videos, and book reviews by Robbie Cheadle and so much more.

In Touch With Nature – Cheetah cubs and the numerous challenges they face #Cheetahs #cubs #photographs

Picture caption: Banner for In Touch With Nature featuring a lion lying down

Cheetah cubs are known for their adorable, fluffy appearance but, sadly, they face a high mortality rate in the wild. Only 10% of cheetah cubs survive to adulthood in the bushveld due to various factors including predators and environmental changes.

Picture caption: Cheetah cub of about twelve weeks old. It still has the silvery white fur mantle Picture caption: Frontal shot of a cheetah cub aged twelve weeks

Cheetahs do not form lasting pair bonds so once mating occurs, a relatively brief process of no longer than one hour, the male departs. Female cheetahs assume full responsibility for the pregnancy and care of the cubs. The pregnancy lasts between ninety and ninety-five days and during this time the female continues to hunt and see to her nutritional needs and those of her developing cubs. As the birth approaches, the female seeks isolation and a suitable birthing location. This period of solitude is necessary as cheetahs do not share cub-rearing responsibilities.

Picture caption: A female ‘mother’ cheetah

Cheetahs usually have litters of three to six cubs which are born blind and weighing between two hundred and three hundred grams. Cheetah cubs have a thick silvery-grey mantle down their back which helps camouflage the babies by imitating the look of the aggressive honey badger. This deception is aimed at deterring predators such as lions, hyenas, leopards, and eagles who all kill cheetah cubs. A day or so after the birth, the mother has to leave the cubs in order to hunt for herself so she can continue to feed and care for the cubs. This is a dangerous time for the cubs as they are left unprotected. For the first six weeks of their lives the cubs remain behind while their mother hunts. She moves them from one secluded hiding place to another in order to avoid detection by predators.

Picture caption: Mom and twelve week old cubs feeding

At about six weeks, the cubs begin following their mother as she travels around looking for prey. During the first few months, the mother and cubs can’t move far or fast, so they are at their most vulnerable. This is the period when cub fatalities are highest. This is the time when the cubs learn life skills for their survival.

At approximately three months old, the cubs lose their ‘honey badger’ mantle and by one year they are hunting with their mother. At about eighteen months old, the cubs leave their mother. The cubs usually stay together for a few months while they hone and perfect their hunting skills. When the adolescent females start maturing, dominant males will chase their brothers away.

Picture caption: Older cheetah cubs (approximately one year) feeding on a baby impala kill Picture caption: A shot of the same cheetah cubs

This video is of a cheetah kill. Don’t watch it if you are squeamish.

Tiny cheetah cubs enjoying a kill:

This poem, Around the Bend, is from my latest poetry collection, Burning Butterflies: Poetry About Southern African Flora and Fauna, available from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Butterflies-Poetry-Southern-African-ebook/dp/B0F2SDF2GW

Around the Bend

The dirt road stretches

Towards the distant horizon

What marvel lies beyond

The bend; long white fur

Catches the sunlight

Is it a honey badger?

No, its cheetah cubs

Their silvery-grey mantle

Effective camouflage

They’re enjoying breakfast

An impala kill by mama

Cheetah feast

Note: Cheetah cubs mimic honey badgers in appearance. They have a thick silvery-grey mantle running down their backs that gives them the appearance of a honey badger. This is a form of camouflage and makes the cubs look like an animal known for its fierce and fearless nature. Cheetah cubs are at risk of being eaten by most other predators so this honey badger disguise acts as a deterrent to potential predators giving them a better chance at survival.

Picture caption: Cover of Burning Butterflies by Robbie CheadleAbout Roberta Eaton Cheadle Picture caption: Robbie Cheadle author photograph 2025

Roberta Eaton Cheadle, is a South African writer and poet specialising in historical, paranormal, and horror novels and short stories. She is an avid reader in these genres and her writing has been influenced by famous authors including Bram Stoker, Edgar Allan Poe, Amor Towles, Stephen Crane, Enrich Maria Remarque, George Orwell, Stephen King, and Colleen McCullough.

