Harmony Kent's Blog, page 21

#TANKATUESDAY Weekly #POETRYCHALLENGE #283 #TasteTheRainbow #Chakra @ColleenCheseboro

Hi everyone!

Today, I’ve joined Colleen’s weekly TankaTuesday challenge, which asks for us to create a syllabic poem based on the theme of ‘Taste The Rainbow’ & Chakra colours.

You can find Colleen’s post HERE.

Today, I’ve chosen a Senryu.

 

Turquoise waves
Tides ride high and low
Pain comes, goes

 

Turquoise falls between the blue and green spectrums, which seemed perfect for today’s poetry. With blue for the Throat Chakra and Green for the Heart Chakra, and the whole-body/mind effects of constant, excruciating pain, these two energy centres are prominent for me right now. I wanted to portray waves and tides as in sea, as in chakra energy, as in life, as in mood. Interesting that turquoise is one of my favourite colours too. I hope you enjoyed today’s poetry. Have a lovely day!

 

© Harmony Kent 2022

 

The Last Train: No Going Back @Vocal_Creators #ShortStory challenge #WritingCommunity #readersoftwitter #ReadingCommunity

The Last Train

Hi everyone. Exciting news today! I’ve written and submitted a short story (roughly 1400 words) to the Vocal The Runaway Train Challenge. My story is HERE. 

Photo by Abbie Bernet on Unsplash

I’d love to know what you think! And I would be delighted if you could read my competition entry and leave a like. To like and/or comment, you’ll need to sign in to Vocal, which is free to do.

 

Thanks for all your support! Hugs

#BookReview: Tell me a story: in 99 words by Annette Rochelle Aben @YouAreTheExpert #FlashFiction

Hi everyone! Today, I have a book review for a book by fellow author, poet, and blogging friend, Annette Rochelle Aben >>>

About the Book:

Words are like threads that when woven together with passion and purpose can create a tapestry in which you long to wander. That passion was ignited in me when I was a small child and continues to burn bright even today. I was encouraged by educators who challenged me to try and by career paths that demanded I become a proficient wordsmith. I would like to think I have done them proud. Over the years, I have won awards, been nominated for an EMMY for television writing, and penned a #1 Best Selling book of poetry. My collection of books available on Amazon include self-help, inspirational, and of course, poetry. I have been invited to participate in anthologies and collections, several of which are on Amazon as well. Welcome to my world of words. Should you find something in which to lose yourself, I shall raise my glass in a toast to your happiness. Thank you for your kind attention.

 

My Review:

A Moving Book of Flash Fiction

Having read much of this writer’s poetry, I was excited to take a look at her new book of tales in 99 words. This sort of fiction demands tight writing, and the author certainly delivers. The various stories show us life in all its ugliness and loveliness, and a few are dedicated to the mischiefs and loyalties of cats. Some tales are sweet while others manage to be hard-hitting in so few words. Here are some that stood out in particular for me …

BEDFELLOWS: “She gladly traded the feel of the mice running across her legs at night over her father’s demands. She chose to sleep in mouse turds rather than her blood.”

And … 

CASH FOR CARS: “The junkyard owner glanced up as the older man was leaving. It was worth a few coins to see him smile.” … this one moved me: the kindness of strangers.

And … 

“What, why and when we choose to remember is nothing compared to how we choose to remember.” 

So many others made me chuckle, such as DEAD LETTERS and more. This collection of flash fiction will appeal to readers of various tastes, and I highly recommend this book. Tell Me A story in 99 Words gets a solid five stars from me.

***

NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.

4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.

3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.

2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.

1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.

 

I’d love to hear what you think of this review. Thanks for stopping by

 

For anyone interested, here are the Amazon links …

UK … https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08R8XRTB2/

US … https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R8XRTB2/

 

#TANKATUESDAY Weekly #POETRYCHALLENGE #286 #ThemePrompt @ColleenChesebro

Hi everyone!

