Stephanie Burkhart's Blog, page 56

Welcome poet Lynette Endicott for National Poetry Month

STEPH: Lynette, thanks for joining us. Share for us what it's like to be a poet.
LYNETTE: I wrote my first poems for the Greenville Comet, my high school newspaper, about football. I write free-form almost always, and am not as skilled as I would like to be, but I think that the exercise of metaphors or other descriptive devices is good for the writer. 
While it was the third to be released, Return of Joy was the first book I wrote. Buy link: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/starting-over-book-two-the-return-of-joy-epub/  I took some of the poems about love and life that I had written in a spiral notebook years before, and reworked them a little so they lead some of the chapters in the book. Some people don't like that style -- but I figure when that is the case they can just ignore the poetry.
It is hard to name a favorite poet. Robert Frost, William Shakespeare, Madeline L'Engle? I think Mary Oliver is my favorite modern poet. I subscribe to Garrison Keillor's The Writer's Almanac, and he delivers a poem, along with other writer news, to my email almost every day. You can subscribe to either the email or the podcast at http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/  This is how I discovered some of the poets I enjoy the most. One of her poems is at least among my favorites, called In Blackwater Woods.
It is almost embarrassing, then, to add my little poems to the discussion after her spare, clear words ring with such beauty and sadness. But here you go -- a short one and a longer one. I haven't ever titled them. You pick:
Molten magic --            the wine            the depths of your eyes            the heatThe fluid flow --            of conversation            of warmth and touch            and every expression of loveAre potent magic indeed.
And another:
I love you because ...... you are bread and wine to me. Day by day you are there to fill my needand be filled by me....your soul speaks to mine, together or apart,with words or in silence, in joy and peace and wonder, day after day after day.... you are known to me.Your voice, your face, your walk, your dreams, your pain, the feel and smell of you,all of you.... you make me whole. We fit together, you and I,filling up all the  empty places in each other with warmth, excitement and love.I love you because ...... of the paradox.Comfortable -- yet still exciting.Needing no words -- yet never tiring of talking together.Knowing one another completely -- yet daily discovering new things.
Thanks for giving the opportunity. Hope your readers will like my page at www.facebook.com/authorlynetteendicott or comment on my website this week for a chance at a free download of a current book to celebrate the one being released April 11.

STEPH: Thanks for joining us today, Lynette. It's been great having you and may you have a lot of success with your upcoming release!

Welcome to National Poetry Month in the US! Q&A with poet Stephanie Burkhart

It's National Poetry Month in the US and this month I'll be sharing various poems and poets with you so I hope you enjoy. 
From http://www.poets.org:  Started by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when schools, publishers, libraries, booksellers, and poets throughout the United States band together to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Starting in 1999, Canada began celebrating National Poetry Month in April.  In 2000, Great Britain began celebrating National Poetry Month in October.  It was inspired by the success of Black History Month and Women's History Month in the US.
The Current US Poet Laureate is: Natasha Tretheway.
Enjoy this Q&A with me as I share some of my poetry with you.
Question: How long have you been writing poetry?
Steph: Since I was a teenager. (Close to 30 years now!)  I had a poem, a sonnet, called "The Storm" published in my High School Literary Magazine, The Oracle.
Question: What is your favorite poetry style to write?
Steph: I like the Quatern, but I also enjoy the haiku and villanelle.
Question: Who is your favorite poet?
Steph: One of my all time favorites is Emily Dickinson. I find the exploration of her themes involving flowers and morbidity fascinating.  Not only that, her poetry is easy to read, expressive, and the word play stimulates the senses.
Question: What's one of your favorite Emily Dickinson poems?
Steph: I heard a Fly Buzz When I Died.

Question: Can you share some of your poetry with us?

I'd love to. This is a Quatern poem, French form of poetry similar to the Kyrielle.
 There are 16 lines, 4 quatrains
 A refrain is in a different line each quatrain. In the 1st quatrain it is in line 1, in the 2nd quatrain, it is in line 2. in the 3rd quatrain, it is in line 3, in the 4th quatrain, it is in line 4.
 There are 8 syllables per line.
 It does not follow a set rhyme scheme.
Shattered by the light of the Moon
Shattered by the light of the moon,I dropped to the forest ground.His words were icy and bitter.Heartbreak's cold arrow would not come out.
I shivered, stung, pricked by ice,shattered by the light of the moon.Once done, my nocturnal loverwalked away, no compassion
splayed upon his face, no cold grace.My brittle bones ached, my skin quaked,shattered by the light of the moon.Rejection, so coolly done rent.
Dark hours past, sunrise's twilight peeksout over an obsidian cloud.My doomed heart, beating still, wasshattered by the light of the moon.


