Helena Harper's Blog - Poet & Children's Author

Prince William & Kate Middleton - a necessary fairy tale

2012-01-19T09:40:00.000Z

Wasn't it nice last year to escape from the economic doom and gloom surrounding us and take part - all be it as spectators - in the real life fairy tale of Prince William and Kate Middleton as they got married? Did you feel better after watching the wedding? More positive? Happier? Did you feel that more things were possible than before? I certainly did.

That is the power of fairy tales - whether real or imaginary. We all need them and that is why I think picture books are so important and why I love writing them!

Last year, my first picture book Pep, Polish and Paint was published. In the story I wanted to transport the reader into an imaginary space world where there is a sun (Sammy) with a big problem - he's lost his shine and doesn't know how to get it back - and three spaceships (Jimmy, Jenny and Johnny) who think they've got the answers to his problem: a pep-me-up drink, polish and paint. In the end, Sammy realises that the answer to his problem lies within himself and with taking some ACTION and there is the happy ending that we all expect from fairy tales!

My hope is that the story may open readers' minds (both adults and children) to new possibilities in their lives, because when we start to take action we suddenly realise that things are possible that before we thought were impossible. I hope my story will inspire others to take action to light up their dreams and achieve whatever they want to achieve. But why not judge for yourself? If you're interested to read more, then just click here and you'll find plenty of excerpts to hopefully whet your appetite, as well as an account of how I was inspired to write the story in the first place.

And I would love to hear if you have or had a favourite fairy tale/picture book as a child and why you liked it so much - so please feel free to share! Here's to escapism, feeling good and endless possibilities!

Amazing hands - nature's miracle, mankind's puzzle

2012-01-01T10:06:00.000Z

THEHAND

Lovingly it cradles

the delicately grooved

wine glass;

stretched flat it strokes

warm, smooth fur

and ruffles clean, clipped hair;

limbs curved

it caresses

silky, young skin

and clasps

the soft firmness

of an orange;

pincer like

it grasps

the fluent pen.

Gentle as a breeze

fondling the velvet softness

of a virgin snowdrop's petals,

yet bruising as a rock

smashing wood asunder -

nature's miracle

is mankind's puzzle.

Actress June Brown discovers a family divided by war

2011-11-21T14:07:00.000Z

In the last series of Who Do You Think You Are? on the BBC, actress June Brown (Dot in the series Eastenders) explored her family history, and I was struck by the story of one of her ancestors, Isaac Bitton.

Isaac Bitton was June Brown's great, great, great grandfather. He was a famous prize fighter in England in the early 19^th century, but he had been born in Holland. He came over to London with his father, Abraham, at the end of the 18^th century because the Dutch economy had been devastated after a war with England. Isaac's mother, Rachel, and his siblings had remained in Amsterdam and the plan was probably to have them come over to England once Abraham had got himself settled in.

But Holland was then invaded and occupied by the French. England was at war with France and the Channel was blockaded, so there was no possibility of Rachel and the other children being able to leave Amsterdam and come over to London. The family were never reunited. Rachel and the other children died in Amsterdam. Abraham and Isaac died in London.

It can't have been easy for Isaac, separated from his mother and siblings, and trying to settle in a foreign country. But, despite his life being turned upside down, he made a success of his new life and became one of the most famous prize fighters in England, who remained undefeated throughout his career – an extraordinary achievement.

I was struck by the similarities between Isaac Bitton and my mother, who also had her life turned upside down by war and ended up in a foreign country. She was born in 1925 in East Prussia in Germany, very close to Poland and Russia, and towards the end of the Second World War, her father – though he was too old for active service and was not fully fit – was called up by Hitler and sent to Leningrad to fight the Russians. There he was killed and when the telegram arrived, confirming his death, my grandmother knew the family had to flee to West Germany, if they wanted to escape the Russians.

So my mother and the rest of the family (5 children in total) left their home, their school friends, everything and embarked on a hazardous journey westwards. Eventually, they arrived in Berlin, and from there they made their way to relatives in Hamburg (though my mother first went with her sister-in-law to Prague to try and rescue my German uncle, who was in a military hospital near the city, though they never got to the hospital because of a Czech uprising that forced them to walk back to Germany in stifling heat, being offered poisoned water on the way by the locals).

My mother, Hamburg, 1950

It was all they could do to feed and clothe themselves once they were in war-torn Hamburg. My mother was on a starvation diet and, at times, there was nothing to eat at all. And any kind of cloth they could lay their hands on e.g. curtains or sheets, they turned into clothes. She managed to find a job at the British Army headquarters and there she met my father, who was an officer in the British Army.

They courted and married in 1952 and my mother came to England, to start a new life. It wasn't easy for her, coming to terms with new customs and crazy English spellings and pronunciations, but she made the best of it, as did Isaac Bitton. She became a much valued secretary and helped my father convert an old, dilapidated Victorian house into a wonderful home, whilst successfully raising two children.

The stories of both my mother and Isaac Bitton show us that we don't have to become victims of adversity. On the contrary, adversity can make us resourceful in ways we might never have thought of and, whilst our lives might take a different path from the one we originally planned, that doesn't mean to say it can't be rewarding.

“Resistance makes us all grow stronger

and fly ever higher on the wind of life,

so the difficulties we meet are what we need

if we want to be the highest flying kite.”

(extract from Family & More –Enemies or Friends?)

Do you have a story of a family member who also has overcome adversity and made the best of a difficult situation? Then please feel free to share.

A Niece To Cherish And Amaze

2011-10-20T06:51:00.002+01:00

This September my niece started sixth form - unbelievable! I still remember when she was just a baby (see above) and now she's studying for her A levels. How time flies.

To mark the occasion, I thought I would post an extract from my poem 'The Niece' in my book Family & More - Enemies or Friends? Enjoy!

Such a small,

fragile-looking being,

this newborn babe,

crumpled face

and delicate limbs

fascinating all who look

with their phenomenal

miracle of creation,

eating and sleeping

her only desire

in this foreign world

of noise and people.

The eyes shine bright

with sparkle and life

and hands lift and agitate

when the new and wondrous

suddenly appear

in this amazing world

of her imagination.

Inquiring into everything

with mouth and tongue

and later with stumbling feet,

curiously watching

bumble-bees hover

and snails slither,

joyously creating

game after game

with books and toys,

packets and tins,

twigs and leaves

and anything else

you'd care to name.

Playing she loves,

other babies, too,

and a playmate at home

is what she'd like,

a baby girl or boy, if you please.

Her wish suddenly granted

she can't wait to see

the baby brother

waiting for her in hospital

at the appointed time of three.

She looks at the child

with fascinated eyes,

at last a baby of her own,

reminding the aunt of

that picture of the mother,

who as a toddler

had looked in just that way

at the baby sister

who had arrived

after the long, painful

labour of a day.

To school she goes,

only just four,

yet others are five already

or a bit more.

Keen to please

but shy with new children,

learning strange things

called numbers and letters,

tiring stuff for one so young,

but determined she is

and give up she won't

no matter how hard it all is...

She'll try and try until she bursts!

The effort pays off

and great strides she makes,

reaching the top group in English

when secondary school starts.

Who would have thought it

all those years before,

when reading was an uphill struggle

and all those words just one big muddle?

But anything can be achieved

with strong focus and desire,

all that's needed is motivation

and a heart truly on fire.

What do you remember about a son/daughter/niece/nephew or any other person you know when they were young?

Dad's Army, Clive Dunn and Grandads

2011-09-07T19:44:00.000+01:00

As a child in the UK, I grew up watching Dad's Army. I loved it and more than 30 years since the series stopped, it is still being shown on TV! That is testament to its enduring legacy of wonderful writing, wonderful acting and wonderful humour. I was watching one of the reruns at the weekend and, as ever, was thoroughly enjoying it.

One of my favourite characters is Lance Corporal Jones, played by Clive Dunn (seen here on the far left of the picture), whose stock phrase of "Don't panic, don't panic!" always brings a smile to my face. You can't help but like the elderly soldier - kind, gentle, loyal, bumbling but always well-intentioned. So successful was he as an 'old man' that he actually had a number one hit single "Grandad" in 1971, where he sang with a children's choir. They couldn't have chosen a better person for the song - he looked every inch a loveable, wise, gentle grandpa!

Many of us, perhaps, have not been fortunate enough to grow up with a grandfather around (both of mine died long before I was born), but we can still learn from them and be inspired by them as we look at old photos and listen to our parents. I have grown up listening to my mother talk of her father, whom she adored. I would have loved to have met him - he was hardworking, intelligent, generous, kind and loving to his family (though stern when he needed to be), a great sailor and swimmer, had a wonderful singing voice and was very gifted with his hands.

He was every inch the family man, so when he was called up at the end of the Second World War by Hitler (he was German and lived in East Prussia), it must have been heartbreaking for him to leave his family. He was too old for active service, of course, but what could he do? It was his duty. He was sent off to Leningrad, where he knew immediately that the situation was hopeless. He wrote a letter to his wife and children in which he explained that there was really no hope - the Russians were due to attack the next day and defeat was certain to happen quickly - and, indeed, soon afterwards my grandmother received the fateful telegram. And with the Russians on the advance, she decided that the family had to flee to West Germany.

There are times, perhaps, in life where we have to put personal interests and wishes second to some greater cause or purpose. Whilst I abhor the way my grandfather lost his life - it was so futile, because whether he had fought or not fought, the outcome of the war would have remained unchanged - I admire him for his sense of duty and, as a loving partner and parent, he set a wonderfully positive example to others.

One thing, of course, that grandparents can contribute to our lives is a wealth of knowledge and experience. I wasn't able to get that from my grandparents, but I did get that from my father, who was 50 when I was born, so he had a lot of great advice and knowledge to give me as I grew up into my teens and early twenties. My maternal grandfather and father have had a great influence on me, even though one of them was long since gone when I was born, and I have paid my own tribute to them in my book Family & More - Enemies or Friends? It is important, I think, that their stories are told so that others can learn from them.

What about your family stories? What have you learnt from your grandparents? Why don't you write down what you know? The written word will help their stories live again and educate others. Perhaps leaving a comment on this post would be a start or sharing something on my Family & More facebook page. Don't let the stories of your grandparents disappear into the mists of time - they are too precious...

BUBBLES

2011-04-27T15:14:00.000+01:00

Air blown through a ring of soapy water,

countless bubbles being born,

each taking a different path -

reaching skyward,

skimming low

or somewhere inbetween...

A long path for some,

a short one for others,

then finally a pop,

signalling the end...

or another beginning?

Separate and alone they seem,

but look! There's a twosome

transforming into three,

another merging seamlessly

with the twins

so that all can continue

in oneness and unity.

The memory of a common origin

lies buried in forgetfulness,

yet all are joined

and the separateness
of the journey

is just an illusion -

wonderful, elegant

and clever.

We mistake it for reality,

but in truth, that it can never be:

no, never!

Picture book "Pep, Polish and Paint" coming soon!

2010-11-14T17:58:00.000Z

I'm really excited to announce that my first children's book, Pep, Polish and Paint, will soon be published - after numerous revisions and illustrations and many doubts as to whether it would ever see the light of day, AND 15 years after the first version of the story was written! Click on the BookBuzzr widget in the side bar to see the beginning of the story.

Here is the blurb: "Sammy is a sun with a really big problem. He's lost his shine and just doesn't know how to get it back! But three spaceships – Jimmy, Jenny and Johnny – think they've got the answer. Sammy isn't sure that anything will help, but what has he got to lose? And as the spaceships argue, something totally unexpected happens...

A wonderfully imaginative story that shows that anything is possible when we decide to take action, as ACTION is the key to unlocking the power that lies within us all."

Download space quizzes, wordsearches and crosswords here. Colouring sheets coming soon!

Introducing gifted poet, Magdalena Ball

2010-10-07T00:00:00.002+01:00

This month, I'm honoured to be able to feature fellow poet, Magdalena Ball, on my blog and her latest book Blooming Red.

Blooming Red is a poetry chapbook that explores the holiday season as you have experienced it, but rarely read about it. It’s real, insightful, beautiful, sometimes intense poetry that cuts deep into the emotions, nostalgia, loss, love, greed and goodwill. There’s nothing syrupy or overly mystical here, though there is plenty of wonder and mystery. It’s Christmas poetry for the rational.

The book is co-authored by Magdalena Ball and Carolyn Howard-Johnson, both award-winning poets, and features original watercolour artwork by Vicki D. Thomas. The book forms part of the celebration series that the authors have been producing. These are small, beautifully presented and illustrated books of themed poetry priced very inexpensively, with the aim of providing a much deeper, more powerful alternative to a card for special occasions. The books make wonderful gifts (no need for an additional card), and can be paired with flowers, chocolate, or small toiletries to make a perfect, budget friendly gift. Other books in the series include Imagining the Future: Ruminations on Fathers and Other Masculine Apparitions for men, Cherished Pulse featuring love poetry (ideal for Valentine’s Day), and She Wore Emerald Then for mothers and other women.

I, myself, have been privileged to read She Wore Emerald Then - a book that has a marvellous variety of poetry about what it means to be a mother (and a daughter). Maggie's poems in the book have a wonderful cosmic quality to them and, at times, combine both the sublime and commonplace, which had me smiling. Maggie is a very gifted wordsmith and has a brilliant understanding of the art of poetry. If you are looking for an unusual Christmas gift, then Blooming Red would most certainly suit the bill. Here are a few poems to whet your appetite!

Memory Trick
I wanted to manufacture a memory
knit with organic yarns of kid mohair, boucle, alpaca
in colours like blue sky, mulberry, ecru, lime
knubbly and pathological
wrought with nostalgia and wrung
through time’s dryer
waving and flapping
cobblestones and chimney path
in the tired hours when your eyes
strain to bring back what you’ve lost.

A Christmas memory, perhaps
green scented and fresh
rosy cheeks, winter of course
though inside there’s warmth, abundance,
fire and care.

Down deep
where the plaques and tangles of
dead brain cells
mix with the living
we click our needles
in sync
wrapping wool round godlike fingers
mixing reality with invention
until, there
before your startled eyes
the scarves and stockings
bright weaves
cashcotton history
soft, inflationary
so real, you touch it.

Carol to the Universe
Take down the tree
tinsel trash tidied
broken baubles swept
garbage bag wrappings
discarded
through greedhaze
glitter snowglobe
lights off
exhalation
into the new
year.
A carol to the universe
held in one breath
between motion
and inertia
kiss of the godless
earth mother lump
to her quantum
creatures
evolving
beneath
every tap of the keyboard
a newbie springs forth.
No need for
leather clad rulebooks
ark over flood
fatherly edicts
no sacrifices in blood
here.
This is a rational zone
still
so many years on
fertile.

Find out more about Maggie at http://www.magdalenaball.com/
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Check out this post tomorrow at http://sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com/ for useful writing tips and information. A really informative blog!
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Book signing for "Family & More" on 25/9/10, Waterstones, Peacocks Centre, Woking

2010-09-21T08:00:00.000+01:00

My poetic memoir Family & More - Enemies or Friends? has just been released and I'll be doing a book signing at Waterstones bookshop in the Peacocks Centre in Woking, Surrey on Saturday 25th September between 12pm -3pm, so if you happen to be in the area and feel like popping in just to say 'Hello" please do!

In conversation with UK author, Judith Kerr

2010-09-15T15:24:00.000+01:00

I was privileged last weekend to meet UK children's author, Judith Kerr, at the Lightbox Museum in Woking. The Lightbox is at present hosting a marvellous exhibition about children's books and their illustrators, from the late 19th century to the present day.

Judith Kerr, as the author and illustrator of The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Mog, the Forgetful Cat is, of course, featured in the exhibition. And running concurrently is a whole series of talks, so that if you're interested you can meet some of the featured illustrators/authors in person.

I jumped at the chance to see Judith Kerr, and to hear her talk about her childhood in Berlin and how her family was forced to flee to Switzerland, because of her father's outspoken criticism of Hitler and the Nazis. Her father fled first to Prague and then to Switzerland, and - about two weeks later - the whole family left Germany. Judith eventually came to England in 1936 via Switzerland and Paris and has stayed here ever since. She has written about these experiences in her autobiographical novel When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit and two further novels.

After she had talked about her escape from Germany (which happened just in time, because the day after they had reached Switzerland the Nazis won the election and they went to the Kerr's house in Berlin to confiscate the family's passports), and had read a passage from her book When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, the audience asked a variety of questions about her parents, the escape, her Jewish background and whether there were any plans to resurrect Mog, the Cat - to which Judith responded with a quiet but emphatic 'No!' It was fascinating listening to this petite, elderly lady with the quiet voice but very clear diction who answered questions with a disarming openness. When one of the children in the audience asked why the grandmother's dog in When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit jumped off the wall, she replied that the dog was 'a very stupid dog!' He loved running after tennis balls, for instance, and mistook anything white and round - like a light bulb - for a tennis ball and would be found jumping up and down trying to 'catch' the light bulb!

