Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 62
February 25, 2024
Anna Taylor Sweringen/Michal Scott: Homespun Heroines and Other Women of Distinction (Contest)
For Black History Month, my post will focus on an amazing book I discovered while researching my October 2023 D.D. post on Hallie Q. Brown (1850-1950). Published by Ms. Brown in 1926, Homespun Heroines and Other Women of Distinction contains sixty biographical sketches/essays written by twenty-nine contributors. Ms. Brown wrote 21 of them.
Here is the book’s dedication which includes a verse of poetry by poet Clara Ann Thompson (1869-1949):
In memory of the many mothers who were loyal in tense and trying times, this volume is affectionately dedicated to the National Association of Colored Women of America and Canada.
Through all the blight of slavery
They kept their womanhood
And now they march with heads erect,
To fight for all things good,
Nor care for scorn nor seek for praise,
Just so they please their God.
Whether well-known like Phillis Wheatley or less well-known like Martha Payne, the mother of Daniel Payne, who founded Wilberforce University, each essay shares how these women impacted society in whatever role they found themselves. By publishing Homespun Heroines, Hallie Brown and her co-authors made sure the world learned about women worthy of remembrance regardless of their “lot” in life.
In the foreword, author and teacher Josephine Turpin Washington (1861-1949) begins:
“Interesting as are the facts recorded in this book, they do not constitute its chief value. That is found in its reflection of the wonderful spirit which moved the women who strove and achieved, despite obstacles greater than any which have stood in the way of other upward struggles.”
Then she ends with, “The result is a work which not only furnishes useful information, but—what is even more—inspires to finer character and racial development.”
My edition of Homespun Heroines is part of a collaboration between the Schomburg Library in Harlem, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, and Oxford University Press. In his Note from the Schomburg, Howard Dodson, the Schomburg’s director at the time, wrote that when titles from the 19th century were being reprinted in the 1960s, with the exception of well-known names like Phillis Wheatley, the work of women was notably absent. The Schomburg therefore created The Schomburg Library of Nineteenth-Century Black Women.
By sharing my African American women posts here on Delilah’s blog I think that I too am honoring the “memory of the many mothers who were loyal in tense and trying times” as Hallie Brown and her co-authors did. Their work has inspired me to begin compiling information on African American women of the modern era as well as continuing to share about those from the 19th century. I’ve already written about some of the women found in Homespun Heroine’s pages. I look forward to sharing about others I’m discovering thanks to this fantastic resource.
For a chance at a $10 Amazon Gift Card, share in the comments any thoughts you might have on this post or the name of a resource that you’ve learned Women’s History from.
One Breath Away by Michal Scott
Sentenced to hang for a crime she didn’t commit, former slave Mary Hamilton was exonerated at literally the last gasp. She returns to Safe Haven, broken and resigned to live alone. She’s never been courted, cuddled or spooned, and now no man could want her, not when sexual satisfaction comes only with the thought of asphyxiation. But then the handsome stranger who saved her shows up, stealing her breath from across the room and promising so much more. Wealthy, freeborn-Black, Eban Thurman followed Mary to Safe Haven, believing the mysteriously exotic woman was foretold by the stars. He must marry her to reclaim his family farm. But first he must help her heal, and to do that means revealing his own predilection for edgier sex. Hope ignites along with lust until the past threatens to keep them one breath away from love…
Excerpt:
Arousal—fondly remembered and sorely missed—sizzled between Mary Hamilton’s well- rounded thighs. Moisture coated her nether lips and threatened to stoke the sizzle into a blaze. The sensation surprised her, as did the owner of the gaze that lit the flame.
Eban Thurman stood against an opposite wall of the town’s community hall. Although the room was wide as two barns and filled with revelers, neither the distance nor the presence of the crowd lessened the power of his gaze. He studied her with a curiosity that didn’t grope with disdain, but caressed with approval.
With respect.
This kind of appreciation was never given to women as dark and as large as she. Gratitude heated her face.
Gratitude and embarrassment. Her lavender toilet water couldn’t hide the fragrance of arousal. She shuddered with shame then glanced around. Had anyone else detected the odor? All the merrymakers seemed too caught up in the rhythmic fast fiddling and foot-stomping of Safe Haven’s seventh annual Juneteenth Revel to notice her discomfort.