A VILLANELLE
This is a French form of poetry called the Villanelle.
This is a 19 line poem with the following rhyming scheme: aba, aba, aba, aba, aba, abaa
The 1st and 3rd lines are repeated in alternating order and appear together in the last two lines.

THE VINES (a villanelle poem)
The grapes grew wild and free.He walked through the spiny vines,Knowing the sun and soil were key.
The sunlight pierced the broad canopy.He laid out his plan along careful lines.The grapes grew wild and free.
The wind came, rattling the tree.With deliberate precision, he placed his signs.Knowing the sun and soil were key.
Frost brought his land to it's knees.He blew heat on the readying vines.The grapes grew wild and free.
Clouds covered the insects and bees.He watched and waited in the lines.Knowing the sun and soil were key.
The rain drove away the frost until he could see.Round bulbs of fruit proved a hopeful sign.The grapes grew wild and free,Knowing the sun and soil were the key.
Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. She's published paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance. She's also a published children's author. She adores chocolate and two cups of coffee to start off the day. You can find her at: 

WEBSITE:http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBur...
GOOD READS:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL:http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?f...
PINTEREST:http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/
You can find a list of her poetry at writing.com here: http://www.writing.com/main/portfolio...

April is Autism Awareness Month #autism

According to the latest information released by the US Center for Disease Control, approximately 1 in 88 children are found to be on the autistic spectrum. Autism is 4-5 times more common in boys than girls. So what is autism?
It's a complex disorder involving brain development. Autism tends to emerge between 2-3 years of age and it presents in varying degrees with difficulties involving social interaction, speech, and repetitive behaviors. Many autistic children also have sensory processing issues.
A great online resource for autism is http://www.autismspeaks.org. They have a lot of up-to-date information along with a comprehensive list of symptoms.
The latest information from the Autism Speaks website indicates autism many have its roots in early brain development, but currently there is no one cause for autism. From Autism Speaks, the cause appears to be a combination of a gene at risk for autism and environmental factors that influence early brain development. Other environmental factors during and before birth include advanced parental age at conception, maternal illness during pregnancy, and difficulties during birth including periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby's brain.
My son is now 6 and his official diagnosis is Expressive Language Disorder. He's been seen by 2 psychologists at 2 different times (when he was 3 and 6) who have both come to the same conclusions – Expressive Language Disorder, but it hasn't been easy for me as a parent. I began being worried for him at 15 months when he wasn't talking. At 18 months he still couldn't say a word.  I took him to the regional center and he was evaluated.  He's had therapies since 20 months.  He's gone to speech, child development, group, and occupational therapy. He has sensory processing issues that affect his fine motor and sense of balance. Currently, he's in the first grade and while he still sees a speech therapist for misarticulations, he's mainstreamed 95% time of the time in a general education classroom. His sensory processing issues get in the way at times. He uses a chewy in the classroom and has a weighted vest. He's highly active and he goes to a social skills class.  I've heard it all – he's got ADHD, Asbergers, high-functioning autism and one thing I've learned as a parent – you are your child's best advocate. I've had to become a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, and an autism expert. For my son, he's succeeded because of the early intervention, but he also has a great support network. He still has to work hard and there's no denying his speech misarticulations and his sensory processing issues that mainly affect his vestibular and proprioception senses, but he takes hip-hop dance lessons, gymnastics, goes to religious education, and is a tiger cub scout– all mainstream.
When he was first seen, I received a lot of information from http://www.spdfoundation.net for sensory processing.  If you have any questions, searching out reliable online resources is a great start.  Also, hearing other parents stories offered inspiration and hope. 
Patience, Understanding, and Caring are traits that will help everyone when dealing with autism. It doesn't just affect the child, but the family.
If you have any resources to recommend or would like to share a story or an experience, you're very welcome. 

6 Sentence Sunday - The Secret Door, paranormal romance

The Secret Door
Paranormal Romance w/witches and werewolves
5.99 novel 

BLURB: Can Zoltan save his witch with Sophia's help?

*****


"What's wrong?" Sophia left the bed and gathered her garments.

Another shot rang out, and a loud cry rent the air.

"Stop!" Zoltan recognized Tomas' voice. He glanced at the window. Flames sparked
upward.

"I believe Rufus is here with his men setting fire to the fields."

Her nostrils flared, and her face became a glowering mask of rage. "No!"