Today, I’ve joined Colleen’s weekly TankaTuesday challenge, which asks for us to create a syllabic poem based on the theme of ‘The Longest Day’.

You can find Colleen’s post HERE.

Today, I’ve chosen a Cascade poem. Cascade poetry takes each line in turn from the first stanza and ends each subsequent stanza with that line. 

Though not limited to a syllabic count, I’ve used a 5-6 metre throughout. Where the repeated final line of a verse is 5 syllables, I’ve switched the syllables of the final two lines to fit, so we have 6-5 instead of 5-6 on each alternate verse. I also took the liberty of blanketing the whole thing by finishing with the opening line.

 

FROM DAWN TO DUSK

 

Predawn stillness waits

For the first breath of breeze

Which raises ripples

And destroys the glass lake

Of calm reflection

With motion comes a fog

Of false peace, detached

While the pain hits in waves

 

Mini contractions

So small you scarce notice

No earthquake here

Nor seismic shift to show

Where you came to rest

Hollow in place of mound

Along with death’s spectre

Predawn stillness waits

 

Fog lifts, lets in sound

Sunrise brings commotion

Solitude broken

Time to paste on your smile

Play games for a time

Fool those who just don’t care

And broken heart waits

For the first breath of breeze

 

Squeeze air into lungs

Waste breath on empty words

Appease company

That should make no demands

But does anyway

Sacrilege to change plans

Or say a single thing

Which raises ripples

 

Relationship gone

And now the baby too

Perhaps for the best

Mother Nature stepped in

Left you free to choose

The view from the hilltop

Shatters illusion

And destroys the glass lake

 

That’s kept you entrapped

Numbness begins to thaw

Allows hope’s glimmer

To follow waves to shore

Squashed self-esteem blinks

Opens its eyes, looks around

Dives deep beneath waters

Of calm reflection

 

Searches through the mud

Resurfaces with gold

Strong, independent

No need for hats or masks

Happy with the view

Continues up the hill

Armed against the fact

With motion comes a fog

 

Eyes held wide open

Ears and heart and mind too

Strides straight through midday

Unafraid and unchecked

In the prime of life

Not so easy to fool

Nor fall into the trap

Of false peace, detached

 

Slow, soft twilight falls

Hoot of owl heralds night

Valley lies quiet

And clouds embrace the hills

Liberated soul

This old dewdrop absorbed

Safe in the calm depths

While the pain hits in waves

 

Predawn stillness waits

 

As well as the literal meaning of ‘dawn to dusk’, I also wanted to portray living a whole life, from the predawn of youth to the twilight of old age. In this vein, ‘midday’ represents ‘midlife’. I hope you enjoyed today’s poetry. Have a lovely day!

 

© Harmony Kent 2022

 

#BookReview: Sunshine After the Rain by H Pearce @Harrypwrites @bookroar_tweets

Hi everyone! Today, I have a book review for a book by an author I came across in January of this year, H Pearce, and here is another book of hers I’ve now read >>>

About the Book:

When Sarah’s world is devastated in the blink of an eye, she’s left behind with the broken pieces of her former life. Trying to navigate through the grief she’s faced with, and struggling to let go of her pain, she meets a stranger who helps her see you can learn to love someone while still loving another from your past.Will Sarah grow from her pain and search for happiness, or will she succumb to the darkness she’s afraid to crawl out of?

 

My Review:

A Moving Read.

“Grief: I have found myself hunting for its very meaning for the better part of the last year.” From this intriguing opening, the reader is taken into heartbreak and ultimate betrayal when Sarah loses everything in her life that means anything to her. Right away, I connected with the main character and, a little later, with Sam. The tragedy is raw and real, as is the anger and grieving. The only reason this book doesn’t get five stars from me is because of the abundance of errors, which interrupted the read frequently. The narrative is written in first person, present tense, for the most part, but–unfortunately–keeps switching back and forth between present and past with no warning or apparent reason. Likewise, spelling mistakes abound, as do crutch words and repetition. “I knew” is one culprit that keeps on gatecrashing the party, and in one memorable paragraph made an entrance three consecutive times.