In 1872 Texas who took note of a black woman who ain’t been asked to wed?
Yet Eban’s perusal said not only did he take note, but he liked what he saw.
Buylink: https://amzn.to/2u5XQYY
The post Anna Taylor Sweringen/Michal Scott: Homespun Heroines and Other Women of Distinction (Contest) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.
February 24, 2024
Saturday Puzzle-Contest: A Romantic Dinner
I watched a TikTok where a man played a prank on his girlfriend while they were eating at a restaurant. While she was in the bathroom, he paid their bill and then waited for her to return. When she sat, he leaned toward her and dared her to do a “Dine & Dash” where you eat and flee without paying. She was reluctant at first, but then her eyes brightened. They ran from the restaurant and jumped into his car; then she told him, “Go, go, go!” while she patted her chest because she was so frightened and excited. After they pulled away, he told her he had paid, and she said, “Oh, thank God!” He asked her, “But was that fun, right?” Her smile was everything. He’d invited her to do something naughty but had protected her from the consequences. I thought, “Damn, he knows her.” And, “How romantic.”
Okay, so maybe you think that was risky and weird for a date, but it got me thinking about what makes a dinner romantic.
So, today’s challenge: For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, solve the puzzle then tell me what your ideal romantic dinner would look like.
The post Saturday Puzzle-Contest: A Romantic Dinner first appeared on Delilah Devlin.February 23, 2024
FREE Read: Two Hot
It’s Friday! Sounds like the perfect time to give something away! I have this short story I wrote a while ago. But be warned! This 6800-word short story contains elements of voyeurism, m/f/m ménage sex, oral sex, and light BDSM. Interested? Follow the link and Happy Friday!
The post FREE Read: Two Hot first appeared on Delilah Devlin.
Afraid to spoil their friendship, Emily had been reluctant to act on her attraction to the two sexy men next door. However, when she’s caught spying on them, the men decide a little punishment is in order…
February 22, 2024
Story Cubes — Tell me a story (Contest)
I bought this little brainstorming tool years ago at some writers’ conference. “Story Cubes” is a brainstorming game. You roll the dice and whatever pictures appear, face-up, are the ones you use to riff off a story. You can try to include all the cubes in your “story” or choose a few.
To make this fun, I’ll offer a prize—a $5 Amazon gift card—good for purchasing one or two stories…
Have fun with this! Don’t overthink! Here’s the roll…
The post Story Cubes — Tell me a story (Contest) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.
February 21, 2024
Word Search: Sticky Bun Day — Breakfast Pastries (Contest)
I know, I know. Lately, I’m seem to be obsessed with food. My fun holiday list isn’t helping at all. Today is Sticky Bun Day! So, in honor of the occasion, I quickly listed ten breakfast pastries I could think of off the top of my head.
Exercise that gray matter and enjoy the puzzle! Then, for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, add to the list OR tell me your favorites! For me, it’s kolaches and danishes!
The post Word Search: Sticky Bun Day — Breakfast Pastries (Contest) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.February 20, 2024
Show me what you made (Part Two) (Contest)
A few days ago, I asked readers to “show me what they made.” I asked for pictures of their art. I chose the winners of that challenge using a random number generator because I’m not going to judge anyone’s art. The two winners of the challenge are listed on the previous blog, but for a chance to win something today (whether you participated in the challenge or not), I’ll give a $5 Amazon gift card to someone who comments here!
Anna Taylor SweringenNot only is she an author, Anna makes lovely, seasonal wreaths for her door! If you’d like to see more of her work, check out this blog she did with pictures of some of her artwork: Wreaths
Look at how gorgeous these are! I’m so jealous. My daughter loves gnomes, she’ll flip out seeing Beckie’s!
Too cute!
Check out the wiremen! Very clever!
I’ve always wanted to make a quilt! But it takes patience (which I lack!). So pretty!
Now, I knew Ellen made lovely stained glass art, but I had no idea she was so multi-talented!
I was hoping someone would show off their cooking skills! Fedora made a very scrumptious-looking cake. What do you think it is? Looks like there’s chunks of apple, so maybe an applesauce cake?
Plus, she’s showing off her knitting skills! Look at the lovely patterns!
Jennifer BeyerThis is adorable!