An hour flew by and at the book signing afterwards, I told her of my mother's own flight from East Prussia to Hamburg at the end of World War II (which I've documented in my poetic memoir Family & More - Enemies or Friends?). Judith Kerr was fascinated, and when I offered her a copy of my own book, I was honoured that she accepted it. What a gracious lady and what a most interesting afternoon!

Meet inspirational writer and communications specialist, Debra Eckerling, creator of Write On! Online and Write On Track LA

2010-09-07T00:00:00.001+01:00

It's my pleasure today to feature writer and communications specialist, Debra Eckerling. Debra is the creator of Write On! Online, a community for writers and she recently expanded her online presence by creating Write On Track LA which is “personal training” for writers.

"Writing is exercise," Debra says. "I train authors, experts, and entrepreneurs, so they can organize, articulate, and complete their writing projects.”

I asked Debra to talk about her sites and explain some of the biggest barriers writers encounter as they strive to reach "The End."

What prompted you to start working with writers?
I have been leading writers support groups for more than ten years. I was the Community Relations Coordinator at Barnes & Noble in Schaumburg, Illinois, and one day someone asked if I would start a writers support group. I thought it sounded like a good idea, and decided to try it out. I led that group until I moved to Los Angeles the end of 1997.

In 2002, I started a writers group in Santa Monica, California. Both groups focused on goal-setting, productivity, and accountability, along with networking and light critique. Write On! welcomes writers in all areas and levels of experience, since most writers create in more than one medium. Plus, all writers need people who understand them to cheer them on.

I launched the dedicated website – http://www.writeononline.com/ – two years ago, and it has grown tremendously, especially in the last year and a half. There is new content Monday through Friday – interviews, videos, reviews, expert columns, a monthly drawing for posting goals, regular contests, and more. The Facebook page allows people to participate in writing discussions, share knowledge, and post links to their latest success.

We have writers from all over the world reading the website, posting goals, and entering the Write On! Challenges. Starting this month, the monthly meeting will be a Blog Talk Radio show, so everyone can listen.

What is your current Write On! Contest?

The September Challenge is to write a Short Fiction & Non-Fiction/Essay Query. There are prizes for 1st 2nd, and 3rd place. Just submit a one-page query to Debra@WriteOnOnline.com by September 30. Details are here: http://writeononline.com/2010/09/01/september-challenge/

The contests are designed to stretch the writer's creativity and/or help a writer take their work to the next level. I run Book and Screenplay Query Contests every spring, and, after popular request, decided to include a contest for those who write shorter pieces.

A query is something every writer needs to know how to create. This is great practice. Plus, they can win prizes ... a little extra motivation never hurts.

Why are goals so important for writers? Goals are important for everyone. If you want to achieve something, you have to know what you are striving. I believe it's also important to set personal goals in addition to professional ones, since resolving a personal goal - like "creating or finding a work space" or "getting out of a stressful job" - helps to accomplish a profession goal, such as "sending out article queries" or "writing a book." You also have to remember to look at your goals. It’s a very important step toward accomplishing them.

How did you come up with the idea for Write On Track LA?

It goes back to my philosophy that writing is exercise. The more you practice, the better you become. So it makes sense that writers need personal trainers just as much as athletes do; someone to guide them, come up with a plan, troubleshoot, and help them find their direction.

I specialize in motivation, project-management, and troubleshooting, I get such joy from helping writers find their voice and take their projects to the next level.

How does Write On Track LA work? For my personal training clients, we start with a meeting via phone or Skype, which is a one-hour consultation/evaluation to come up with a Personal Workout Plan. That's where we create a mission statement, determine goals and benchmarks, and come up with a customized production schedule. The intro package includes a 20-minute follow-up session.

After that, we have 20-minute follow-ups weekly or twice a week, whatever the writer needs. This is when we touch base, figure out what is and isn't working for the writer or the project, and adjust if necessary. I also give insight on the art and craft or writing, whatever it takes to get the writer "back on track." Just like athletes who work out with their trainers once or twice a week, and do the rest of the work on their own.

In addition to ongoing training, I "coach" individuals on an hourly basis - editing, teaching blogging and social-media. I also speak at seminars and lead workshops on subjects such as breaking through writers block, blogging for business, and live and social networking.

There are lots of exciting projects coming soon like "Virtual Writing Workouts," which will start in the fall.

Do you only work with established writers?
No, I also work with experts and entrepreneurs, plus newbie or wannabe writers, who are just dipping their toe into the writing pool.

In this day and age, everyone needs an online presence through blogs, as well as Twitter, Facebook, and other social media. They are told to constantly create content to establish themselves as experts. If someone in business is not already a writer, he or she needs to become one.

What is the biggest problem new writers face?
Getting started. I think people who have not yet established themselves as writers - and even those who have - get overwhelmed by the prospect of a new project. They put off getting started and many never actually get to it.

What's your solution?
For any new writer, I recommend journaling. That will help with developing tone and voice. What differentiates a writer, especially a blogger, is background and personality ... and nothing sharpens those skills like writing what is going on in your life. After "practicing" through writing thoughts, ideas, and activities that are already present in your life, you are better skilled to write material that is more creative, research-driven, or out of your element.

Also, write 15 minutes a day. It can be journaling, brainstorming, or anything to do with a project. Just the practice of writing, along with keeping the idea in the forefront of your mind, will work wonders towards developing your writing practice. Ideally you want to write more than that, especially when you have a big project you want to accomplish. Start in small, reasonable bites of time and then work your way up. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you do not overwhelm yourself from the get-go.

Thank you so much, Deborah, for taking the time to tell readers about your sites. It's been really informative and inspirational!

Check out Write On! Online, the Facebook Page, and follow Debra on Twitter (@WriteOnOnline). For information on Debra's Personal Training for Writers, Cross Training (Blogging, Social Media, and Live Networking), and/or Group Writing Workouts, go to WriteOnTrackLA.com/personal-training/, email Debra@WriteOnOnline.com, or call 310.908.8980.

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Throughout the month of September you can find out all kinds of useful information from a group of new and experienced authors as they go on virtual tour. You can find the schedule here. Check out tomorrow's post at Carolyn Howard-Johnson's blog http://thenewbookreview.blogspot.com.

A collection of life stories told with tenderness, fondness and humour...

2010-09-02T18:56:00.000+01:00

I just received another review of my book Family & More which I wanted to share.

"Helena Harper’s Family and More offers an interesting insight into a wide spectrum of human relationships. It is a collection of life stories told with tenderness, fondness and humour, yet interspersed with a powerful critique of the futility and unnatural nature of warfare. A child of ‘fused’ parentage, Harper questions the way in which labels such as ‘enemy’ are attached to others. Ultimately, she questions how one’s identity is constructed and stresses the importance of individual strength of character in the face of adversity. A charming read, each verse emphasises the good at the heart of the human relationship and stresses the importance of optimism and hope. "
Lady Teviot, President of the Federation of Family History Societies in the UK and owner of genealogical research company, Census Searches Ltd.

Thank you, Lady Teviot!

Announcing official release of "Family & More - Enemies or Friends?"

2010-08-31T08:00:00.000+01:00

I am delighted to announce the official release of the paperback edition of my memoir in verse Family & More - Enemies or Friends? Please find the blurb below.

Family and More is a beautifully lyrical collection of verse, in which Helena Harper recalls the people who have touched her life and taught her precious life lessons. As the daughter of a German mother and English father, who met in Hamburg at the end of World War II, she explores notions of national and emotional boundaries, the horrors of war, self-discovery and love, returning time and again to that oldest and most emotive of themes: the infinite power of the human spirit.

Besides heartwarming tributes to both parents, she describes the exploits and personalities of various German and English relatives, from her gifted, energetic maternal grandmother and heroic maternal grandfather whom she never met, to her two uncles, 'human and fallible both' – the hard-working, sun-loving German one, who nearly died at Stalingrad, and the charismatic, conservative English one. A much loved colleague, a devoted physiotherapist and difficult boss are also amongst the people described.
Many of the people she writes about are now dead, but as you read this collection you will notice that what stands out above all is a sense of life-affirming love and optimism. You are left at the end knowing that every encounter we have in life can be a force for good and, if we see with the heart, our man-made divisions will seem both absurd and insignificant. A moving celebration of our common humanity.

Title: Family and More: Enemies or Friends?
ISBN-13: 978-1907172649
Publisher: Pen Press, www.penpress.co.uk
Pages: 95
Price: £6.99, $10.99
Availability: Can be ordered from all good bookshops and available online:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/doduYA
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/9PgNyk
Amazon CAN: http://amzn.to/bMh0uh
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/ak9koL

Please click on the BookBuzzr widget on the left to read extracts from the book or go to my website http://www.helenaharper.com/family-and-more.php.

I believe that the people we encounter in our lives all have something to teach us and that, ultimately, everything we learn can be a force for good. What have you learnt from the people in your life?

Endorsement of "Family & More - Enemies or Friends?"

2010-08-29T22:06:00.000+01:00

My niece showing her own
happiness (one of the
photos in my book)

I was so happy the other day to receive this endorsement of my poetic memoir Family & More - Enemies or Friends? and I just wanted to share it.

Incisive observation of the impact families have on our conditioning (5 stars)
"Helena captures the impact family members (and friends) have on our lives and our conditioning. The flow of her words draws you in and before long, you begin to feel a part of the family, experiencing what it was like for her being a daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece and an aunt. There are family 'leadership' lessons to be had on many levels in the wonderful verses. Helena has brought back forgotten leadership wisdom - so apt and so much needed in the 21st Century." Kwai Yu, CEO, Leaders Cafe 2020 Ltd

Read the review yourself here.

Advance copies of my poetic memoir "Family & More - Enemies or Friends?" now available

2010-07-01T10:48:00.000+01:00

I am delighted and excited to announce that advance copies of my poetic memoir Family & More - Enemies or Friends? are now finally available from my publishers at ordersin@penpress.co.uk, ISBN 9781907172649, price £6.99. Formal publication will probably be at the end of August.

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This is the front cover of the paperback version - a little different to the ebook. The photos at the top are of (from left to right) my mother, my adopted Aunty Thelma racing round Brooklands at the age of 15, and my maternal grandmother with my sister (aged 7 months). Any thoughts?

Klutzy Kantor by J. Aday Kennedy

2010-06-13T07:00:00.000+01:00

Today I am really pleased to be able to review Klutzy Kantor, a picture book by J. Aday Kennedy, "The Differently-Abled Writer," as part of her virtual book tour. I am inspired by J. Aday, as she has managed to become a children's author, despite being a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic (a result of complications after having caught spinal meningitis), and she is now making her dreams come true, one story at a time. She has also contributed five essays to Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

Now to the review: Kantor is a young, clumsy, flying horse who keeps crashing into and tripping over things. But one thing he is good at is solving riddles. When he says that he wishes he weren't so clumsy, his friend, Agra – an old flying horse - tells him that the leprechaun, Cobbledom McSweeney, will grant a wish to anyone who defeats him in a battle of wits. Kantor sets off to find the leprechaun who asks him to solve a riddle about four ants. But Kantor has to be careful, because the riddle is not all that it seems. This is an amusing story with delightful illustrations that are sure to keep children entertained. I very much liked the character of Cobbledom McSweeney and was highly entertained when Kantor crashed into him as he sat atop his rainbow, causing them both to slide down the rainbow and land right in Cobbledom's pot of gold! A charming story which illustrates the benefits of developing the talents that each one of us has and also shows that lying doesn't pay in the end.

By the way, if you'd like to listen to Klutzy Kantor's song, "Go Me!" go to the Klutzy Kantor book page on J. Aday Kennedy's website. It teaches a dance and the dance steps are listed on a pdf download.

Klutzy Kantor
Paperback: 24 page picture book
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc
(April 14, 2010)
ISBN-10: 978-1616330511
ISBN-13: 978-1616330514
Price: $10.95

Suggested reader age: 4-8

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Win 1 of 5 Prizes and you get to choose!

2 T shirts, 2 mouse pads or a poster

Visit http://klutzykantor.blogspot.com/p/june-2010-klutzy-kantor-blog-tour.html

Rules
No purchase is necessary.
You must be 18 to enter.
Prizes can only be mailed to winners in the continental U.S.A.

For More Chances to Win
* Leave a comment at a stop on the tour and get a separate entry for each.
* Follow J. Aday Kennedy's or Klutzy Kantor's blog or a separate entry for each.
* Blog about the contest (leave link)
* Tweet about the contest (leave link)
* For an additional entry announce the contest on social networks like Live Journal, Jacket Flap, Book Marketing Network, LinkedIn or another social network (leave link)
* For every 13 participants another winner will be selected.
* The first winner named will have first choice of prizes, the second gets second choice and so on. Up to 5 winners can be named.

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Klutzy Kantor Tour Schedule, June 2010

Monday 7 - Donna McDine Write what Inspires
Tuesday 8 - Dallas Woodburn's Writing Life
Wednesday 9 - Mayra Calvani My Secret Bookcase
Thursday 10 - Brigitte Thompson The Business of Writing /
Friday 11 - Kathy Stemke, The Education Tipster
Saturday 12 - Klutzy Kantor Klutzy Kantor's blog (Interview with Jack Foster, Kantor's Artist)
Sunday 13 - Helena Harper Helena Harper Poet & Children's Author
Monday 14 - Peggy Fieland Margarette Fieland: Poetry and Prose
Tuesday 15 - Steve Tremp BREAKTHROUGH BLOGS
Friday 18 Margot Finke Hook Kids on Reading

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Find out more about J. Aday Kennedy and her writing here:

Website: http://www.jadaykennedy.com/

Blogs - http://jadaykennedy.blogspot.com/
http://klutzykantor.blogspot.com/

Email: aday@jadaykebnnedy.com

Interview with author Nancy Famolari

2010-06-06T08:00:00.000+01:00

I am delighted this month to feature fellow author Nancy Famolari. Nancy lives with her husband, five horses, two dogs and five white cats on a farm in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania. Her stories and poems have appeared in Long Story Short, Flash Shot, Fiction Flyer, Lyrica, Alienskin Magazine Clockwise Cat, and Matters of the Heart from the Museitup Press. She has written 3 novels – Summer's Story, Unwelcome Guest at Fair Hill Farm and her latest venture, The Lake House. This is the blurb.

The lake house has been empty for ten years – the scene of a brutal murder. Undeterred by the story, Mark and Tory buy their dream house, but when they move in strange things happen. While exploring the house on the first afternoon, they find a hunting knife wedged in a closet under the stairs. Could this be the murder weapon?

Tory, a romance novelist, becomes fascinated by the unsolved murder. The owner's beautiful, young wife was found stabbed to death. The police say it was a burglary gone wrong, but she doesn't believe it. Alone at the house during the week, while Mark works in New York, Tory feels the presence of the murdered woman. When she asks questions, the townspeople become antagonistic. Only Andy, the newspaper editor, tries to be helpful. After someone shoots at her, Mark tells her to stop the investigation. But she has to know: is she crazy, sensing the presence of a ghost, or is the town covering up a brutal murder? As her investigation continues, more accidents happen. Is someone trying to frighten her away, or is she the killer's next target?

I asked Nancy a few questions about her latest book.

How did you get the idea for Lake House?
When my husband and I were looking for a house in Pennsylvania, we found one we liked on the Internet. I called the realtor only to find that the house had been sold and was going to settlement the day I called. Subsequently, we went to Pennsylvania to see other properties with the realtor. During the day, he told us the story of the house. It had been vacant for ten years because of a murder that occurred there. A young couple purchased it and hoped to live there permanently, but couldn't afford to give up their jobs in New York. I thought this story had all the makings of a good mystery, so I used it as the basis for Lake House.

Who is your favorite character?
Tory is the obvious favorite. She grows a great deal during the course of the novel, finding that she can trust her instincts and act on her own. She starts the book rather timid, but by the end has definitely become a strong individual. I also like Chess Devon, Chief of Police. She's a tough lady keeping order in Montbleu, while fending off the advances of her ex-lover, Inspector Bartlett Thomas.

I must admit to a fondness for my minor characters. They remind me of people I know in the Endless Mountains, some of whom are real characters. I had great fun bringing them into Tory's story. I particularly like Hank and Eddie, the men who deliver the mattress. For me, they are quite typical (with a little exaggeration) of the men who do odd jobs in small towns. Living for the hunting season is a very real way of life in the mountains.

