Barbara Ehrentreu's Blog: Rising from the Ashes
October 8, 2025
Welcome Author Catherine T. Horn
It's been over three months since the last blog post and I apologize for that. I hope you enjoyed reading about my last guest whose books and career are very fascinating. In the interim between the last post a lot has happened. The best thing is I won a silver award from Reader's Favorite for my Young Adult novel: If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor. During the summer I took part in some book festivals and though I didn't sell a ton of books I got great feedback about the book. At one of these events a woman came up to me and said that her daughter would not forgive her if she didn't tell me how much she loved the book and that she wanted to read the second one. And at one of them recently, a teen bought the book and started reading it immediately. These things tell me that it was worth writing my book. These days people don't read very much but I am happy that my book is getting the kind of attention you want from readers.
The happy news is that I am publishing a second book and it will be out very soon. We are deciding on the cover and that is the main problem. Hopefully, this will be solved and it will be coming out within the next month, fingers crossed. It is called: Who Is Jennifer Taylor and will be published by Griffin Publishing. I will be revealing the cover as soon as it is completed.
This month my guest author is someone I know and she is a member of my Letters critique group in Greenwich Pen Women as well as a member of the Poetry Group there. Let's meet Catherine T. Horn, author, poet, and friend.
BIO:
Catherine Horn, an Active Letters member, is the author of Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings. A retired Educator/School Psychologist whose greatest passions in life are her family, children and writing, she believes that, for her, there is no better form of creative expression than writing; no greater joy than to find the right words, phrases, and sentences to integrate ideas, thoughts, and feelings that converge to create the stories of our lives. Catherine has been writing for as long as she can remember, beginning with diaries and journal entries, lovesick poems with the kind of angst only teenagers can exude, and high school and college newspaper articles. As an adult, Catherine has written numerous stories for children, countless Psychoeducational Evaluation Reports, articles and presentations for parents, and eulogies for far too many family members. Catherine’s poetry writing has continued and has evolved into more mature, current themes including the pandemic and social injustice. In recent years, Catherine has ventured into writing memoir which she finds fascinating and rewarding. She is also working on a novel. Education:Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.)/6th Year in School Psychology, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT, 1988Master’s Degree in School Psychology, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT, 1984Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, Wheelock College (now Wheelock College of Education & Human Development at Boston University), Boston, MA, 1978Work Experience:School Psychologist Greenwich Public Schools, Greenwich, CT 1988-2016Special Education Teacher Greenwich Public Schools, Greenwich, CT 1980-1988Special Education Teacher Eagle Hill School Greenwich, CT 1978-1980
Professional Memberships:Greenwich Pen Women (Active Member)National League of American Pen Women (Active Member)Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (Full Member)Connecticut Education Association – RetiredNational Education Association – Retired
Publications/Recognition:• "I Stand Alone" (poem and photograph) – Third Place, The Greenwich Tree Conservancy’s Awesome Tree Contest, Ode to a Tree Category, June 2025 • "Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings Finally Emerges" (article) - National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW), The Pen Woman Magazine, Spring 2025• "Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings: My Pathway to Publication" (article) – Dynamic Aging 4 Life Magazine, 1/20/25• "Greenwich Pen Women Inspire Each Other" (article) – NLAPW, The Pen Woman Magazine, Winter 2024• "Peregrine Falcon Inspires Poetic Creation" (article) – NLAPW, The Pen Woman Magazine, Spring 2024• "Waterfall" (Poem and Photo) – NLAPW, The Pen Woman Magazine, Spring, 2024• Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings (children’s picture book, fiction), August 2024• "The Thrill of Writing a Blitz Poem Together "(Article) – Written by Catherine Horn and Linda Hortick – NLAPW, The Pen Woman Magazine, Fall 2022• "Challenging the Soul" (A Blitz poem) – Written by Catherine Horn and Linda Hortick – Featured Poem –NLAPW website, Fall, 2022• "I breathe because I can" (Poem) – The 2020 Joan Ramseyer Memorial Poetry Anthology Sunbeams• "A Moment in the CV19 World – Greenwich Pen Women Newsletter, July 2020• Independence Day (Photo) – Greenwich Pen Women Newsletter, July 2020• Pandemic Pondering (Poetry Collection) – Archived at Greenwich Historical Society• A Moment in the CV19 World" – Greenwich Historical Society COVID19 Project, April 2020• "A Moment in the CV19 World "– Greenwich Free Press, April 13, 2020• "A Seared Memory – Your Place Squared", Bruce Museum, Spring, 2019• Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings – Honorable Mention – Children’s Fiction – Writer’s Digest Magazine Writing Competition, 1997
I was able to interview Catherine and here it is:
INTERVIEW:
Where were you born Dobbs Ferry, NY and where do you live now? Greenwich, CT
· Who or what influenced you to begin writing?
Life! I have expressed my thoughts, feelings and ideas through writing for as long as I can remember - starting with diaries as a child, poems as an adolescent (and still today), children's stories as a mother, and memoir/personal essays as an older adult. Two English teachers I had in high school were positive and encouraging.
· Besides writing do you have any other occupation?
Not another occupation, but I spend most afternoons caring for my two granddaughters while my daughter and her husband work.
Do you have any hobbies and what are they?
Playing with and reading to my granddaughters! When I am not writing, I am often reading fiction or critiquing the work of other writers. My husband, Bill and I love to travel.
· Why did you decide to become a school psychologist?
After working as a self-contained special education teacher for several years, I decided to further my education to become a school psychologist. Teaching for ten years, led me to want be more more involved in diagnosis and treatment plans for children with special needs. I was fascinated by evaluating students and actually enjoyed report writing which allowed me to analyze all of the information and data and synthesize it so that parents and teachers understood and knew what it all meant in terms of how best to support the child.
· How has your work in this field influenced your writing?
Working with children throughout my career has kept me inspired. Experiencing life through the eyes of children (my own, my students, and now my granddaughters) has kept me focussed on joy, love, and laughter.
· What inspired your latest book: Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings?
When my children were young, at bedtime we would talk about things they could think about as they were trying to fall asleep. That inspired me to write a poem that, at the time, I called Sweet Dreams. My favorite phrase from the poem was Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings so I changed the title to that and focussed on that as the lead image for the book.
· Please describe the story of Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings for our readers.
Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings follows Lulu and Lainy on an imaginative journey traversing the seasons in New England as they explore peaceful and calm places and activities with their family and friends.
· You also have written a memoir. Are you planning to publish this?
I started writing the memoir pieces after I retired in 2016 and took a class at Greenwich Library called Crafting Life Stories led by Joan Motyka. From the first prompt ("I was one of those kids who...") my pen hit the paper and I haven't stopped yet. I realized how much a house fire at our family home when I was a child changed our family significantly, so I suppose that is a central theme - the idea of home, what it means, and how to rebuild and move forward when everything seems lost. I am writing it for my children and granddaughters, as a way of capturing my life stories and the strength of endurance but other writers have said it may have a wider appeal. I'm not sure that my life experiences are vastly different from any one else's, made up of love and loss, but I'll consider it when I am finished. My message, and the title is Love + Loss = Life©.
· How is writing poetry different than writing prose?
Writing poetry provides a certain structure within which to formulate thoughts, ideas and feelings. In some ways, that can be helpful but at other times, it is a hindrance. When trying to write something that rhymes, the thoughts and feelings can become compromised when trying to force a rhyme. Most of the time, when I have something that I've been thinking about, grappling with, and/or trying to process, I sit down to write about it and the form evolves on its own.
I have found that to be true myself as a poet. The poem creates its own form and also your frame of mind at the time helps.
Would you say your poetry has influenced your children’s story?
The book was always written in rhyme, but the poetic verses and rhyming has improved over time making it a better story and a fantastic book.
· Has your work with children as a school psychologist influenced your writing in any way?
Definitely. Children tell you what they are thinking and feeling before they learn social graces and the idea that what you say and do can impact other people, often in ways unintended. Being aware of the issues children face every day keeps me current and in-the-know so that my children's stories reflect those ideas.
· Does your story teach a lesson?
Not a lesson per se, but it does offer children things to think about when they are trying to fall asleep which is often the time of day when fears and anxieties come to the surface. The book is an example of Guided Imagery, a mindfulness strategy that can be calming. I have also added an activity page for families to create their own list of what to think about at night.
Do you think children’s stories should always have a lesson to teach?
No. Educational stories are important but so is entertainment, fun and humor.
· How have you incorporated things in your new book that will delight children?
I made sure to write about places and activities that are calm, enjoyable, relaxing, and peaceful. There isn't anything scary, disturbing, or even problematic in my book.
· How important are the illustrations of your book to the understanding of the text?
I think that more so than helping readers to understand the text, the illustrations enhance the ideas and bring them to life. They are critically important and I was lucky to find an extremely talented and creative visual artist, Martha Ratcliff, who brought my vision forward.
Yes, the illustrations in your book make you want to read it. I was at your book launch and saw the joy in the faces of the children and even adults who saw the cover. They grabbed it immediately.
· What are you currently writing and are you thinking of publishing it?
I am still writing memoir pieces and poems all the time. I hope to publish a collection of poems in the future. I have many more children's stories finished and I would very much like to publish some of them. I am also writing a novel that I think is timely and relevant, deserving to be out in the world as a catalyst for discussions around the impact of social media addiction on people everywhere.
· How has your experience with Greenwich Pen Women Letters influenced your writing?
All aspects of my writing have improved. I have learned new forms of poetry through our Poetry Group and now also write about nature in addition to people and relationships which were always my focus previously.
· Please tell our readers where they can find your book and you.
Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings is available at many local independent stores in Greenwich (Diane's Books, Athena, Bush Holley House/Greenwich Historical Society Museum Store, Christ Church Dogwood Bookstore) as well as on Amazon and barnesandnoble.com. For more information see lululanepress.com
· Will you be doing any in person or online events in the future and where will they be?
None scheduled at the moment. A highlight for me has been when I was lucky enough to be invited to Bush Holley House/Greenwich Historical Society as a featured speaker during their Local Author Showcase series this past spring.
· Finally, my last question I always ask my guests. Are you a plotter or a pantser? In other words, do you outline or do you just write?
I am a tried and true, well-established pantser. Words flow through my fingers to the pen or keyboard and I am often amazed by what appears. An outline seems too restrictive and confining. For me, writing is the best and my favorite form of communication.
I'd like to add that the reason this book finally became a reality, 32 years after I wrote the poem, is perseverance. After 11 rejections from traditional publishing houses, I decided to self-publish. I hired Martha, then a book formatting and publishing company, and then a website designer (Michael Murray, my brother, owner and founder of Baliwick Marketing). I have done all of my own marketing and promoting, all without the use of social media. I want my granddaughters to know the power and strength of pursuing goals and dreams regardless of obstacles and/or how long it takes. With our endless imaginations, we can all envision Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings and who knows where we will land...
And one final, most important note is to thank my family once again - I could not have accomplished this without the love and support of my amazing husband, Bill, and the inspiration from our children, Kelly and Rob, our son-in-law, Neal, and our precious granddaughters, Eliza and Cassidy (represented in the book as Lulu and Lainy).
