Solitaire Parke's Blog, page 4
July 3, 2024
Annual Summer/Winter Sale: Get 50% Off Solitaire Parke’s Ebook Collection
Now is your best chance to find my entire eBook collection for 50% off at @Smashwords as part of their Annual Summer/Winter Sale! You can find all my on-sale books at https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/solitaireparke
Choose books from my Dragomeir Series – a sci/fi series of 8 books with dragonriders and dragons for those who love adventure.
Between Two Worlds – time travel from a dystopian world to the past to save humanity
Vengeance of the Wolf – a horror/thriller
Tinker Smith & the Conspiracy of OZ – a group of ten genetically altered children are attempting to save the world from a technological, power hungry scientist, the self proclaimed Wizard of Oz
The Atrium – After a horrific car crash, a man finds himself trapped within an atrium that is lined with a series of framed pictures where he relives events from his life and faces self-confrontation and life or death decisions.
The Triple Threat – (How to Write a Novel and Stay Sane in the Process) – Teaches you how to write a novel from beginning to end
Tapestry – A book of medieval style poetry
These are also available in paperback at my website –
Have a great summer!
June 21, 2024
Art by Solitaire – Unleashing Imagination
In the ever-changing world of art and technology, online tools have completely revolutionized the art world. It demands a blend of artistic flair, technical prowess, and an unwavering enthusiasm for digital media. Solitaire stands as a prime example of a digital artist harnessing these tools to elevate his craft, express himself, and create exquisite artworks that push the boundaries of imagination. Whether delving into abstract, science fiction, fantasy, or scenic art, these creations find homes in video games, websites, book covers, attire, and are often displayed on the walls of homes and offices. It is a dynamic and captivating medium that holds the power to inspire us all.
June 16, 2024
New Book Available – The Triple Threat
For those who have always wanted to write a novel, but had no idea what the process includes – Here is a book that will give you the information you need to make that dream a reality.
The Triple Threat (How To Write A Novel And Stay Sane In The Process) gives you the answers to your questions plus much more, including examples and helpful templates to make your writing experience easier. It will also keep you from making many of the mistakes that first-time authors have made, myself included. Click on the book below to locate a copy –
I hope this book is helpful in your writing journey.
Solitaire
June 4, 2024
Help – How Do I Write a Novel?
Writing your first novel can make you craaaazy!!! Do you have a process , or should you even have one? Maybe you’ve taken a class on writing but are still unclear where to begin. If this is where you’re coming from, then hang onto your hats because I’d like to share something with you.
I’ve been there! You are not alone, so don’t worry. This writing process is the reason for my next book –
THE TRIPLE THREAT
(How to write a novel and stay sane in the process)
Hi, I’m Solitaire Parke and I write science fiction, urban fantasy, horror/thriller, larger world and poetry books. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, and I’ve made my fair share of mistakes along the way. Hopefully, I can help you avoid some of those same mistakes and your novel can become a reality instead of just a dream.
I believe everyone has at least one good book within them, probably more. But if you don’t know where to start, that’s a problem. So, I’m attempting to share some of the knowledge I’ve gained along my writing journey in the hope that your dream can come to fruition.
The Triple Threat will cover
Where to start
Outlines
Research
Plots and Subplots
Characterization
Dialogue
Showing not Telling
Conflict
Timelines
Helpful Templates
Editing
Cover Art
Publishing
and much more within each chapter – including examples.
Understanding what you’re writing and finding the answers to all your questions will shape what and how your novel is written and ultimately make your readers (hopefully, a lot of them) happy, and anxious to get your next book when it’s published. Not to mention, the satisfaction you receive from being able to put your thoughts down in a paperback (e-book or audiobook) is well worth all the time and effort, and something you can be proud of for the rest of your life.
The TripleThreat is in its final editing stage and will be out very soon. So, stay tuned for further updates. Happy reading to everyone – and hopefully you’ll be writing your own novel in the near future! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment or contact me.
Solitaire
May 22, 2024
Memorial Day 2024 – America Remembers
Once again, the last Monday of May is upon us. For many it is a long weekend for camping, parties, lots of sales, and even Memorial Day cruises. There are many reasons why this day is notable.
But let’s not forget the real reason – the important reason. It was set aside to remember and honor all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the military service of America . . . Those who died fighting to preserve our lives and our freedom. They won’t be here to celebrate with us because they gave up everything for us.
So, amidst our celebrations, let’s pause and take time to remember the thousands of men and women whose lives were cut short so that we could live and be with those we love to enjoy our freedoms. God help us to remember the cost of our blessings and to remain worthy of that cost.
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave.”