What did you find difficult or easy about writing The Lake House?
The Lake House is my most ambitious novel to date. It's long for me, nearly 300 pages. I have a complex plot and a sub-plot. Keeping the mystery moving while developing the romantic sub-plot was a challenge. I had to make a very detailed time-line, rewrite some sections several times. I'm happy with the result. I hope my readers are.

The easy, enjoyable part of writing The Lake House was the development of the background and minor characters. I love the Endless Mountains. It is a truly beautiful spot. Putting an amalgam of local characters into the story was great fun. While the minor characters aren't built on any individual, their mannerisms are shared by many people here.

Do you plan to write another murder mystery?
The Lake House is actually the second book in a series I've planned – the Montbleu Series. The first book, Murder in Montbleu, is just about ready to published. I plan to do that later this year. Two other books in the series are in draft form. I hope to edit them and get them ready for publication in 2011. After that, I'm not sure whether I'll continue the series. It depends on whether I get new ideas and on whether readers are interested.

Thank you so much, Nancy. I wish you success with the book and the series!

The Lake House
ISBN: 978-1452817941
Publisher: Createspace
Available from: http://www.amazon.com/Lake-House-Nancy-Famolari/dp/1452817944/
Price: $12.50

Find out more about Nancy at:
Website: http://sites.google.com/site/nancyfamolari/
My Space: http://www.myspace.com/nancyfamolari/
Facebook: http://www.new.facebook.com/friends/
Blogs: http://nancygfamolari.blogspot.com/
http://nancyfamolari.wordpress.com/

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Learn from new and experienced authors. Join Writers on the Move's June 2010 Authors' Tour. http://tinyurl.com/2c4wzc8

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Introducing author Heidi Thomas

2010-05-06T08:00:00.000+01:00

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It's my pleasure this month to feature author, Heidi Thomas, on my blog. First, let's learn a little bit about Heidi's background.

Heidi was raised on a ranch in isolated eastern Montana and has had a penchant for reading and writing since she was a child. Armed with a degree in journalism from the University of Montana, she worked for the Daily Missoulian newspaper, and has had numerous magazine articles published. A tidbit of family history, that her grandmother rode steers in rodeos during the 1920s, spurred Heidi to write a novel based on that grandmother’s life. Cowgirl Dreams is the first in a series about strong, independent Montana Women.

Heidi is a member of Women Writing the West, Skagit Valley Writers League, Skagit Women in Business, and the Northwest Independent Editors Guild. She is an avid reader of all kinds of books, enjoys hiking the Pacific Northwest, where she writes, edits, and teaches memoir and fiction writing classes. Married to Dave Thomas (not of Wendy’s fame), Heidi has no children, but as the “human” for two finicky felines, describes herself primarily as a “cat herder.” You can find out more about Heidi at http://www.heidimthomas.com/.

I was intrigued to learn more about Heidi's grandmother and other women like her who weren't afraid to flout convention and do what they wanted to do. This is what Heidi told me.
“A petite young woman mounts a 750 to 900-pound steer, and hangs on to nothing but a rope tight-wrapped around one hand. That she stays on this bucking, twisting, snorting beast for ten seconds, eight seconds or even two seconds, seems a miracle. This is the intriguing picture of my grandmother I have carried in the back of my mind since I was a little girl.

My grandmother, Olive May “Tootsie” Bailey, grew up the daughter of homesteaders during the early 1900s in the Sunburst-Cut Bank area of Montana, near the Canadian border and east of the Rocky Mountains. Although she no longer rode in rodeos when I came along, “Gramma” was an avid horsewoman and ranch wife, equally at-home on the back of a horse as she was in a dress and heels. She and my grandfather, Otto Gasser, were partners in rural Montana ranching as well as an urban family of friends.

The 1920s were the heyday of rodeo, where the cowgirl was as much a part of the festivities as the cowboy. The first cowgirls learned to ride out of necessity to help on their family ranches. At an early age they learned to ride horses, rope cattle, and stay in the saddle atop an untamed bucking bronco.

In 1885, Annie Oakley, a diminutive sharpshooter in Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show, paved the way for other women to be recognized in the rodeo arena. Two years later, Bertha Kaelpernick was allowed to enter a horse race in Cheyenne’s Frontier Days only because the arena was so muddy the cowboys refused to participate. To entertain the crowd, she was coerced into riding a bucking horse. Despite the terrible conditions, she managed to stay in the saddle, and put the men to shame. She continued to compete and often beat such legendary cowboys as Ben Corbett and Hoot Gibson.

Following in Bertha’s footsteps years later, Prairie Rose Henderson of Wyoming forced the Cheyenne organizers to allow her to ride. She went on to become one of the most flamboyant cowgirls of the era, dressing in bright colors, sequins and ostrich plumes over bloomers.

Lucille Mulhall, whose father, Colonel Zack Mulhall, ran a Wild West Show, was described in a 1900 New York World article as “only ninety pounds, can break a bronc, lasso and brand a steer, and shoot a coyote at 500 yards. She can also play Chopin, quote Browning, and make mayonnaise.” Both Teddy Roosevelt and Will Rogers have been credited with giving Lucille the title “cowgirl.”

Between 1885 and 1935, many women proudly wore that title and competed with men, riding broncs, steers and bulls. They also roped and tied steers (usually wearing long divided skirts) alongside their male counterparts. In early rodeos, women and men competed in the same arena, drawing from the same stock. Women rode broncs, steers, bulls, and did steer roping as well as trick riding, Roman races and relay races.

I know that my grandmother, Toots Bailey Gasser, rode steers in small Montana rodeos. Other cowgirls, such as Marie Gibson, also from Montana, rode steers, bulls and broncs throughout the US, Canada and even London. While each cowgirl had her specialty, most participated in multiple events.

Vera McGinnis, Tad Lucas and Fox Hastings were probably best known for trick riding. This demonstrated numerous types of stands and vaults, performed while the horse was galloping at top speed. Other maneuvers included crawling under the horse’s belly, hanging just inches from the mount’s pounding hooves.

In the Roman race, the cowgirl would stand with her right foot on one galloping horse and her left foot on the other. (The horses would have had to be very well trained to stay together, and the rider obviously had great balance and strength.) The relay race required three laps around a track, and the rider had to change horses, and sometimes saddles, after each round. If they weren’t required to change saddles, many cowgirls perfected the “flying” change, leaping from the back of one horse to the other without touching the ground. Vera McGinnis is credited with inventing this move.

After Bonnie McCarrol and Marie Gibson were killed and several other women badly injured in rodeo accidents, cowgirl bronc riding became increasingly rare in the West, leaving only relay racing open to women competitors. But women’s rodeo gradually eroded nationwide for several reasons:
• Small, local rodeos were no longer financially lucrative and livestock was in short supply in the 1930s, leading to the demise of the Wild West shows.
• Men held the central control of the sport.
• Many well-known women rodeo stars retired.
• World War II, with tire and gas rationing, did not allow travel as in the past.

From the mid-1930s until the late 1940s, cowgirls became mere props in rodeo, “glamour girls” whose beauty and attire were emphasized instead of athletic skill. In 1948, 38 women formed the Girls Rodeo Association (GRA) to give women an opportunity to compete in calf roping, barrel racing, and trick riding. In 1968, barrel racing finals were finally included in the men’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) National Finals.

In 1981 GRA changed its name to Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) and today has more than 2,000 members. It sanctions 800 barrel races a year in conjunction with men’s PRCA rodeos. But women still do not compete with men. As an entity of its own, Professional Women’s Rodeo Association (PWRA) puts on events in women-only rodeos that include bareback riding, breakaway and tie-down calf roping, bull riding, and team roping.

It’s been a long time coming, but as Rene Mikes, a corporate accountant from Denver and a bull rider, says, “It’s not a guy sport anymore.” But despite the heroic efforts of many women, including Cowgirl Hall of Fame and world champion bull rider Joni Jonkowski of Montana, women for the most part still do not compete with men.”

Cowgirl Dreams is available at http://www.heidimthomas.com/ (for autographed copies) or from http://www.trebleheartbooks.com/SDHeidiThomas.html

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Writers on the Move May2010 Tour. Join in for writing, marketing, and book tips. http://tinyurl.com/2cer423

Win a free ebook of "It's a Teacher's Life...!" each week

2010-04-10T20:22:00.000+01:00

Great news for fans and soon-to-be-fans of my book It's a Teacher's Life...! There's a contest running each week on my Facebook page http://bit.ly/8IBMuE. You can enter just by becoming a fan and saying "Hi" on the wall. Or, if you already are a fan, simply leave a comment.

If you don't win one week, then simply leave a comment the next, and you might get lucky! Feel free to use the page to pay tributes to your own teachers or to share your own teaching experiences, if you are part of that crazy profession! Good luck!

Introducing Heather Paye – an inspirational young writer, heading for success

2010-04-09T08:00:00.000+01:00

It's my pleasure this month to feature a young and up and coming author, Heather Paye. Heather first started writing when she was about six years old. She started out writing lyrics, and when she was nine started writing short stories. When she turned ten, she moved on to full-length novels. At the age of 12, she started writing poetry as her love of that style of writing developed from her mother.

Currently she is working on a book series of nine, with the first installment finished and due to be released onto bookshelves soon. The first draft of the second installment is almost finished. Her novel "A Gift From Above" which she wrote for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in 2008 was published March 28th, 2009 - a tribute to her parents as it was published on their anniversary. She's a part of many organizations and author groups.

Besides the book series she is working on, Heather has also been compiling an anthology of poems for Mother's Day, entitled For You, From Me. Besides Heather, a whole host of other authors have contributed poems, so there is sure to be something to appeal to all tastes! The poem below is by Heather and appears in the book.

Because You Mean So Much

Because you’re so important,
I think you’re heaven sent.
You’re a Goddess
Saving all in distress.

Because you mean so much,
I value your every touch.
I’d do anything for you,
Just so you’re not blue.

Because you are so meaningful,
I give you every piece of my soul
To command, to control, to use.
When I am your crutch, you shall not lose.

H.C.Paye

Heather will be hosting an online launch party for the book at the official webpage http://foryoufromme.yolasite.com/ on April 15th from 1-5 PM Mountain Standard Time. There will be all sorts of goodies given away at the party, including a bunch of discount coupons, so drop by if you can! Although not absolutely necessary, Heather would very much like anyone who might be interested in attending to RSVP, by sending an email to the_jewelonsolot@msn.com .

The book will be available at amazon.com and directly from the publisher at http://www.createspace.com/3443058.

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You can find out more about Heather and her writing here:
http://www.agiftfromabove.webs.com/

http://heatherpaye.blogspot.com/

And to find out more about other authors, both new and famous, and to get useful tips & information throughout April, go to http://tinyurl.com/y8apyqk

Introducing Kathy Stemke - writer, teacher, dancer and much more!

2010-03-06T18:01:00.000Z

Today it is my pleasure to feature fellow writer and teacher, Kathy Stemke, on my blog. Kathy has a passion for writing, the arts and all things creative. Hanging her hat in the North Georgia Mountains, she has been a dancer, choreographer, teacher, tutor, writer and an antiques dealer for many years.

As a freelance writer Kathy has published several articles and is a contributing editor for The National Writing for Children's Center. Kathy’s first children’s e-book, Moving Through All Seven Days, is now available on Lulu. Kathy's second children's book, Trouble on Earth Day, is slated to come out in 2010! She recently signed a contract for her book titled, Sh, Sh, Sh, Will the Baby Sleep? with Guardian Angel publishers.

Today I’d like to feature Kathy's article writing by giving you the opportunity to explore some of her articles yourself. Here are some examples.

ACEROLA CHERRIES: A NUTRITIONAL POWERHOUSE

ENCOURAGING CREATIVE MOVEMENT AND MUSIC IN YOUNG CHILDREN

All of us have enjoyed dancing around the living room to music when no was looking. These are uninhibited moments in response to music. In fact, moving to the beat of the music is an innate quality found in all human beings. Infants and toddlers bounce to the music without any instruction at all. We need to provide children with a safe environment to explore and learn all they can about how their bodies can move to music... More

5 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN RAISING CASH QUICKLY

Do you need cash to pay bills today? Don't panic! It's important to have a plan. Americans have too many possessions. Go through your house and gather the things you can live without. Do some research to find their values and sell them in the right market. A booth in a flea market for a weekend is inexpensive and can help you get a decent price for your objects. If you have something rare or valuable, an on-line auction will help you get what it's worth. Craig's list is good for selling used funiture, and garage sales are great for selling inexpensive items... More

THE HISTORY AND PROMINENCE OF THE ALVIN AILEY DANCE COMPANY

The lights dim and there is a profound hush that rolls over the sold out crowd. Hearts beat loudly with anticipation as the curtains slowly open. A solitary light beams down on a strong, regal-like black woman adorned with a beautiful head wrap. She deliberately unwraps the headpiece an uses it to scrub the floor. After illuminating her trials and sorrows in movement, she eventually rises toward a life of freedom. This dance, depicting the courage and determination of an African American woman entitled, Cry, is the type of choreography that will immortalize Alvin Ailey. For the past fifty years, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), has not only recorded the history of the African American experience through modern dance, but has also touched the lives of children and adults with their physically awe-inspiring, technically exact and powerfully expressive performances. Internationally, they are known as cultural ambassadors of good will, promoting the uniqueness of black Americans and the preservation of the American dance heritage... More

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As you can see, Kathy's articles cover an extremely wide and diverse range of subjects, reflecting the character of the woman herself!

Kathy Stemke's websites:
Educationtipster blog (used most) http://educationtipster.blogspot.com/
Moving Through all Seven Days ebook purchace on Lulu:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965
Articles sites: http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html

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Books, Authors and Info! Join the March Tour:
http://tinyurl.com/ykjvonn

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Introducing Dallas Woodburn, an inspirational young writer

2010-02-09T08:00:00.000Z

Dallas at Write On! Summer Camp 2009 (Back row, on the left)

Today, it is my pleasure to introduce Dallas Woodburn, 22, who is the author of two collections of short stories and a forthcoming novel. Dallas is not only a gifted and prolific writer, she is also passionate about encouraging others – particularly young people – to read and write. She has written more than 80 articles for national publications including Family Circle, Writer’s Digest, CO-ED, Justine, and The Los Angeles Times, and she writes a regular column for Listen magazine. Dallas is the founder of the nonprofit organization “Write On! For Literacy” that has donated nearly 11,000 new books to disadvantaged children. Her latest endeavor is starting a publishing company, Write On! Books, that publishes the work of young writers. In addition, she hosts frequent writing contests, teaches writing camps for kids, and is coordinator of the Young Writers Program at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. Dallas graduated last year from the University of Southern California with a B.A. in Creative Writing and Entrepreneurship. Contact her at her website http://www.writeonbooks.org/ or blog http://dallaswoodburn.blogspot.com/.

I was fascinated to find out more about Dallas and what advice she would give to fellow young writers, just embarking on a writing career.

Dallas, how long have you been writing? Has it always been a passion for you?
It’s funny, but looking back it’s difficult for me to remember a time before I loved to write! I learned to read when I was four years old, and I gobbled up books. Like many kids, I made up stories; I was compelled to write my stories down. I think this was largely due to the fact that my dad is a writer. Every night, my parents would read me bedtime stories, and every morning I would come downstairs and see my dad writing. As a result, I was very aware that someone had written the books I so loved to read. And I decided that I wanted to be someone who writes books for other people to enjoy.

What started you writing for publication?
I published my first book, There’s a Huge Pimple on My Nose, when I was in fifth grade. Pimple is proof that with a lot of hard work, a lot of perseverance – and, yes, a lot of support, too – a small idea can snowball into something bigger than you ever dreamed. My snowball began as a snowflake when I applied for and received a $50 grant from my elementary school to write, publish and sell a collection of my short stories and poems -- but I think here's what set my proposal apart: I would use the profits to repay my grant, so the school could offer an extra one the following year. My first printing, done at a Kinkos copy shop, was modest: twenty-five staple-bound forty-page books. Actually, they were more like thick pamphlets, but no matter – to me, they were books, my books, the most beautiful books I had ever laid eyes upon. J.K. Rowling wasn’t more proud of her first Harry Potter hardcover edition.

My fellow students and teachers, bless them, acted as if Pimple was at the top of the New York Times Best-Seller List. The first twenty-five copies promptly sold in a couple of days. Can you imagine what a turbo-boost this was to a fifth-grader’s self-esteem? I was pursuing my dream, but I wasn’t pursuing it alone – my family and friends and teachers were right there with me. So I went back to Kinkos, ordered twenty-five more books – and soon sold all those as well. After three more trips to Kinkos, where the workers now knew me by name, I searched out a publishing business and ordered a few hundred glossy-covered, glue-bound, professional-looking books. My little forty-page dream evolved from a snowball into a blizzard, with newspaper and radio interviews; appearances at literacy events all around California; even a “Dallas Woodburn Day” at the Santa Barbara Book Fair. I still have to pinch myself, but Pimple has sold more than 2,200 copies and I repaid two school grants.