Thank you, Catherine T. Horn, for the very thorough answers you gave to my questions. Your perseverance should show anyone who wants to be an author that you should not give up. Your story reminds me of my own struggle to republish my Young Adult novel and how I wound up self publishing. It is important to keep that belief in yourself when you want to publish your book. Also, thank you for the additional information about how you published this book. It will help all who are in the same situation. Publishing is not easy but not giving up is the answer! Lots of luck with this very beautiful book that young children will love. And now you have an online presence with my blog.
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This interview will run for a month. Please comment here so the author can see how you felt about this. I do moderate comments so please no spam and be courteous. So if you comment and don't see it right away no worries. It will be there when I see it.
Until the next time when my guest will be another friend who is a poet, teacher, and an author. Her name is Cynthia Sharp. Hope you all have a great October. Here the leaves are changing and I leave you with a poem I just wrote about October:
Is there anything more amazing than the yellow of the trees in October?When the air and all around them turns the environment a bright yellowAs sunlight touches the leaves and creates a magical paradisefrom a simple forest laneThe yellow almost blinds you as you gaze in wonderAt this fairyland created by leaves and sunshineYour eyes take it all in as a serendipitous momentWhen sky, trees, and air came togetherTo form this beautiful tableauOnly seen in October.Copyright 2025 by Barbara Ehrentreu
September 8, 2025
A 5 Star Review and An Award
Book Review
Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite
The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. How many times do we hear this in a lifetime? Jennifer Taylor seems to have it all. The money, the looks, the grades, the boy… Carolyn Samuels has lived in Jennifer’s shadow throughout school and now, with the pivotal move to senior high, the trend shows no sign of going away. “Breathe, Carolyn, breathe” is a mantra that follows her into high school and, with the first day of school upon her, their alphabetical arrangement promises to continue the agony. But when Carolyn finds herself linked to Jennifer in an immoral pact of secrecy, her life changes in ways she never could have imagined. Balancing a fine line between her best friends Becky and Janie on one side and Jennifer on the other, Carolyn learns the true value of loyalty and the importance of appreciating a life she always imagined as sub-par.
If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor by Barbara Ehrentreu is the quintessential tale of adolescence. While Carolyn experiences the need to be accepted at the popular table, the “pretty people” fall deeper into their own hidden insecurities. Carolyn realizes the value of being true to herself as she struggles with the need to be accepted. Combined with a respectful sub-plot of realistic issues with weight, emotional acceptance, and the growing pains of first love, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor captures the very essence of teenage angst in this clean YA novel. My heart aches for Carolyn and my head nods in sympathy.
This reviewer got my story right. She really appreciated the anguish that these characters went through in this book. I am rhrilled that finally this book has gotten an award. Thank you to the reviewer and Reader's Favorite for this honor.
June 3, 2025
Welcome Leigh Grant, Author and Illustrator
Hello everyone. It seems that I haven't changed the post in two months. Chalk it up to being busy and also the author who was supposed to be on had some technical issues that were finally fixed. I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather and that you haven't had to deal with any disasters as of yet. I was very excited to find out that a branch of our Stamford Library is in walking distance of my home. I haven't used a library in awhile but today I got a book for book club. Planning to read continuously, since it has a lot of pages.
My guest author for the month is Leigh Grant, who has two fiction books in a series and is also the author of many other non-fiction books and illustrator of numerous children's books as well as author and illustrator of her own book. Her bio is here:
BIO:
LEIGH GRANT has degrees in art history and fine art as well as a certificate in appraising fine and decorative art from NYU. She attended Hollins University and during college, studied and lived in Paris for a year. After graduating from Pratt Institute, she worked in London for another year. A former illustrator, with over thirty books to her credit, Grant is currently a writer and an appraiser of fine and decorative art. As a writer, she is fascinated by the Italian Renaissance and the Venetian Empire and has written two historical novels: the award-winning Mask of Dreams and its sequel,her new book, Artimon. She has two children and one grandson and lives in Norwalk, Connecticut. Website: maskofdreams.com.
Ms Grant is too humble about her writing to include these but if you go on her website you will see this very long list of books with accolades. She is the kind of author who is not always promoting herself. Yet her accomplishments are varied and significant. I have known her for years as a member of Greenwich Pen Women and she has served as a president of this group. So I was very happy when she agreed to be a guest author on this blog. I know once you learn more about her you will want to read her books. She writes Renaissance novels now. Having read both of her books I can say they are different, exciting, and educational in a way you don't realize. The research on each of them was impeccable. With this in mind here is the interview with Leigh Grant.
Where were you born and where do you live now?
I was born in Greenwich, CT and live in Norwalk, CT today - didn't get very far.
Besides writing, what is your occupation? Do you have any hobbies?
I was a children's book illustrator until 2008 and that year, I changed professions to appraise fine and decorative art - and write. My hobbies have to do with collecting art and reading books.
Who or what influenced you to begin writing?
I read a series of books by the Scottish writer, Dorothy Dunnett. There were six in each series and I had never read anything that so thoroughly immersed the characters in the time. Often, she dealt with three languages. You knew what the places looked like, the politics of the time, the songs, the verse. The Hilary Mantell books about Cromwell would be comparable except that Dunnett’s hero was fictitious.
That's fascinating. I have never heard of either of these authors. But I think if you're writing historical fiction attention to detail about the period is essential to create the right background atmosphere of the period about which you are writing.
Please describe a typical day of writing for you.
I don't write on a fixed schedule but I usually work on something whether it’s one of several projects or researching and taking notes. You can’t write historical fiction on the Venetian Empire and the Balkans at the end of the 15th century without reading everything you can lay your hands on.
What made you decide to begin your career in London? Do you have any interesting stories about that time?
A friend was going to the Cordon Bleu cooking school and needed a housemate. In London, I fearlessly (or perhaps I should say fearfully) marched up to E. P Dutton and other English publishers with my portfolio and for some reason they gave me jobs. I loved London and England and couldn’t get enough of both. We had English friends and I’m afraid to say when I was there, to fit in, I developed a pseudo English accent. (When we got home, the first thing my mother said was “Get rid of it.”)
One day I had an appointment at HarperCollins and my friend, who went with me, noticed an old lady sitting in a wing chair. They were making something of a fuss about her, bringing her tea, etc. (didn’t bring me tea), and we realized she was the grand old dame of mysteries: Agatha Christie. I was overawed but my friend went right up and introduced herself and shook her hand. (I missed my chance. Phooey.)
Wow! I would say that was a brush with greatness. At least you got to see her. And I think it's hard to live in a place and not develop an accent. I lived in upstate New York and when I got back to New York City my friends and family told me I had an accent.
How did you start illustrating books?
When I went to apply for college, I had a talent for art and wanted to go to art school. The head of the academy where I went to school discouraged that idea as not giving me a good education. So, I made my parents promise I could go to art school afterwards. 9Poor souls: they did promise and kept their word.) Actually, the college was wonderful and included an entire twelve months living in Paris and traveling in Europe in the summer. I then went to Pratt Institute which was an entirely different experience – every man for himself – BUT people like Maurice Sendak came by to give talks. So, I got a BFA in two years and embarked on illustration.
I was lucky to meet Maurice Sendak at a violin concert for Midori and other musicians. I got a free copy of his last book, though it wasn't signed. But I did speak with him for a few seconds and that was awesome.
You hold a certificate in appraisal. What made you decide to do this?
I collected art and antiques. I have always liked things that are either beautiful or beautifully made and have a history. They don’t have to be American. I live in a part of Norwalk, Silvermine, that hosted an artists’ colony around 1908 and I became very interested in that.
I have read both of your books, Mask of Dreams and Artimon. How did you get the idea to write books like these?
It’s a strange story. When I was still illustrating children’s book and had written one that did pretty well, someone, I no longer remember who, sent me a Chinese tale about a thief who tried to gain the emperor’s daughter through masking and disguise. I really liked the story because it had an interesting twist but I had no wish to compete with the Chinese in a medium in which they excel. Eventually, I realized the story was a love story and children tend to attach love to their parents, animals or friends. That realization took about a year to show me I needed to change direction – so I looked for a similar philosophy being “the beauty of the soul is reflected in the beauty of the face.” I found it in the Platonists in Italy in the 15th century. So, I wrote that story and my thief became a brigand who came from the Balkans and I added some Magic Realism to deal with the mask. The ending is different but you’ll have to read the book to find out.
The second book is a sequel and deals with an on again/off again relationship and the French invasion of Italy in 1495.
Please describe the amount and kind of research you did for each of your books.
If you look around my house, even without the articles I read online or copied in the library, I probably have a thousand books. So probably about a third of those went into writing these two books. However, I do try to stay within my time period so I often read just that part.
You worked as an illustrator for many years. What made you decide to give this up?
I suffered two disasters. At the time, I was working on these popup books on Ancient Rome and Ancient Egypt and the economic downturn came along and my English publisher lost not only his business but his house. And I lost my husband, Tony, very suddenly to a brain tumor. I just didn’t want to work in illustration anymore.
That is very sad. I can see why you might want a change. Sadly, we have both lost our husbands. Though this must have been a terrible shock.
Please describe the path to publication for Mask of Dreams.
Well, it was a long path in the company of a wonderful agent without any results with publishers. All my illustrated books, including those I wrote were with recognized publishers but these two were printed by Amazon. Mask, in particular, has won some awards so it isn’t all in the dark. Artimon is relatively new.
How did being a member of a professional critique group help you to write your books?
The group gave me a sounding board and I knew if anything was repeated as criticsm, I needed to work on it. But, it also provided support.
Yes, I agree. This group, to which we both belong, has critiqued both of the sequels to my novel. We always have to sift through criticism and change what several people felt was necessary. It's a great place to find objectivity for your writing.
Are you working on any new books for publication? If so, what are they?
Right now, I’m researching a possible third book in the series but haven’t written much yet. I am also writing up some family stories so that those people in my family won’t be forgotten. (I see this as family only.) Lastly, I’m working on a proposal for an exhibition of art at a Connecticut Museum.
All of this sounds very exciting. I am looking forward to seeing your third book. It's funny how writing a book sometimes triggers another one. That's why I have three books in my series. You are never really finished with some stories.
Please give our readers your website and any social media you are on.
Leigh Grant Author – Facebook
Leigh Grant's website lists all of her books that are too many to put here.
Do you have any in person or online events scheduled for your books? What are they?
I’m working with Nutmeg Lit on that. Just started. Thinking about audio. I need to be more like you, Barbara.
Right. I try not to promote too much. I just joined this group but their events are too far away for me. I think being a part of a group like this is excellent for local authors. I am thinking about doing an audio book but the cost is high.
Finally, my last question is always this. Are you a plotter or a pantser? In other words, do you outline or do you just write?
PANTSER!!!
Leigh, it has been a pleasure having you on the blog. I wish you lots of luck with your future projects. Please come back again for your third book. And I said, your books are a treat to read. Especially, if you like historical novels with lots of action, danger, and romance.
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Watch a man in times of adversity to discover what kind of man he is;
for then at last words of truth are drawn from the depths of his heart,
and the mask is torn off.
