Deliah Lawrence's Blog, page 4
June 3, 2024
It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Elizabeth (Libby) Smith, author of The Coin Flip
Author’s Bio: Elizabeth Smith, who goes by Libby,lives in Parkville, Marylandwith her husband Dennis.Her previous book, Twin Strokes, is about ayoung girl who suffered with a rare illness called Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Smith, who enjoys writing children’s stories, senior jokes, articlesand essays, has threechildren and two grandchildren. Herhobbies include, reading, writing, baking, walking, swimming, and listening to a varietyof music. Among her favorite authors are Jan Karon,Adriana Trigiani, Matthew Kelly, Francine Rivers, and thelate, Erma Bomback.
Whilegrowing up in the country, a treasured time during the summer was hiking to thenearby bookmobile. “I have fond memories of walking inside and smelling thefragrance of the books and slowly feeling the crinkly plastic covers like theywere gold,” said Smith. “It was intoxicating.”
Smithalso enjoyed teaching Faith Formation to school children, working for apediatrician and helping kids as a paraeducator. A few years later, afterreading an article about her great-grandfather, it became her mission to writethis book, The Coin Flip. “I feel the Holy Spirit was my co-author inboth works,” added Smith.
Shebelongs to the Maryland Writer’s Association, the Capital Christian Writer’sFellowship, and Writing 4 Kids.
DeliahLawrence: What inspired you to write your book?
ElizabethSmith:I was inspired towrite my book, The Coin Flip, afterreading an amazing newspaper article from my cousin. It was so impressive that I felt moved to turnit into a book so others could appreciate the benefit of the story.
DL: Whatelements do you think make a compelling story?
ES: To me, a compelling story is one that I canrelate to, a story that is filled with emotions, and also has humor, and issprinkled with some spiritual input. Itis one you just don’t want to put down.
DL: What obstaclesdid you encounter while writing this book?
ES: I don’t care forresearching. It takes lots of time and Iam a little impatient.
DL: What was the most valuable writing advice you’veever been given?
ES: The most valuableadvice I have been given is to never give up.
DL: Whatare three books you’ll never part with?
ES: Three books Iwon’t part with are the Bible, a book called, He and I, and a book myson wrote twenty years ago that is now out of print.
DL: What’syour favorite line from a book?
ES: A favorite linewould be “You can’t live a joyful life if you’re paralyzed by fear.”
DL: What are three fun facts about yourself?
ES: Three facts about myself are: I can laugh at myself, I am always losing myglasses and keys, and I enjoy playing a variety of games.
DL: Would you like to share an excerpt from The Coin Flip ?
ES: Sure, here you go:
I toldMcDermott how I would always dream about becoming a priest.
“Well,well…you would never guess Quigley, that I too have the same desire. Let’s talk about what jobs might pay the mostmoney so it doesn’t take us so long to enter the seminary.”
“I don’tthink we will know until we arrive in America and investigate it.”
“True, butI don’t feel like waiting ten years to enter.”
“Neither doI.”
There was along pause. Suddenly, McDermott squealedand jumped into the air, snapping his fingers. “I got it Quigley! How about ifwe flip a coin? The loser will get a joband pay the winner to go to seminary. That way, at least one of us can afford to become a priest right away.”
“I don’tknow McDermott.” I answered withtrepidation, rubbing the back of my neck. “That’s going to be hard for the loser.” My chest tightened and I felt tense all over.
“It’s theonly way we can help each other with the same goal. One priest is better than none. Ok, who calls first?”
“I don’tcare,” I answered, my heart pounding rapidly in my chest.
He handedme his shilling. “Call.”
I calledheads.
Tailsappeared.
“Oh dear God, I don’t believe what justhappened. How can it be? Why God did I lose? I thought it was my vocation to be a priest. What do you want me to do now?
DL: What new projects are you currently workingon?
ES: I would like to perfect some children’sstories I have written, so they can be published.
DL: Where can readers learn more about you andyour book?
ES: Readers can viewmy website: www.thecoinflipbook.com,and they can check out Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other retailers.
DL: Thanks so much for beinghere with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and yourwork.
ES: Many thanks!
May 31, 2024
A Review of Serenity Stalked (The Shelby Alexander Thriller Series, Book 2) by Craig A. Hart
This isthe second Shelby Alexander thriller I’ve read and I remain steadfastlyintrigued by Craig A. Hart. So, let’s meet Shelby Alexander, a former professionalboxer nearing sixty who is thirty years older than his girlfriend, Carly. Carlyneeds her ex-boyfriend, James Blair to stop sending her text messages after shefinds out he’s married with a child. She asks Shelby to deliver her message,but soon thereafter, James, his wife and child are murdered. This is where thestory gets intriguing with Smith, the killer who wields the murder weapon…aknife with expertise.
Smith hasa system where he watches his victims and learns their routines before hestrikes. He stays in small towns long enough to commit a murder, make it looklike a burglary gone wrong, and then he moves on to stay ahead of theauthorities. He kills frequently to keep the high he feels when he’s done. Thistime he is in the small town of Serenity in Michigan. A place where he didn’t expectto hang around after killing the Blairs. A place where he didn’t expect to fallfor his “soulmate” – Carly. This presents a problem because Smith will have toget rid of Shelby and Carly too if she doesn’t fall in line with being hissoulmate.