Do you have a set time when you write, or just whenever you get the urge?
I try to write every single day – I am most productive and happy when I have an established routine. Even if I don’t feel like writing, I tell myself to write for just fifteen or twenty minutes, and usually by the end of that time I am in the groove and write for longer. My goal is to write 1,000 words every day. I am a night owl, so it is not unusual to find me at my computer writing after midnight, when the world is quiet and I am alone with my thoughts.

Do you like to write in complete silence or does it have to be noisy?
I like a little bit of background noise, whether it is music on my computer or the quiet hum of conversations around my at a coffee shop.

Keyboard or pen?
I used to be strictly a keyboard girl, but lately I’ve been writing freehand in big spiral notebooks in coffeeshops. I’ve found writing with pen and paper makes me feel less inhibited and more creative. In the evening, I go home and transcribe everything from my notebook to the computer, and do my first round of editing as I type things in. The process is working well for me right now.

What do you think is the hardest part about being an author?
Rejection is something that ever author has to deal with. As a writer, I joke that I could wallpaper all four of my bedroom walls with all the rejection letters I have received from editors! The important thing is not to take it personally. For whatever reason, you or your writing just wasn’t a right fit for that publication at this specific time. That doesn’t mean that they won’t love the next piece you send to them! When I get a rejection letter, I first read the comments to see if there is any advice I can glean or ways I can improve for next time. Then, I submit my story or essay or article somewhere else. It took me more than a year to find my literary agent. A year of rejection, rejection, rejection – until finally, I found my perfect match. My agent understands my writing and has faith in my career. I just had to have the patience and perseverance to find her!

Have you ever had writer's block, and if so how do you get rid of it?
One of the best things for me to do when I am facing writer’s block is to step back from the story and get away from the computer a bit. I love to go volunteer at schools and teach writing activities to kids. This is one of my favorite activities – it gives me great joy and fulfillment. Whenever I am feeling discouraged or creatively drained, going to schools and speaking to students inevitably recharges my batteries and gets me excited about writing again. So much energy and enthusiasm! It’s contagious! I also frequently post tips for busting through writer’s block on my blog http://dallaswoodburn.blogspot.com/.

How do you invent your characters?
Usually my characters start with a kernel of a personal experience or emotion that I am going through, and then pretty quickly this spins away from me and becomes a character separate from myself. Even if the eventual story is going to be written in third person, I usually like to write at least a couple pages in first person from the character’s perspective to get a sense of his or her voice. I don’t censor myself during this process – I just let the words flow freely and see what voice develops for the character.

Some people say that you need to live life before you write a book, do you think that it’s experience that writes a book or imagination?
I think it’s a combination of both. I definitely think you are never too young to be a writer. As a child, I wrote stories based on things I was dealing with and thinking about at the time – everything from pimples to race issues to magical stuffed animals coming to life. I think the book is incredibly relatable to kids because I was a kid myself when I was writing it – that said, many adults enjoy it, too. In my fiction writing, I tend to combine experience and imagination by taking a setting I know well or an experience that happened to me, and fictionalizing it. I imagine how a situation could have unfolded differently, and write about it.

The first article I had published was for Justine magazine, a publication for teens, and it was a true-life account about how I was “sweet sixteen” and had never been kissed. The editors loved my honest voice and the piece resonated with a lot of readers. I have always tried to see my young age as an advantage in my writing, rather than a disadvantage, because it allows me to write about things like teen issues with a great deal of authenticity. As a teen writing for a teen publication, I wrote an article that I would want to read! I would encourage other writers to put themselves in this mindset – what insights and lessons does your particular background and experiences give you? How can you use these traits as an advantage in your writing life?

What do you recommend to aspiring authors?
Write every day, read as much as you can, and enjoy the process! As John Wooden says, “The journey is better than the inn.” In addition, publishing my books has taught me not to be afraid to take risks, and to take the initiative when you have an idea and make it happen yourself rather than letting fear and doubt make you wait. Because, why wait? Take small steps towards your dreams, and small steps can snowball into amazingly big opportunities!

Thank you, Dallas, for a most interesting interview!
You're welcome, Helena.

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Tour with VBT-Writers on the Move through February. New and famous authors, plus useful information. http://tinyurl. com/yhkt7v8

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Meet Dana Donovan, author of the paranormal Detective Marcella series

2010-01-11T08:00:00.000Z

Every month I feature a fellow author on my blog, and this month it's my great pleasure to introduce Dana Donovan, author of the paranormal Detective Marcella series.

I asked Dana a few questions about his books and writing.

Q: Dana, how long have you been writing, and do all your books fall into the paranormal fiction genre?

A: Thanks, Helena, that’s a good question. My love for writing started early. As an adolescent and more so in my teen years, I liked writing poetry, finding inspiration in the song lyrics of Lennon and McCartney. For the longest time I wanted to be a songwriter myself, but that never happened. Instead, poem writing gave way to a thirst for more full-bodied compositions. Then one day I sat down and began writing what would become the first book in the Detective Marcella series, the Witch’s Ladder. That was ten years ago. Ten books on the supernatural later, including four more in the witch’s series and yeah, I guess you can say that I have established myself as a paranormal mystery writer.

Q: You have some favorable book reviews on the Internet. One in particular is a review on Skinny. The reviewer (Michael Sorensen--Miren Publishing Group) says of the book, "This was just too out there." Do you agree with that?

A: Oh sure, and why not? I don’t see the sense of writing paranormal fiction without pushing the boundaries some. In fact, I don’t believe there should be any boundaries. I know that drama, thrillers and suspense fiction have their place. Many readers like believable scenarios that keep within the realm of real life. I understand that, but then there are a lot of us who prefer to suspend our perception of what is real. With the paranormal, it is easy to do that, and yet still somehow believe that what we are reading could happen under the right circumstances.

Q: Where do you get your ideas for your books?

A: Funny, that’s a question I get a lot. The truth is that I don’t know where these ideas come from. As a kid, my teachers would often remark in my report cards that I was exceptionally curious. I’m still that way now. I think about parallel realms of reality and ask myself what if? Almost anyone who has ever lost someone close to them will tell you that he or she has “felt” the presence of their lost loved one in their hours of grief. So what if a spirit or ghost tries to touch our lives when we are most receptive to them? If I can entertain that possibility then I have no problem supposing that a more psychical relationship between our worlds can exist. From there the rest is easy and the story feeds on itself.

Q: Are you saying you believe in ghosts and the supernatural?

A: I am saying maybe. You know there are some very notable scientists and physicists out there promoting something called String Theory, which in essence allows for the existence of alternate universes to coexist within our own. To them it’s science. To me it sounds decisively paranormal. Who is to say? A few hundred years ago, predicting the weather three days out would get you hanged in Salem.

Q: Tell me about your protagonist in the witch’s series, Tony Marcella. What’s he like?

A: Tony is an enigma of sorts, a guy who loves his work more than anything, or at least he thinks so. The truth is he has regrets, only he doesn’t know where to place them. He is smart, if not sophisticated, sensitive and easy-going. It is his relationship with Lilith, the witch in his life, that exposes the cracks in his otherwise rock solid persona, and a relationship, which has allowed me to exploit the paranormal in a way that readers can relate.

Q: So what now? Will we see book six of the Detective Marcella witch’s series released anytime soon?

A: Yes, I’m sure we will. It might not be the next book released, but it won’t be long. Lately, I have been working on an outline to a sort of quasi Si-Fi. I know it is out of the box for me, but it will have a paranormal twist at the end, I assure you. In the meantime, I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to tell you a bit about myself, and as a gift to you and your readers, I would like to offer my book “Skinny” for download in any ebook reader format you choose. The link to it is www.Smashwords.com/books/view/6481 - remember to use the promo code JM98M to check out. For more links to my books check out http://www.danadonovan.com/.

Helena: Thank you, Dana, for such an interesting interview and your generous offer. It's been a pleasure!

School Heads - a bane or a blessing?

2010-01-02T08:00:00.000Z

In my twenty years as a secondary school teacher, I've worked under five different Heads, and all of them except one (who left after I'd been at the school for only one term!) have most definitely been a bane. The problems I've encountered with Heads seem to be very widespread, according to what I hear from fellow teachers. Why is this so? What is it that seems to lead, almost inevitably, to Heads behaving like petty dictators, who can't tolerate an ounce of criticism and – at the first sign of such - like a painter with his canvas 'brush out what they don't want to see'. (from my book It's a Teacher's Life!)

What leads to Heads being apparently bereft of moral conscience, treating teachers (and sometimes parents as well) without compassion, destroying their self-esteem, and putting ever-increasing workloads on their shoulders through crisis management and a total inability to plan effectively and organise themselves and their resources efficiently?

In the U.K., the board of governors of each school is responsible for appointing a new Head and from my personal experience, they frequently do a bad job! Perhaps because they believe they know best and won't see behind the facade that a candidate puts up (despite the advice of an experienced, outgoing Head); or perhaps because the majority of governors aren't teachers and have no real idea what teaching is all about; or perhaps they just choose someone to fill the post, whether the person is suitable or not, because they can't face going through the whole process again! It's not unusual for the selection procedure to be repeated because of a lack of good quality candidates.

Even if the appointment of a Head is initially welcomed by staff, when the person actually gets into the job, there can be a rude awakening. It seems almost as though the position corrupts. As a colleague of mine has often said – Heads have too much autonomy, there aren't enough checks and balances, and it goes to their heads. Perhaps, also, there isn't enough training for new Heads to learn about the management demands made on them, and someone who is a wonderful teacher won't necessarily be a good manager, and a good Head definitely needs to be both!

Being a Head is certainly not an easy position to hold. Perhaps certain Heads resort to being bullying despots simply to cover up their inadequacy and feelings of insecurity in the job. All the more reason, therefore, for the selection procedure to ensure the right person is chosen. I think in the U.K. the selection procedure definitely needs to be reformed and the staff in each school should be involved in the process. Prospective candidates need to make a presentation to governors, but why can't they do this to the staff as a whole? When there are school inspections, the whole staff meets the team of inspectors informally over tea. Why can't there be something similar for headship candidates? Why should it all be left up to the governors to decide?

These are just suggestions, but I believe something needs to be done to ensure that the person who is given the job, is someone

“who’ll know what it means
to be a boss;
someone who remembers
what it’s like to be human,
who can manage
resources and people
with realistic sympathy
and organized efficiency,
someone who creates
real, genuine respect —
but who am I kidding?
That’s the stuff of fiction, isn’t it,
not fact?”

(from “The Boss” in my book Family & More)

My hope is that one day this will be much more fact than fiction in the majority of schools.

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Have you had a similar or different experience to mine? Please share!

VBT tour schedule, January 2010

2009-12-27T17:50:00.000Z

This is the January 2010 tour schedule for VBT-Writers on the Move. There will be no post on 1st or 31st January. Books and interesting articles by new and established authors will be featured and there will be a mystery site giveaway. So it's always worth while dropping by and leaving a comment! The number next to each person's name indicates the day in January that they will do their post.

2 Dianne Sagan is hosting Kevin McNamee
3 Harry Gilleland is hosting Maggie Ball
4 Karen Cioffi is hosting Lea Schizas
5 Kathy Stemke is hosting Heidi Thomas
6 Lea Schizas is hosting Martha Swirzinski
7 Vivian Zabel is hosting Liana Metal
8 Nancy Famolari is hosting Margaret Fieland
9 Elysabeth Eldering is hosting Mayra Calvani
10 Katie Hines is hosting Elysabeth Eldering
11 Helena Harper is hosting Dana Donovan
12 Liana Metal is hosting Debra Eckerling
13 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is hosting Dianne Sagan
14 Gayle Trent is hosting Helena Harper
15 Mayra Calvani is hosting Stephen Tremp
16 Marvin Wilson is hosting Linda Asato
17 Linda Asato is hosting Kathy Stemke
18 Stephen Tremp is hosting Katie Hines
19 Margaret Fieland is hosting Karen Cioffi
20 Darcia Helle is hosting Harry Gilleland
21 Martha Swirzinski is hosting Jane Sutton
22 Heidi Thomas is hosting Darcia Helle
23 Jane Sutton is hosting Nancy Famolari
24 Dana Donovan is hosting Linda Suzane
25 Dallas Woodburn is hosting Marvin Wilson
26 Linda Suzane is hosting Dallas Woodburn
27 Debra Eckerling is hosting Vivian Zabel
28 Heather Paye is hosting Gayle Trent
29 Maggie Ball is hosting Carolyn Howard-Johnson
30 Kevin McNamee is hosting Heather Paye

Happy reading and commenting!

A delightful trip for poetry lovers and a rare tribute to family and friends

2009-12-06T17:12:00.000Z

I was extremely touched to receive this review recently of my book Family and More - Enemies or Friends? by Glenda Bixler at IP Book Reviewers.

"Helena Harper’s poetry book, Family and More, is autobiographical, but that does not detract from the feelings it engenders from readers! We are able to empathize with the author when she asks, which is my enemy? We are able to enjoy the stories she poetically shares about her family. Personally, I was, overall, impressed with the quality to the poetry and the skill that would be required to share these personal tales!

For indeed they are tales—the tale of her grandparents, her parents, and of herself as a baby. Surely we immediately know that Helena’s father is English and they were living there in England when she was born. And they were already hoping and praying that no war—no bombs or guns would invade the life of their child. Would their daughter be a symbol of hope for the future?

Soon we learn that Helena’s mother is from Germany and how that country was in her youth, only to have war enter that picture and the need to leave their country and escape, enduring “soup of water” for lunch or no food at all. Then we see the courageous woman grow and flourish, even while still under duress.

Will those of us who have never experienced war ever really understand? I think we can begin to by reading the words of those who are willing to share them so revealingly...

On she goes to share of her father, her grandmother, and even of her grandfather whom she had never known. Yet her love shines through as she has gathered information and placed it carefully together to both learn of and tell others of his life.

I found myself in the story of “The Colleague,” as I remembered the woman who was my first mentor and who has remained my best friend for over 40 years!

...showing the way to a younger one
with new ideas
but just three years under her belt.
A gentle manner guiding the younger
and an open mind willingly receiving...

And, alas, I also could well relate to “The Boss,” that individual—or worse—those individuals we all have in our lives who turn out to be “a devil in disguise, ready to stab you in the back...”

Harper then includes medical staff, coaches, etc., who have supported her in some way! Surely, Family and More by Helena Harper is a rare tribute; however, it is also a sharing of poetic words that are both beautiful and thought provoking in how we should remember and realize the impact of family and friends...and even an enemy or two. A delightful trip for poetry lovers as well as those who wish to remember their own families through the experiences of others."

G. A. Bixler

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Family and More is available at present as an ebook from http://www.eloquentbooks.com/Familyandmore.html but it will be coming out as a paperback with photos and more in 2010. So watch this space!

Introducing Deborah Weed, author of “The Luckiest Penny” and a woman on a mission to inspire

2009-12-01T08:00:00.000Z

As part of the ongoing blog tour of the group VBT-Writers on the Move, it's my great pleasure this month to introduce children's author Deborah Weed.

Deborah was born and raised in Miami and has had an extensive thirty-year career in marketing/ entertainment that has included everything from being Director of Marketing for Fame International, responsible for a 26 million-dollar pavilion; Director of Development for Citibank; Creator/Producer of “Sensations”, “The Disappearance of Dino Dinero”, “The Sticky Bun Bandits” and “Compassionate Chip Cookies & Milk.”

However, a life threatening health challenge redirected Deborah's life. She got stuck and realized that people defined her by circumstances, rather than by a lifetime of experiences. After regaining her mojo, Deborah decided to leap into the world of writing, inspirational speaking and coaching so that she could provide a shortcut for others who are experiencing disappointment and feeling misunderstood.

The Luckiest Penny is Deborah's first book. It's the story of two rare 1943 pennies. One penny remains out of circulation, full of himself and selfish, caring only about how much money he is worth. The other penny decides to experience living and along the way discovers what really matters in life.

I asked Deborah some questions about her book.

What inspired you to write The Luckiest Penny?
I wanted to remind myself, children and everyone else that life has its ups and downs. Yet, we have a choice.Either we can stay in a box and avoid life's disappointments--or we can jump into life. Obstacles will appear and here is where self-worth comes in. . .The only way to believe in ourselves is to keep on standing back up!