― Titus Lucretius Carus, De Rerum Natura
In 15th century Venice, Caterina struggles against the inevitability of an arranged marriage to a man old enough to be her father. Powerless, she is consumed by dread as the process spins out of control. The betrothal fails. A letter meant to manage future suitors goes astray. Out of the violence of the Balkans comes Rade, a lawless, charismatic Slav. Having won the letter―containing a belief that the soul's beauty is reflected in the beauty of the face―in a card game, he sees it as the hand of fate.
Though scarred, Rade attempts through the artifice of a lifelike mask, to enter her world of mercantile wealth. To protect Caterina, her father negotiates a lengthy agreement. The mask, meant to be a temporary ruse, becomes, of necessity, permanent. To further complicate the situation for Caterina, a new love interest appears. From fairs to shipwrecks, bull-baiting to rescues, noble house to villa in the hills, the time arrives when Rade is hopelessly entangled in her life. Desperate, he finds he can no longer continue the deception. A choice must be made.
n late 15th century Venice, only four people are aware and accepting of the subterfuge of his undetectable mask, and Rade's true scarred face behind it. His father-in-law urges him to leave Venice and immerse himself in the French invasion of the states of Italy. Create a story. Get rid of the mask. Come back as who you really are - so the rest of the world will accept your scars. He presents Rade with an unruly cavalry horse named Artimon. A gift Rade doesn't want. Rade departs, accompanied by his manservant and friend, Alberico, along with a mule train loaded with grain to sell to the French. Things start going wrong early on. Crossing the Apennines, an accident separates Rade from Alberico and Artimon. Bereft, his young bride, Caterina, struggles to reorder her life and Rade makes the acquaintance of Maria. Thus begins a journey that culminates in the notorious Battle of Fornovo - for Rade, a struggle for survival. His marriage, strained to the breaking point, falters.
Until the next time, this interview will be here until July 3rd. Please come and comment or on the Facebook post.
My second book in the Mill Valley High series, Who Is Jennifer Taylor, is coming out as soon as we can agree on a cover. I am excited to say it will be published by Griffin Publications with Mousumi Sachdeva as the publisher. Check on Facebook for cover reveal when it happens. In the meantime, my first book, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor is getting great reviews and kids love it.
March 8, 2025
Welcome Rohit Prasad, Author, Banker, and Caricaturist
Hello everyone. It's a little late for the next guest but though February was a short month it was packed with things to do. And March has also been filled. With three other people I participated in a poetry reading set to music. If you are a poet you should try having a pianist play while you read.
But I am very happy to present to you my guest author for this month: Rohit Prasad. I met him through a mutual friend and immediately thought he should be on this blog. After you learn about him you will be very happy I introduced you.
Here is the interview we had:
Where were you born and where do you live now?
I was born in Bareilly, a small town in India where my maternal grandparents lived.
I now live in Manhattan.
I can see why you might move if you are in international banking.
Besides writing, do you have any other occupation? Do you have any hobbies?
I have been an international banker for the last 29 years.
I love reading books, drawing caricatures and watching sports.
Who or what influenced you to begin writing?
I am a voracious reader and a regular traveller. These experiences have heavily influenced my writing.
What inspired you to write your first book?
I always knew I had stories inside me. Once the idea of the book popped up in my mind, I knew I had to put it on paper.
Please tell us a little bit about this book: The Pilgrim: Inferno Redux.
Roy Aron goes on a journey, physically and mentally, on the fateful day of 9/11. He descends the bowels of hell, following in the footsteps of Dante Alighieri, as he witnesses the nine sins. He comes upon intriguing sagas showcasing the sins’ corroding powers. The reader accompanies him through the heart of darkness, lives through the transformational incidents, and emerges in the sunshine of hope.
What made you decide to write your second book, Mood Swings?
After I wrote about the nine sins, my mind started thinking about the reasons why man sins. It led me to the realization that we are prisoners of our emotions. So, I felt I needed to write about emotions and the decisions that they make us take.
I am interested to know how you got into drawing caricatures. Have you put any in your books?
I have been drawing since I was small. I gravitated towards caricatures and cartoons on politics and sports as an avenue to comment on current affairs. I have included sketches depicting imaginary beings personifying the nine sins in The Pilgrim: Inferno Redux.
How are you planning to promote your second book? I know you have already had an online book launch. Did you have an in person one too?
I have conducted book reading sessions in New York and New Jersey.
Where can our readers find you?
https://cynicseyeview.wordpress.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Moods-Swings-Rohit-Prasad/dp/9391813925
Finally, my last question I ask of every guest. Are you a plotter or a pantser? In other words, do you just write or do you outline before you write?
I always think of my storylines and make notes on my iPhone. Once I have most of the points covered, I sit down to type out my book.
And now you have provided us with some excerpts from your book. Here they are:
From short stories in Mood Swings:
From Story #9:
It was a short drive from her hotel. They reached an unassuming single-floor building whitewashed in white and light green. On entering through the iron gates, they come across a courtyard and a prayer hall to the right. They found a large empty hall with three decorated tombs in the middle of it. The walls were decorated with sepia-tinted photographs and framed Urdu poetry in exquisite calligraphy.
It was strange to see an Islamic establishment in such a broadly Buddhist nation.
Arjun commented, with an undertone of disappointment, “I am neither overwhelmed nor underwhelmed. Just about whelmed. You are losing your touch, Super Star.”
Joyita admonished him with her best impersonation of Q, “Patience, 007, patience. Now pay attention. I will say this only once. Do you even know what this is and where we are?”
Arjun shrugged his shoulders.
She explained, as if to a child, “This is the tomb of Bahadur Shah Zafar.”
He was taken aback, “Like The Bahadur Shah Zafar. THE last Mughal emperor.”
She nodded, happy at having pulled out a rabbit from the hat.
Still not sure about what he had heard, he asked, “But what the heck is he doing all the way here in Yangon?”
She settled in for the backstory, “When in 1838, he ascended to the throne, while his title of Emperor was very grand, his power was actually quite limited to mostly Delhi and neighboring territories. But after the 1857 Sepoy Revolt..”
He interjected, “The First War of Independence, please.”
Chastened a little bit at herself for using the Western title instead of the preferred Indian version, she carried on, “After The First War of Independence, the British considered Bahadur Shah Zafar a potential rallying point for the freedom struggle and banished him to Rangoon in 1858.
Do you know, in his exile, he wasn’t even allowed a pen and paper to write fearing that he would secretly use them to pass on messages to his supporters in India?”
Arjun was astounded at the new things he was learning every day on this trip.
She added, “Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, died in 1862 miles away from his home and his subjects. Do you know the irony of it? I had read somewhere that, after losing the Third Anglo-Burma War in 1885, King Thibaw Min, the last Burmese monarch, and his family were exiled to a remote corner of India where they remained till his death.”
Arjun was just standing there with his mouth open.
“Well, this is quite a change from the pagodas!” he said aloud after closing his gaping yaw.
Joyita explained further, “The Britishers were determined not to make them martyrs. So they buried Bahadur Shah Zafar in an unmarked grave here to make sure his supporters would have nowhere to mourn.”
“Then how was he found?”
“Quite by chance, it seems. In 1991, during construction work in this prayer hall, the laborers came across these graves. Upon excavation, they found skeletal remains of Bahadur Shah Zafar wrapped in a silk shroud.
Realizing the importance of the discovery, the local community supported by the Myanmar government and the Indian government restored the graves.”
Arjun was left devoid of words by the moving story.
He thought out aloud, “Such is fate. In one moment, you are the king of the world. Literally the Shah Jahan. And the next, you are dying alone miles away from your loved ones, buried in an unmarked grave, unmourned in a far away land.”
Joyita, “Makes you appreciate history. Understand from the past. Prepare for the future.”
Arjun stressed, “For me, I think it makes you appreciate the present. Make the most of today, as we don’t know what the future will bring.
Carpe Diem. Seize the day. Get out of the rat race. Stop and smell the roses. Discover something new…
…Fall in love with someone.”
He said the last sentence looking intently at her.
He then grabbed hold of her hand and guided her gently out of the building. Once outside, he pulled her close and kissed her with passion. She also seized the day, and him, and kissed back with feeling.
They went back to her hotel and had brunch together, but did not let go of each other’s hands or break eye contact.
From Story #3 Mood Swings:
Susan whipped around, like a whirling dervish, every morning between 6am to 8am. Today was no different. It was that small window in the day when she had to get the two men in her life out of her life, literally.
The day started a bit earlier for her as she needed some caffeine in her to clear the cobwebs of sleep. By the time she had brewed her second cup, her husband of 22 years, Drew, attempted to get out of bed after an unsuccessful fight with the alarm clock and his duvet. This was a battle he tended to win only on the weekends. He muttered nonsensical admonitions at the preening alarm clock and lumbered to their bathroom to kickstart his engine.
Two cups of coffee, sundry strips of bacon and a buttered piece of toast added fuel to his simmering engine. He rumbled through his breakfast, keeping one eye on the newspaper headlines while the other checked the clock on the mantle every five seconds. He had an unhealthy relationship with the clocks in the house.
Drew was the typical middle-aged man, with half a balding head and a healthy beer belly. As a standing party joke, he would pat his few hair, caress his protruding stomach and murmur mirthfully, “Recession. And inflation. Can’t get away from them.”
Though Drew always wore his uniform of a suit, a white shirt, a striped tie and Oxfords every working day, as he did today, on weekends he loved wearing jeans and printed T-shirts with funny quotes on them, such as “Oh! The element of surprise” and “Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear T-shirts.” He got a kick when people saw them and giggled. He had half a mind last week to tell a young lady, who was intently gazing at his T-shirt, “Hey, my eyes are up here.” He wasn’t sure whether he wore those T-shirts to show that he was funny beyond his dad jokes or due to his deep seated need for validation.
He could not miss his train today as he had an important meeting in his office first thing in the morning. He kept multitasking when he heard the first signs of activity from his son’s bedroom.
Normally, their son, Colin, had to be dragged kicking and screaming from his bed. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree. The morning routine consisted of Susan shouting in Colin’s direction every few minutes to check if he was awake and had not fallen asleep in the middle of brushing or putting on his pants. Colin took great joy and satisfaction in snatching the tiniest moments of sleep wherever he could squeeze it in.
Today seemed different.
Colin, fresh eyes and bushy tailed, came bounding down the stairs two steps at a time. He was fired up and ready to go. He did not want to waste precious moments today on mundane matters such as sleep or breakfast. He had much to do today and miles to go.
Susan and Drew stared at this unrecognizable avatar of their son.
Susan exclaimed, “Who are you and what have you done with our son?”
Susan reached out to touch Colin’s forehead to check for his temperature, pretending as if he was ill.
Colin brushed off her hand and spoke in an irritated tone, the default state of any teenager with its parents, “Mom, really?”
She could feel his nervous energy jump off him. She put her hand on his shoulder and slowly guided him to the dining table, “At least have something to eat before we go.”
Colin was in no mood for any morning nourishment and was antsy to go.
Susan admonished him, “It is not even 7am. The school does not open for another hour. What will you do at school so early?”
Colin had a couple of witty reposts, but thought better of them. He grabbed a buttered toast and started stuffing his face.