Shelby hasa lot to contend with as it relates to Smith and protecting the ones he loves. Thenthere’s Sheriff Wilkes who desperately wants to pin the Blair murders on him.These two dislike each other and their interactions are always tense. There’salso Quinn Edwards, a true crime novelist who is new in town and doing researchfor a new book. However, Shelby is not sure he can trust her.
Overall,this was a quick and intriguing read. I enjoyed the storyline, the fast pacingof the novel, the witty and sarcastic dialogue, the well-developed characters, theirmotivations, and their backstories. Hart did a great job getting into the mindsetof Smith and unfolding his backstory giving readers the explanation for hisactions and subsequent demise. I also loved seeing the softer side of Shelbynow that he will be a grandfather soon but Helen, his ex-wife may have anulterior motive during this time. Perfect set up for the next novel in the addictiveseries. Two thumbs up!
Some of my favorite lines:
“It’s a solid effort. Look, you don’t have totell him you’re my boyfriend. Say you’re a friend and I want him to stopcontacting me. Tell him I’m threatening to print out the text message archivesand send them to his wife.”
“You mean business.”
“Will you do it?”
“Carly—”
“Aren’t you supposed to be some kind of fixer?Isn’t this what you do?”
“Myefforts are generally preceded by large sums of cash.”
“I’m a little broke right now.” Carly loweredher voice and adopted the little rasp he found so appealing.
“But if you must be mercenary, I couldprobably think of some way to cover your fee.”
“Naughty girl.”
“Do me this favor and you’ll find out hownaughty.”
A Review of Serenity Stalked (The Shelby Alexander Thriller Series Book 2) by Craig A. Hart
This isthe second Shelby Alexander thriller I’ve read and I remain steadfastlyintrigued by Craig A. Hart. So, let’s meet Shelby Alexander, a former professionalboxer nearing sixty who is thirty years older than his girlfriend, Carly. Carlyneeds her ex-boyfriend, James Blair to stop sending her text messages after shefinds out he’s married with a child. She asks Shelby to deliver her message,but soon thereafter, James, his wife and child are murdered. This is where thestory gets intriguing with Smith, the killer who wields the murder weapon…aknife with expertise.
Smith hasa system where he watches his victims and learns their routines before hestrikes. He stays in small towns long enough to commit a murder, make it looklike a burglary gone wrong, and then he moves on to stay ahead of theauthorities. He kills frequently to keep the high he feels when he’s done. Thistime he is in the small town of Serenity in Michigan. A place where he didn’t expectto hang around after killing the Blairs. A place where he didn’t expect to fallfor his “soulmate” – Carly. This presents a problem because Smith will have toget rid of Shelby and Carly too if she doesn’t fall in line with being hissoulmate.
Shelby hasa lot to contend with as it relates to Smith and protecting the ones he loves. Thenthere’s Sheriff Wilkes who desperately wants to pin the Blair murders on him.These two dislike each other and their interactions are always tense. There’salso Quinn Edwards, a true crime novelist who is new in town and doing researchfor a new book. However, Shelby is not sure he can trust her.
Overall,this was a quick and intriguing read. I enjoyed the storyline, the fast pacingof the novel, the witty and sarcastic dialogue, the well-developed characters, theirmotivations, and their backstories. Hart did a great job getting into the mindsetof Smith and unfolding his backstory giving readers the explanation for hisactions and subsequent demise. I also loved seeing the softer side of Shelbynow that he will be a grandfather soon but Helen, his ex-wife may have anulterior motive during this time. Perfect set up for the next novel in the addictiveseries. Two thumbs up!
Some of my favorite lines:
“It’s a solid effort. Look, you don’t have totell him you’re my boyfriend. Say you’re a friend and I want him to stopcontacting me. Tell him I’m threatening to print out the text message archivesand send them to his wife.”
“You mean business.”
“Will you do it?”
“Carly—”
“Aren’t you supposed to be some kind of fixer?Isn’t this what you do?”
“Myefforts are generally preceded by large sums of cash.”
“I’m a little broke right now.” Carly loweredher voice and adopted the little rasp he found so appealing.
“But if you must be mercenary, I couldprobably think of some way to cover your fee.”
“Naughty girl.”
“Do me this favor and you’ll find out hownaughty.”
May 6, 2024
It's A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Virginia (Ginnie) Isaacs Cover, author of Supplemental Needs
Author’s Bio: Virginia (Ginnie) Isaacs Cover grew upin Minnesota. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michiganand has worked throughout her career with children and adults with complexmedical conditions and developmental disabilities. She is an advocate for thosewith disabilities and their families, and published a widely read guidebook forthose affected by X and Y chromosome variations, Living with KlinefelterSyndrome, Trisomy X, and 47, XYY. Turning to fiction, she explores theimpact of a prenatal diagnosis on a young family in Supplemental Needs: ANovel. Cover and her husband live in the Washington, DC, metro area.
Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you towrite your book?
Virginia Issacs Cover: I first got the idea about writing a fictional account of a prenataldiagnosis and subsequent experience accepting that our child had a disabilityfrom The Mouse Proof Kitchen by Saira Shah, whose account of herdaughter’s birth and infancy. The daughter had severe neurological disordersthat required a process to accept, in the midst of numerous other family andcareer challenges. I realized that fiction almost never covers childhooddisability.