Having said all of this, I admire the skill of expression throughout, and with a thorough clean up, this would be an easy five-star read. Here are some lines I loved … 

“Acceptance is never easy when there are things you wish you could change,” 

And … 

“I saw the beauty in grief. I saw the devotion in love.” 

And ... 

“I was blind when he needed me to see through his lies.” 

There are so many hard and heart-warming home-truths in this book, and it resonates so strongly with me. In fact, it is so well portrayed, I could almost believe I was reading a memoir rather than a book of fiction. The author’s work in mental health shines through. Sunshine after the Rain gets a solid 3.5 stars from me, rounded up to 4 for rating purposes. 

***

NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.

4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.

3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.

2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.

1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.

 

Quick note from me: I won’t be blogging reviews for the next two weeks, as I’m taking some time out to celebrate turning 05 and have a holiday … okay, there MIGHT be a bit of number dyslexia there! lols … I’ll be back with my usual routine from July 24th onwards. You may see me around the web, but I can’t make any promises! Have a good couple of weeks, everyone! (And I’ll see you again when I’m older and wiser )

I’d love to hear what you think of this review. Thanks for stopping by

 

You can find my review for Forget Me Not on GoodReads HERE.

For anyone interested, here are the Amazon links …

UK … https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08R8XRTB2/

US … https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R8XRTB2/

 

#TANKATUESDAY Weekly #POETRYCHALLENGE #279 #TasteTheRainbow #weather @ColleenChesebro #TankaProse

Hi everyone!

Today, I’ve joined Colleen’s weekly TankaTuesday challenge, which asks for us to create a syllabic poem based on ‘Taste the Rainbow’ and ‘Weather’.

You can find Colleen’s post HERE.

 

I have chosen a Senryu verse with a difference. I wanted to experiment with splitting each line in half … one more human and in the style of Senryu, and the other half more of nature and in the style of Haiku. Try reading the first half only, then the second half only, and also reading each line backward, before putting it all together.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

 

Colour of bruises—grim clouds

Tears pour—summer rain

Smile heals hurt—jaded sunshine

 

I hope you enjoyed today’s poetry. Have a lovely day!

 

Also, if you missed my Vocal post yesterday, you can find it HERE 

 

© Harmony Kent 2022

 

#AfterTheParade @Vocal_Creators #Poetry challenge #WritingCommunity #readersoftwitter #ReadingCommunity

After the Parade

Hi everyone. Exciting news today! I’ve written and submitted four short poems to the Vocal After the Parade Challenge.

What happens after the parade?

The Prompt:

Write a poem reflecting on the world and your place in it. Our prompt begins after the parade.

When the party is over and we wake up, in our beds, in our own private, funny, painful and complicated lives. Pride, for example, is about being yourself. But it’s often difficult to write ‘pride’ poems without subconsciously writing ‘on behalf’ of others. We feel a sense of responsibility and as a community, we are so often asked to write about our sexuality through a public lens, as if our lives consist entirely of defining moments: protest, agony, celebration. But what about all the other moments? And everything in between? The nuances of our relationships? A family dinner on a Wednesday? What happens then? In those other months? As a person, living? Whatever you’re obsessed with, whatever you’re going through, whatever your place is in this world—write about that, in the style that most excites you.

 

This theme seems to have really caught hold of my muse

I’d love to know what you think! And I would be delighted if you could read my competition entries and leave a like. To like and/or comment, you’ll need to sign in to Vocal, which is free to do.

 

At the End of the Road

Warrior Woman

We Get But Once

Idiocy

 

I also submitted a poem from last year to the challenge …

This is Home to Me (Some of you may remember this from last year, when it was awarded Top Story in the Homecoming Challenge. It also sneaked into my new book of poetry, lols.)