“Slow down, slow down,” warned his father.
He was as amazed by his son’s transformation as his wife. But he had other matters on his mind. The clock on the mantle fired the starter’s gun and he had to be off. He kissed his wife’s cheek and his son’s head and was out of the backdoor before either could shout their goodbyes to him.
They heard the car start and rumble out of the driveway. He was up, up and away, joining the ranks of a thousand other gnomes, off to slave in the goldmines of New York.
Wow, both of these excerpts make me want to read the whole story. This is a book filled with these kinds of short stories about different emotions.
Thank you so much, Rohit Prasad for being my guest on this blog. I have really enjoyed getting to learn more about you and your writing.
I wanted to let everyone know about this wonderful magazine: Wildfire Magazine. I have become a staff writer and have an article in it this month as well as a poem. The magazine is beautiful and filled with excellent writing. Check it out here:
Until the next time, which will be April 8, 2025, when my guest will be Leigh Grant, author and illustrator, who has written two outstanding historical fiction novels. I hope you enjoy the month of March. It is Women's History Month, and I want to end this blog with the poem I wrote about being a woman:
Being a Woman
We as women are too close to ourselves
to see anything but the flaws and scars
But women are beautiful in every way
We are the ones who power the world
With our strength and perseverance
to continue to strive when men might falter
We go on in the face of adversity
And we make sure our children
Are given the best life they can have
Yet many women suffer from not being enough
They are always wanting to have more or do more
Women are the backbone of society
We nurture and protect our loved ones
And in times of crisis it is a woman
who shows up with the chicken soup and love
To make sure her friend or loved one is okay
We are the makers of dreams for our men
And so many of us do not get to have our own
As we pave the way each day for everyone else
We sweep our dreams to the side
Until we have the time and sometimes never fulfill them
But many now do follow their dreams
Regardless of time or ability to focus
They write their books and excel in their subject
And they lead the way in both local and national government
Women are the strength of a nation
We are the ones who worry about the little things
And we face whatever comes our way with grace most of the time
Sometimes we hide the abuse and suffering
Since we have to continue with our lives
Some live in this silence for an entire lifetime
Never letting others know their pain
Biting their tongues to keep from letting you know
Women are mothers, daughters, grandmothers, wives, widows, mayors, governors, Congressional representatives, Senators, and now Vice-Presidents and in some countries leaders.
We are at the forefront of everything including music, TV, and movies.
Women are firefighters, teachers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, construction workers, architects
Women are a strong force, and we are over one half of the population
Yet men continue to hold the lead
Like the king of England now sits in that position
Men want the world to think they run it
But look closely and you will see a woman is there behind them
When our last President gave his speech he gave it to his wife
who was beaming down upon him
the strength to say the words he had to say
Women are there for their husbands, sons and daughters
And we will continue to be there
For our goal is to make sure our loved ones
Are safe and happy in this very chaotic world.
Copyright 2025
by Barbara Ehrentreu. All rights reserved.
January 28, 2025
Welcome Fibby Bob Kinney (Fibzay)!
I had planned to write a new blog post once a month but life got in the way. So it is the next year and we are well into it. I won't mention the political situation but we are all trying to make sense of it and live our lives with the best possible experiences we can. The list for guest authors on this blog is very full so I need to keep posting once a month. Thank you to any readers who have come here expecting new posts. This one is going to make up for it.
My guest author today is both a poet and a comedian. He is one of those people with whom you can spend hours talking about almost anything. I hope you enjoy meeting him. Here is the interview and please check out all of his amazing books.
Welcome Fibby Bob Kinney or as you are now calling yourself Fibzay.
Where were you born and where do you live now?
I was born in a little town in Pennsylvania on a farm and we didn’t have any hot water. We lived just with all the vegetables and animals and chickens. We had dogs and pigs. We didn’t have any plumbing in the house. It was a very rural background where I grew up, Practically in the dark ages and that’s then. Now I live in Florida in a nice house with my wife of 51 years. So it’s been quite a journey from the beginning to where I live right now. So that’s kind of my beginning and where I live now.
I think it's amazing that you were able to change your life so completely.
Do you have an occupation besides writing? Do you have any hobbies?
Yes, I do have a hobby. I am an avid player of video games. I’m one of the oldest players on Destiny video game, which I’ve been playing for ten years, and I’ve got many write ups. If you go to Google and look at the 81 year-old gamer write up on Reddit.
My friends, please go and read this amazing post including the story he wrote about the game here:
Who or what influenced you to stop doing stand-up and writing comedy to writing poetry?
I continued doing comedy actually until 2011.I lasted that long, but it came to a point. I didn’t go on the road anymore. I just didn’t wanna put in the late hours. I was ready to retire and just write poetry and since 2011 I’ve written twenty-five books. So I live happily here in Florida and play with my flowers in the garden. I have written 500 poems to them and I take my walk during the day and just relax play video games, watch television and write poetry and stories books and stuff.
I'll bet you have exceptionally beautiful flowers from all that poetry.
I am fascinated by your history of being in the Village in the 60’s. Did you ever meet any famous comedians like Lenny Bruce or meet Bob Dylan?
Yes, I did know a lot of celebrities. Let’s see when I go back to my early days I knew Milton Berle. I was at the Friars club. I met Henny Youngman, and when I met him I was wearing a checkered jacket. The first thing he said was it’s a great jacket. Did the whole team get one? So that was my first meeting with Henny Youngman. When I was in college back in the old days, I had a rare interview with Thomas Edison’s son Theodore Edison, who lived in Edison Edison, New Jersey. And the first thing I asked him, “So your father invented electricity.” He said, “Yeah?” Who else did I know? JD Salinger very rare I got his autograph and I got nice stories about JD. When I was at The Comedy Store I knew Richard Pryor, and I knew Robin Williams very well. I knew Jerry Seinfeld when he first started and Larry David and Paul Reiser. So I knew like a lot of celebrities before they were celebrities and a lot of them came out of my interviews when I was the emcee at The Comic Strip in New York from 1976 to 1979. Gilbert Godfrey I never thought he would make it but look what happened to him and Larry David of course, became one of the most influential Producers in Hollywood so that’s just a little bit of what I did and who I knew and it does go on like I said I was a comic’s comic, so I knew a lot of of the guys even though I didn’t get to be famous just like Georgie Star, who was Lenny Bruce’s best buddy I knew him good. He was a great comic, but he never got famous because he was hit and miss. Sometimes he would be great other times, when it really counted on the additions he would not do well. Kind of like what I did. I’d be great at times, but when it came to the auditions for the big time with Johnny Carson and those I just kind of I don’t know what happened but it just didn’t work out for me anyway. So that’s just a little bit.
Wow, what a history to have met all of these people before they became famous.
You were a host of two TV shows, one in Los Angeles and one in New York. Did anything unusual ever happen on these shows?
I did my shows in California with school children and they were local TV shows. They went well. I got very good reports on them and then in New York. I did shows with comics, and I brought them on and I was a professor punster in a mythical college, where the comics would come on and they would talk about their jokes and it was good. It was just a lot of fun shows and nothing came out of them. No big people were on there. It was local shows. They were well received.
Please describe a typical day of writing for our readers.
The way that I write is I write from inspiration. I will get an idea and will sit down and the words will flow so I usually can write a poem probably in about somewhere between ten and twenty minutes At night I’ll get up if I get an idea and write it down then. And my short story is the same thing. I’ll take a couple days to do those, but I’ll just come from inner ideas or things that I see and get an idea about it and then I write it down and make a story out of it so it’s pretty much inspirational.
What made you decide to put out a book of poetry and then go on to write so many more including coloring books?
I had a lot of poems that I wrote and I kept publishing them. I published coloring books because I wanted to color my illustrations myself. I like to color so what I did is, I did all the illustrations from statues pictures of statues sketches of sketchers and then I put them in my two books my two coloring books so I’ve got a lot of pictures under the color and I had a real good time doing it and I’m sure the people bought the books. I got a few people who I saw who said, yeah we loved it and we love the coloring so they’re out there and both of those are coffee table they’re like 8 1/2 x 12 they’re really nice both of them.
When people read your poetry, what do you want them to find in it?
When people read my poetry, especially my fairytales it’s so nice to know that the kids are getting beautiful pictures and a very positive moral for children. So I have spoken to families they said the kids loved it and the morals are very positive and I wrote this so that they’re looking at old fairy tales with a more modern view. Thank you.
What would you say are the themes of your poems?
I try to do a lot of poems about words about the value of words. I do a lot of poems about nature and flowers and poems about fairytales so the point is to show how important it is that we make our world as positive as we can so that’s why I don’t have any negative poems. All of my poems are positive.
That is a wonderful way to look at the world. I can't say that about my own work. It always goes with the emotion I am feeling. I do try to end with a positive note, though.
Are you working on a new book to be published? Please tell our readers about it.
I in the process of working on one of them is going to be a sci-fi book of all things. My first attempt is going to be called "The Coffee Zombies" where you know people would drink too much coffee and become zombies. It's a good thing. horror but nobody gets killed. Nobody gets you know there’s no zombie they just become addicted to coffee and then everybody drinks all the coffee in the world and you can’t find coffee anymore. It’s kind of liket he second biggest drink in the world. The first drink is water. So I’m saying that people can’t find anymore coffee. That's the basis of that, and then I got a new fairytale book coming out as well. So those books are in the works right now.
How can we find your work?
All of my books are on Amazon.com and then Kindle. All you have to do is put my name in the search box just put in Fibby Bob, and they will all pop up. They can also go to Google and put my name on Google and my bio and my books will pop up there. So those are the easiest way to find my work
Finally, this is the question I always ask all my guests. Are you a plotter or a pantser? In other words, do you outline or do you just write?
All of my books are on Amazon.com and then Kindle has to do to put my name in the search box just put in February Bob, and they will all pop up. They can also go to google and put my name on Google in my bio and my books will pop up there, so those are the easiest way to find my work
Now, my friends Fibzay has given me some of his work to display on the blog. I hope you enjoy reading his poetry and his stories.Romancing the Pen
“The greatest romantic poet is the one that is in love with their pen: it is their pen that they place all their love, all their hope, all their dreams...in the unity of a wish - that it will give back to them; fame and fortune”...
The poet, male or female, has a spouse in their pen. It is a marriage made between human being and the extension of their thoughts.
So personal is the individual thought. It lives in the mind of the person who has brought it into being.
The mind as both mother and father gives birth to thought at the speed of light.
As I write these words my mind is delivering them directly from my brain.The mind is an endless nursery that brings words into imagery.
As the maker of my mind I stand here in living thought and direct all thought on the subject at hand into an endless chain of words.
They travel down my arm as an army in disciplined form and mount the vessel of my pen.
My pen as a sailing ship. The paper or visible screen of my smart device becomes a vast ocean to navigate. The pen has several disguises: a writing instrument, a stylus; even the thumbs of the writer can become the pen when it texts words upon the device held in its hand, or, all the fingers become the pen on the computer keyboard.
The point is, the mind gives birth, the hand is the gangway, the pen is the visible instrument as the ship , the paper or virtual screen is the ocean that the words must sail into reality.