DL: How do you overcome the challenges ofwriter’s block?
VIC: The novelprogress was slow, characterized by brief spurts of writing followed by monthsof sitting in the computer untouched. I decided to work on the craft of writingat the Writers Center in Bethesda and took up the novel again. When the NovelYear workshop opened, I enrolled. That was key. We met every other week and thepeer pressure to submit writing and progress was effective, along with thecritical comments from other writers and our instructor. By the end of theyear, including 24 workshops, it was completed.
DL: What is your writing process?
VIC: Some of itis fairly mechanical and not terribly creative. When I wrote my first book, aguide to X and Y chromosome aneuploidy, I wrote a very detailed outline of thecontents. I then got a second cup of coffee every morning at 9 am and sat downat my computer. I wrote until at least 11 am, and if I was on a good run, Icontinued until I was done.
DL: What elements do you think make acompelling story?
VIC: I like anopening event that draws you in, along with two or three interwoven storylines. The scenes need to be descriptive so that I can view them in my headwhile reading. I have to be able to “see” the characters and the setting.
DL: Is there a specific author or bookthat influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
VIC: When I wasthree, my mother began taking me to the library in the small city in Wisconsinwhere we lived at the time. I attended story time where the librarians read tothe children. One day the librarian introduced us to Madeline, a bookabout a little girl who lived in Paris. I was hooked by the idea of anothercountry and another city. I checked out the book, had my parents read itrepeatedly, and renewed it several times. My parents bought me my own copy.This started me on reading and on using literature to expand my world.
DL: What was the most valuable piece ofwriting advice you’ve ever been given?
VIC: Don’tstrive for perfection in writing the first draft. It is important to get thewords on the paper and a structure that you can edit.
DL: What strategies do you use tosuccessfully market your book(s)?
VIC: My twobooks have focused on X and Y chromosome advocacy. Most of my marketing of theguidebook was directed at families and adults affected by these conditions,which impact 1 in 500 individuals. I also targeted genetic counselors,educators, and the “helping” professions of social work, psychology, and otherhuman services.
For Supplemental Needs I amfocused not only on these groups, but also on Jewish readers, because the youngfamily is Jewish, and one of the story lines concerns LGBTQ issues and theJewish community.
DL: What tips would you give to aspiringwriters?
VIC: Writers are doing their work to tella story or promote an issue to readers. It is quite impossible to judge howwell you are doing without active feedback. You need to be in a writing groupand you also need to work on your craft. Many think that words will flowmagically and create a great American novel. That isn’t true. It takes skill,feedback, and revisions to get a work to where you want it. The more help thatyou can pull in through formal instruction and other readers, the better.
DL: What new projects are you currentlyworking on?
VIC: I havejust begun to plan the second edition of my guidebook, Living withKlinefelter Syndrome, Trisomy X, and 47, XYY. I have had a passion since myyounger son was in preschool to promote public knowledge about thissurprisingly common genetic condition. There is some stigma that seems toattach to these diagnoses and keeps families silent, wishing to protect theirchildren. That doesn’t make it easier; it results in family isolation.
DL: Where can readers learn more aboutyou and purchase your book(s)?
VIC: Readerscan learn more here:
Website: https://www.virginiacover.com/Amazon Author Page: https://tinyurl.com/2v5eprbbFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginia.coverDL: Thanks somuch for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to knowyou and your work.
VIC: Thank you.
Author’s Bio: Virginia (Ginnie) Isaacs Cover grew upin Mi...
Author’s Bio: Virginia (Ginnie) Isaacs Cover grew upin Minnesota. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michiganand has worked throughout her career with children and adults with complexmedical conditions and developmental disabilities. She is an advocate for thosewith disabilities and their families, and published a widely read guidebook forthose affected by X and Y chromosome variations, Living with KlinefelterSyndrome, Trisomy X, and 47, XYY. Turning to fiction, she explores theimpact of a prenatal diagnosis on a young family in Supplemental Needs: ANovel. Cover and her husband live in the Washington, DC, metro area.
Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you towrite your book?
Virginia Issacs Cover: I first got the idea about writing a fictional account of a prenataldiagnosis and subsequent experience accepting that our child had a disabilityfrom The Mouse Proof Kitchen by Saira Shah, whose account of herdaughter’s birth and infancy. The daughter had severe neurological disordersthat required a process to accept, in the midst of numerous other family andcareer challenges. I realized that fiction almost never covers childhooddisability.
DL: How do you overcome the challenges ofwriter’s block?
VIC: The novelprogress was slow, characterized by brief spurts of writing followed by monthsof sitting in the computer untouched. I decided to work on the craft of writingat the Writers Center in Bethesda and took up the novel again. When the NovelYear workshop opened, I enrolled. That was key. We met every other week and thepeer pressure to submit writing and progress was effective, along with thecritical comments from other writers and our instructor. By the end of theyear, including 24 workshops, it was completed.
DL: What is your writing process?