*****

Reviews:
"The Secret Door's exciting action, paranormal elements, and romance will not disappoint a reader." - Joy Cagil, Amazon Reader"I was quite pleased to find an original take on the werewolf mythology and was impressed by the author's choice of location and historical accuracy. The Secret Door is a fun read and is highly recommended." - 5 Stars, Jack Magnus, Reader's Favorite Reviews
BUY LINKS:PUBLISHER: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/budapest-moon-book-four-the-secret-door-epub/AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00B96KCYSBARNES & NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/budapest-moon-book-four-stephanie-burkhart/1114281656?ean=2940015989762All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...

Book Review for: 50 Shades Darker

Book Review for: 50 Shades DarkerWritten by: EL JamesVintage BooksISBN: 978-0-345-80349-84 Stars
James pens a suspenseful erotic tale with "Fifty Shades Darker." Businessman Christian Grey falls to pieces when Ana leaves him. Can he earn her love despite his past?
The novel opens with Anastasia committed to her choice of leaving Christian, but soon she challenges herself. Despite Christian's dark background, the attraction between them is undeniable. Dare Anastasia give him her heart once she learns his all-consuming dark past?
James delves into the depths of Christian's demons and splays them before Ana for her to accept or reject. James' writing is easy to read, but her style can be jarring at times as the story is told in the present tense through Ana's perspective. The characterization is the best part of the novel. Christian bares his dark, haunted soul to Ana. The story challenges the reader to hope like Ana, that Christian can let his demons go.
50 Shades Darker is an erotic romance. The sexual scenes are intense, and intended  for a mature audience. While intimacy grows the trust between Christian and Ana, the sexual scenes feel excessive at times. This book is not for those readers who would easily be offended by the graphic sexual content.
Overall, the novel strips away barriers and challenges readers to go outside their comfort zone with Ana and Christian. "50 Shades Darker" will leave you breathless and on the edge of your seat, daring the reader to believe that the seeds of love can bloom in darkness. 

Romantic Muses - Who's your muse?

  Erato, the museA lot of us writers often throw out references to our muses.  "Oh, she went on vacation, I can't write anything now."  Or maybe: "She's on fire. I can't write fast enough for her." Some of our muses even have names and inspire us in ways we often don't realize. But where did muses come from?
From Greek myths, the muses are goddesses and the inspiration for literature, sciences and the arts. They are the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. Some of their names may sound familiar: Calliope, Clio, Thalia, and Erato is the muse for love poetry.
Erato's name shares the same roots as Eros. She's the muse of lyric, love, and erotic poetry. She's often depicted holding a harp and in Eros' company.  From the pictures I've seen, she reminds me of Venus – a beautiful young woman, gifted, graceful, and inspirational.
Finding romantic inspiration can be easy- it's all around us. Flowers, chocolates and cards are materials things that inspire romance. You can dedicate a song to your loved one. You can write them a poem about your feelings. A romantic gesture can go a long way. Treating your loved one to a movie or a dinner are romantic gestures that a muse might inspire. How does Erato inspire you?
Question for you: Do you have a muse? What is his/her name? What have written or done that you can say your muse inspired you? 
Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. Her short story, "Matchmaking Amusement" is in the Be Mused Anthology. 

ABOUT "BE MUSED"Muses are fickle creates, sprinkling inspiration on their wards as they see fit.They live in a world just right of center from ours, and to them, we're just the day job. Muses need lives too, you know.Enjoy this collection of stories compiled by several authors at Desert Breeze Publishing that will give you some insight into the world of the ethereal creatures who inspire the arts.Watch the Video for "Matchmaking Amusement:"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxZASQ... Stars for "Be Mused" from Long & Short Reviews:  This collection of stories will not only give you a new perspective to the writer behind the words on the page you are reading, but a good laugh as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!Buy Links:Amazon:http://amzn.com/B003EV5SWMPublisher... Buy Link:http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com... & Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/be-mu...

6 Sentence Sunday - The Secret Door - paranormal romance

The Secret Door
Paranormal Romance w/witches and werewolves
5.99 novel 

BLURB: Can Zoltan save his witch with Sophia's help?

*****

"Relax, Sophia. I feel wonderful. I've never experienced this before, and I don't know quite how to explain it."

"Oh."

"Darling," he paused. "You are my soul mate."

"You believe in soul mates?" she whispered, a look of awe crossing her expression. 

"Yes."
A shot rang out and shattered the moment. 


*****
Reviews:
"The Secret Door's exciting action, paranormal elements, and romance will not disappoint a reader." - Joy Cagil, Amazon Reader"I was quite pleased to find an original take on the werewolf mythology and was impressed by the author's choice of location and historical accuracy. The Secret Door is a fun read and is highly recommended." - 5 Stars, Jack Magnus, Reader's Favorite Reviews
BUY LINKS:PUBLISHER: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/budapest-moon-book-four-the-secret-door-epub/AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00B96KCYSBARNES & NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/budapest-moon-book-four-stephanie-burkhart/1114281656?ean=2940015989762All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...