The pen, in what ever form, is the writers lover. He or she must romance their pen. They seduce it so it willfully as it does their bidding.
I write these words upon the visible screen of my smart phone. The stylus I use is long and sleek with a bouncing tip. It taps the words in a paced rhythm upon the blank screen that brings them to life.
As if by magic with each tap, a letter appears in a permanent form. It shines upon the screen. The writer that uses this form to bring words to life develops a cadence. One similar to a marching band. Measured steps as if in an invisible drum beat keeps the rhythm in synchronized pace.
The words form phrases and turn into sentences. The punctuation as a drill instructor keeps the words in a manageable ordered march.
The sentences build into verse or paragraph and the marching band plays its tunes to the grandstand mind of the reader.
If the images do their job and make the reader feel the emotions that the piece intended then the writer as the high stepping band major has done their job.
I am the band leader of this marching article on the use of my pen as my baton.I hope this little parade of words has given you enjoyment...if so, I salute you, and thank you for being part of this event that happened on the visual tablet that you are viewing it on...Fibzay (Fibby Bob Kinney (c) 1/23/2
Ode to my Inner Child
Although I have never seen him,Nor talked or Joked with him,Or, even grabbed a glimpse of him;I am still his partner in bond.
At night, when I am washed clean,And lay myself down to rest,Upon my feathered bed;Perchance to sleep, in wondering trance.
I long for the wishing moment,When my lids begin to cloak.My brain set adrift,My thoughts to heaven's door.
Oh, the wonder of divine sleep.Its crown, the coming dream,Of things past and done,With might and strength of ease.
All values soar into a heavenly realm,When the brain is at its rest.It is then the Angel scribe is at its best;My guardian appears in thoughts to be.
My Angel, the counterpart of me!He covers my soul in a blanket of care.I breathe upon my pillow, in rest.My stretched body heaped upon the soft sheets.
My Angel, upon me in his protection;Like a field of butterflies, and I,The man , whose thoughts are true,My dreams fill the darkness with life.
What wonder is this dream...That every night continues its tale?What is in my vast imagination, thatUnfolds upon the painting to be?
What great mysteries does he possess?My Angel of thoughts, to have the power,Over me, to make me weep in joy;To throw my thoughts to a fever pitch.
There is nothing in this world,With all its gold and jewels combined,that could comfort me in time of need,As my Angel that responds to me.
He is there at night in my bedchamber.To guide me, without condition or effort,But to blend with my soul and make me whole;Without need or reprise for reward.
In a daydream, when I am lost in thoughtHe is always there with me.In the good and in the grief,His love is real and unrestricted,
Whatever comes to pass, I know: that I am true to myself I will do my poetic gift to the best of my ability…Fibzay
“I shared this poem with You”...(Fibby Bob Kinney (c) 1/23/25
Fibby Bob Kinney Bio:
Although I did attend college with a Liberal Arts degree most of my knowledge is self acquired; as in my life I have followed my dreams to my destiny. I started my career as a poet in Greenwich Village, U.S.A.I became a stand-up comedian and went on to be the first Emcee at the World famous "Comic Strip" night club in New York City. I had a successful career as an entertainer: I was the host of my own children's show,"The Word Painter" in L.A. California.
In NYC I was host of a local cable show called, “ Professor Punster” it was a fun show where I interviewed comedic guests and we told stories with puns and funny innuendos.
I continued in my career as a comedy writer and entertainer. Now I am a poet and author of 25 books in print.
My first book, "Love's Little Liberties" and 24 others are available at Amazon, on Kindle, and other outlets.My strength is in the Genre of poetry and story telling. I make many of my original fables and fairy-tales available on the poetry forums of today. As poetry is the backbone of literature and its high standards are paramount to my goals…Fibzay ( Fibby Bob Kinney; author-storyteller) 1/23/25
I love the picture with the lion!
You can find all of Fibby Bob Kinney's books on Amazon and Kindle.
He has co-authored with Susan Joyner Stumpf as well as many other poets. This is no ordinary poet.When you speak with him, he only wants to keep telling you stories. I am honored to have had you, Fibby Bob Kinney as a guest on this blog.
My next guest author will be here on February 28, 2025. I think it is going to take some time to learn everything about our present guest. This blog will be up for the entire time until I change it for the next guest. Do not hesitate to let your friends know about this fabulous poet, author, and comedian. Thank you for being my guest on the blog Fibzay, as you like to be called. It was a pleasure.
Until the next time, I hope all of you are staying warm, trying not to be too angry, and having some fun. Please leave a comment and don't worry if you don't see it right away. I have had to monitor the comments.
Happy Valentine's Day and President's Day.
September 16, 2024
Welcome Back Award Winning Guest Author Cheryl Carpinello
My friends, summer is almost over and I hope you have enjoyed reading about the amazing Renee Drummond Brown. She will probably be back on here again to talk more about her prolific career. Please remember you can comment if you want on any of these blogs. And also, if you are on Goodreads it is synced on there but has a different title: Rising from the Ashes.
Now I am bringing you another guest author, who has also written a great many books. She was a guest here in 2014. Her name is Cheryl Carpinello and I know you will enjoy reading about her. Here is her interview with me.
Where were you born and where do you live now?
I’m a Colorado native and would never live anywhere else.
Besides writing do you have any other occupation or hobbies?
I’m a retired high school English teacher. Our grandkids and kids keep us busy with activities and baseball games. I’m also a retired airline employee and so we travel! We’ve been to Egypt, the UK, Iceland, Ireland, and Mexico. We also go to college football games each fall. I enjoy reading although my selection is eclectic. I gravitate toward books about the ancient world, some published before BCE! I also enjoy some fantasy, adventure stories, and ancient quests.
Who or what influenced you to begin writing?
As a teacher, I encountered students who loved to read, who just didn’t read, who didn’t like to read, and who even refused to read. All of these students, especially the non-readers, charted my writing journey. Although I dabbled in writing for many years, it wasn’t until I retired from teaching that I started writing seriously. Hence: Tales & Legends for Reluctant Readers & others.
Why did you decide to write about legends and medieval times?
The ancient stories and plays sparked an interest in my toughest non-readers. They found that they could relate to the characters and to the situations the characters found themselves in. As for the medieval, I had kids who wouldn’t be caught in a library, actually researching and finding stories about King Arthur and his knights!
Please describe a typical day of writing for you.
Wow! This is a tough one, Barbara. I’ve never had a typical day of writing. The only common factor in my writing is that when I’m not physically writing, the story is running through my brain. This past year has proven difficult on many levels. Currently doing a running storyline in my head.
How can children benefit from reading your books compared to other kinds of books?
It is my hope that when young people pick up my book(s), it will ignite a spark of interest that will lead them to read more, to learn more about and value themselves, and build an understanding of the world they live in.
How would you teach reading using your books?
I never taught reading. I guided students to see themselves in the characters and to relate that “fictional” world to their own. Even a play as old as “Antigone” showed students that standing up for what is right is not easy, but still needs to be done.
When you write your books do you use people from your life for your characters? How does this affect them?
For my characters, I use numerous traits from my 20+ years of working with young people. This is how I make my characters talk to my readers. I’ve seen first-hand the loves, frustrations, fears, heartaches, joy, and the many other emotions that young people exhibit. I draw from these to develop my characters.
However...I also draw upon myself, my emotions, and experiences to develop characters.
Do you think traveling as you do affects your writing? In what way?
I love traveling. It’s exciting to visit different countries and encountering various cultures and people. Naturally this makes its way into my writings. In some it’s the setting such as Egypt, Wales, and Iceland in my Arthurian Legend, my Egyptian Tales, and my newest series Feathers of the Phoenix. In others, it’s the infusion of characteristics of cultures and people as in Sons of the Sphinx, and Tutankhamen Speaks.
Please describe a little bit about your books.
My Guinevere Trilogy presents a young Guinevere as she struggles with the future laid out for her. The King’s Ransom is an adventure of friendship and fears. My Arthurian Legend stories incorporate the cornerstones of the Legend: Courage, Friendship, Honor, and Loyalty.
Sons of the Sphinx and Tutankhamen Speaks show another side to the Boy King that reveals his human side.
My new series Feathers of the Phoenix brings together ancient mythology and modern Biblical characters in a race to raise the island of Atlantis.
My Grandma/Grandpa Tales is a 3-book series introducing beginning/emerging readers and others to different reading skills using nature.
How did you get the idea for these books?
Guinevere was literally inspired by my students! Every single year, I kid you not, when I asked what my students knew about King Arthur, they talked about Arthur, the knights of the round table, the Holy Grail, and more. When I asked what they knew about Guinevere, each year I received this answer: she married Arthur, cheated on him, and was the downfall of Camelot! Knew I had to correct that view with a 13-year-old Guinevere.
My Egyptian Tales come from my love of ancient Egypt and were inspired by our 3-week visit there.
Feathers of the Phoenix come from my love of Greek mythology.
My Grandma/Grandpa’s Tales are to help beginners, emerging, and others with reading difficulties to hopefully begin to develop a love for reading.
How do you prepare for your classroom visits?
I’m basically always prepared. I have my materials all set aside and just need to pack and drive! I do mostly elementary/middle school visits. My Illuminated Medieval Poetry is fun for boys and girls.
What are the values you hope to teach children from your books?
The only values my books teach are for readers to trust and believe in themselves as my characters learn to do.
Besides this do you have any other online or in person events planned? What are they?
I have a couple of on-line interviews I’m working on. One is for the All Author website. I just did an interview for Voyage Magazine in the Spring.
I have a full in-person schedule for the Fall.
Sept. 21: Aurora Mini-Con (auroragov.org)
Oct. 5: Littleton Craft Fair (littletoncraftfair.org)
Oct. 19-20: Molly McGee – Longmont
Oct 25: Boo-rific – Foothills Rec. Center
Nov. 1-2: Sons of Italy Craft Fair
Nov. 8-10: Grandmother’s House – Parker
Nov. 16-17: Molly McGee – Longmont
Nov. 22-24: Colorado Country Xmas – Denver
Dec. 7 & 14; Book Nook Book Bash - Georgetown
Are you planning to publish another book soon? If so, what is it and when will it be available?
Yes. I’m hoping to finish up The Norse Star this fall. It’s Book 2 in the Feathers of the Phoenix series.
Please tell us where we can find you.
My on-line store: https://cheryl-carpinello.square.site
Website: http://www.cherylcarpinello.com
Writing Blog: http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/
Publishinng: https://www.silverquillpublishing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.carpinello1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccarpine1/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2924554.Cheryl_Carpinello
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cheryl-carpinello
Finally, my last question which is one I ask all of my guests. Are you a plotter or a pantser? In other words, do you outline or do you just write?
I’m a pantser. When I sit down to write, the story is already in my head. I learned years ago to ‘write into the dark’ and I love it.
I am a pantser too and my characters talk to me too. Only mine are more of this century. LOL
Thank you, Barbara, for this opportunity to appear on your blog.
It is my pleasure to have you on my blog again. I went back and saw you were a guest author way back in 2014. I hope you won't take ten more years to come back.
Until the next time, this blog will be on here until November 16, 2024. I hope some of you have checked out my newly published book, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor. It's YA but older people like it too. This book will bring you back to high school.