VIC: Some of itis fairly mechanical and not terribly creative. When I wrote my first book, aguide to X and Y chromosome aneuploidy, I wrote a very detailed outline of thecontents. I then got a second cup of coffee every morning at 9 am and sat downat my computer. I wrote until at least 11 am, and if I was on a good run, Icontinued until I was done.
DL: What elements do you think make acompelling story?
VIC: I like anopening event that draws you in, along with two or three interwoven storylines. The scenes need to be descriptive so that I can view them in my headwhile reading. I have to be able to “see” the characters and the setting.
DL: Is there a specific author or bookthat influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
VIC: When I wasthree, my mother began taking me to the library in the small city in Wisconsinwhere we lived at the time. I attended story time where the librarians read tothe children. One day the librarian introduced us to Madeline, a bookabout a little girl who lived in Paris. I was hooked by the idea of anothercountry and another city. I checked out the book, had my parents read itrepeatedly, and renewed it several times. My parents bought me my own copy.This started me on reading and on using literature to expand my world.
DL: What was the most valuable piece ofwriting advice you’ve ever been given?
VIC: Don’tstrive for perfection in writing the first draft. It is important to get thewords on the paper and a structure that you can edit.
DL: What strategies do you use tosuccessfully market your book(s)?
VIC: My twobooks have focused on X and Y chromosome advocacy. Most of my marketing of theguidebook was directed at families and adults affected by these conditions,which impact 1 in 500 individuals. I also targeted genetic counselors,educators, and the “helping” professions of social work, psychology, and otherhuman services.
For Supplemental Needs I amfocused not only on these groups, but also on Jewish readers, because the youngfamily is Jewish, and one of the story lines concerns LGBTQ issues and theJewish community.
DL: What tips would you give to aspiringwriters?
VIC: Writers are doing their work to tella story or promote an issue to readers. It is quite impossible to judge howwell you are doing without active feedback. You need to be in a writing groupand you also need to work on your craft. Many think that words will flowmagically and create a great American novel. That isn’t true. It takes skill,feedback, and revisions to get a work to where you want it. The more help thatyou can pull in through formal instruction and other readers, the better.
DL: What new projects are you currentlyworking on?
VIC: I havejust begun to plan the second edition of my guidebook, Living withKlinefelter Syndrome, Trisomy X, and 47, XYY. I have had a passion since myyounger son was in preschool to promote public knowledge about thissurprisingly common genetic condition. There is some stigma that seems toattach to these diagnoses and keeps families silent, wishing to protect theirchildren. That doesn’t make it easier; it results in family isolation.
DL: Where can readers learn more aboutyou and purchase your book(s)?
VIC: Readerscan learn more here:
Website: https://www.virginiacover.com/Amazon Author Page: https://tinyurl.com/2v5eprbbFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginia.coverDL: Thanks somuch for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to knowyou and your work.
VIC: Thank you.
April 30, 2024
A Review of Possession (Explicitly Yours Series, Book One) by Jessica Hawkins
This isthe first time I’m reading anything by Jessica Hawkins and it won’t be thelast. This novel takes you on a sexy, edgy, emotional, conflict of morals, and eroticjourney.
So, let’smeet Lola Winters, a waitress who works with her boyfriend/manager, Johnny atHey Joe, a bar located on the Sunset Strip. Hey Joe used to be a vibrant hangoutspot with bands playing, but now there’s an empty stage, a few regulars and notenough customers to keep the doors open for long.
One night,Lola goes outside the bar to handle a rowdy group of drivers revving their carengines and disturbing the customers inside. With a swift kick, she puts a dentin one of the driver’s cars. After everyone leaves including Johnny who comesoutside to act as muscle, Lola locks eyes with Beau Olivier, a wealthybusinessman. His attractiveness (green almond-shaped, watchful eyes, his tall,straight back and swagger) pulls her in and the chemistry between them isundeniable. Beau flirts with her even though she tells him Johnny is herboyfriend. The flirting continues even after he goes inside to meet somecolleagues to discuss business and well after his colleagues leave.
With thebar on the verge of closing, both Johnny and Lola begin to wonder what’s nextfor them if Hey Joe is bought and under new management. They would love to buythe place because it has “rock and roll” history and name recognition, but theyare broke. Beau then proposes to give them the money to buy the bar if he canhave one night alone with Lola with explicit conditions. Johnny and Lola contemplatethe prospect of financial freedom should they get this money. Ultimately,Johnny leaves the decision to Lola, who agrees. For their one night, Beau introducesLola to a taste of luxury: expensive clothes, shoes, jewelry, and purses to choosefrom, services of a makeup artist, a black-tie gala to benefit the L.A.Philharmonic, a high-end hotel as well as a seedy side: going to a strip clubwhere she dances for him.
Overall,this was a quick, fun, and sexy read. The movie-tie in leaped off the pagesevoking the 1993 movie “Indecent Proposal.” I enjoyed the parallelism betweenthe book narrative and the movie: young couple strapped for cash and yielding totemptation by striking a deal with a wealthy man for a night with the woman. Thestoryline was sexy, unpredictable at times, the characters exuded vulnerability,and the dialogue was realistic. At the end of the day, it’s all about whetherone is satisfied with who they are with and whether they want to take a chanceto live a different life. Two thumbs up!