 

Thanks for all your support! Hugs

Living With Chronic Pain. Part One: Getting Yourself Out of Bed #chronicpain @Vocal_Creators #WritingCommunity #readersoftwitter #ReadingCommunity

Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Hi everyone. Exciting news today! I’ve written a short, non-fiction piece, on Vocal, about living with chronic pain. My plan is to write a series of pieces on the many aspects of living with long term pain. The article is around 1,200 words long. 

I’d love to know what you think! And would be delighted if you could read my competition entry HERE and leave a like and a comment. To like and comment, you’ll need to sign in to Vocal, which is free to do. 

Thanks for all your support! Hugs

#BookReview: We’re All a Little Guarded: You Are Enough: Book 2 by Tiffany Andrea @bookroar_tweets

Hi everyone! Today, I have a book review for a book by an author new to me, Tiffany Andrea >>>

About the Book:

Chelsea, a college student with trust issues and PTSD, has spent the last fifteen years of her life trying to reconcile the horrific experiences of her childhood. She has always kept people at a distance, only letting select few into her inner circle.
After being adopted by a wonderful family and cultivating a friendship with Liam Davis, Chelsea is finally taking strides toward a better future.
When suddenly, she comes face-to-face with her past, the effects of her PTSD are back at the forefront, and cause her to head down a self-destructive path, led by a dreamy bad boy. Her new relationship causes contention with those whom Chelsea had learned to trust and she finds herself floundering, not knowing wrong from right. In her misguided attempts to protect those she cares about, she travels down the path to self-destruction at an alarming rate.
Will she be able to find her way back to solid ground and learn to trust again? Or will she always be too guarded?

 

My Review:

A Gripping and Gritty Read.

“The heavy rain beats down on the driveway beneath my window; water droplets telegraphing their intentions to ruin my day before I’ve gotten out of bed.” … from this intriguing opening line, the reader is immersed fully into the difficult, terrifying world of Chelsea, who is a survivor with major PTSD and trust issues. Added to that is her crippling low (try: non-existent) self-esteem. This is a moving read, which had me alternately chuckling and tearing up. When Chelsea makes some poor choices, I could understand why she did what she did, even if I wanted to yell at her to wake up and SEE. This character-driven novel has a strong plot and relatable characters that pull you right in and make you feel … whether that be hate, love, sadness, joy, or whatever.

The only reason this read doesn’t get five stars from me is that it needs attention on the proofreading and editing side of things. The writing tends toward the passive side, written in first person present tense, and contains errors such as: “I have to hand over the reigns.” … instead of “reins”, etc.

Other than these hiccups, I loved this book. Here are some lines that stayed with me …

“How are you supposed to trust another person with your heart? It seems irresponsible. People can’t be trusted.” 

And … 

“My bravery rating comes in somewhere around a fainting goat. ” 

And … 

“If it were possible to trade mistakes for rest, I’d never wake up again.”

From an enjoyment perspective, and excellently drawn characters, this book would gain an easy five stars. As it stands, it gets a solid four from me. Go read this book! I’ll be checking out more reads from Tiffany Andrea for sure.

***

NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.

5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.

4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.

3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.

2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.

1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.

 

I’d love to hear what you think of this review. Thanks for stopping by

 

For anyone interested, here are the Amazon links …

UK … https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08R8XRTB2/

US … https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R8XRTB2/

 

The best #poetry books to #inspire and uplift you @Shepherd_books @BalroopShado

Hi everyone! I hope you’ve had a good weekend. After Mae Clair’s lovely Story Empire post on Shepherd for Authors, I got in touch, and today I have a post up with recommendations for five books of poetry that have stayed with me. You can find the page HERE. I list poets such as American Poet Laureate Kay Ryan, as well as one of my favourite Indie Poets, Balroop Singh. I’d be delighted if you could take a look and share the page. My latest book of poetry, Life & Soul, also gets a mention at the top of the page, so your sharing would help me get the word out on that too.

Thanks for all your support. I’d love to hear what you think of my recommendations in the comments below. Have a lovely day!