Vashti Quiroz-Vega's Blog, page 20

November 7, 2017

Rave Reviews Book Club “Spotlight Author” Michael Lynes

Hi everyone! I’m a member of a wonderful book club called, Rave Reviews Book Club and the club president and founder, Nonnie Jules has thought up many ways for the club to profile, promote and propel its members.  A “Spotlight Author” is selected each month from the many talented members. Today, I am honored to host the November “Spotlight Author”, Michael Lynes .

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I will be sharing two beautiful poems written by Michael. Enjoy!

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MElancHoly
by M. D. Lynes

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God….it has begun…again.
White limned scars still pink and smooth mark me, mark my spirit…lamb’s-blood, smeared and dark, cross my lintel.
Passed over-saved I may be, but not healed…no.
Fettered still in the flimsy cage where last I bound it, the hungering demon gibbers and frets. It strains, deathless…sensing my weakness…baleful black orbs rimmed once more with fire…searing and soul wracking.
I am not ready.
Still…my hands know the way. They betray me.
I am practiced and I am competent and I have been tried and blooded in battle bitter. My agony intermingles now with pleasure…a draught of Siren wine…it sings in my veins.
I am tempted.
I feel the quickening now of unwanted pregnation;  the mourning-nausea, the swelling and the stretching. The Parasite stirs.
I know them and hatethemlovethemhatethem….
I know this will kill me…a part of me dies by day, by and by and bye…
Possessed…driven, afraid and hungry, the Jekel-jackal begs for release. The ink-dark water of transformation is near to me…so near… so simple, a pen-prick and the abyss yawns-wide, yawns-deep and warm and black.
God…why?
Why afflict me with the pain of Adam, as all are afflicted?
Why further afflict with the flame of Prometheus, the tongue of Loki, the eyes of Heimdal and the ears of Poseidon?
I wished for none of this.
My fellows – some fallen – some mad, would agree. Success here is more than pain…it is immolation!
Cleansing fire and through it we give sight to the blind and grant hearing to the deaf.
The Cave dwellers are brought news unwilling of their broken chain, of air keen-crisp and dawn-new, of horizons sailed, of seas unsullied and glory, joy, black sorrow and love-rivers-warm beyond all pain.
It is our curse…and our greatest blessing.
You who know, you know me…you are me…you can name me.
Author…author…
But…God….why….?

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Truth Becomes Her
by M. D. Lynes

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Woman…Wise
Truth becomes her
Truth…its ways she knows.
Sorrow, drops of sorrow
Like rain bewet her
Joy fills her…brimming hollow.
Wise…wise Woman
Pain beforms her…bereaves her…she knows
Loss…searing…shattering.
Weary Woman
she Feels
Earth in her depths
Deep…
Truth becalms her and belies her and bestirs her.
Her Heart lies never
It Becomes
her
Truth

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Author, Michael Lynes


 


Author Bio:

Mr Lynes is a serial entrepreneur who enjoys dry red wine and single malt scotch. When not occupied with arcane engineering projects he spends his time playing with his two grandchildren, baking bread, feeding seasoned hardwood into his ancient Timberline woodstove, working on his various cars, bird watching and taking amateur photographs. His current menagerie includes one short-haired turtle shell cat and a pair of actual turtles.


 


His last book, There Is A Reaper: Losing a Child to Cancer, was an Indie B.R.A.G. Gold Medallion Honoree in January 2017, a silver-medal winner of the 2016 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards for Memoir, a medalist in the 2015 New Apple Book Awards for Memoir, a winner of the 2015 TISBA (The Indie Spiritual Bookk Awards), and a finalist in both the Independent Author Network 2015 Book of the Year award and the Beverly Hills Book Awards for 2015.


 


Mr Lynes was awarded a BSEE degree in Electrical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and currently works as an embedded software engineer. He has a consuming interest in the science of emotion as promulgated by Dr. Paul Ekman and has made a comprehensive study of his Face and Emotion courses.


 


Mr Lynes has four sons, has been married for over thirty years and currently lives with his wife and youngest son in the beautiful secluded hills of Sussex County, NJ.