Rating: 4stars
Some of myfavorite lines:
“Yes,Lola?”
Alone withhis voice.
“Why me?”she asked.
She putthe purple dress back on its hanger while he took his time responding. “Isuppose I should’ve been prepared for this question.”
“You couldjust be honest,” she suggested.
“Allright. It started with the first moment I saw you. Everything else just…ceasedto exist. Time. People. Music. You stood there like a prize waiting to beclaimed. It stopped me in my tracks.”
Jesus. Had heclaimed her yet? Or was that to come? Her face flushed as if she were backoutside the bar, having just put a dent in a teenager’s car with her tennisshoe. “That’s who I am.”
“Who areyou?”
“The girlyou saw that night. I’m not expensive silk dresses and Friday-night events. I’mjust the scrappy kid I always was, a girl who’s made some bad decisions, goodones too. Nothing special.”
April 29, 2024
How to Talk to Protect Your Child by Julie Federico
Aprilis child abuse prevention month the month set aside to try and end child abuse.
Parentshave many responsibilities when educating their children about life. One of themost important conversations to have with your child is a conversation aboutbody safety. What is body safety you ask? Body safety is teaching your childrenthat their body is their own and if anyone touches them in a way that makesthem feel uncomfortable you want to know as soon as possible. This one piece ofinformation can save your child from childhood sexual abuse and is key to abuseprevention. I think parents overthink this topic, get scared, and then do notsay anything to their children. This is the worst thing a parent can do. Thebest way to prevent child abuse is to talk about it before it happens notafter.
The steps to prevent child abuse are easy. Know who is watching yourchildren, educate your child about body safety rules, respond quickly if yourchild self discloses information that someone has harmed them. Most childrenare harmed by "loved ones", contrary to what the media feeds families'children are usually harmed by people in their own family. This is one of thedownsides to talking about body safety because it can get very challenging realfast. Meaning anyone is capable of this act. Most children are not harmed orabducted by someone at a Walmart but by someone sitting around your dining roomtable.
Childabuse is all about access. Make a mental list of who has access to yourchildren, who spends time with them alone when you are not there. No one from Walmart is going to be on thislist. 93 % of children who are harmedare harmed by someone they know. Children and Teens: Statistics | RAINN. It is highly likely that the parentintroduced the child to their perpetrator, the parent left the child alone withthe perpetrator and falsely believed they would be okay. Anyone is capable ofthis act. If you frequently leave your child alone with a close friend orfamily member it is okay to say to them, “I have spoken to my children aboutways to prevent child abuse.
In our family, child abuse is discussed and wehave an open dialogue. My children will be reporting to me if someone they knowis making them feel uncomfortable.” You don’t have to say this but it goes along way to aid in child sexual abuse prevention. These family and friends are not onAmerica’s Most Wanted. If you say thisto them most of them will respect the boundary you have set. Remember if you say nothing, your childrenwill say nothing if something happens to them. They will take their cues from you so be sure you speak out on thistopic.
Kidsof all ages instinctively know this is wrong. If you give them permission toself-disclose, they usually will. Whentalking to children they will understand this information at a very young age.I do not think 18 months is too young to begin this discussion with yourchildren. You want to be the first person to talk to your child about childabuse, not the perpetrator. I say 18 months because my daughter was around 18months when I got my first proof of my landmark children’s book Some Parts Are NOT for Sharing. I read it tomy daughter, later we were carvingpumpkins she asked me, “Mom do pumpkins have private parts?” I thought I amreally onto something here. She gets this! Your child can get it as well.
Parents struggle with how to prevent childabuse, it is really very simple. Read my book to your children, haveconversations about people who are in a caregiving role in their life, talkabout your family relationships, and that it is okay to tell if anyone in ourfamily hurts you. Tell your children that you will not be angry but that you dowant to know as soon as possible. As your child grows their questions willchange, you will know when it is time to include more information than what wasin the book. SomeParts are NOT for Sharing. This is a child abuse prevention book for children 0-9 years old. It isalso available in Spanish. To order discount copies visit: Home | Children's Services Author Julie Federico(square.site)
April 25, 2024
National Poetry Month’s Feature Poet Ruth Ticktin
Poet’sBio: Ruth Ticktin coordinated international programs, advised andtaught English in Washington, DC and Maryland since 1977. From Madison andChicago, graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Ruth writes poetry andfiction. Always sharing stories, she is an author: Was, Am, Going; Recollectionsin Poetry & Flash (New Bay Books, 2022.) co-editor: Psalms forContemplation (Poetica Publishing 2020.) co-author: What's Ahead?(Pro Lingua Learning 2013.) contributor: Maryland Bards 2023, 2024 & Gathering (Local Gem Press.)BarBar; Literary Heist; Wild Word;Straylight &more.
Deliah Lawrence: What tips would yougive to aspiring poets?
Ruth Ticktin: When youhave a picture in your mind, write down the words and don’t be concerned withthe form that first emerges on paper or screen. At times you will hear the words like a song and write in a rhythm.Other moments after having a visceral reaction to a scene you will need torecreate that action in words. When you want to tell a story as it comes to yourmind, leave your pen on the paper and fingers on keyboard. The joy of writingpoetry continues when you read your words aloud and play with the structure andform of the verse. There are many possibilities and few rules except that youhave to feel good about what you hear.