The next guest author on here will be Fibby Bob Kinney. He is a poet and author.
The Jewish Holidays usually come up around now but this year they are in October. Fall is in the air and it's hard to believe summer is almost gone. Summer is my favorite season, since I was born in the middle of it. But I do like Fall or Autumn too for the colors of the leaves. Please leave a comment here for our guest author.
August 1, 2024
Welcome Renee Drummond Brown
It is August and it's time to visit with another great author. This is a special time for me since my birthday is on the last day of the month. When I was a child I hated that it was in summer because I couldn't have a birthday in class when kids would bring cupcakes for their birthday. And none of my friends were around for it either. Though I was usually at camp where the entire camp sang "Happy Birthday" and there was a cake for my table only. It was funny because kids at other tables who barely knew me always suddenly tried to be friends so they could get cake.
This is a big birthday and we started celebrating it early. But as the years go by I still love my birthday and have come to terms with the number this year.
Anyway, on to my guest author for the rest of this month and most of next month:
Renee Drummond Brown ------- Drum roll please---------
My very accomplished guest author, Renee Drummond Brown, has published over 75 books including hard cover, paperback, ebooks, coloring and activity books. Here is her interview with me:
• Where were you born and where do you live now?
Reneé Drummond-Brown is a renowned author born on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, located in Onslow County, in southeastern North Carolina. Drummond-Brown now resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• Besides writing do you have any other occupation? Do you have any hobbies?
I’m a retiree. My hobbies include: Deep-diving and delving in the Sacred Scriptures, providing child care for my grandson: Giovanni Dominic Antonelli (my ‘lil “Gio-Gio”) and creating his coloring book line “Gio’s Coloring & Activity Books: #1 - 10,” and attending college full-time - student at Liberty University (LU), pursuing higher and professional education. In addition, traveling across the globe.
• Who or what influenced you to start writing?
I began writing as early as five years of age (and just love it), however, there were several professors at college and a publisher (Judith Hampton-Thompson, Publisher of The Metro Gazette Publishing Co., Albany GA.,) who took a personal interest in my writing prose and convinced me to share my work with the world.
It is as equally important to note* The Civil Rights Activist/Songbird, Ms. Rutha Mae Harris, Original Freedom Singer of The Civil Rights Movement was solely responsible for having my first poem published in The Metro Gazette Publishing Co., that I wrote for her while in college.
The Father who art in Heaven and my beloved mother (who has gone home to glory) inspires/inspired me to write. Next, self-satisfaction and finally, the gratitude and comments that I receive from colleagues from across the globe while blessing their situation(s) with my unique style and form of poetic play on words
.• What made you decide to write your first book? Did you try to publish it with a traditional publisher?
My first book is self-explanatory: Renee’s Poems with Wings are Words in Flight-I’ll Write Our Wrongs! is a collection of poetic accounts designed to have colorblind justice, hear the truth, touch freedom, taste love, and smell the Rose of Sharon. This book is written with such conviction that it is sure to cleanse the soul, mend the broken heart, and ultimately transform one’s mind.
No, thus far, I have never been given the opportunity to work with a traditional publishing house to date but I’m open to that concept.
• Most of your books are self-published. Please tell our readers how this happened?
Poets often write what others are thinking but are too afraid and dare not speak ‘IT’. Each of my global Anthologies (listed below) address our contemporary stance relating to societal issues (and the ‘IT’).
• How has poetry changed your life?
As a woman of color, I use poetic language: imagery, metaphors, similes, allegories and play on words sealed in parables coupled with the biological human senses relating to sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing to convey the emotions of what ‘we’ the African American people feel in our struggles and plights, by addressing ill-wills, fights, hurts, sorrows, grief, heartaches, misery, woes and anguish bestowed on us on a daily basis. Not to mention our horrific loses and assignations during slavery, throughout the Civil Rights Movement, and unto this present date with so many of our sons being buried 6 ft. deep (a baptism of tears eloquently flow within our issues).
The uses of these senses add dramatic overtones and provides the reader with an ambiance of sensations. This evokes a heartfelt reaction to my literary works causing the reader to not only connect with my storylines but to place themselves in the place or space with me and/or the character.
• Please tell us about a typical day of writing for you.
My best writings are at an extremely fast pace and start at 3:00 AM., (sometimes for two days straight) which makes it extremely hard for me to work with others. I can only focus with complete silence. Talking to me while writing annoys and infuriates me.
You know I feel the same way. When I'm writing I close myself off and don't want any noise either.
• What made you decide to write coloring books?
I want my only grandson (thus far) to have a legacy long after I’m gone mirroring this Scripture:
“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” Matthew 5:18 King James Version (KJV).
• One of the ways we met was you sent me an invitation to be in your anthology many years ago. I also interviewed you on my radio show, Books and Entertainment Tales from the Pages, which has since gone off the air. How many books do you now have since that interview?
5 live titles and presently working on an International Anthology.
• What is your latest book? describe it for our readers.
As previously stated, I have over 75 published book titles (under my belt) via Amazon, AuthorHouse and Westbow Press.
Read Between the Lines Poetry Book, and Haiku Anyone? Poetry Book are my latest publications. Read Between the Lines, comes from the African American’s perspectives on life,
while, Haiku Anyone? speaks to the art of Japanese writings, form and artistic craft in which, I absolutely love.
• You have won a great many awards. Please tell our readers about these and list them for us.
They are just too numerous to mention; my latest are from:
Well Read Magazine: Three Dogs Write Press bestowed International Author Reneé Drummond-Brown the “Well Done” March 2024, Award for her poem “Last Night I Cried!”
LAST NIGHT I CRIED by Reneé Drummond-Brown - Issuu
~Wildfire Publications Company and Magazine – President Susan Joyner-Stumpf: Graphic Design Artist and Vice President: Kerry Marzock – bestowed International Author Reneé Drummond-Brown, MA, BS, AA., the 2024, Humanitarian Award.~ Fraternidad Poetica Mundial, World Poetic Fraternity 120 paises/120 countries - Founder: Juan Antonio V. Delgadillo – bequeathed International Author Reneé Drummond-Brown, MA, BS, AA., the Global Poet 2024 Award representing the United States of America (USA).
~Wordsmith International Editorial Issue #38 - By: Dr. Omatee Ann Marie Hansraj of Trinidad
(Drummond-Brown’s woks also appear in issues #13 and #36, sold via Amazon).
Author/Publisher/Poet Drummond-Brown, graced the July 2024, international magazine cover:
https://www.facebook.com/renee.drummondbrown/videos/480768338027861
~Bizcatalyst 360 – Life Culture Biz Reimagined Humanity Rediscovered – Conferred International Author Reneé Drummond-Brown, MA, BS, AA., the Columnist Award for 2024, publication
• In each of your anthologies and magazines you have your contributing authors give you a quote. When did you first begin to do that and why?
I have done that in every Anthology and/or magazine. Quotes add an experts’ point of view to their genre of writings and confirms their credibility from different positions.
Thank you for explaining that. Each time I submit I have had to dig to find a quote. But that is an inspirational moment too.
• Please tell us your website and all the places we can find you.
Drummond-Brown’s Hardcover, Softcover, eBooks, Coloring books (adult and children), Anthologies, Magazine and Children’s book are sold via Amazon:
Pittsburgh author Renee Drummond-Brown
(Renee's Poems with Wings are Words in Flight!).
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07V4GW9SH
AuthorHouse:
Westbow Press:
• My last question for you is one I always ask all my guest authors. Are you a plotter or a pantser? In other words, do you plot out your work or do you just write?
A little bit of both a plotter and pantser (here and there) in the sense that I don’t plan and yet I have a strong intuition of what I feel within my body of literary works as I’m going along.
Moreover, as far as a plotter is concerned my artistic nature knows how to strategize to complete my literary projects on hand.
Renee Drummond Brown Bio:
Reneé Drummond-Brown, is a renowned author, visionary in literature, writer, publisher, and poet residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned a Grad certification in Christian Leadership from Liberty University (LU). She holds a Master of Arts degree in creative writing with a concentration in poetry from Chatham University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Ministry Leadership with a minor in biblical theology studies, graduating summa cum laude from Geneva College of Western Pennsylvania. In addition, she received an Associate of Arts degree in Christian Ministry at The Center for Urban Biblical Ministry (CUBM), where she served as class president and is presently in pursuit of higher education. Drummond-Brown is an accomplished poetess with experience in creative writing and authored several books to her credit. Her poetic prose is recognized across the globe.
Thank you to the renowned and esteemed Pittsburgh author and poet Renee Drummond Brown for sharing her thoughts with us. I am honored to have her on my blog and I invite people to leave their comments here. She is truly a gift to the world and I look forward to seeing the next anthology in which I will have two poems.
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I'm hopefully posting this on my birthday or the day after that. It goes into the month of August. I always think of my birthday as halfway through summer. I'm looking forward to the rest of the summer. It is my favorite season though it gets very hot. I practically live in air conditioning so I don't get out much. But when I do it is hot out there. Anyway, August will bring new adventures including one of my favorite things to do: sell books in person. I have my books all ready for the Norwalk Book Festival on August 24th. Anyone who lives near there should come and say hi. You won't miss me. I will have my pink poster and my books out in front of me.
Have a great rest of summer and don't miss checking out Renee Drummond Brown's books. I am in a lot of her anthologies and magazines too. She gives all writers a chance to be seen. Thank you to Renee Drummond Brown for the opportunities she has given to me and all other international poets.,
Unitl the next time, please check out my newly republished book, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other online bookstores. You might find one in your library or local bookstore. But if you don't, tell them to order it. LOL
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The next guest author on the blog will be: Cheryl Carpinello, who is another YA author and friend.
Happy Summer!!!!
June 27, 2024
Welcome Deepika Singh!
I hope you have all had a very pleasant month and a few days. I love this part of the year when it gets warmer and the flowers bloom. I'm a summer baby so this is when I feel most comfortable.
Sadly, we must say goodbye to Wendy Blanton for now and I am sure she will be back with her new book very soon. Let's welcome our new guest Deepika Singh. She is not an author yet, but she has been published in multiple anthologies. I remember the time when I wasn't an author yet. So I extend my hand to anyone who would like to be seen. I think you will find she is very interesting and talented in several areas.
Welcome Deepika Singh and we are all interested in learning more about her. Here is her interview.
Where were you born and where do you live now?
I am an Indian native born and brought up in Margherita-Assam. Surrounded with lofty hills and vibrant tea gardens.
Besides writing do you have any other occupations? Do you have any hobbies?
Besides writing I am a torch bearer, a teacher. My hobbies include reading, writing and making rangoli. I feel that if a person tends to write then he/she must read enough. Rangoli is the traditional floor art of India. I also made a state and World record in Rangoli (2020).
That is great! Congratulations!!!Who or what influenced you to begin writing?
I did my Bachelor degree in English major and was very much influenced by Rabindranath Tagore, William Wordsworth and John Keats writing style. In my Master degree I started writing for newspapers. In the year 2012 my father went to heaven and I stopped writing. After some years I got married which didn’t go well and ended up in divorce.When the whole world was struggling against the Corona pandemic I was going through my divorce and I realized that pain is inevitable. I tried to transform my pain through writing and thus my pen started flowing again.