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Connect with Michael on Social Media:
Twitter – https://twitter.com/woodheat
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MLynesAuthor/
Website – https://mikelynes.wixsite.com/mlynesauthor

 


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Michael’s Books:

Blurb:

Featuring thirteen new stories by the award-winning author of There Is A Reaper, this wide-ranging collection is about fathers and sons, gods and demi-gods, and other assorted beings both macabre and sublime. Passion blossoms between unusual bedfellows, and in unique circumstances. Newly created worlds abound, exploring depths of pain and loss and boundless joy. Gods and mythological creatures are joined in epic battle, and we confront the strange hungers that bind man and his creations in forbidden love.

Each of these tales will surprise you with twists that are certain to please. From the sublime to the macabre to the bitter-sweet, The Fat Man Gets Out Of Bed will leave you breathless with laughter, brimming with tears, trembling with suspense.


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Blurb:
Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree – January 2017
SILVER MEDAL WINNER – 2016 Readers Favorite International Book Awards – Memoir
MEDALIST – 2015 New Apple Book Awards for Best Memoir

WINNER of the 2015 TISBA Award

FINALIST Independent Author Network 2015 BOOK of the YEAR

FINALIST Beverly Hills Book Awards 2015





“…it gave me chills…made me weep” JoeS #amazon




“…you will need a box of tissues!” BMQ #goodreads
“…I laughed and cried out loud…” Arlene P #amazon


FIVE-YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER AARON has always been a whirlwind of heroic action, leading his brothers into all sorts of youthful mischief. A mysterious illness suddenly plunges him and his family into a frightening nightmare of hospitals and doctors and extreme therapies far from his small-town home. Can his doctors diagnose his strange disease? How will he and his family adapt to a bizarre new world they have been thrust into?


Heart-wrenching, searing, and powerful, There is a Reaper immerses the reader into Christopher’s intense struggle against his pitiless foe as he matures and transforms in the white heat of his epic battle.







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Have a great day, everyone!

 


 


 


 


Tagged: Author Spotlight, blog tour, Books, Michael Lynes, Nonnie Jules, Rave Reviews Book Club, RRBC, The Writer Next Door, Vashti Q, Vashti Quiroz-Vega
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Published on November 07, 2017 17:28

November 3, 2017

Haiku Friday – Spooky & Night

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Spooky and Night are this week’s prompt words chosen by Ronovan Hester of Ronovan Writes.


Ron hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge every Monday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your haiku poem. He is an author and poet and also does author interviews and much more on his blog. Be sure to check it out. Read Ron’s Haiku Prompt Challenge Guidelines for more information.


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“I like to write in a shroud of secrecy because I have to keep finding ways to scare myself.”

~ M. Night Shyamalan


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“Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is.”

~ German Proverb


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“The artist must bow to the monster of his own imagination.”

~ Richard Wright


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2 Line Horror Story:
I awoke in the middle of the night to hysterical laughter. I live alone.

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When the day grows short
and spooky night chills our bones
We’ll tremble ’til dawn

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Icy fingers touch their prey
Screaming campers run away

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Happy Friday and great weekend, everyone!
Tagged: cemetery, haiku friday, poetry, RonovanWrites, spooky-night, The Writer Next Door, Vashti Q, Vashti Quiroz-Vega
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Published on November 03, 2017 09:27

October 31, 2017

#Fairies, #Myths, & #Magic October Spooktacular Author Spotlight Guest Post – Vashti Quiroz-Vega

Hi everyone! Head on over to Colleen Chesebro the Fairy Whisperer’s blog and check out my short horror story! Thank you and enjoy!


✨Colleen Chesebro✨The Faery Whisperer ✨


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Since it’s Halloween, I have another special treat. I’ve invited fantasy/horror author, Vashti Quiroz-Vega to share a terrifying tale with you all. It’s a spooky read, so be prepared to get the shivers! Vashti said, “It’s a story that I wrote years ago (2013), and I’ve completely revised it for your blog.”



But first, let me introduce you to Vashti. I’ve had the pleasure of reading her poetry and stories for a few years now. Vashti and I also share the love of Pomeranians, with both of us owning dogs of this breed. She writes some scary stuff, so grab a cup of coffee and settle in. This is one Halloween tale you won’t forget!