February 19, 2024
Genevive Chamblee: House of the Rising Sun
Today’s post may seem an odd one, but for me, it isn’t. See, recently, Mardi Gras was celebrated, which is a major event in Louisiana. And since 2020—when the entire world broke—it hasn’t been the same. Sure, it’s on its way to recovery, but it’s taking a while to get there. I should say, though, that this isn’t something that many people who have been around and are familiar with carnival are overly concerned with because, as mentioned, Mardi Gras is a big deal. It has tons of moving parts. Restructuring events this large is complicated. For those who think I’m minimizing the disruption, reflect on what happened in the years following Hurricane Katrina. It wasn’t that much different than what is presently occurring.
I began by saying Mardi Gras is a popular celebration in Louisiana. This is true. However, it is an event celebrated across the globe. New Orleans is likely the place where it is the most famously celebrated or is given the most attention. But NOLA wasn’t where Mardi Gras was created or even first celebrated. It’s just that when NOLA does something it does it big. Like, there is nothing really “over-the-top” about the place. Nevertheless, this post isn’t about Mardi Gras. Carnival was just the reason this topic registered with me.
This year, several parades were canceled—not due to weather but due to continued money issues that a lot can be attributed to the start of the icky Rona situation. In 2020, Fat Tuesday was on February 25, barely beating the U.S. shutdown/shelter-at-home. In 2021, it’s fair to say, that the Mardi Gras public celebration in NOLA was all but canceled. In 2022, it returned, but many parades/krewes didn’t return due to financial issues and parade route conflicts. This has continued to be the case as people get back on their feet.
So, as some friends and I were discussing the “good ol’ days” of carnival, we began to realize that there are plenty of things that we’ve taken for granted about Mardi Gras. Taking something for granted means failing to appreciate the value of something due to overfamiliarity. It also means failing to make assumptions without asking questions. Well, while we were having this profound discussion (and yes, distilled spirits were involved), the song House of the Rising Sun (or as I’ll refer to it from henceforth, HOTRS) began playing. And for the first time, I took note of the lyrics—perhaps because the first line begins: “There is a house in New Orleans.” As many times as I’ve heard this song, I never once questioned anything about it. I looked at my companions and asked where this place was located. No one knew, and that sent me spiraling down a wormhole of intoxication and loose association. Not only was I curious about the where, but I also wanted to know the what and why. So, I did some digging, and the results were intriguing…at least, to me.
Before I began dumpster diving into the where, what, and why, I was smacked with who. This became significant later when trying to answer what.
Like Mardi Gras being closely associated with NOLA despite it not originating from there, HOTRS is mostly associated with being performed by the British rock band, The Animals. Their version was released in 1964. However, HOTRS is a folk song that is believed to have been written in the early twentieth century and has been performed/recorded by a host of other artists. This list includes (in alphabetical but not recording order) the following: The Animals, Clarence “Tom” Ashley, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Five Finger Death Punch, Gwen Foster, Frigid Pink, Geordie, Andy Griffith, Woody Guthrie, Johnny Halliday, Lead Belly, Los Speakers, Miriam Makeba, Johnny Miller, Sinead O’Connor, Odette, Dolly Parton, Pete Seeger, Nina Simone, Thin Lizzy, Dave Von Ronk (Mayor of McDougall Street), and Glen Yarborough. This list may not be exhaustive.
Reportedly, The Animal’s version of the song was based on Bob Dylan’s version, and Dylan based his version on Dave Van Ronk’s version. However, Ronk wasn’t the original artist. The original artist is alleged to have been a woman, and the original lyrics reportedly are “poor girl” and not “poor boy.” It is believed the lyrics were changed when the gender of the singer switched from male to female. This is significant because the switch in gender perception changes the interpretation of the song. I’ll swing back around to this later.
Where?
Most of the information that I’ve read says that the HOTRS is based on a real location in NOLA. To be fair, I did find a couple of sources that said it was fictitious and a few others that concluded it was real but located in other places than NOLA. As to what type of establishment it was, three common answers kept recurring:
A house of ill-repute/brothelA jail/prisonA gambling hall/casinoWhat?
Brothel – Apparently, there was a gentlemen’s adult pleasure facility that was run by a woman known as Madame Marianne LeSoleil Levant. From the name, it can be assumed that this woman had a French heritage. However, as I’ve discussed multiple times on my blog, South Louisiana has a diverse culture. While this woman may have been from France, she may have been a native of Louisiana (Cajun or Creole). Her name (LeSoleil Levant) translates to mean “Rising Sun.” This explanation for the song is pretty much in the face.