How wonderful, though it is sad that this caused you to start writing again. I also began writing again due to sadness. It is greatly healing to write when you are sad.
Do you speak any other languages besides your native one and English? What are they?
India is a land of cultural diversity. Here in India other than the mother tongue and English language , people can easily speak fluently in other native languages tooI can speak easily in Bengali, Assamese , Hindi and English well.
Why did you become a teacher and what do you teach?
My mother is my strength.She was a teacher and I followed her footsteps. I have been in this profession since 2010 and I teach English and Social Studies. Teaching moulded me. It gave me a new ME. The best thing which I learned from my students is to always be kind.
That is a wonderful lesson and you can learn from your students. They are the greatest teachers.
How did you start to write poetry?
I don’t want to keep myself limited. I always wanted to explore myself and thus my writing journey started. As I already mentioned that pain is inevitable , I thought why not let’s make my pain beautiful by writing. I feel that poetry is like an art and the words are colors. Every verse gives me new birth and rejuvenates me.
What would you say are your main themes for your poem
My poems mainly deal with nature and life. And both are intertwined with each other.I am from a small town, where communication is not easy, books are not easily available butone thing which I am blessed with is bountiful nature. So I have become more inclined to write about natureAlso as we grow we become more entangled with life’s problems. We should use our pain as a shield and wake up like a Tigress and set an example for everyone how to fight back with your pain so that the whole world applauds.
Wow, I totally agree that people respond to painful poems. I have had the most comments on my saddest poems.
I noticed all of your poems are in free verse. Do you ever write in rhyme?
To be very honest this is my limitation. I always love and prefer to write in free verse. I believethat through free verse I am able to express myself more.
Your poem: “Ode to Chipko Women” is dedicated to the Chipko Women in Uttahrakhand, Inda. Are you a member of this group? What inspired you to write this?
Well I am not a member of any such group. The Chipko Movement originated in Himalayanregion Uttarakhand , India in 1973. When this region was facing rampant deforestation due tocommercial activities. What caught my attention is that the women group who started thismovement were simple peasant women not much educated. But still they understood the value ofnatural resources.It was a nonviolent movement. They hugged the trees and encircled them to prevent being hacked.Soon all over the world people came to know about this eco feminist movement and still we are following its legacy.
You mention in your bio your work is translated into many different languages. How did this occur?
When my work gets translated my poems get a new life. Many brilliant luminaries appreciated my work and they showed interest to give a new light to my work through their translations. I am very much grateful to them.
Many of your poems are published in anthologies. Have you thought of publishing your own book?
I know my limitations. As I always write in free verse, I feel that if I need to publish a book I need to explore more in the poetry genre. I need to work harder to catch readers' attention.
Well, you captured my attention and I'm sure our readers will enjoy your poetry too. You have to take the leap.
Do you believe poets are important for society? Why or why not?
Poets'; words have echoed since ages , from ancient civilisation to modern era. They help us to delve into our imaginations. They dive deep into emotions offering solace through words and sometimes words can also have the impact to change our lives.
That was a great answer. I agree and feel that is why poetry has captured the spirit of society again. Poets translate events of the day and help people understand how to cope with them. Poets are the soul of our world.
Please share your website and social media links here.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028332699779&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Finally, my last question and the one I ask all my guests. Are you a plotter or a pantser? Inother words, do you outline before you write or do you just write?
I always jot down the words or beautiful sentences which come to my mind. Then I choose a. theme and start working on it. I dive deep into human emotions and always try to keep my poems simple so that common people can easily understand .My message to budding Wordsmith- no matter how remote region you live, if you love to write just be a voracious reader. Whatever you get, just read it. Make it a daily habit. We all go through mental trauma, don't stop yourself, rather rise like a tiger and roar like a lionby your creativity. God has made us all creative, we just need to explore ourselves.
Thank you Deepika Singh for being my guest here on the blog. This interview will be up here for about a month. Your words are so powerful and now let's see your poems.
Here are some of the anthologies in which Deepika Singh is published:
Here are photos of Deepika Singh doing Rangoli and one of her Rangoli pieces. Rangoli is floor art. Please check it out here:
Here are some of Deepika Singh's poems:
MY REBIRTH
Time favoured bestowed with happiness,
And I build the kingdom of hope.
But life stabbed and crumbled me again and again,
My voice is choked, tongue tied up.
Went through innumerable dark nights.
The softest heart bruises the deepest.
The walls witnessed my pathos,
But life goes on.
I was like a caged bird,
Poetry gave me wings to fly.
You gave me beacon of hope,
You rewired my entire DNA,
A renewal of the new ME.
You crafted me, you nurtured me.
Poetry sanitized my mind,
And evoked my ink.
I woke up like a Tigress.
And roar like a Lioness
My words are my weapons now.
Which my mates adore
And my foes abhor.
© 2024 by Deepika Singh
JUST A FIGURINE
In my yesteryears I played with a lovely doll.
I caressed her everyday.
She was my soul,
And I was her heartbeat.
When I stepped in my budding days,
She smiled and said, “You are a dol”.l
I ignored her,
Never dived deep into the depth of her words.
I smiled and got engrossed in the mortal coil of life.
As days passed by I realised,
That I am just like a rag doll.
In the hands of fragile hearts.
Some souls are just pastime gadgets.
Life is so uncertain.
People step in our life.
Shower with a million dreams.
Toy with our emotions.
To expertise in flamboyance,
To master in oratory.
Their hunger is never fulfilled,
Always in search of new prey.
Leaving us abandoned,
When we need them the most.
And then come the mass parade
To hear our raw story.
Instead of helping hands,
Giving us a hamper of pit hole tips.
Adding more spices and advertising our tales.
too difficult to stitch our tormented heart and trust again.
Painted face carries its glory.
Beautiful soul lies somewhere in the corner of dark room,
Finally, we become the effigy.
© copyright 2024 by Deepika Singh
UNFILTERED STORY
I was like you, one among you,
Chirping all the time.
I loved to be enveloped with people.
Always extended helping hands,
I was an ointment who healed the scars.
Fresh breeze, nutrition of thoughts.
I thought others to be the same,
Who value honesty and treasure those humble souls.
Acidic remarks hijacked the pleasure centers in my brain.
Bestowed with hollow promises.
I carry the burden of scars,
Don’t accept me to be normal.
Embarking on a great battle.
I don’t play the tune of my sorrows now,
Drained out hopes, faith in dwarf planets.
Deep down my soul always cries,
Scars are nowhere to heal.
Bitterness is paralytic.
Storm of tears and mosses of sadness.
In solitude I find comfort now.
A piece of me dies every second.
If you don’t walk in my shoes
You don’t know the path,
I had walked too.
I am just a laughing stock and topic of discussion,
For bugging minds.
Everything seems alien now.
Emotional battles hard to deal with,
I cry tears of blood.
Arrogance reflects in my face.
I don’t like to see mirror now,
Yes I am harsh too.
In fear of getting pangs,
I too was unstained,
Betrayal contaminated my soul,
Lost in unethical coil.
© copyright 2024 by Deepika Singh
PACT with PEACE
Flapping her wings a butterfly whispered in my ears,
Call for peace, sign the treaty of love.
Our power is in our hands and devotion to our work.
Sweat till the flag of tranquility flutters in the sky.
We don’t want ponds of blood.
There is only one earth and we are God’s dazzling creation.
Bitterness is alien to our Almighty.
We are here to do our part,
To preserve the heritage of holy peace.
To fabricate our earth as the safest heaven .
Be alert, don’t fall prey to devil’s exploiting path,
Which only exhibits hatred.
Don’t let the path of peace short,
Quest for peace is not far.
Just shun your ego,
And drown in the stream of love.
We all are tired of strolling in the pavement of barbaric blocks,
Power peddlers don’t you feel guilty?
Civilization is on the brink of ashes.
It’s a hard picture to draw and too hard to be photographed.
Outburst noise of uncivilized nation,
Will be documented in the pages of history.
Restoration of love and peace is the utmost cry now.
Sow the seeds of love and breed humanity.
Spin thread of nonviolence,
Sing the melody of friendship .
Peace can only be gained when we sparkle love.
Let hope not be the luxury word
which we cannot attain.
Peace adds to empowerment; it’s the key to prosperity.
© copyright 2024 by Deepika Singh
Bio for Deepika Singh:
Deepika Singh is an Indian native from Margherita, Assam. She holds an M.A. and a B.Ed. degree,by profession, a teacher. Her writings are a reflection of the everyday experiences she has. She thinks the correct words have the power to transform our culture. Her works were featured in various publications, including Sipay Journal, The Poet Magazine, Womensweb, Journal of Macedonia Scientific Society, Poetry Zine Magazine, Archer Magazine, etc. Additionally, her writings were translated into Hebrew, Chinese, Macedonian, Spanish, Serbian, Tajik, and Turkish. She also recited poetry on Kent’s BBC Radio.
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I hope you enjoyed getting to know Deepika Singh and I wish all of you a great rest of this month of June and July. Happy 4th of July to my US readers. We are celebrating it on July 6th this year with my brother as we usually do. I hope some of you will comment on this and thank you to Deepika Singh for sharing her life with us. I am still adding authors to the blog so if you want to be on here please let me know. My next guest author will be Renee Drummond Brown. With all of the books she has authored I might need two posts for her. LOL Until the next time, keep reading and get out and enjoy life while you can.
May 17, 2024
Welcome Wendy Blanton, Author of Dawn of Shadows
Friends, I know I was supposed to put on all the poems from Poem A Day but April was very busy for me and I had some health issues. But now I will post the rest of them on the My Poems section of this blog. The reason is I am starting my Author Interviews today with author Wendy Blanton. Each month I will be featuring another author. Please contact me if you are interested. I am on Facebook: BarbaraJEhr.
Wendy is someone I met at Prosateurs, a group which meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on Zoom to write and share our results. All we do is meet the first five minutes to talk of what we will write and then the last five or ten minutes to say how we did. It has enabled me to work on my writing in manageable increments and given me motivation to write all the time. Stephen Bagley, who is our leader, creates an atmosphere of confidence and openness with his funny comments and offhand remarks. Anyway, that is how we met and I learned of her new book series. I always admire authors who write about dragons, even though I know I couldn't possibly do it. With her Balphrahn Books she brings you into the world of dragons.
Interview with Wendy Blanton
1. Where were you born and where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Michigan and I live near St. Louis, Missouri.
2. What made you decide to go into the Air Force? Did you know how to fly before you enlisted?
Oh, no, I don't fly. You have to be an officer and have special training before they let you do that. I enlisted so the Air Force would pay for my college education, but really, being in the military is an education in its own right. It's a blessing that I had no idea what I was getting myself into at the tender age of 19.
3. How did you meet your husband? Do you have any children?
I met my husband in the Air Force. The squadron I worked for housed single airmen in the first two floors of a dormitory, and his squadron had the third floor. We tangentially lived together before we even met. We met, married, and birthed our two children in North Carolina. It was our longest tour in his career.