AUTHOR: Vashti Quiroz-Vega



Vashti Quiroz-Vega is a writer of fantasy, horror, and suspense/thriller. When she isn’t creating extraordinary worlds or fleshing out powerful characters, she enjoys reading, traveling, kayaking, photography, and seeking adventures.



An award-winning…


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Published on October 31, 2017 19:10

October 30, 2017

Book Review: “Go You” by Annette Rochelle Aben

Hi! I hope everyone has had a happy start to the week.

Today I’m excited to present Author, radio show host, and spiritual guru Annette Rochelle Aben. Annette’s blog Annette Rochelle Aben | Communicator, Wordsmith, Artist, Guide, Mentor, Muse is filled with stories, poetry and much more. Be sure to check it out. I was recently a guest on her radio show, The Magic Happens Online Radio. She’s had many great guests on her show and she’s a wonderful host, so check that out too. I read her book, “Go You” and it was a breath of fresh air.


In her words . . . 
I was born writing! At least this is how it seems. I had the good fortune to be published while a sophomore in high school so continuing the journey by publishing books has been a natural course of events.

 




My Review:
“Go You” is imbued with sparkle and élan. This is pure sunshine in a book. It radiates positivity, encouragement, and self-love. I read this book in one sitting, but this is the type of book that you read again and again. I consider it a gift from the author and it’s a gift that keeps on giving. I will read from this book whenever I need a pick-me-up, because it delivers.


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“I was born to be a communicator. So I write, publish and share as much as I can, however I am able. Encouraging you to do the same in whatever way befits your talents and ambitions is why I connect!”~Annette Rochelle Aben


Connect with the lovely and inspiring Annette on social media:
Twitter
Facebook
Check out all her books on her Amazon Author Page

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Have a wonderful week!
Tagged: Annette Rochelle Aben, Author Spotlight, book review, Go You, inspirational, The Writer Next Door, Vashti Q, Vashti Quiroz-Vega
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Published on October 30, 2017 08:21

October 27, 2017

Haiku Friday – Wrong & Touch

Happy “Haiku Friday” and a warm welcome to my blog!

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I hope you have something cool to drink, because the temperature is about to climb a few degrees.


Wrong and Touch are this week’s prompt words chosen by Ronovan Hester of Ronovan Writes.


Ron hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge every Monday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your haiku poem. He is an author and poet and also does author interviews and much more on his blog. Be sure to check it out. Read Ron’s Haiku Prompt Challenge Guidelines for more information.



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I’m in the wrong bed
But your sweet touch reminds me
that I’m still alive


Touch me, my lover
I need to be reminded
My heart isn’t wrong


Lay your hands on me
I need to know I exist
In your callous heart


Taste my existence
Fill your mouth with my body
And it will haunt you

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Have a good one, everyone!

 


 


Tagged: haiku, Haiku_Friday, poetry, RonovanWrites, The Writer Next Door, touch me, Vashti Q, Vashti Quiroz-Vega, wrong lover
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Published on October 27, 2017 13:05

October 20, 2017

Haiku Friday – Lake & Calm

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Lake and Calm are this week’s prompt words chosen by Ronovan Hester of Ronovan Writes.


Ron hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge every Monday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your haiku poem. He is an author and poet and also does author interviews and much more on his blog. Be sure to check it out. Read Ron’s Haiku Prompt Challenge Guidelines for more information.



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Wild lake of my mind,
reflect the calm colors of 
my thoughts, dreams, and fantasies


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Happy Friday and great weekend, everyone!


Tagged: calm, haiku, haiku friday, Lake, poetry, RonovanWrites, The Writer Next Door, Vashti Q, Vashti Quiroz-Vega

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Published on October 20, 2017 13:41

October 13, 2017

Haiku Friday – Heart & Need

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Heart and Need are this week’s prompt words chosen by Ronovan Hester of Ronovan Writes.


Ron hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge every Monday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your haiku poem. He is an author and poet and also does author interviews and much more on his blog. Be sure to check it out. Read Ron’s Haiku Prompt Challenge Guidelines for more information.



I love people. People of all races, colors, and creeds. I don’t believe in absolutes. There are good, kind people from every race and religion, just like there are evil ones. We can’t judge an entire country or race, because of the actions of some. If we were all judged by the terrible deeds done by others of our race, religion, country––none of us would be blameless. We would all be condemned.