Prison – According to the research I found, there was a women’s detention center in New Orleans Parish. At the entrance, allegedly, there was artwork depicting a rising sun embossed on the concrete above the doorway. This artwork was reported to resemble the red and white Imperial Japanese Army war flag (adopted in 1889). The prison had nothing to do with Asia or Japan, and it is not known why similar artwork was used. This theory hypothesizes that the creator of the song was an inmate at this prison. The lyrics such as “Wearing that ball and chain” and “If I had listened to what my mama said, I’d be at home today,” lend support that the HOTRS is a prison.
Casino – This is another on-the-nose reference. The lyrics state that the “father was a gambling man” and what a gambler needs. There are also references (depending on the version) to the use of alcohol and drugs, and of course, most casinos serve adult beverages. In my opinion, this is the weakest of the three choices but still plausible.
Who?
As mentioned, it is believed the original creator/singer of HOTRS was a woman, but the most popular version of the song is about a man. How the narrator affects the songs is this. If the song is about a man, then the house could not be a woman’s prison. That simply wouldn’t make sense. Also, it weakens the theory that the house is a brothel. In general, society hasn’t written off men for visiting brothels. However, if it was a woman working in a brothel, she (as sexist as it is) would have more to lose. She would have been an outcast and not accepted by “decent” society. That would give credit to the line about being “ruined.” Furthermore, if the song is about a woman, the narrative becomes that she got hooked up with a gambler and alcoholic which caused her to turn to this way of life as having no other choice or means to support herself.
The singer being a man yields a slightly different spin. In that version, it is more commonly inferred that the singer has followed in the footsteps of his father on a path of drinking and gambling by choice.
In any version, one fact remains constant—the HOTRS is a bad thing. It appears to rob a person of hope and drains one physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Doing a deep dive into this song was fun. It caused me to think, and I learned a lot. Songs are poetry to music. Sometimes, the meaning isn’t obvious and one needs to think and look beyond the written word for the implied meaning. HOTRS is pretty apparent that it is referring to a physical location associated with moral deterioration and degeneration.
So, that’s a wrap on today’s topic. Now, it’s your turn to sound off. What did you think? What is your take on the subject? Do you agree or disagree? Did you find this information helpful or informative? Did you learn anything new, or did it change your opinion? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Also, let me know if you would like me to cover more of these types of topics or dive deeper into this one. If you like this post, please click the like button, and share it. Your feedback allows me to know the content that you want to read. If you’re not following me on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou.
Get ready. It’s time to hit the ice again. Future Goals has arrived and is available.
When a college hockey player needs the help of an attractive older attorney, he gets more than he bargained for when trying to sort out the troubles in his career. Falling in love was never part of either man’s plan, especially as Corrigan’s and Sacha’s lives should never have collided. Now they’re left questioning if they’re standing in the way of the other’s future goals, or if there’s room for redirection.
Order your copy at:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RjPYb9
Other booksellers: https://bit.ly/3CI8d5W
Did you miss the first four books in my hockey romance series? No frets.
Out of the Penalty Box (book #1), where it is one minute in the box or a lifetime out, is available at http://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. For more links on where to purchase or to read the blurb, please visit http://bit.ly/2i9SqpH.
Defending the Net (book #2) can be ordered at https://amzn.to/2N7fj8q or www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.
Ice Gladiators (book #3) is the third book in my Locker Room Love series. When the gloves come off, the games begin. Available at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.
Penalty Kill (book #4) retakes the ice. Get a copy at https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p or https://amzn.to/3ex0N9p and let the pucker begin.
For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays, and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.
If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or X (formerly tweet) me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search for me on Goodreads, Amazon Authors, BookBub, Bluesky, Threads, or TikTok.
NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and sign up today.
Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Laissez le bon temps rouler.
About the Author
Genevive Chamblee resides in the Bayou country where sweet tea and SEC football reign supreme. She is known for being witty (or so she thinks), getting lost anywhere beyond her front yard (the back is pushing it as she’s very geographically challenged), falling in love with shelter animals (and she adopts them), asking off-the-beaten-path questions that make one go “hmm,” and preparing home-cooked Creole meals that are as spicy as her writing. Genevive specializes in spinning steamy, romantic tales with humorous flair, diverse characters, and quirky views of love and human behavior. She also is not afraid to delve into darker romances as well.