4. Describe the difference between being in the Air Force and being an Air Force wife. Were there any funny or unusual incidents you might relate to our readers?
On active duty, you're told what you need to know and nothing more. We said we were mushrooms--kept in the dark and fed BS. But there was a comradery in that, and we did have news trickle down through the chain of command.
As the wife, it was the same, but sometimes the news didn't get to us. We got news from our spouses, but if they were deployed, we were at the mercy of whoever was supposed to remember to contact us. The spouse also takes on the responsibility of keeping the family together--caring for the kids/house/car/pets when the airman is away (and you can plan on something breaking within the first week of their departure), overseeing all the details of every move, and changing jobs with every new duty station. The job situation might be a little easier now, but when we were in the Air Force there was no such thing as remote work. We barely had the internet. It's a challenging life, but there are nuggets of wonderful. We lived in Italy for a year, and while that had challenges of its own, it was an amazing experience and came when our kids were the perfect age for it.·
5. Who or what was your greatest influence for writing?
I've been a reader since I was little, and I've been making up stories almost as long. I think it's part of my DNA. My mom's family is artistic, and my dad's family is imaginative and witty. And sarcastic. I learned the fine art of BSing at my grandparents' table.
6. Why do you write about Balphrahn? What significance does it have for you?
Balphrahn came into existence through a Facebook comment. I was working on short stories for the Blackbirds anthologies, and I posted about needing ideas. My friend posted a comment about fire exploding across the sky--the dragons were back. I thought it was cool, but I didn't want to write fantasy. At the time I thought I was going to write historical fiction. Silly me! I did one short story, which led to another and part of a third before I dissected them and scattered the pieces through the first novel. That was nine years ago, and it has taken on a life of its own, as projects like this often do.
7. How do you know so much about Celtic history? What made you decide to go to the festivals in Scotland?
Oh, I hope to do a festival in Scotland someday. For now, I tell Celtic folktales and history at Highland Games in Missouri (although I'm open to traveling under the right circumstances), and at local libraries. I got into it accidentally. The guy running the Clan Campbell tent at the St. Louis Scottish Games is a storyteller, and since I'm a writer, I volunteered to apprentice under him. He agreed, and the best part of a decade later, I'm doing it myself. I've gained knowledge through my mentor, but most of it has come from reading and study. I still have a lot to learn.
Thank you for clarifying that.
8. Please describe a typical day of writing for our readers.
Oh, you don't really want to know that, do you? I generally write between 8 am and 11 am, and I schedule sessions from 1 pm to 3 pm, but those hours are flexible and are usually writing-related things, like editing, marketing, scheduling social posts, and so forth. We won't get into the cooking/cleaning/scooping cat litter part. I think if you are working from home it's necessary to do all these things along with writing.
9. Why did you republish this book with a different name?
Dawn of Shadows was originally Dawn Before the Dark, and it was published by Bear Publications. I had a three book contract with them, and writing the second novel made me realize we have different ideas of how the series should go. I negotiated to get my rights back, and changed the name and the cover to make it clear that it is no longer with Bear, but also to avoid any confusion with Amazon. It also marked a fresh start in my career, which was more important than I realized.
10. Are you planning to add more books to this series after Book 2?
Yes, there will likely be 3 in this series, and I have a prequel series in my head that will probably also be a trilogy. As I write book 3, I'm getting ideas for spin-offs, so who knows how many books there will be?
11. Are you planning to have any in person or online events for the book besides this blog, of course.
I'm open to it but don't have any plans currently. I have enough going on with editing book 2 and writing book 3, and I'll get more serious about promotion when I have more books out.
12. Please put your links here so our readers may learn more about your work.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wendy-Blanton/author/B00OFLL43M
https://www.coffeewithdragons.com
https://www.facebook.com/coffeewithdragons2021
https://www.instagram.com/coffeewithdragons
Coffee With Dragons? Where did that come from?
Dragons can represent the challenges we face in life. When you come up against one, you can kill it, but there will be another one right behind it. Killing dragons takes a lot of effort and energy. It's better, in my opinion, to find out what it's trying to teach you, and what better way to do that than over a cup of coffee?
Plus, I'm a coffee junkie. I quit drinking coffee for a while in the '90s and my family says I was hard to live with, so here we are.
To give credit where it's due, I got the idea from Stephen B. Bagley. This is the second time his name was mentioned on this blog. Hmmm. No, seriously, Stephen is practically our muse.
13. Finally, this is always my last question. Are you a plotter or a pantser? In other words, do you outline or do you just write?
I'm a pantser, which is strange because in every other part of my life, I'm a long-term compulsive planner. I've tried plotting, though, and it locks the process up, so it is what it is.
Excerpt from Dawn of Shadows
Chapter 1
Three bodies lay like discarded rag dolls, all with the throats cut, but no blood. Not one drop.
Tanwen paced in the clearing. "What do you think it means?"
Her dragon, Quillon, opened one eye. His silver scales glittered in the sun. He answered telepathically. I have not seen its like before. Speculation would be futile.
She snorted and turned away from him to look at the carnage at the far end of the clearing. "What do you make of the tree burned into the side of the house?"
It is a fair rendering, if a bit crude.
She glanced at him over her shoulder. "Do you think it was done by magic?"
I think all of this was done by magic. He lumbered to his feet. The others are coming. Though I wish to bask here in the sun with you, I will circle to guide them in.
His muscles bunched as he leaped and flapped his wings to take off. He clipped the top of a spruce tree with his tail and circled the clearing.
Tanwen turned away from the wrecked homestead and focused on the flowers in the meadow. Someone had been encouraging certain wild herbs to grow in the area. She recognized feverfew, skullcap, and coneflowers. All the other plants had been pulled out, and the grass that was there was patchy. She wondered if someone who had lived in the house suffered from headaches.
From the west, she heard the clink of chain mail and the murmur of voices. "Tanwen?"
"Over here."
A few minutes later, her husband rode out of the woods, followed by two other men.
Liam slid out of his saddle and led his horse to her. His black hair was tied back, and the blue of his tunic matched his eyes. He kissed her lightly and said, "What are you doing in the woods?"
He smelled of leather and chainmail, and she wrapped her arms around his waist. "Looking for you."
He smiled, and her knees melted a little.
Behind him, Siril said, "It's the same necromancer. See the tree branded on the side of the house?"
She shivered. "Nice of him to sign his work, I guess."
The others dismounted, and they led their horses to the clearing.
Siril stopped as the sunlight reflected on his bald head. "We should tie the horses up here and let them graze. I don't like what I'm sensing over there, and they won't either, I'd wager."
They led the horses to a patch of alfalfa at the edge of the woods and tied the reins to bushes before walking toward the scene.
As they got closer, Liam nodded. "I see what you mean, Siril. It's odd, like necromancy, but not the same."
"I felt it at the last scene, too."
"Pity a magical signature can't tell you who it is," said Tanwen.
"Without a known signature to compare it to we can't, but when we find him, we'll know," said Siril.
"But you're sure all the homesteads have been attacked by one necromancer acting alone?"
"One bad single mage," said Colum.
Liam bent next to the nearest body, looking at the wounds. "We need to check the buildings."
They searched the house and outbuildings and found no people. There was evidence of cows and horses, but they were missing, too. Only the chickens and a barn cat were left.
The cat twined around Tanwen's ankles. "I wonder if the dead are the people who lived here?"
"Where are the women? There were two here, judging from the clothing I saw," said Colum.
Siril ran his hand over his bald head. "I'm not sure it's possible to say just now. We'd better get back. Arwyne will need the details to pass along to the king."
Liam nodded. "It's going to be close to dark when we get back." He took Tanwen's hand. "Are you going back with Quillon?"
" Yes, I'll go ahead and report to Arwyne. Should Aithne and I wait to have dinner with you?"
"No, go ahead. She'll be starving and cranky if you wait."
"I might be, too." She leaned in to kiss him. "See you at home."
Wow, this excerpt makes me want to read the book! You have packed so much into this first scene. I want to know more about the dragon and Tanwen's life.
Wendy Blanton Bio:
Wendy Blanton has been telling stories since she could string sentences together. In addition to the Balphrahn Books, she is featured in several anthologies with her writing group, including Yule Tidings, Prosateurs, Tales & Truth, Blackbirds First Flight, Blackbirds Second Flight, Blackbirds Third Flight. She is a United States Air Force veteran, having served on active duty for the United States Air Force for eight years and an additional thirteen years as an Air Force wife. Being the wife was a harder gig.
In addition to writing stories she performs as Scottish festivals and private gatherings, telling Celtic folk tales aned history to educate people about Celtic culture. If you see her at an event please feel free to ask her for a story. She divides her time between various locations in Balphrahn and her home in Missouri with her husband and cats. Visit her website at:
wendyblanton.com
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Wendy's interview will be up here for the rest of May and some of June, since I promised her a whole month. Until the next time, check out my poems from this April in the Poetry tab here. I will start with April 9. Also, please check out my books: If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor, and You'll Probably Forget Me Living With and Without Hal.
April 9, 2024
April Poem A Days Day 8 & 9
The Eclipse
In 2044 I may not be here
At my age life is measured in months and not years.
That was the date it would happen again.
The eclipse advertised for months happened today, April 8, 2024 at 3pm EDT
We gathered at the front of our building to see this spectacular event
Our eyes protected by special glasses
Shared to give all a chance to see
Hoping to catch a glimpse of nature’s show
And through the glasses reminding me of 3D movie glasses from my childhood made of cardboard with plastic lenses I saw it
The sudden black circle encroached the sun. Only a sliver remained.
The breeze kicked up at my feet cooling it a little bit!
But even that little sliver kept the light and warmth alive.
Soon the sun would come out
Will I be here to see the next one?
Copyright 2024 by Barbara Ehrentreu
And now Day 9. The prompt is: Two for Tuesday. Write a love poem and an anti-love poem
Love Lasts A Lifetime
The delicate seed of your love
Grew to be a blooming rose
And though it had its thorns
The flower of it remained glorious
So spectacular it continues on today
Though the flower is deceased
And the petals are disintegrated
The essence of its beauty remains in my heart
A painting of its blooming presence
When the delicate buds of its fragrant beauty
Existed between us and painted by my brain
Will always be there no matter what
Your love permeates my every waking hour
Remembering it brings joy and sadness
For no longer can I feel your body or
Hear your voice telling me it’s okay
But I have the memories
Time has painted into my soul
Of joy and even anger from you and with you
Love is a permanent fixture
It continues without substance
Floats in the air as amorphous presence
Always there as life support when needed
Your love anchors me and keeps me sane
It is my bulwark against the raging world.
Copyright 2024 by Barbara Ehrentreu
Anti-love
Why did I need this aggravation?
Fighting and bickering and tears
Were they worth it all those years
When I could have been enjoying myself?
The nights when I turned from you
Or you turned from me
Magnets not attracting with the wrong sides
Pushed each other away for one reason or another
Anger overcoming the love we poured into ourselves
An endless supply of vehement phrases
Spewed out from both of us
Anger blanketed our love
Pushed it away and replaced it
Until only pain happened.
Copyright 2024 by Barbara Ehrentreu
Rising from the Ashes
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