Solitaire
May 6, 2024
Artwork Brings Imagination to Life
If you had to sit in a room with nothing but blank walls or stare into a dark tunnel would you be inspired? Since the dawn of time, the environment around us has wired the human brain to be inspired by what is all around us. It gives us the catalyst to appreciate and expand our imaginations and creativity. Art is an expression of our imaginations that is realized in a tangible form. It challenges our minds to think beyond what is familiar and obviously real – to “think outside the box”, so to speak, and as a result anything is possible. Since each of us has a unique and different outlook on our environment, we are surrounded by creative people who have pushed the boundaries of art and design. It creates a more colorful and innovative world in which to live.
Imagination increases our cognitive, creative and social skills. We explore our feelings and thoughts more in depth and we learn how to creatively solve problems. Children start from a very young age to learn this concept. Art is a genuine gift to the world which helps us to understand it and gives it meaning.
So, whatever type of artistic ability you have, continue to inspire people with your artwork. It plays a very vital role in our lives.
Please join me at HALF PRICE BOOKS in Mesa, Arizona on Saturday, May 11, 2024 between 11 and 4 p.m. If you love artwork, you might find something interesting for your home or office walls!
Solitaire
April 4, 2024
Accepting Being Imperfect
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of mending broken pottery by joining pieces back together and filling cracks with lacquer mixed with gold. It highlights the flaws in the repaired item. In our world today there seems to be no end to the broken pieces of our society and we are all a part of it in some way. But these pieces can be put back together again and be made stronger than before with work on our part. I am reminded of this when I look at Kintsugi. It turns into a beautiful piece of art.
Accepting our flaws is a fundamental part of the writing process as well. No author writes a perfect first draft. It reminds me of one of my books written years ago that just never quite hit the mark. I ended up tearing it apart, section by section, and rewriting it at least three times. There was a point when I had almost given up on it altogether and considered scrapping it completely. It was very disheartening and left me wondering why I was even writing it at all.
I’m not one to quit easily, so I took it as a challenge, and reworked the entire story so that it became a cohesive plot filled with much more exciting actions and a richer storyline. As a result of fixing the flaws, it became a much fuller narrative that I was pleased to publish – Tinker Smith & the Conspiracy of OZ.
A group of ten genetically altered children are attempting to save the world
from a technological, power hungry scientist,
the self proclaimed Wizard of Oz,
who is determined to control the world with a computer virus.
Johnny and his father meet Tinker, one of the ten children
and together they forge ahead in the hope of survival
in a strange world of machination and espionage.
None of us are perfect, and in the artistic process of writing it sometimes means tearing apart our ideas, then putting them back together again to be stronger and more engaging.
It’s much like Kintsugi. From imperfect to amazing!
Happy Reading to everyone!
Solitaire
March 13, 2024
Available Now – “Between Two Worlds”
Society is collapsing before his eyes.
Sixteen-year-old Cross Mundos is trying to survive in a world of nuclear disaster and environmental decay. His parents have disappeared, leaving him with an eccentric uncle, a war zone, and a landscape where death and extinction seem to be the inevitable outcome. But Cross has an intellect far beyond most in his age category, and despite the challenges he faces, is determined to find a way to endure and even thrive.
To his surprise, his Uncle Ferrum reveals an instrument called a torch, enabling him to rip a hole into the fabric of time and space. This changes everything as he can transport to an identical world, with one catch – it is many decades into the past!
To survive in this new world, he must keep his previous life a secret and yet somehow blend in with the current populace. His ultimate goal is to discover what went wrong in his world and somehow change the course of events to stop the future of this new planet from complete destruction.
Will history repeat itself, or will Cross be the one person who can alter its outcome?
My latest science fiction book – BETWEEN TWO WORLDS – is now available for purchase below –
LULU BOOKS (Paperback and Ebook)
Check out solitaireparke.com for further information and books. Happy Reading!
Solitaire
March 3, 2024
Smashwords Read an ebook Week Sale!
MY BOOKS 50% OFF MARCH 3-9.
Happy Read an Ebook Week! To help you find a book to celebrate, you can find my entire collection at a promotional price at @Smashwords from March 3-9. Find my books and many more at https://smashwords.com/shelves/promos #ebookweek24 #Smashwords
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February 19, 2024
Come visit the Tucson Festival of Books!
Saturday and Sunday, March 9 & 10, 2024 I will be at the Tucson Festival of Books.
I would love to meet you, tell you about my books, and sign a copy for you.
Many organizations and authors will be represented, as well as presenters and food and beverage trucks for your convenience.
A complete list of exhibitors can be found here.
For more information and extras, please check out my website –
I hope to see you there!
Solitaire