DL: What are three fun facts aboutyourself?
RT: Before declaring myself a writer, Iwas a dancer, a travel agent, and an ESL teacher. I found creativity in each phaseof work though not ever a smooth path. I loved the challenge especially in theart of making a home and raising a family.
DL: In celebration of National Poetry Month, can you share with usa few of your poems?
RT: In celebration of National PoetryMonth, here are two poems:
1. Title: Sky Sea Sun spirits
Sun sets slowly, a turtle drags
their laden body from the Sea
On a sandy spot they create
a safe nest, laying ninety eggs
Clouds light the Sky up orange
speckled with winking stars
Gray heavens darken above
an ominous wait ensues
Rumbling shh then striking
waves crash onto Sea rocks
Loud snaps Sky cracking
No silence between
Thunder Lightening hit
on Sea shore passing through
Two moons after Sun and storm take
turns, eggs hatch to new life
Emerging from sand dark night
a howl rolls in, a cackling
Sky Sea Sun spirits emit
a lush harsh laughter
Asking Solomon Ibn Gabirol
Look at the heavens. I seevastness. I kneel at the ordered universe.
Where Solomon, where is thereorder on earth?
In the natural daily miracles ofour dependable physical space there is order
In the potential inherentmorality of individuals and even society there is order.
Is this spirit?
This is a transcending—near andwithin separate and apart.
When are you aware of a savior,a liberator of souls?
Yes, awareness comes when I amvictorious over my limitations
and when witnessing the power ofjustice, I am aware.
Why do you believe?
There are stirrings in my heartaches of love and tenderness
I want to help I care I need to.
Who is answering me, who areyou?
I’m Solomon from Spain, a poet,a Jew, a philosopher.
I was in the world nine hundredand seventy years ago
Look for my statue in Malaga. Istand bearded and bent in my turban and robes.
There is much to read toconsider
to write and always study.
Nothing is forthright frequentor forever
With my head up armsoutstretched
I thank you for asking andthinking along with me.
DL: What new projects are youcurrently working on?
RT: I am completing a book of poemscalled Around & Around. I am in the final drafts of a novel titled Tracksof the Heart and a children’s book, A Triassic Tale.
Recent poetry published:
From the Slumber of aNight www.patreon.com/posts/from-slumber 4/24Last night I saw www.literaryheist.com/poetry/last-night-i-saw-joe-hill/ 3/24Follow the Flow, EverLight, My Friend https://thewildword.com/poetry-ruth-ticktin/Mist Done Miss Go SoMdNews.Fun with Words Md. Writers Assoc. 12/2/23Sitting writinginawomansvoice.blogspot.com/2023/01/sitting-by-ruth-ticktinPerfecting Puzzles (www.star82review.com/10.1/ticktin-puzzles.html) 3/2022DL: Where can readers learn more aboutyou and your poetry?
RT: Readers can get more Information here:
Website: https://rticktindc.wixsite.com/ruthAmazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/e/B086VRD976Facebook: www.facebook.com/RuthTicktinInstagram: www.instagram.com/ruthdenaBook Buy Links: WasAm Going; Recollections in Poetry & Flash Ruth Ticktin. New Bay Books2022#9781734886689 Psalms forContemplation (co-editor) (Poetica Publishing 2020) #9781942051336 What’s Ahead? Transitioning from AdultEducation to a Career (co-author w/ Barbara D’Emilio) (ProLingua Learning 2013) #9780866473521Poetry Anthology Buy Links:
maryland-bards-poetry-review-2024Switchgrasshttps://www.amazon.com/Gathering-Poetry-Anthology-PoetsUpwards Look bookshop.org/p/books/maryland-bards-poetry-review-2023DL: Thanksso much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting toknow you and your work.
RT:Thank you for including me in the blog!
April 23, 2024
National Poetry Month’s Feature: Poet Pat Valdata
Poet’sBio: Pat Valdata is a poet andnovelist. Her poetry book about women aviation pioneers, Where No Man Can Touch, won the 2015 Donald Justice Poetry Prize. Arevised edition of this book was published in June 2023 (Wind Canyon Books) andwon third prize from the Delaware Press Association. Her poetry has appeared inanthologies and literary magazines including Ecotone, EkphrasticReview, Italian Americana, Little Patuxent Review, NorthAmerican Review, Passager, and Valparaiso Poetry Review.
Shehas received three Individual Artist Awards in poetry from the Maryland StateArts Council, two nominations for the Pushcart Prize, and a grant from the MidAtlantic Arts Foundation. She lives in Crisfield, Maryland, with her husband,Bob Schreiber, and a rescue poodle named Junior. Information about all herbooks is on her website: www.patvaldata.com.
DeliahLawrence: Is there any particular poet, author or book that influenced you inany way either growing up or as an adult?
PatValdata: Thereare three. When I was a senior in high school, our English Literature teacher,Ron Cecere, conducted an unofficial poetry appreciation club for several of usafter school. We lived in central new Jersey, so my friends and I could easilytake a bus into New York City. Thanks to Mr. Cecere, we started going to NewYork bookstores like Doubleday, Scribner’s, and Brentano’s (may they rest inpeace) to buy poetry books. I still have the first ones I got: Laurel PoetrySeries editions of Whitman and Poe, edited by Richard Wilbur. They cost all of$0.40 each!