Easter Traditions 2013 & a Giveaway

Coloring Easter Eggs with my son, Joe


Easter is just around the corner. Growing up in New Hampshire, Easter was a big family affair. My mother's side of the family embraced many traditions from her father's native Poland. This love of tradition became embedded in my bones and it's something I hope to pass on down to my boys.
As a girl in the 1970's growing up, I remember going to mass, getting a new dress for Easter, and eggs – boiled, deviled, colored, and who can forget the lamb? I remember visiting the "twins" up on the hill and playing with cousins I didn't realize I had.
Nowadays, in the mid 2010's, 40 years later in California, I'm working on giving my boys the same sense of tradition I had growing up. I make Polish Pierogis by scratch, which is an all day affair and I buy the "butter braid" stuffed bread at church. The boys and I go to mass and I always color eggs. Easter afternoon is time for the egg hunt.
And who can forget the chocolate? I'm a sucker for a Cadbury crème egg. They're the best kind of egg.
Question for you: What are some of your favorite Easter traditions?  Growing up and now?
Giveaway: Leave a comment with your email and I'll pick one lucky winner to receive a PDF copy of my story "A Polish Heart."

A POLISH HEARTSweet Contemporary/Inspirational Romance99 cent NovellaBlurb: Can Sofia's faith give Darrin his heart back? 
*****

Darrin began washing the peppers.
"What are you doing, Darrin?" asked Basia.
Sofia turned around from talking with her mother."I'm washing the peppers," he said.
"Oh, I can do that." Basia walked to the sink."It's okay. I can do it."
"Basia, Darrin is a bit of a cook. He watches the Food Network," said Sofia.

************
BOOK TRAILER LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lC6_397PerU

Review:"Sofia and Darrin's story is a heartwarming one. Totally enjoyable read." - Tara Manderino, Amazon Reader

BUY LINKS:
AMAZON:http://amzn.com/B007AS29AO

BARNES & NOBLE:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-pol...

SONY EBOOK STORE: https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/stephanie-burkhart/a-polish-heart/_/R-400000000000000712746

SMASHWORDS:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

6 Sentence Sunday - The Secret Door - Paranormal Romance

The Secret Door
Paranormal Romance w/witches and werewolves
5.99 novel 

BLURB: Can Zoltan save his witch with Sophia's help?

*****


His gaze trapped hers. She studied him, and as every second passed, her heartbeat accelerated, her core warmed. She had to accept every aspect of him – man and wolf. And the wolf could be downright feral when provoked. Dare she? What did she really want for her future? God, right now in this moment all she could do was feel. She wanted to kiss him and surround herself in his warmth.

"I must know what your choice is." His voice was intense, just a whisper.

Her primal emotions flared. Her body ached, and she approached him, placing her hand over his heart. "Zoltan, I can't explain this--"

"Don't. Just feel it." 

*****
Reviews:
"The Secret Door's exciting action, paranormal elements, and romance will not disappoint a reader." - Joy Cagil, Amazon Reader"I was quite pleased to find an original take on the werewolf mythology and was impressed by the author's choice of location and historical accuracy. The Secret Door is a fun read and is highly recommended." - 5 Stars, Jack Magnus, Reader's Favorite Reviews
BUY LINKS:PUBLISHER: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/budapest-moon-book-four-the-secret-door-epub/AMAZON: http://amzn.com/B00B96KCYSBARNES & NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/budapest-moon-book-four-stephanie-burkhart/1114281656?ean=2940015989762All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...

Contest/Giveway - Join me for my MARCH Coffee & Chocolate Contest!

My bi-monthly Coffee & Chocolate Contest/Giveaway is promoting my recently released novel, "The Secret Door."  GRAND PRIZE GC to Starburcks, a coffee mug, magnets, chocolates, and a Lori Powell original book bag. I'll also be giving out PDF copies of past novels and free reads during the contest.

TO ENTER:
Visit my Facebook Fan Page and and leave a comment on my "Coffee and Chocolate" posts. (they're marked.) The Grand Prize winner will be announced on my Facebook Fan Page (along with my PDF winner giveaways) and my official website on 26 MARCH.

LINK to Facebook Fan Page:
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBur...

If you have a chance stop on by and enter.  "Like" my fan page and you'll be entered to win, as well.

Remember: Crabby don't get you nowhere in life. Smile.
Steph