Why did you use 1943, pure copper pennies, as your main characters?
If you have a 1943, pure copper penny in your purse it could be worth $83,000 or more. Can you believe it? A lowly penny, that was made by mistake during WWII, is very valuable. When I was stuck in bed with a misdiagnosed, life-threatening illness, I felt pretty worthless. When I heard about the 1943 penny, I found my metaphorical hero!

What is your goal?
This book was written to give children a healthy set of values that will assist them on their journey in life. I want them to remember what is really important so that they don't get discouraged by life's roller-coaster ride.

What is the theme of The Luckiest Penny?
The book’s genre is a fable/allegory. There are a couple of central messages in the book: why experience is more valuable than money; how love makes us all whole; and why it doesn't matter how much something costs but what it's worth to us.

Could you tell us about the illustrations?
The illustrations by Ernest Socolov transport the reader into the alternative world of a penny who is tarnished, yet loved!

I believe there is going to be a musical production about the book?
YES! An original, musical interactive production is being created and produced and should be ready very soon. The original songs are fun and yet meaningful. I will be working with foundations, schools, fairs, etc. to perform the production and then talk about what it means to us.

This is what others have said about Deborah's book.

“The Luckiest Penny gives us all an opportunity to look at what we value about ourselves and others. It's an engaging story that encourages the conversation of self-worth and love.”
Laura Duksta, Author, New York Times Bestseller, I Love You More

"Here's a story that shares why we need to jump into life - Live Fabulous Now!"
Sandy Grason, Int'l Speaker, Author & Founder of the JOURNALUTION: Journaling to Awaken Your Inner Voice, Heal Your Life and Manifest Your Dreams

"Deborah Weed has written a timeless fable that reminds us and our children what really matters. This lovely story is about love and values, and it will enrich and inspire you at this time of great challenge and change, when so many families are having to reevaluate what is important."
Ellen Brazer, Author of Clouds Across the Sun, http://ellenbrazer.com/

"This book is a treasure to share with your grandchild of any age. The story of two pennies is intertwined with the relationship between grandfather and grandson. It shows children what unconditional love truly is and the value of every single person, no matter how small, no matter what!"
Lily Prellezo, Author of Seagull One: The true story of Jose Basulto and Brothers to the Rescue

To purchase a copy of the book or find out more about it, go to http://www.theluckiestpenny.com/

Deborah is currently working on a second children’s book with collaborator Ellen Brazer - a book that shares her father's wisdom (Dancing on my Father’s Shoes) - and she has established a social network to help people of all ages and backgrounds get unstuck.

Deborah is also an award-winning artist. Water sculptures are the primary medium for her mixed media pieces. The result is a salubrious technique that takes color into a new arena of purity that is vivid, fluid and alive. Residing in trendy South Beach is her inspiration. The vibe there is bold and daring and her studio is literally on the white sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. According to her collectors, her work titillates the senses and is very sensual.

You can contact Deborah at deborahweed@mac.com
And these are her websites:
http://deborahweed.ning.com/
http://web.mac.com/deborahweed
http://www.discoveredartists.com/gallery/ArtofBliss

VBT-Writers on the Move, December 2009 blog tour

2009-11-30T11:38:00.000Z

This is the schedule for December's tour. All posts will be made on 1st December. If anyone is interested in joining our group of writers who all help to promote each other on an ongoing basis, then go to VBT-Writers on the Move and contact the group administrator, Karen Cioffi.

Dianne Sagan is hosting Lea Schizas

Karen Cioffi is hosting Heidi Thomas

Kathy Stemke is hosting Martha Swirzinski

Lea Schizas is hosting Brigitte Thompson

Nancy Famolari is hosting Kathy Stemke

VBT Writers on the Move is hosting Karen Cioffi

Crystalee Calderwood is hosting Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Katie Hines is hosting Stephen Tremp

Helena Harper is hosting Deborah Weed

Liana Metal is hosting Dianne Sagan

Carolyn Howard-Johnson is hosting Debra Eckerling

Gayle Trent is hosting Dana Donovan

Mayra Calvani is hosting Helena Harper

Marvin Wilson is hosting Mayra Calvani

Linda Asato is hosting Marvin Wilson

Stephen Tremp is hosting Gayle Trent

Elysabeth Eldering is hosting Katie Hines

Darcia Helle is hosting Linda Asato

Deborah Weed is hosting Liana Metal

Brigitte Thompson is hosting Nancy Famolari

Be focused, be strong, be inspired, be grateful...

2009-11-19T09:59:00.001Z

I wanted to share this message with others, so if you've ever felt like giving up, then take a look at Tony Robbins's 5 Keys To Thrive and Nick Vujicic's extraordinary video "Get Back Up". Nick Vujicic was born without any arms or legs and yet lives a happy and fulfilled life. Once you've seen this video, you will be inspired to never, ever give up and you will feel extraordinarily grateful for all the wonderful blessings in your life - it is very, very moving.

As I watched the video, I was vividly reminded of my own poem 'Thank you', which I've posted before but would like to post here again. It seems so applicable.

THANK YOU

Thank you for the breath that moves my body
and for the limbs that carry my spirit.

Thank you for the heart that beats in my chest
and for the mind that creates it.

Thank you for the fingers curling my hand
and for the toes dancing on my feet.

Thank you for the conscious energy surging through every cell,
connecting me to the ever-present ocean of eternity.

Thank you for the touch of my skin
and the comforting caress of warm water.

Thank you for the stillness of early morning
and the invigorating slap of cold air.

Thank you for the new spring life filling my eyes
and the symphony of bird song filling my ears.

Thank you for this land we belong to,
for the plants that talk to us
and for our sisters, the trees.

Thank you for warm smiles of family
and helping hands of strangers, friends in disguise.

Thank you for the laughter vibrating through my body
and for the words expressing from my mouth.

Thank you for the excitement of inquiry
and the fascination of discovery.

Thank you for bright patterns of T-shirt and trousers
and soft cuddles of dressing gown sleeves.

Thank you for the sweet melon melting my tongue
and the rich wine warming my throat.

Thank you for the dying sun
and for the colours that pulse
in unison with my soul.

Thank you for imagination's unfettered flights
soaring through infinite wonder and joy
and for inspiration, the whispered language of a loving soul.

Thank you for this magical, wonderful,
joyfully abundant, never-ending now.

Copyright © Helena Harper

What are you grateful for?

Remembrance

2009-11-14T12:30:00.000Z

I was asked to write a poem for the remembrance service in my local community on 11th November 2009 and this is what I wrote - a poem to honour those who have fallen in the wars that have scarred and continue to scar our planet.

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Today we remember,
today we show respect,
honouring those who've fallen,
the brave, courageous dead.
My heart bleeds for their sacrifice,
for the families who've cried,
for the pain and hurt
when their precious loved ones died.

How many more victims must there be
before the heartache and fighting can stop?
Before families lose the fear
of being wrenched apart
and children can enjoy every day
because human lives are no longer lost?

The wars continue,
the fighting lives on,
but my hope is for a future
where such things will have ceased
and all of mankind can finally live
in unity and peace.

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If you have a tribute you'd like to share - poetic or otherwise - then please do!

Introducing Stephen Tremp and his 'Breakthrough' novel

2009-11-09T09:55:00.000Z

This month the yahoo group VBT-Writers on the Move is celebrating its first anniversary. As part of this month's tour there are some wonderful prizes available to non-members, if they leave a comment on members' posts, so if you happen to drop by this post and you're not a member of the group, it'll be worth your while to leave a comment, as you may well be in line to win some great books written by members – and you will be given a choice! So what more could you want?

This month it is my pleasure to introduce Stephen Tremp and his first novel Breakthrough. I took the opportunity to first ask Stephen some questions.

What or whom inspires you to write?
I just see life and all of my experiences as one continuous action suspense story just waiting to be transferred to paper. I see “what if” scenarios throughout the day, regardless of where I am, what I’m doing, or who I’m with. I also draw much inspiration from Dean Koontz, Dan Brown, Stephen King, and the Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child tandem. I read a lot of fiction thrillers and felt I needed to identify a unique niche market that a large segment of the population could identify with and get excited about. I think I’ve found it in a world where the Information Age is moving at breakneck speed, and breakthroughs in areas of science that were once fodder for science fiction are now becoming a part of our everyday life. I believe I’ve found my calling, my gift to the world.

How did you get started?
I accepted a voluntary layoff after toiling over 10 years in the banking and finance industry and took advantage of the opportunity to write full-time. Breakthroughs in physics and technology are broadcast into millions of homes via numerous cable channels in layman’s terms and computer graphics anyone can understand. I thought I would capitalize on this particular niche and incorporate them into an action thriller series weaving together breakthroughs in physics and technology with greed, murder, and mayhem. Will these breakthroughs benefit mankind and be used to further civilization, or will they be stolen and used for greedy gain? I think we know the answer. That’s why the world needs a hero like my protagonist Chase Manhattan.

What did you find to be the most frustrating step/process of getting your first novel published?
I signed a non-exclusive contract with iUniverse, who was acquired by AuthorHouse. During the transition, much information was lost and it took about two or three additional months to bring Breakthrough to market. iUniverse (really, AuthorHouse) originally sent my unedited draft off to print. Can you imagine my response when I received the (ahem) final product? This was just the beginning of a series of comedies of errors. But iUniverse has terrific customer service. They fixed everything in a timely manner. So some of the sting of their mistakes (which were many) were soothed by awesome customer service reps.

Do you have an agent? If yes, how long did it take for you to find one?
I do not currently have an agent, but I am actively pursuing one. I use Publisher’s Marketplace, a site to look for reputable agents and view deals they have made over the past couple years. It took about three months of receiving feedback from various sources before I felt my query letter was professional. I even had my editor / proofreader go over it. I now understand why, after my initial effort of sending out my query letter, I received rejections for every one. I feel much more confident today and have just this past week sent out about 50 query letters to specific agents. I’m expecting big things in the near future.

How long did it take you to write Breakthrough?
Two years from start to finish. I thought I could accomplish everything in about eight months. But after the first editing/proof reading, I realized I still had a lot of research to perform and character development to perform. Then I had a second editor / proof reader go over the entire manuscript a second time. This was money well spent.

Are your characters based on yourself or anyone else you know?
The protagonist, Chase Manhattan (I may have to change his name to Chase Hawkings) is loosely based on me, only he’s a little bit taller than I am, a little bit better looking, a little faster, stronger, smarter, and much richer. The rest of the good guys (and girls) and bad guys (and girls) are partially made up and partially based on people I’ve known throughout my life.

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? What seems to work for unleashing your creativity?
Honestly, I don’t suffer from writer’s block, although there are times when I do write that I can’t use the material because it lacks substance or excitement. So I save the material and revisit the snippets in the future. I have a junkyard of sorts, and if I need a part, I go to my junkyard, grab what I need, then polish, refine it, and insert it.

Technically speaking, what do you have to struggle the most when writing? How do you tackle it?
I really don’t struggle very much as I love what I do. I love performing due diligence in my research. Much of the two years I spent writing Breakthrough was devoted to researching the latest and greatest in the realm of physics. I also had to research the Boston and Cambridge, MA area via the Internet as well as Boston police procedures. I also use Google Earth and yearly weather reports to describe a particular area. Honestly, there is so much information available at my fingertips, the biggest struggle I have is sorting through the wealth of information and eliminating irrelevant data.

What advice would you give someone who wants to get a book published?
The number one piece of advice I can give an aspiring author is to budget money for a competent editor / proofreader. Even editors who want to write and publish a book need an editor. This is the biggest, and one of the easiest, mistakes an author can make. Editors / proof readers are vital to your success. Vital is an appropriate word. It means: necessary for life. Don’t try to go it alone, even if you call yourself an editor. You need that second set of eyes to look over your manuscript before you forward it on for printing. You’re only as good as your editor / proof reader. Perception is reality, and the person buying your book will be the ultimate judge, not you, the author. I can say this with confidence, and hope to convince everyone I can to find a way to budget for a quality editor / proof reader. Most editors / proof readers will review your first 10 pages for free. I’m confident even the most experienced writers will be amazed at the results. Do what I did; pay for a few pages here, a few chapters there. Before you know it, your entire manuscript will be transformed into a work of art.

Please share with us your latest work-in-progress.
I am currently writing the next two installments of the Breakthrough trilogy entitled Opening and Escalation. These two books will pick up where Breakthrough left off and take the story on an international level. The setting is the United States, China, and the Middle East. These next books are very exciting as I use more discoveries and breakthroughs in physics in these books. Its too early to give away anything from these books, but for those who read Breakthrough, they will have a pretty good idea what direction Opening and Escalation will go. What’s awesome for me is that I do not have to not have to set my stories centuries in the future and use characters with pointy ears. Since mankind is on the cusp of discoveries and breakthroughs in just about every facet of our lives, I can use our modern day setting and not have to resort to using a science fiction genre. I’m also outlining an eerie Stephen King-type thriller entitled Murcat Manor set in Michigan.

Thank you so much, Steve.
It's been a pleasure, Helena. Thank you.

If that hasn't whetted your appetite for Steve's book, then I think this description of the book and the reviews it's been getting will!

Synopsis of Breakthrough
In a world where the Information Age is moving at breakneck speed, breakthroughs in areas of science that were once fodder for science fiction are now becoming a part of our everyday life. A group of graduate students from Massachusetts Institute of Technology have stolen a breakthrough in opening and stabilizing Einstein-Rosen Bridges, or wormholes, as they are commonly known, that allows them to instantly transport people from one location to another. Their goal is to assassinate any powerful politician and executive controlling the world’s banking system that would use this technology for their own greedy gain rather than the advancement of mankind.

Meanwhile, in south Orange County, California, young Chase Manhattan, part of a new breed of modern-day discovery seekers, seeks to leave behind his life of danger and adventure and settle down as an associate professor of physics at University of California-Irvine. He also desires to build a lasting relationship with a beautiful girl he has not seen since high school. But within days, he uncovers the diabolical scheme on the other side of the country and finds himself the one person who can prevent more murders from happening and who can ultimately destroy the technology.

However, once the MIT group realizes Chase and his friends have the ability and motivation to not only take the breakthrough technology from them, but also thwart more killings, Chase soon finds himself in their cross-hairs, the latest target on their list of assassinations. As the death toll mounts, Chase and his friends must battle this group of ambitious graduate students from MIT on both coasts and in cyberspace in a desperate race to control or destroy this breakthrough that threatens to drastically change life as we know it.Breakthrough, the first book in the Adventures of Chase Manhattan series, begins with a bang and offers the audience exciting, new and diverse heroes and villains. The result is a fresh suspense thriller series, integrating elements of greed, betrayal, passion, lust, unconditional love, coming of age and hope. The action is swift, and there are numerous twists and turns that will keep the reader turning the pages and wanting more.
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These are just two of the many 5 star reviews the book has been getting.

Review by Mike M: Posted January 15, 2009
A timely book that speaks to our generation with its technological breakthroughs and the struggle to use it for good or for evil. The concepts were well researched. What I liked most were the refreshing characters. Its time to read about new good guys with diverse personalities who somehow find a way to work together. Same with the bad guys. Lots of action with terrific character buildup combined with twists in the plot. Never a dull moment. I also liked the discriptions of Boston, MA and Orange County, CA. I've been to Orange County and appreciate the attention to detail in the cities and establishments the story takes place. Really looking forward to the next book. Rating: 5-stars

Review by Bill Buzzo: Posted March 13, 2009
Breakthrough: The Adventures of Chase Manhattan is a well-written, fast-paced thriller that takes you on a wild ride of suspense and intrigue. Chase Manhattan is a modern day cowboy trying to save the world from people who would choose power, money, and fame over the common interest and overall good of the planet. The storyline grabs you, pulls you in, and leaves you wondering, wow! what if that could really happen?? I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to more adventures with Chase Manhattan. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading, especially those who enjoy thrilling suspense & action incorporated into modern day technology. Rating: 5-stars
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And here is an excerpt from the first chapter.

'He carefully opened the door of the floor safe in the Salon Suite on the fifty-eighth floor of the Wynn Hotel, one of the newest five-star mega hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. Inside: a single item he had been hired to retrieve from an anxious and panicked research scientist in San Jose, Calif. The risks were high—not only for his client, but for himself. He understood that if he were caught, there would be no leverage for negotiation. He would be killed quickly, and his body dumped somewhere out in the middle of the Mojave Desert, like so many other unfortunate, nameless souls over the decades who now called this vast wasteland their final resting place.

There was also the risk that this item could again fall into the wrong hands. He was being paid handsomely to retrieve the stolen nanotechnology—a breakthrough in transferring information that could soon replace the use of wires and printed circuit boards in computers. This development was one of the Holy Grails of the Information Age, exponentially expanding the amount of information that could be stored and the speed at which it could be processed.