Thefirst poet who influenced my own writing was Denise Levertov. I was luckyenough to take a weekend-long workshop with her back in the 1980s. She taughtus to notice small details and render them accurately without using clichés.She didn’t tolerate sloppy or lazy writing!
Thethird poet who influenced me is Mark Doty. He was my thesis advisor when I wasstudying for an MFA at Goddard College. Although I was majoring in fiction, heread some of my poetry and encouraged me to keep writing it. I’ll always begrateful for that. (And I’m devastated that Goddard, which invented thelow-residency MFA program, is closing.)
DL: Ifyou were hosting a dinner party which three poets would be your dream guestsand why?
PV: It’s hard to narrow the list toonly three! First, I’d invite e.e. cummings. I love how he played withtypography and form. His work was innovative and original in a way that can’tever happen again, because he did it first. I’d also invite Emily Dickinson, soI could pick her brain about her writing process. She makes such creative leapsin her poetry, which may look simple on the surface, but it’s often much, muchmore. Finally, I’d invite Elizabeth Bishop. Her work is full of visual andauditory imagery, and she makes it feel effortless, although of course itisn’t. I’d love to talk to her about word choice and rhythm. And she had agreat recipe for brownies, so I’d ask her to bring some. Yum.
DL: Whatare three fun facts about yourself?
PV: I’ve loved aviation for as longas I can remember. When I was a little girl, I used to look up every time Iheard an airplane or jet flying overhead. When I was in my twenties, I tookflying lessons, first in gliders, then in airplanes, and became a licensedpilot and a few years later an instructor in gliders. I’m a founding member ofthe Women Soaring Pilots Association (https://womensoaring.org/). I don’t getthe chance to fly very often nowadays, but I still look up every time I hear anairplane take off.
Ialso write novels and have three books out, all published by small presses. Crosswindis about women soaring pilots: a student and her instructor. The OtherSister is a family saga about two sisters in love with the same man. Eve’sDaughters is a pair of novellas I wrote riffing off Miltons’s ParadiseLost. I’m currently working on my fourth novel, set during WWII.
I’m a dog person, and I especiallylove poodles because they’re so smart and fun-loving. They also don’t shed,which is great because I’m allergic to other dog breeds. My husband and I havehad four standard poodles (the big ones) and currently have a miniature poodle(the mid-size) we got from a rescue group. The famous quote from A MidsummerNight’s Dream applies to her: “And though she be but little, she is fierce”!
DL: In celebration of NationalPoetry Month, can you share with us a few of your poems?
PV: Here’s a link to The Poet and thePoem, an interview and reading with Grace Cavalieri
https://youtu.be/2oKMbcRO9YY
This interview is going to the moon as part of the Lunar Codex!
Aubade
We sleep through the quiet
dawn songs of robins and
bluebirds, through staccato
chipping-sparrow trills,
the cardinal’s cheer, cheer,
cheer. When laughing gulls
begin their raucous salute
to the sun, we come awake,
somewhat surprised to be
here, forty-plus years after
we shacked up, two lanky
and optimistic kids unable
to imagine ourselves this
old, when this old was years
younger than we are today.
We creak out of bed, make
coffee, sit on the back porch,
watch the gulls who only last
week returned to us to nest.
Another anniversary looms.
Another spring morning rises,
like birds, from the dew.
Published in Little Patuxent Review, Issue 32,Summer 2022, p. 35
DL: Where can readers learn more aboutyou and your poetry?
PV: Readers can get more informationhere:
Also in The Greyhound Bookshop,Berlin, MD; The Bookplate, Chestertown, MD; Selkie Books, Rock Hall, MD.
DL: Thanks somuch for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to knowyou and your work.
PV: Thank you for asking me to be featured inyour blog. I am beyond happy about it!
April 16, 2024
National Poetry Month’s Feature: Poet Dr. Brittany “Soul” Sharp
Poet’s Bio: Dr. Brittany Soul is a Las Vegas native and award-winningsinger-songwriter/poet who has more than enough luster to shine even in thecity of lights. Brittany Soul is a leading lady in the Spoken Word/Neo-Soulgenres and often merges jazz, poetry, R&B and gospel. Ms. Soul is the trueembodiment of an all-in-one artist. Brittany Soul is such a light in theartist-realm with experience throughout her career as a Drum majorette,flutist, author, choreographer, choir president, musical theater Lead andactress, curator, host, speaker and producer. Brittany, the soulstress, is nostranger to the balance of creativity and business when it comes to leadershipin entertainment.
Being a fifteen-time award-winningsinger/songwriter/ performer, her gifts consistently make room for her. She hasbeen elected to receive an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from ElbonSolutions College of Ministry. She’s been afforded opportunities to express orminister at various platforms across the U.S. and she has been booked to openup for or share the stage with National Recording artists, such as Mali Musicand Jagged Edge, Dave Hollister, Al B. Sure, Da T.R.U.T.H. (Now known asEmanuel) and many more.
Dr. Soul's passion drives her tomake an impact across various arenas ranging from overall health, usingcreative arts for healing, and how to empower yourself, your organizations andyour community through life's challenges.