The post Genevive Chamblee: House of the Rising Sun first appeared on Delilah Devlin.February 18, 2024
Report Card & Open Contests
Last week…
I worked on two editing projects for two other authors. I’m getting close to The End!I published and promoted the release of Malcolm !This next week will be insane for work and play!
I must write the opening chapters of my next book, What Happens in Bozeman… I need to complete two editing jobs! Then begin two more.I’d like to read another five to ten stories for my next anthology, Secret Identities.I begin the #The100DayProject, where I’ll be producing one piece of art a day.Just shoot me now.
Open Contests
February 17, 2024
Saturday Puzzle-Contest: What I want for dinner tonight!
I skipped breakfast, and now my tummy is taking over my brain. So, here’s today’s puzzle!
For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, solve the puzzle then tell me what you want for dinner tonight!
The post Saturday Puzzle-Contest: What I want for dinner tonight! first appeared on Delilah Devlin.February 16, 2024
Cameron Allie: What’s happening in my world… (2 FREE Reads + Excerpt!)
I have sad news.
I had really wanted to show up today blaring trumpets and screaming “I have a new release! I have a new release!”, but unfortunately, I can’t.
My PNR wolf shifter book that was scheduled to release today, had to be postponed. So instead, I’m here to take a brief break before I go back to frantically trying to finish it so the proofer can get through it before it’s due to Amazon in less than a month.
If you think fated mates wolf shifters are for you, you can pick up the first one in the series, Drew (for free) here, and you can preorder Callum, which will be out next month (if all goes well) here.
Bookstagram Reviewer’s Choice Award: Romance Edition
I come with some news though. I’m starting up a Bookstagram Reviewer’s Choice Award.
What is that?
Well, right now I’m recruiting active bookstagrammers who love to read and review romance books! In March, I’ll be opening up the entry form for romance authors to enter their book (so long as it’s published between May 2023-April 2024).
This is an excellent opportunity for both Bookstagrammers and romance authors to connect with each other and to reach new romance readers.
There will be prizes for the top scoring entries in each category.
Judges will be receiving the books they judge for free.
Follow me on Instagram and follow the contest at our new Instagram account.
If you’d like more information, you can read about it here.
And if you’re a Bookstagrammer and you think you’d like to be a judge, you can sign up here.
How about a quick, unedited excerpt from Callum?
A few more hours and she could supervise the cleanup. Tonight, she’d sneak away to the tree fort for some quiet reading time, and if she was lucky, she’d miss seeing her father tonight.
As she thought through her plans, she straightened a tray on the table, and that’s when it hit her.
Or—more correctly—hit her nostrils.
The spicy, sweet scent from the other night, the one she’d thought was a cologne.
It was stronger now and immediately she realized what it was. Her mate.
For a second, she closed her eyes and just breathed in the intoxicating scent.
The noise of the crowd faded to a dull buzz. Across from her, someone shifted, and she just knew.
Looking up, there he was, the blond man, Elliot’s cousin, staring at her.
Her mouth watered as his scent flooded her senses. He was beautiful. His blond hair was darker at the roots and lighter at the tips, styled with a forelock that twisted and dipped across his forehead. A slight beard scruff covered the dimple in his chin.
He was stunning, and…related to Elliot.
Her father would never approve. Fated mate or not.
If he knew.
Her mate swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing with the motion. “It’s you.”
Quickly, she glanced around before hushing him. “Don’t talk to me. Not here.”
With that, she turned on her heel and fled, her mind whirling with each step.
New plan.
Seduce her mate and convince him to imprint on her before her father found out.
Belated Valentine’s Day Gift!
Happy Valentine’s Day (Yeah, I know, it’s a couple days late)!
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free copy of Arrested Valentine!
The post Cameron Allie: What’s happening in my world… (2 FREE Reads + Excerpt!) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.
What do you do when you find out your ex-boyfriend was cheating? You spend Valentine’s with your bestie and a bottle of Vodka. Maybe she suggests you slash the cheater’s tires. Maybe you get arrested by the sexiest cop you’ve ever seen.
A day dedicated to love. How bad could it be?