He needed to return the breakthrough information to its rightful owner quickly since the possibilities for this discovery were endless and could usher in a new paradigm for how data is input, stored, manipulated, and retrieved. In the wrong hands, it could be used by rogue nations to exponentially enhance the performance of weapons of mass destruction.

Reaching down, he took out the flash drive containing 585 pages of PDF documents outlining how to build this new breakthrough from the bottom up. The thieves who stole the flash drive had set off a small bomb in one of the bathrooms of his client’s three-story office building. Then they called, threatening to blow up the entire building—solely to create the diversion they needed to steal the flash drive. The operation was an inside job masterminded by a trusted colleague whose betrayal Chase’s client never foresaw.'

Breakthrough by Stephen Tremp
* Hardcover: 424 pages
* Publisher: iUniverse.com (December 31, 2008)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0595710700
* ISBN-13: 978-0595710706
* Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.5 inches

Available here: http://tinyurl.com/yckmga3
$29.95 List price
$23.96 Online price
$21.56 Member price(Save 28%)

Readers can catch up with Stephen on his blog http://www.stephentremp.blogspot.com/

Thank heavens for the wonderful child remote!

2009-10-04T08:00:00.000+01:00

Children laughing, screaming, shouting,
frazzled mother searching, searching, searching...
Children screaming, shouting, laughing,
frazzled mother searching, searching, searching...
Children shouting, screaming, laughing,
frazzled mother searching, searching, searching...

Where is it?
Can't find it?
Ah, got it!
Mute button pressed...
Ah, what quiet! What bliss!
Did someone say 'Silence is golden'?
What a truly marvellous quote...
Thank heavens for
the wonderful child remote!

Katie Hines's urban fantasy novel, Guardian

2009-10-03T08:00:00.000+01:00

Katie Hines, fellow member of the group VBT-Writers on the Move, is my guest this month and in this, my second post about Katie, I'll be focusing on her upcoming book, Guardian, soon to be published by 4RV Publishing.

Imagine you have made a secret promise that can lead you to an incredible treasure and an ancient power. But in order to fulfill that promise, you must defeat an age-old sect determined to claim the treasure and power themselves. Would you do it? This is what Guardian, Katie's first novel, is all about.

Review by Deborah Hockenberry

“Promise me you’ll find the journal and search for the treasure,” gasped Drew’s dying mother. “It’s your destiny.”

Three months later, three teenagers sat around a campfire roasting marshmallows. Drew Newman is just about to tell his friends a secret when a man steps out of the darkness. The man carries an old fashioned sword and wears a long, hooded cloak. He lifts Drew’s chin with his sword. “Where is it?,” the man asks. “Where is the book?”

Who is this man and what does he want? Is the book the one Drew touched when he was a kid? The book was leather bound with gold and silver threads embossed on it. The threads formed a tree and its root system. When Drew touched the book magical things happened. Is this the book the man is asking about? What is this mysterious, magical book? Does this have anything to do with the promise he made to his dying mother?

Drew’s adventures start that night and continue when he travels to Nova Scotia where his grandparents live. Grandpa Ian tells him a story that involves Christ’s crucifixion, ancient magic and secret societies. Drew eventually finds out that he’s a contender to be the Holy Grail’s next guardian. He has to answer two questions correctly. Through his answers we learn what the Grail really is.

Ms. Hines combines Christianity and fantasy, making ‘Guardian’ a very enjoyable book. It’s fast paced with a lot of twists, turns and danger!”

===================================================================

TITLE: Guardian
AUTHOR: Katie Hines
PUBLISHER: 4RV Publishing
COPYRIGHT: 2009
GENRE: Middle Grade Urban Fantasy

Find out more about Guardian and the author at: http://katiehines.blogspot.com

Introducing fantasy novelist, Katie Hines

2009-10-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

I am delighted to have as my guest this month fantasy novelist and fellow member of VBT-Writers on the Move, Katie Hines.

Katie has been writing snippets here and there for as long as she can remember. When in 8th grade, she wrote a short story called Underworld. Then, in high school, she wrote several poems that were published in an anthology.

Marriage and raising two children contributed to putting away writing for a few years, but she came back to it while in her 40s. Since that time she has been a contributing feature writer and columnist for a local newspaper, has written several features articles for another area newspaper and religious and humor articles for an online Catholic ezine. Her short story My Name is Bib, was published by the Loch Raven Review in October, 2008.

Katie has finished her first novel Guardian, which is soon to be published by 4RV Publishing, and she is now working on another middle grade, urban fantasy novel as well as a couple of chapter books. She is also extending My Name is Bib into a full, young adult novel.

I asked Katie a few questions, so readers could get to know her a little better.

Katie, what genres do you write and why?
I currently have a book under contract which is a middle grade, urban fantasy and I'm working on a follow-up in the same genre. That being said, I also have a young adult novel that I'm working on and a couple of chapter books. I write in these genres because they interest me and because I have a “vision” for my books - I hear them in my head, so am compelled to write.

What prompted you to write your first book 'Guardian' ?
It was really all my husband’s fault! He was the one who first encouraged me to pick up writing, and more specifically, to write a book (as opposed to newspaper articles or copywriting). I had a memoir that I wrote before I knew anything. It was truly horrible. But I also embarked on a several month long education tour, learning as much about writing and the publishing industry as I could. So, with my husband’s encouragement again, I wrote Guardian, which is much better than that first book!

What did you find the hardest thing about writing your book?
Catching my own errors, like having a person be in one room and two pages later be in another room, but not showing them walking from one to the other. That’s not a real example, but you get the picture.

What was the easiest part?
Writing a humorous chapter about chickens. I laughed all the way through writing it.

What pre-publicity are you and/or your publisher involved in to promote your book?
I have a blog, a website is under construction, I belong to many social networking groups, I have a media kit, am a guest blogger on other blogs, and am working on a teacher’s guide. I have also been a guest on a podcast and BlogTalkRadio.

What marketing will you and/or your publisher be doing after publication?
I will utilize corresponding with the contacts I’ve already made, create a media release, throw a book launch party, be involved in local book signings and school visits, and (hopefully) be able to travel in the South a bit to schools and bookstores on a physical tour, but I also anticipate a blog tour.

When you're not writing, what are you doing?
Cleaning house and cooking dinner. Also, keeping close ties with my children and grandchild. Family is big and important to me and comes first.

What are your future writing goals?
I want to finish some of the specific books I'm working on, but I also want to be able to balance my writing life with my personal life better. I take time off to be with family and friends; time I could be writing, but family is most important. I see additional books in my future, and (of course) I see myself winning the Newbery award!

Katie, it's been a pleasure talking to you. Thank you for such an interesting and informative interview.

You can catch up with Katie on her blog http://katiehines.blogspot.com

Drop by on Saturday to learn more about Katie's intriguing and fascinating novel Guardian. If you'd like to ask Katie a question, please leave a comment.

Picture book delight

2009-09-23T12:11:00.000+01:00

This poem was inspired by a discussion in one of my Facebook groups which was 'What is the most important part of a picture book?'

Picture Book Delight

Characters, story, pictures...
Which is the biz?
What makes a
picture book delight?
Is the message important?
Must it warm the heart?
For me, all have a part to play,
working together in harmony,
creating a sum
greater than the whole,
producing a wonderful,
magical synergy.

Copyright © Helena Harper

What do you think? What is the most important part of a picture book for you?

Encapsulates characters and events breathtakingly

2009-09-15T14:28:00.000+01:00

Latest review of my ebook Family and More - Enemies or Friends? (due to come out soon as a paperback).

Family and More by Helena Harper is a tribute, a family portrait, a synopsis of life.

"Family and More, a book of poetry by Helena Harper, is like a poetic synopsis of a wartime saga, the life of a family with a backdrop of history, a memoir told in poetic blurbs. The author encapsulates characters and events breathtakingly. There is so much here to think about once one turns the last page. I was left wanting more! More! Though I love poetry, I'm looking forward to the literary (poetic!) novel (or novels!) where Harper could explore the nuances of each and every memory, hook them together, let us see the relationships, the interaction, the settings, one poignant scene at a time."

Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Multi-award winning writer and poet
http://www.howtodoitfrugally.com/

Does our education system delight both teacher and taught?

2009-09-13T16:59:00.000+01:00

With the start of a new school year and parents and children all over the country thinking once more about grades and marks and passing exams, it's a suitable time to consider whether our education system is really delivering what our children and what our society need. My overriding impression after having been a secondary school teacher in the U.K. for the past twenty years is that I've been on a merry-go-round. I've seen things being introduced, then abolished, then introduced again. I've seen more and more exams and tests being introduced and now some of those new exams and tests are being abolished -- and, perhaps, in the future they'll be reintroduced again; who knows? I've had to cut interesting discussions short in class because otherwise I wouldn't have completed the syllabus and been able to do past paper practice with students before the all-important exams. The students have been fixated on getting the highest grades they could because otherwise they wouldn't be able to get into university or do whatever else they wanted to do and would be deemed failures.

The paperwork for teachers has increased substantially because of the increase in the number of examinations and all kinds of other regulations that politicians have seen fit to introduce. Don't politicians just love to interfere with education even though they don't have a clue what teaching actually involves? Expressions of thanks from parents and pupils have grown fewer and fewer whilst complaints have grown ever greater.

The 'aha' moments I've seen in my pupils' faces and the strong bonds I've developed with my colleagues, most of whom are remarkable human beings - intelligent, caring, very hardworking and often showing a much needed sense of humour - have been rewarding. However, the system as it exists at the moment is far from ideal and the longer one is in it, the more aware one becomes of its failings. If teachers could get on with their jobs without interference from politicians; if we could get rid of restrictive syllabuses and fact-based exams that do nothing to promote independent, creative thought; and if we could stress cooperation with others rather than competition, then perhaps – as I say in my book It's a Teacher's Life...! (an amusing, often ironic collection of 'anecdotal' poems relating to the teaching profession) - it will be possible to

'create another
indisputable reality
where education delights
both teacher and taught
and restrictions and syllabuses
are but a long, distant memory.'

My ideal would be an education system where teachers are much more facilitators than instructors. Pupils would be able to choose what they want to study and how they want to study, aided by their teachers, and because they would be learning what they want to learn, there wouldn't be any motivational or behavioural issues. Classes would be much smaller than they are today and prescriptive syllabuses and exams would be a thing of the past. Such a system would produce creative, independent thinking adults, which is what our world desperately needs if it is to find creative solutions to the problems that are facing us today.

***********************************************************************************

What do you think? Do you think that our current education system delights both teacher and taught?

Heaven's Scented Kiss

2009-09-07T11:10:00.001+01:00

A poem in memory of an aunt of mine who died recently...

Marie, a name of simple elegance,
like the lady that bore that name,
though her slim, slight build belied
fierce independence, courage and strength,
hiding a will that refused to bow
to norms of conventionality,
helping her to brave life's storms
with resourcefulness and dignity.

Devoted mother,
caring sister,
generous aunt,
freely giving her time
to help the sick and infirm,
informing and enlivening
with gayness of manner
and quickness of tongue.
Taking pleasure creating
culinary delights,
exciting two young nieces
with yawning,
cavernous appetites.
Delighting in nature,
her garden a passion,
feeling at one with plants and trees,
though garden work
as the years go by
is no real friend
to delicate, ageing knees.

Memories of a wonderful companion
for old and young alike,
brighten the eyes and curve the lips
as one sees once more this lady
recounting tales of days gone by
with softish voice and humour wry...
A gentle, kind and wise old soul,
whose days now pass in that garden beyond -
may she find enchantment there,
surrounded by love and peace,
rejoicing in the beautiful flowers
of heaven's scented kiss.

Sunstruck – a novel quite out of the common!

2009-09-03T08:00:00.000+01:00

In my second post this month about multi-talented author, blogger and reviewer, Mayra Calvani, I am going to tell you about her novel, Sunstruck.

In the novel twenty-four year old Daniella is an architecture student living with her narcissistic, artist boyfriend in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Abandoned by her father at an early age, Daniella always falls for the wrong type of man. Her most enduring male relationship so far is with her 30-pound Turkish angora cat. Thankfully, Daniella's mother is always there to offer a shoulder.

Several strange mysteries are threaded through Daniella's everyday life: her ex-husband, Ismael, has just opened an outlandish hotel for animal lovers that has her distraught; Ismael's wife, a rich woman Daniella fondly refers to as "Lady Dracula," has some gruesome ways to keep her skin looking young; Daniella's mother is founding a revolutionary, feminist society called The Praying Mantises; the island's national forest is being depleted of hallucinogenic mushrooms; meanwhile, young girls are disappearing and there's a nut loose, dressed as Zorro, slashing the rear ends of women who wear miniskirts.

Oppressed by all these crazed, eccentric characters, Daniella feels herself falling into an abyss. Then something horrendous happens, making Daniella wake from her stupor and take charge of her life.

Readers can find out more about the novel at www.sunstruckthenovel.blogspot.com

**************************************************************************
Review of Sunstruck:

“A Fast-Paced, Humorous and Titillating Read. Recommended.”
By Douglas Quinn, Author of Blue Heron Marsh (www.douglasquinn.com)

First, let me say that third person present (it takes me a chapter or two to get into the rhythm of the writing) and chic lit aren’t my usual reading fare but I liked the premise, so I dove in and was pleasantly surprised.
The characters are quirky and Calvani’s descriptions are wickedly delicious, sometimes irreverent and at all times scrumptiously entertaining. All this talk is making me want to run off to Taco Bell, Ismael’s favorite hangout–or is it McDonald’s or Burger King? Actually it’s all of them. Among other not-so-flattering traits, he’s also a fast food junkie.

Ismael is the disturbed ex-husband of Calvani’s moody and emotional heroine, Daniella. He is married to Lady Dracula, a woman who collects torture devices and gives herself blood facials. And who knows what she hides in a secret room behind the closet. And, there’s more. Calvani also gives us a mutinous Angora cat with its own passport, an anti-feminist, ass-slasher dressed as Zorro, an animal hotel where you can share a room with exotic and sometimes dangerous animals, magical mushrooms that make LSD seem like a sissy drug, Daniella’s mother, who favors retail therapy and coffee enemas, and Daniella’s live-in boyfriend, Tony, a surrealist artist who weaves his way through life in his own bizzaro world of drugs and an obsessive quest for fame.

Amid the chaos of her friends and family, will Daniella find peace and her place in the world? And who is this Zorro imitator, and what is this obsession with making the "Z" slash on the buttocks of girls wearing miniskirts? You may be surprised at the answers.

Prepare yourself for a satirical romp through Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, for Sunstruck by Mayra Calvani is a fast-paced, humorous and titillating read. Recommended for both chicks and...uh...well, you know, us sensitive type guys.

**************************************************************************
Sunstruck, parody/satire
Zumaya Publications
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-934841-18-1
eBook formats ISBN: 978-1-934841-19-8
Available from Amazon.com

Author’s website at www.MayraCalvani.com
Contact the author at mayra.calvani(at)gmail.com

Interview with Mayra Calvani

2009-09-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

It's my pleasure today to have as my guest Mayra Calvani, who is a fellow member of the group VBT-Writers on the Move. Mayra is a multi-genre author, reviewer and animal advocate who hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico. A regular contributor to Blogcritics Magazine and Suite101, she's a member of SCBWI and Broad Universe. She keeps two blogs, Mayra's Secret Bookcase and The Dark Phantom Review and she has also recently started another, fun blog called Pets and Their Authors, where her golden retriever interviews other authors' pets! She is the author of the novel Sunstruck and is the co-author of the nonfiction work, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing.

This multi-talented lady also does Spanish translations of children's picture books, is co-editor of Voice in the Dark newsletter, and is the National Latino Books Examiner for Examiner.com.

INTERVIEW

Mayra, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, but I live in Belgium now. I started writing when I was about 12 and have been hooked ever since. Though my favorite genre is the paranormal, I also write children’s picture books, nonfiction, and other categories like horror and satire. When I’m not writing, I love reading, playing the violin, blogging, reviewing, and spending time with my family.

What motivated you to become an author?
The magic of bringing the worlds of my imagination onto the page.

Were you an avid reader as a child? What type of books did you enjoy reading?
I was not an avid reader until I was about 11. That’s when I discovered Agatha Christie. By the time I was 14 I had read all of her novels. I had her entire mystery collection in Spanish translation. So I never really read children’s or YA books. I went straight into the adult books at a pretty early age.

Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.
This is a bit funny because my latest novel, Sunstruck, is actually one of the first books I ever wrote—about fifteen years ago. It is a parody/satire and the style is very different from what I write now. I grew up in San Juan with an artist mom and from an early age visited many art shows and went to artist meetings. A quiet child, I mostly observed. My book was influenced by what I saw. Artist circles can be very interesting and quite strange at times!

How would you describe your creative process while writing this book? Was it stream-of-consciousness writing, or did you first write an outline?
Definitely stream-of-consciousness, and I think it shows in the writing. Back then, my inner critic wasn’t as strong, so I wrote more freely. I didn’t say no to any crazy ideas… and it is an unusual, crazy book. People either love it or hate it. One reviewer called it ‘Brilliant’, and another said she had never read another book even remotely like it.

Agatha Christie got her best ideas while eating green apples in the bathtub. Steven Spielberg says he gets his best ideas while driving on the highway. When do you get your best ideas and why do you think this is?
I’m constantly getting new ideas—they attack me like the plague. I can be at a table with dinner guests and getting ideas at the same time. I know, poor guests! If only they knew that sometimes I can’t listen to them, only because those imaginary characters take control of my mind. It’s like being taken hostage. But I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way.

When writing, what themes do you feel passionate about?
I’m fascinated by moral dilemmas, such as the idea of a higher good, the idea that the end justifies the means. I tackle this in my supernatural thriller, Dark Lullaby. I’m also intrigued and pulled by the concept of vigilantism, the concept of ultimate justice vs. human law. These themes that obsess me have obsessed me since I was very young.

Are you a disciplined writer?
Not as much as I would like to be! I have my ups and downs. I try to be organized, which helps a lot, and manage to accomplish a number of goals each month. This helps me feel I’m progressing and keeps me motivated.

What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
Write for yourself—not for the market.

Thank you so much, Mayra, for the interview.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn more about Mayra's book, Sunstruck, in my post on Thursday. In the meantime you can catch up with Mayra here

http://www.mayracalvani.com/
http://slipperybookreview.wordpress.com/
http://sunstruckthenovel.blogspot.com/
http://thedarkphantom.wordpress.com/
http://www.petsandauthors.blogspot.com/

Children's books:
http://mayrassecretbookcase.com/
http://mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com/

If you have a question for Mayra, please leave a comment.

Interview with Helena Harper

2009-08-18T14:18:00.000+01:00

Interview with me today on Jo Linsdell's award-winning blog "Writers & Authors" http://writersandauthors.blogspot.com/2009/08/interview-with-helena-harper.html

Down to the Core: One Lovely Blog Award

2009-08-14T18:07:00.001+01:00

Down to the Core: One Lovely Blog Award

Karen and Robyn - Writing for Children: One Lovely Blog Award

2009-08-14T18:07:00.000+01:00

Karen and Robyn - Writing for Children: One Lovely Blog Award#links

One Lovely Blog Award

2009-08-14T17:31:00.001+01:00

In the past couple of days, I've been touched and honoured to receive One Lovely Blog Award from two very different women, who are themselves very worthy recipients of the award: Karen Cioffi and Heather Paye.

Karen is the founder and coordinator of the yahoo group VBT-Writers on the Move. She is a tireless and selfless promoter of fellow authors, someone who is never daunted by obstacles, who is always looking to find better ways to do things - and her determination and positive attitude are inspiring.

Heather is a fellow VBT-Writers on the Move member. Heather is still very young but she has enormous drive and determination. Her passion for writing and reading comes through in everything she does and she has already had a novel published. She is someone who is not afraid to go all out to make her dreams a reality and as such is an inspiration to old and young alike.

All my fellow VBT members are worthy of this award and I know that several of them, like myself, have been recent recipients, such as Carolyn Howard-Johnson, who – despite being an amazingly busy and successful writer involved in all kinds of projects – still finds time to read others' books, post reviews and give encouragement.

It is now my pleasure to pass on this award. These are the rules for those individuals I choose. They are simple:

1) Accept the award, and don’t forget to post a link back to the awarding person.
2) Pass the award on.
3) Notify the award winners.

There are three women I would like to pass this award on to, who have inspired me in different ways: Liana Metal, Yvonne Lewis and Jan D. Holiday.

Liana Metal: Liana is a fellow modern languages teacher. She is Greek and she teaches English, but she is also a book reviewer and freelance writer. She writes picture books for children, which she illustrates herself, as she is also a talented artist. The aim of her picture books is to not only encourage children to read but also to help them learn something about nature, and she writes in both Greek and English, which is no mean accomplishment! Liana was the person who first introduced me to the group VBT-Writers on the Move, so I have much to thank her for! She is also someone who is incredibly generous with her time and talents, she is a dedicated teacher and she is someone who is always looking for new challenges. I find her attitude truly inspiring.

Yvonne Lewis: Yvonne is a fellow poet from the UK. I recently came across Yvonne's blog when participating in one of the VBT-Writers on the Move blog tours and I immediately liked her style of poetry - quirky, humorous, affectionate, emphasising the positive things in life, the things we have to be grateful for. Her poems often tell a story, something I like to do in my own poetry.

Jan D. Holiday: Jan is a fellow children's author whom I first met on MySpace. When I eventually joined Facebook, Jan very kindly sent suggestions to all her writer friends to send me a friend invitation and so, thanks to Jan, I quickly had a long list of interesting and stimulating fellow authors to connect with there. She is another person who is also very generous with her time and is always willing to give advice.

None of the above may be bestselling authors (yet!), but they inspire me through their selflessness, generosity and kindness and their desire to emphasise the positive side of life.

Limits, no limits

2009-08-10T20:24:00.000+01:00

What the world says and what the spirit says - some thoughts....

LIMITS, NO LIMITS

"Limits,
lack,
insufficiency,
not enough,
borders,
boundaries,
limitations,
impossible,
separation,
fear,
I can't,"
the world screams -
and we listen...

"No limits,
no lack,
abundance,
more than enough,
infinity,
endlessness,
immenseness,
all things possible,
unity,
joy,
I can,"
the soul whispers -
but we don't hear...

Interview with children's author Dorothy Massey

2009-08-03T08:00:00.000+01:00

For my second post this month about children's author, Dorothy Massey, I asked Dorothy some questions about how she started to write for children and why she likes to write for this age group.

Q. Dorothy, can you tell us how you got the commission to write stories for the "Mini Mysteries and Kooky Spookies" anthology?

A. I'd be delighted to, Helena. In 2007, the publishers, Pinestein Press, held a competition called Things That go Bump… . The brief was to write a short story for 7-9 year olds which was spooky and humorous. The setting was a school lunch room. I wrote a story called Little Red Riding Hoo…ood, based on the traditional fairy tale. As a result Pinestein asked me to write a further three stories for the anthology, which is called Mini Mysteries & Kooky Spookies. The result was The Ghost Twin Tales, three stories featuring the mischievous but lovable Wiggle and Woo.

Q. Had you written children’s stories prior to this?

A. I’d completed the Institute of Children’s Literature Course in Writing for Children and Teenagers and had written a couple of stories for that. Until then, though, I hadn’t had any children’s stories published.

Q. Have you written more children’s stories since?

A. Yes. Winning the competition and getting published gave me the confidence to write and submit more stories. Since then I’ve won another two children’s story competitions. Last year, I won Kangaroo Press’ Scary Halloween Competition with a story called Charlie’s Pumpkin Head. Recently, I was one of the winners of the Munch Bunch Storytelling Competition. My entry for that competition, Munch the Storyteller, was released as a podcast recording on the Munch Bunch website in March. The stories are read by the popular T.V. presenter and celebrity, Gail Porter. I’ve also received a commission to write for an upcoming children’s magazine, but details of that are still under wraps at the moment.

Q. What are your current writing projects?

A. I’m writing stories for a British publishing company who have requested submissions for a number of upcoming anthologies. I’ve also started a fantasy novel and am working on a couple of picture book manuscripts.

Q. Why do you like writing for children?

A. It’s so much fun and the possibilities are endless. It’s challenging, but rewarding too. We all have a part of us that is still a child. Writing for children allows me to take mine out to play.

I so agree with that, Dorothy. Thank you for your time, it's been a pleasure!

You can catch up with Dorothy on her blog at www.kidsbooksuk.blogspot.com

Introducing Dorothy Massey – children's author and teacher

2009-08-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

It's a real pleasure to be able to introduce to you today children's author and teacher, Dorothy Massey. Dorothy is a fellow member of the yahoo group, VBT – Writers on the Move, and she is the author of a set of three stories about ghost twins, Wiggle and Woo, published in a Pinestein Press anthology in Dec 2007, entitled Mini Mysteries and Kooky Spookies. Dorothy was delighted to be commissioned to write these stories after winning first prize in Pinestein’s ‘Things that go Bump …’ competition with a story comprising a spooky twist on the fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood. Since then she has won further competitions, with one of her stories being recorded as a podcast by TV presenter Gail Porter to launch a new storytelling character for Munch Bunch products.

Dorothy has specialised in teaching literacy and has taught ESL, Adult Basic Skills, Family Learning and Creative Writing. The third edition of her publication for ESL students, ‘Better English’, published by Studymates, has recently been published in India.

She now writes fiction for children from pre-school to Key Stage 2 as well as teaching Creative Writing for Durham County Council’s Education in the Community. Two packs of poetry resources for Key Stage 3 written by Dorothy are awaiting publication with Zig Zag and she has a fantasy novel in progress.

Dorothy lives in Crook, a small ex-mining town in the North East of England and is a member of SSWAG (Seven Stories Writers and Artists Group). For more information about Dorothy and writing for children, visit her blog: www.kidsbooksuk.blogspot.com

Mini Mysteries and Kooky Spookies

Mini Mysteries and Kooky Spookies by Stephanie Campisi, Calvin Innes, Dorothy Massey and Marcia Nass is available from:
www.pinestein.com
www.amazon.com
www.amazon.co.uk
ISBN 0-9795364-2-1
Price $5.99/£4.75

Mini Mysteries & Kooky Spookies is a collection of one dozen mysteries and spooky stories for early readers. The book features six simple everyday mysteries that readers can solve along with six not-so-scary tales of some hauntingly memorable spooks. The three stories written by Dorothy Massey feature the ghost twins, Wiggle and Woo.

As one Amazon reviewer has said,
“This is a terrific book. It is well-written, fun, exciting and challenging. It is a wholesome book that teaches children how to deal with tough, life-like situations, use logical reasoning and acquire people skills. I gave my 7 year old grandson a copy of this book and I was so impressed by his reaction that I gave another copy to my other grandchildren.”
Sound good? Then why not purchase a copy of Mini Mysteries & Kooky Spookies today!

I'll be posting an interview with Dorothy on Monday. Drop by to learn more about this interesting and versatile author. If you have any questions for Dorothy, please leave a comment.

Savvy Auntie's Day

2009-07-26T13:09:00.000+01:00

My adopted Aunty Thelma is second from the right. The other people in the photo are, from the left, her eldest brother, Les, her twin, Joan, her mother, Hazel, and on the right, her father, Les Archer.

A few weeks ago I learnt that 26 July is Savvy Auntie's Day - a day when we can show our appreciation to all aunts, great aunts and godmothers. So in honour of all aunts everywhere, whether aunts by blood or by choice, I thought I'd post this poem, which is a tribute to an adopted aunt of mine, who grew up in a motorcycling family and broke a motorcycling record together with her twin, at Brooklands, when she was still just 15. A remarkable achievement at any time, let alone in the 1930s.

My adopted Aunty Thelma on her successful record-breaking attempt at Brooklands in the 1930s

The Adopted Aunt

A dear, old friend of the father,
this adopted Aunty Thelma,
a motorcyling passion combining
and open directness,
dryness of wit and
keen sharpness of mind
subtly enticing.

The surname Archer,
synonymous with motorbikes
in long-lost 1930s England,
inseparable from her sisterly twin,
both perfectly at home on those
roaring two-wheeled machines,
clad in helmet and leathers,
racing round Brooklands
at incredible speed,
models of skill
and consummate ease -
the world record broken,
an awesome feat and
wasn't it a breeze?
Yet she and her sister
still so young and innocent,
world record holders,
though not yet sixteen,
everyone safe, thank God!
And the bikes? Not a dent!

Flouting conventions
and blazing a trail
for the women of tomorrow
to follow and pave -
like beacons shining their lights
to those who are still far away,
yet rolling ever nearer
in wave after wave.
Yet when day turns to night,
this beacon called Thelma
discards the leathers,
the grease and the grime
and in graceful dress of mirrored silk,
moving with curved elegance
to the music of brass and string,
she turns men's heads,
making their hearts gleefully sing.

One she then finds and
married life starts,
house and work,
exercise and travel,
nieces and nephews,
godchildren galore
filling the seconds
and minutes of her days...
Among them two girls,
honorary nieces of
this old friend called Nick,
showered unfailingly
every birthday and Christmas
with cards of delight
and presents of wonder...
Into adulthood and beyond,
for almost half a century,
though bodily ills dissipate
energy and activity,
no birthday or Christmas is forgot.

No blood aunt could have shown
more love or compassion,
greater thoughtfulness or kindness
or heart steadier, more generous.
No relative could have given
greater cheerfulness or warmth
on visits to that cottage of ancient charm,
nestling in Hampshire countryside
of verdant green,
nourishing the soul with beauty,
peace and calm.

Time has now had its final say,
yet memories of a woman
tall and fashionable,
with happiness of heart
and lightness of smile,
of unceasing strength and dignity
as the lengthening years took their toll,
will most surely gladden the heart
in the days that are to come,
filling it with gratitude and thanks
for a wonderful soul,
freed now from physical bonds
and enriching eternity
with its infinite grace
and endless, glowing charity.

Thank you, Aunty Thelma,
for thinking of us so kindly
through all the many, many years,
for touching our hearts
with zest and joy...
You are family, indeed,
the love in our hearts tells us so,
and we will never forget you,
as witnessed by our smiling tears.

(This poem will be added to my other poems in my collection Family and More - Enemies or Friends?, when it is published as a paperback.)

What memories do you have of your aunts - adopted or otherwise? Feel free to share.

Anyone for tennis?

2009-07-04T08:00:00.000+01:00

As a long-standing tennis fan and with Wimbledon having given us such great matches during the past two weeks, I'd like to post two poems as a tribute to the game and to the people who help us play it.

THE TENNIS GAME

Eyes lasering in
on the ball,
backspin,
top spin,
side spin,
no spin?
Legs running,
feet jumping,
toes tripping,
arms swinging,
heart pumping,
blood rushing,
lungs bursting,
mouth gasping,
cheeks blazing,
sweat pouring,
ball hitting,
ball missing,
ball in,
ball out,
hands clapping,
mouths shouting,
tongues cursing,
lips screaming,
racquets throwing,
movement thrilling,
endorphins fizzing,
exuberance peaking,
exhaustion winning,
eyes glowing.

THE TENNIS DIRECTOR

Not one of your green youngsters this one,
wet behind the ears,
oh no, not he,
the once lithe, young body of twenty or so years
marked now by middle-age spread and dubious knees.
Physically unprepossessing without a doubt,
fitness not what it was,
victim of recurrent infections
and numerous operations
on those annoyingly painful, troublesome knees,
but execution and choice of shot mesmerizing;
years of experience honing his craft
at home and abroad in countless foreign countries,
a teacher par excellence,
able to explain in few words and wise
varying techniques and match-winning strategies,
assessing the pupil with expert eyes,
for effective coaching an essential,
yet a mystery to younger colleagues
who have learnt but one way
and teach from the book
whether suited to pupil or not,
though it’s clear to all
once you know the difference
and properly look.

A tiny detail here,
one word there,
and understanding and game

start to transform,
for it begins to dawn
with ever increasing light
how mental attitudes affect shot selection
and the outcome of the fight,
and finally one comes to know
what “eye on the ball” actually means,
all so totally different
to what happened before
with the other “normal” pros
who coached by rote
and made lessons a bore.

And thus it shows once more
that appearances do indeed often deceive
and one mustn’t judge books by their cover or sleeve,
for if we do we shut out all kinds of possibilities
not thought of and wonderful,
which can lead us to paths
both surprising and joyful.

(from Family and More - Enemies or Friends?)

Owen Fiddler - a morality tale with a difference

2009-07-03T08:00:00.001+01:00

Today, in my second post this month about award-winning author and blogger, Marvin D. Wilson, you can learn more about his morality tale Owen Fiddler and his latest book, Between the Storm and the Rainbow, which is an anthology of the best posts from his blog The Old Silly's Free Spirit Blog.