Dr. Brittany Soul is consistentlyinvolved in events that benefit our community and provide inspirational media,for the better of the world. Versatilityis everything for her, as she enjoys freedom to be fluidic. She’s seeking toexpand her brand and is preparing new music and her next book! Check out hercurrent work and music, such as her debut book, The Key of Love with BrittanySoul at: www.brittanysoul.com
Fun Facts: Dr. Soul enjoys color, alot and painting. She gets a natural high from celebrating people and bringingpeople together in ways that they feel seen, heard and valued. She enjoyswatching, inspiring people to and dancing, myself.
Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to be a poet?
Dr. Brittany “Soul” Sharp: I know itsounds cliché, but inspiration comes from everything and nothing. Because mygift or brand is a literal extension of my premise and passion (to heal withcreative arts and love), I find inspiration when I witness people being kind toothers. I am inspired by heartbreak, loving again, laughter, awkwardexperiences, art and so much more. I absolutely have to add, my God, Yahweh,also drops bars like nobody else I know.
DL: Is there any particular poet, author or book that influenced you in anyway either growing up or as an adult?
DBS: One of the first inspirational authors I recall reading is Nancy Farmer.She’s a woman who travels to regions throughout the world, lives there for afew years and then writes fictional stories based on real cultural norms, moresand experiences. She uses words from the native languages throughout her bookand at the back, there is glossary.
I started learning multiple African andeven European words because of her. And having lit my love for travel, culture,language – I was hooked. Not just by reading another author’s books, but Ifigured if I could experience so many places and experiences by reading someone’swords – surely, I can help share and journey through some experiences of my ownalongside others. Maya Angelou, Lauryn Hill, and so many more writers havehelped shape my journey, as well.
As a side note, if I were hosting adinner party, I would invite Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, and Langston Hughes.
DL: What tips would you give toaspiring poets?
DBS: Write about everything, do notover edit, in fact, wait to edit after you’ve gotten out everything youconsider. I would say keep going and know that not everyone will get your artor work, but your own confidence plays a large role in life period, let alonecreativity. I personally, have a guideline to my writing. I love the fact thatI’m versatile and my range is wide, however, the lasting effects I leave inthis world is purposeful. I want to heal, inspire, evoke, provoke, cause peopleto love, and inspire people to release hate – so I can’t just write any kind ofway. We all too often see someone putting good out regularly and the one timethey vent or rant – goes viral. Haha!
DL: In celebration of NationalPoetry Month, can you share with us a few of your poems?
DBS: Absolutely!
· Yahweh Noticed You – Brittany Soul
Things are Happening Fast
Perceive destiny shift
I don’t want it to pass
Without living my purpose
I’m At the front of the class
And I want this to be perfect
But the Truth is
Build to God & I bet you itlasts.
I Caught a frog in my throat
My confidence is freezing
So, I bought it a coat
The Lies we’ve been believing
Are like robbing our hope,
For everything there is a season
All I Know
Future? dope,
Let’s grab this rope.
Ready to begin
Intimidating at best,
But His spirit within,
Strongest tool is in my chest,
Don’t just stand there
getting ever-y-thing,
but Understanding
Sky, floor, same
Can’t even tell you
when we’re landing
My Fear of Success?
Been ashamed to admit it
So, I was lazy instead
Thinking, no one really listens
Unless a dollar is bet
Until a Thought in my head
Unsure I would make what
I was faced with
Got to put two sons
& daughter to bed.
And the worst thing I could ever be
is everything they said of me
I am no one’s celebrity, but
I am learning my identity,
From the One who made
& sent for me,
Honored that Yahweh Noticed Me.
And the worst thing we could reallydo,
Is Accept all things some peoplesay,
Or believe God doesn’t notice you.
Each time you’re red or blue,
Holding You & Molding You
He’s holding you,
Don’t accept the things the peoplesay,
Yahweh surely noticed you.
Getting less foggy in here
Misconstrued perception
Hearing truth in my ear
was still choosing Deception
Look at self, let’s be clear
I am Qualified with Election
Nearly, dying from fear, yep,
I Can’t even Take Credit.
Listen,
And I’d love to say I knew I’d fly
In truth-I fell a thousand times,
So, we all know that is Just a lie.
Yah shows up, like No one!
Though invisible to naked eye.
At the backsides of mountain skies.
My ally is Thee Most High!
· For This Moment – Brittany Soul https://youtu.be/-569i3OPylU
Note: I’m working on several newtitles that range from a couple novels, expansion of my The Key Series to aninspirational Journal. I’m plugging away at my Debut Music project entitled, "Clearer Waters," as well.
DL: Where can readers learn moreabout you and your poetry?
DBS: Reader can learn more information here:
Website: www.brittanysoul.comAmazon Author Page: The Key of Love with Brittany Soul: Is Love by any other name,still Love?: Sharp, Brittany "Soul": 9781540861238: Amazon.com: BooksFacebook: The Key ofLove with Brittany Soul | FacebookInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanysoulBlog: http://www.brittanysoul.com/Blog (Updates soon) Book Buy Links: PayPal CheckoutDL: Thanks so much for being herewith us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.
DBS: Thank you!