Roberta has two published novels and a collection of short stories and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories included in several anthologies. She is also a contributor to the Ask the Authors 2022 (WordCrafter Writing Reference series).

Roberta is also the author and illustrator of seventeen children’s books, illustrator to a further three children’s books, and the author and illustrator of four poetry books published under the name of Robbie Cheadle, and has poems and short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

Roberta’s blog features discussions about classic books, book reviews, poetry, and photography. https://roberta-writes.com/.

Find Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Blog: https://wordpress.com/view/robertawrites235681907.wordpress.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/robbiecheadle.bsky.social

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertawrites

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roberta-Eaton-Cheadle/e/B08RSNJQZ5

___________________________________________

Like this post? Are you a fan of this blog series? Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.

__________________________________________

This segment of “In Touch with Nature” is sponsored by the Midnight Anthology Series and  WordCrafter Press .

Midnight Roost: Weird and Creepy Stories: 20 authors bring your nightmares to life in 23 stories of ghosts, paranormal phenomenon and the horror from the dark crevasses of their minds. Stories of stalkers, both human and supernatural, possession and occult rituals, alien visitations of the strange kind, and ghostly tales that will give you goosebumps. These are the tales that will make you fear the dark. Read them at the Midnight Roost… if you dare. https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Roost-Kaye-Lynne-Booth-ebook/dp/B0CL6FPLVJ

Midnight Garden: Where Dark Tales Grow: 17 authors bring you 21 magnificent dark tales. Stories of magic, monsters and mayhem. Tales of murder and madness which will make your skin crawl. These are the tales that explore your darkest fears. Read them in the Midnight Garden… if you dare. https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Garden-Where-Tales-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0DJNDQJD3

WordCrafter News:: Release & Tour for “The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Seeing Doubles”

The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Seeing Doubles Release & Tour

I’m pleased to announce that The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2: Seeing Doubles is, at long last, scheduled for release on June 17, 2025.

About the Book

In 1887, LeRoy is stuck, bringing trouble down on those around him. When Sissy is kidnapped and he’s the only one who can save her.

In 2030, Amaryllis will stop at nothing to find LeRoy fix what she messed up in the past, when she wakes up in a future very different to the one she knows, one in which she may not be born.

She and a version of Monique which is different from the one she grew up with travel back to 1887 to try and make things right.

When they cross the other time loops, already created, things change, but not the way Amaryllis intended.

Add two time travel regulators from the future who are after the time module, and things start to get wild.

The Tour

The WordCrafter The Rock Star & The Outlaw 2 Book Blog Tour will run June 16-20 to launch this time travel adventure off right. There will be guests posts from the author, me, and a digital giveaway. Come join us in celebrating the release and send it off in a big way.

Book 1 is on Sale Now

What? You haven’t read the first book yet? You are in luck. During the month of May, the first book in my Time Travel Adventure series, The Rock Star & The Outlaw, is on sale for half price, at $3.49. There’s still time to get your copy, as the sale runs through May 31, so don’t wait too long. While both books in this series can be read as stand alones, reading them in sequence may enhance your reading experience on this wild ride through time with The Rock Star & The Outlaw.

About Book 1

A time-traveler oversteps his boundaries in 1887. Things get out of hand quickly, and he is hanged, setting in motion a series of events from which there’s no turning back.

In 1887, LeRoy McAllister is a reluctant outlaw running from a posse with nowhere to go except to the future.

In 2025, Amaryllis Sanchez is a thrill-seeking rock star on the fast track, who killed her dealing boyfriend to save herself. Now, she’s running from the law and his drug stealing flunkies, and nowhere is safe.

LeRoy falls hard for the rock star, thinking he can save her by taking her back with him. But when they arrive in 1887, things turn crazy fast, and soon they’re running from both the outlaws and the posse, in peril once more.

They can’t go back to the future, so it looks like they’re stuck in the past. But either when, they must face forces that would either lock them up or see them dead.

Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/RockStarOutlaw

Announcing the Winning Story for the 2025 WordCrafter Dark Fiction Contest

I’m pleased to announce the the winning story in the 2025 WordCrafter Dark Fiction Contest is “The Vanishing”, by Denise Aparo. ” “The Vanishing” “will be featured along with the dark stories of previous WordCrafter authors such as Robert White, Molly Ertel, Zack Ellafy, C.R. Johannson, Roberta Eaton Cheadle, Chris Barili, DL Mullan, Rebecca M. Senese, Jon Shannon, Paul Kane, Isabell Grey, Abe Margel and, (me), Kaye Lynne Booth. A new author to the WordCrafter tribe, James Olson, will be featured in the third volume of the Midnight Anthology series, Midnight Oil, which will be scheduled for release in October of 2025.

In October, Midnight Oil will be the third volume of the Midnight Dark Fiction Anthology Series. Volumes 1 & 2. Midnight Roost and Midnight Garden, are available now at all your favorite distributors through the Books2Read links below.

Midnight Roost: https://books2read.com/MidnightRoost

Midnight Garden: https://books2read.com/MidnightGardenAnthology

__________________________

Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.

_________________________

This post sponsored by WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services .

Whether it’s editing, publishing, or promotion that you need, WordCrafter Quality Writing & Author Services can help at a price you can afford.

Stop by and see what we have to offer today: https://writingtoberead.com/readings-for-writers/wordcrafter-quality-writing-author-services/

Book Review: “Once Gone”

About “Once Gone”

“A dynamic story line that grips from the first chapter and doesn’t let go.”
–Midwest Book Review, Diane Donovan (regarding Once Gone)

“A masterpiece of thriller and mystery! The author did a magnificent job developing characters with a psychological side that is so well described that we feel inside their minds, follow their fears and cheer for their success. The plot is very intelligent and will keep you entertained throughout the book. Full of twists, this book will keep you awake until the turn of the last page.”
–Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re Once Gone)

Women are turning up dead in the rural outskirts of Virginia, killed in grotesque ways, and when the FBI is called in, they are stumped. A serial killer is out there, his frequency increasing, and they know there is only one agent good enough to crack this case: Special Agent Riley Paige.

Riley is on paid leave herself, recovering from her encounter with her last serial killer, and, fragile as she is, the FBI is reluctant to tap her brilliant mind. Yet Riley, needing to battle her own demons, comes on board, and her hunt leads her through the disturbing subculture of doll collectors, into the homes of broken families, and into the darkest canals of the killer’s mind. As Riley peels back the layers, she realizes she is up against a killer more twisted than she could have imagined. In a frantic race against time, she finds herself pushed to her limit, her job on the line, her own family in danger, and her fragile psyche collapsing.

Yet once Riley Paige takes on a case, she will not quit. It obsesses her, leading her to the darkest corners of her own mind, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted. After a series of unexpected twists, her instincts lead her to a shocking climax that even Riley could not have imagined.

A dark psychological thriller with heart-pounding suspense, ONCE GONE marks the debut of a riveting new series—and a beloved new character—that will leave you turning pages late into the night.

My Review of “Once Gone”

I received a free a digital copy of “Once Gone”, by Blake Pierce from a offer of free series starters in the back of his book, “If She Knew”. “Once Gone” is book 1 in his Riley Page Mystery Series. All opinions stated here are my own.

After being caught and tortured by the perpetrator she’d been hunting, Agent Riley Page has been on hiatus, trying to mend the damage the deranged killer had rendered. But when a victim is discovered with the same MO as a case she’d worked on previously, she is called back into action, to use her ability to delve into the killer’s mind and try to get a step ahead. As more victims turn up, it becomes evident that the killer is escalating, and the clock is ticking for Riley to find him before he kills his next victim.

A typical crime procedural thriller, where the protagonist must bend the rules to get the job done. The story is well told, the details are gruesome, and the protagonist is relatable, but I found nothing to make this tale stand out above the rest. I give “Once Gone” four quills.

___________________

Kaye Lynne Booth does honest book reviews on Writing to be Read in exchange for ARCs. Have a book you’d like reviewed? You can request a review on the Book Review tab above.