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Evil comes in all colors, races, religions, and gender.



Bronze, fair or rosy
We all have crimson hearts
All people need love


Brown, olive, swarthy
High color, peaches-and-cream
All our lives matter


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Let’s be kind to one another. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Book Promo:

If you’ve been thinking about buying it, here’s your chance. The Fall of Lilith is priced down to 99¢ for a limited time. Click on the picture below and download your 99¢ eBook.




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Tagged: book promotion, Friday the 13th, Haiku_Friday, Novel, poetry, RonovanWrites, the fall of lilith, The Writer Next Door, Vashti Q, Vashti Quiroz-Vega
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Published on October 13, 2017 13:44

October 6, 2017

Haiku Friday – Silk & Skin

Happy Friday and welcome to The Writer Next Door blog!


Silk and Skin are this week’s prompt words chosen by Ronovan Hester of Ronovan Writes.


Ron hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge every Monday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your haiku poem. He is an author and poet and also does author interviews and much more on his blog. Be sure to check it out. Read Ron’s Haiku Prompt Challenge Guidelines for more information.



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How is Silk Made? | Today I Found Out – Feed Your Brain



Silkworm


Give up your secrets
and end up like the silkworm
vanished in a tie


Build your silky room
Choose your sheath to boil
or grow flightless wings


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Next time you feel like you have it bad, think of the poor silkworm.

 


Tagged: haiku, haiku friday, poetry, RonovanWrites, silk, silkworm, The Writer Next Door, Vashti Q, Vashti Quiroz-Vega
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Published on October 06, 2017 11:22

October 2, 2017

BOOK LAUNCH: Circumstances of Childhood by John W. Howell

Hi! I hope everyone has had a great start to the week, so far. I have wonderful news for all the bookworms out there!
The very talented author John W. Howell has just announced the launch of his new book, Circumstances of Childhood . Normally John writes in the Thriller genre, but with this book he has delved into the Family Life genre.

Both John and I are members of the Rave Reviews Book Club (RRBC), and he is also one of the elite members of WRISA. I read John’s book, Our Justice and enjoyed it very much. The novel is well-written and fascinating. I also love John’s very engaging writing style, so check out his new book, Circumstances of Childhood. You can purchase the eBook for only 99¢ for a limited time only. So take advantage of this opportunity––you have a lot to gain, but very little to lose.



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BLURB:

When a former pro football star and broadcaster, now a Wall Street maven is accused of insider trading, will he be able to prove his innocence and expose those who are guilty?


Greg and his boyhood pal dreamed of big success in professional football and then later in business. Greg was the only one to live the dream. Now the founder of an investment fund Greg is faced with a routine audit finding by the SEC. The audit points to irregularities and all the tracks lead to Greg. The justice department hits him with an indictment of 23 counts of fraud, money laundering, and insider trading. His firm goes bust, and Greg is on his own.


His best friend knows he is innocent but has been ordered under penalty of eternal damnation not to help.


If you enjoy stories of riches to rags, redemption, brotherly love, and a little of the paranormal, Circumstance of Childhood will keep you riveted.



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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

John began his writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive business career. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. His first book, My GRL, introduces the exciting adventures of the book’s central character, John J. Cannon. The second Cannon novel, His Revenge, continues the adventure, while the final book in the trilogy, Our Justice, launched in September 2016. John’s fourth book Circumstances of Childhood, launched in October of 2017 tells a family life story of riches to rags, football, Wall Street, brotherly love, redemption, and inspiration with a touch of paranormal to keep you riveted. All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.


John lives in Port Aransas, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.





Have a great week and I will see you at the end of the week for Haiku Friday!
Tagged: Author Spotlight, book launch, Circumstances of Childhood, John W Howell, Rave Reviews Book Club, RRBC, The Writer Next Door, Vashti Q, Vashti Quiroz-Vega, WRISA
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Published on October 02, 2017 07:19

September 29, 2017

Haiku Friday – Sweet & Scent

Welcome to The Writer Next Door blog! I hope you had a great week, but if not you can always make up for it over the weekend.
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Published on September 29, 2017 08:35