Owen Fiddler is the tale of one man's bad behaviour from his early years as a boy through adulthood. Owen Fiddler is a womanizer, a drunkard and a liar. He behaves horribly toward his mother, stepfather, and brother and he never takes any responsibility for his actions or their consequences because there is always someone else to blame - his brother Paize, his stepfather, his friends and others. There are some unique characters, including Lou Seiffer (Lucifer), a truck driver who lends Owen money, and Kris (Jesus Christ). And there is also Frenda, Owen's daughter, who becomes the light of his life. The story shows how Owen's life goes from bad to worse and how he finally finds salvation. As the book description says, Owen is “no role model for you or your kids, but reading his story will learn ya a thing or two, and that's a fact. This is an entertaining, thought-provoking, humorous and spiritually insightful book which will surely have you thinking about your own life. Hey you – yeah, you! Do you like to dance? Don’t forget to pay the fiddler!”

Owen Fiddler Trailor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVRkDSmwSjE

Below you can read an excerpt from the novel, Owen Fiddler.

Frenda, Owen and Kris Meet in the Never-World

Frenda turned to Owen. He was kneeling on the floor, hands clasped together over his heart, head down, wide-eyed and shaking. Residual human feelings rose up in her and she again felt the rise and fall of the heart as it went through the emotional gamut of love, anxiety, pity, anger, disappointment and hope. She dispensed with her aura and morphed back into her simple earthly form, dressed in a plain white cotton robe. She dropped to her knees on the floor facing Owen. She felt nothing but affection. She looked him in the eyes and said, “Daddy.”

The stark simplicity of her statement stabbed Owen in his heart and he burst into tears, falling forward into Frenda’s arms. She held him, caressed and stroked his back as he wept. After a long moment, she propped him back up, calmed him with a thought and said, “I have someone I want you to meet.”

Owen knew who it was she spoke of and he was not feeling ready for that meeting. “I’m not worthy,” he whispered, “I’m not worthy of your concern for me.”

“Oh, Daddy, yes, you most surely are.”

“I’ve been a carousing irresponsible drunkard all my life.”

“I don’t care. I forgive you.”

“I cheated on your mother, many times.”

“I forgive you.”

“I’m a sexual predator.”

“Forgiven; that and everything else can all be in the past. I forgive you.”

“I’m a thief, Frenda, you don’t understand. I cheat. I take things I haven’t earned, things that aren’t mine and I never repay my debts.”

“I do understand, Daddy, I can see everything now and I forgive you all your transgressions and misguided deeds.”

Owen paused for a time, trying to raise the courage to put forth his deepest dark secret, the one final damning admission that he knew would end this conversation with a victory in his own personal Hell. “F-F-Frenda,” he said with bowed head, “I … I … it was me who was responsible for your death. I stole the money from your purse, the deed that led to your fatal accident. I killed you, baby girl. Please just go now and leave me to my fate. I am unworthy of your love.”

Frenda laughed.

Startled, Owen looked up, “What’s so funny?”

“Daddy, look at me. Do I look dead to you?”

“Frenda, you know what I mean”

“No, I don’t know or accept what you mean. Life and freedom everlasting are what I know now, and I am growing a bit impatient with your stubborn self-pity. Daddy, are you sorry for all those things you’ve done?”

“Oh yes, baby girl, I am so sorry, so terribly sorry.”

“Then I forgive you. For everything. Now look, Daddy, we don’t have much time. You are due back on earth any minute now. It’s not a good situation for you back there. You are near physical death in a coma. Daddy, look at me. Look me in the eyes. What do you see?”

Owen looked into his daughter’s heavenly hazel eyes. Love and compassion poured into his being, swept over his mind, cascaded down over his heart and broke the dam in his soul. It burst open with the joyous acceptance of forgiveness. He hadn’t known this feeling before, was speechless in a precious moment of rapture.

Frenda sensed the change in him and repeated her request, “Daddy, you must meet with my friend. It is one thing for me to forgive and for you to receive my forgiveness; but ultimately for you to be with me forever, for you to have eternal life and peace, you must meet and reconcile with him. Can we please do this now? Daddy … please?”

Owen couldn’t believe his own voice saying, “Yes.”

Frenda tilted her head back, threw her arms wide open and voiced in a loud beseeching bellow, “KRIS!”

“No need to shout, I’m right here.”

Both startled, Frenda and Owen rose to their feet to the sound of Kris’ happy chortling, only to feel the floor removed from under them and witness the room disappear. They were now held in weightless suspension in the middle of an orb of light. It resembled a cosmic eye that looked inward at them from every direction.

The eye spoke.

“Owen, Owen, my friend, it is good to finally have an audience with you and to have your undivided attention. I have been here all the time. I have witnessed your sincere apology to your daughter and your acceptance of her forgiveness. Now here comes the bigger question. Can you do the same with me? I promise it won’t hurt.”

Owen was thunderstruck. He thought back to all the followers of this god who he had helped into adultery and hypocrisy. He remembered the innocent pastor who had taken the rap and lost his spiritual career over his misdeeds. His heart sank as he recalled all the foul epithets and curses he had thought and said guided toward anyone and anything that represented in anyway a believer in the Way of the Christ. He bowed his head and closed his eyes in an attempt to escape the stare of the inquisitive omnipresent eye.

The eye spoke.

“Owen, I know of all these things you are thinking. They are not you unless you hang on to them in your mind and do not repent of them. I offer you a release. I possess the capacity, with your permission and help, to rid you of your dark clinging to those deeds as if they represent the true and essential you. We are the same, Owen, but you have forsaken me in your deluded sense of self and separation from the All. Listen carefully, my friend. You are not a human being having a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being having a human experience, the knowledge of good and evil, the temptations of the flesh and free will.

You have not done so well with your choices so far, on that we are agreed. Your basic error has been in not understanding the interconnectedness of all things and beings. Everything is one, Owen. Because of this truth, this basic law of the universe, it is impossible to take from another without taking from yourself. When you harm another, you harm yourself. When you deceive others, you deceive yourself. Conversely, giving to, helping and loving others are none other than loving and helping your self. Do you understand this now, Owen?”

Owen did understand, in a momentous flash of enlightenment. He got it. His eyes went wide open. He felt strange and light. He could scarce believe the calm and happiness in his heart as he said, “Yes … I understand.”

“I can see it is true,” the eye of Kris said, “Now that you know the truth, the truth can set you free. Change is possible. Are you ready to change?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sorry for the mistakes you’ve made?”

“Yes, yes!”

“Do you believe in the Truth, and believe that I the One, the Truth, the Light and the Way, can cleanse you of your errant ways?”

“Yes, in Truth, I believe!”

“Good. You are forgiven. Go now, and stop making stupid mistakes.”

Owen disappeared, evaporated into a puff of mist. Kris materialized, smiled at the puff, and motioned it away with a sweep of his arm. A clap of thunder and a silver streak of vapor bolted toward earth.

Owen Fiddler
Retail Price: $16.95
Page Count: 212
ISBN 10: 1594315639
ISBN 13: 978-1594315633
Book Website: http://www.owenfiddler.com/
Available for purchase at:
http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.cambridgebooks.us/
or at your favorite bookstore.

Marvin's latest book, Between the Storm and the Rainbow, is an anthology of the best of the best posts from his award-winning and internationally popular The Old Silly's Free Spirit Blog. It is a book that will inspire you, stimulate deep thoughts and emotions and also give you plenty of laughter. When you read this book, you will see why there is such a global community of readers who count on their daily dose of The Old Silly's Free Spirit Blog.

Accolades for Free Spirit

“I stumbled upon Marvin's blog clearly by accident and found his words to be like verbal magnets pulling me into this world he inhabits. It is a terrain full of wisdom, humor, homespun philosophy, good common sense, a poetic sensibility and uncommon spirituality. Reading this man's work makes it easy to become a confirmed 'Marvaholic!'”
L.M. Ross, poet and author of Manhood and The Moanin' After
http://lmross-moanerplicities.blogspot.com/

“Marvin Wilson's award-winning Free Spirit blog not only surprises and shocks you; it tells it like it is, with a generous dollop of love.”
Jean Henry Mead, author of A Village Shattered and Escape
http://www.jeanhenrymead.com/
http://advicefromeditors.blogspot.com/

“I can count on one of three things from my daily visit to Free Spirit … a smile, a feeling of spiritual growth or something to make me think deeply. Many days, they are all rolled into one.”
Joyce A. Anthony, author of Storm

"It's an adventure reading what Marvin Wilson writes on Free Spirit since you never know what to expect from him, other than something that will delight, amuse, enrich or inspire!"
Connie Arnold, author of Beautiful Moments of Joy and Peace and Abiding Hope and Love

Between the Storm and the Rainbow
Retail Price: $18.99
Paperback: 426 pages
Publisher: All Things That Matter Press (February 12, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0982272235
ISBN-13: 978-0982272237

Available for purchase at:
http://www.amazon.com/Between-Storm-Rainbow-Winning-Anthology/dp/0982272235/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245688746&sr=1-1

If you wish to contact Marvin, you can email him at: marvwilson2020@gmail.com

Please feel free to leave a comment or ask Marvin a question.

Marvin D. Wilson – award winning writer and blogger

2009-07-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

I am excited and honored to have Marvin D. Wilson as my guest this month. Marvin is an inspirational and award winning writer and blogger, and he is a fellow member of the yahoo group VBT-Writers on the Move.

Marvin is the author of three published books, I Romanced the Stone (Memoirs of a Recovering Hippie), Owen Fiddler - which has been awarded the prestigious AVATAR award for excellence in spiritual books - and Between the Storm and the Rainbow. Marvin has also had articles published in several Ezines, and has been interviewed on hundreds of blogs, radio and TV shows, both over the internet and on the airwaves. A prolific blogger, his internationally popular blog, The Old Silly's Free Spirit Blog, was voted first place in the 2008 Book Blogger Appreciation Week award contest in the Christian/Inspirational Fiction category. His other blog, Tie Dyed Tirades, is also growing in global popularity.

Marvin is a family man, married for thirty three years, with three adult children and six grandchildren. He has been around the block of life several times, through the ups and downs, and has survived in good enough spirits to desire to write about life and about living life on purpose. Marvin is a self-described “non-religious, dogma-free, Maverick spiritualist Christian.” He writes books that deliver spiritual and inspirational messages in an engaging, thought provoking, often times humorous, more than often irreverent, sometimes sexy and even ribald way, through the spinning of an entertaining tale.

Marvin is an editor with All Things That Matter Press and also does freelance editing.

Contact information:
E-mail: marvwilson2020@gmail.com
Primary Blog: http://theoldsilly.com/
Twitter page: http://twitter.com/Paize_Fiddler

I Romanced the Stone (Memoirs of a Recovering Hippie) was Marvin's first published book and is a must for anyone who wants to know more about the nature of addiction. When you think of a crack-head, what kind of picture comes to mind? A stupid teenager, with little, or no education? A prostitute? A smack-talking, ghetto-born African-American? Or, maybe, a misfit Caucasion dropout, from a broken home, with an alcoholic, abusive, absentee father? Crack-heads are street-walking, panhandling, hustling, poorly dressed, teeth missing, gaunt, thin, useless and dangerous looking kinds of people that you'd never invite over to dinner, right? Well, guess again, because the author of these memoirs is an educated, articulate and thoughtful, formerly successful family and businessman, a grandfather, who owns expensive suits, always knows how to appear well groomed, and knows which fork is used when at the gourmet banquets of the upper middle class.

*********************************************************************************

I Romanced the Stone observes, discusses and exposes fundamental tendencies of addiction in our society, and weaves these general themes throughout the personal story of the author's journey. The reader comes to understand that drug addiction is not some exclusive disease of the poor, or the uneducated, or the social castaways of our world; it is an insatiable and insidious ghost, shadowing anyone, of any walk of life, from any economic or social environment. It can appear as a false god, "the good life", and then devour you as "the grim reaper" is revealed bewilderingly to you, as your new slave master. The book tells how the author was rehabilitated, cured, and had his life and soul spared, through love and help from family, and most significantly, through a powerful spiritual experience. It is an inspiring, yet fearsomely awesome story, sending a message of hope and advisement.

These are just some of the reviews you'll find on Amazon.

5 stars, Raw, down-and-dirty, and unfiltered look at the life of a crackhead!
By Kristie Leigh Maguire "Published Author" (Nevada)

Raw, down-and-dirty, and unfiltered, "I Romanced the Stone" is the story of an aging hippy and his descent into the madness of becoming a crack user. Marvin Wilson had used just about every drug known to man during the Peace and Love Years of the 60s so what would one little experimental hit from the crack pipe hurt? He soon found out that smoking crack cocaine wasn't the same as smoking marijuana, the main drug of choice for the "tune in, turn off, and drop out generation." Marvin is a very lucky man in the fact that he is still alive to tell this compelling story. "I Romanced the Stone" is a must read for all who have even THOUGHT about taking that first hit from the crack pipe.
Kristie Leigh Maguire
Multi-published, award-winning author

5 stars, A Must Read
By Rosa L. Ferguson (memphis, tn usa)

Little did I know when I sat down to read Marvin Wilson's “I Romanced The Stone” I would be reading about myself and my addictions. Different drugs of choice, of course (computer, television and procrastination), but addictions nonetheless. Anything that keeps you from being your true and total self and anything that keeps one from finding their true inner peace is a drug. And just when I had "serious doubts about my ever being whole again", here comes a book so poignant, so deep, and so apropos I now know that healing is possible. To experience the joy of being healed, delivered and set free has to be an awesome feeling. A must read for everyone who is addicted or not!
Rosa Ferguson author of LOVED TO DEATH: A Different Kind of Love Story

5 stars, BRAVE
By Pamela Templin (Marion, Iowa)

Marvin Wilson transports you into the world of a drug addict with the art of a writer. This is a well written book and a testimony to the resiliency of the human spirit in crisis. He lost everything before he was forced to face his demons. He faced them head on and won the fight. This book speaks to everyone who has known his agony or has known someone who has walked the same path as he. This book is a must read.

5 stars, "red-dressed for undressing, dripping with salaciousness"
By Peggy Ullman Bell "Peggy Jay" (Naples, FL)

"From one nightmare to another" in “I Romanced the Stone”, Marvin Wilson carries us through the horrors of addiction to the glory of salvation in a rollicking, sometimes terrifying journey to joy. A great reference book for anyone involved in "The War on Drugs", no matter in what capacity. I plan to obtain a copy for my police officer grandson as well as my eldest son who has overcome his personal addictions [first to drugs and then to “That Old Time Religion”].

5 stars, A Must Buy For Every Educator!
By J.C. Jackson (Michigan, USA)

If you are an educator of our youth then you simply MUST READ this book! Next to going down the lonely and terrible road of crack cocaine addiction yourself, this is the closest you will ever get to a firsthand experience of how devastating this drug can be.

As a public educator of middle school and high school students for 24 years I have seen many children grow from childhood to adolescence and on into adulthood. Over the years I have celebrated as I witnessed dozens of incredible success stories where former students have gone on to do great things with their lives. Conversely though, imagine how difficult it has been for me when I have seen shining-star pupils with the potential to do literally anything with their lives end up jobless, on the streets, or even worse, dead because of an addiction to drugs or alcohol. If only I had a tool such as Marvin D. Wilson's book "I Romanced The Stone" sooner!

Once you start reading this book you won't be able to put it down. You will become totally and fully immersed in the shadowy world from which Wilson almost didn't emerge. You will personally feel the physical and emotional pain that he admittedly caused himself and his family. You will shake your head in disbelief at how a drug could get a hold of an intelligent, educated, talented, and morally upright man and shake him literally to the core of his soul until he had become someone not even his closest family members could recognize. And then, you won't be able to stop smiling as you read the manner in which he, with the help of his God and those who love him the most, picked himself up by his bootstraps and methodically climbed out of the pit into which he had allowed himself to fall.

I will be keeping a few copies of "I Romanced The Stone" around my desk to give to the student who would benefit from reading this incredible story. It just might save a young life. It is hard-hitting, doesn't pull any punches, and has plenty of spicy language, so it probably isn't appropriate for most children under the age of 15 or 16, but it is an invaluable tool for the adolescent who displays the tendencies of addictive and/or self-destructive behavior. I have two children, aged 20 and 22 who don't appear to have any such tendencies, but they will be getting a copy of the book from me as well!

Buy it now, read it, and I'm sure you will agree. "I Romanced The Stone" is a story that everyone should read!

I Romanced the Stone
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Global Authors Publishers
ISBN-10: 0977968030
ISBN-13: 978-0977968039

You can buy the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/I-Romanced-Stone-Marvin-Wilson/dp/0977968030/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245681875&sr=1-1

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/I-Romanced-The-Stone/Marvin-Wilson/e/9780977968039/?itm=1

Marvin will be happy to answer any questions you have. Please just leave a comment - and stop by on Friday to find out more about Marvin's other books, Owen Fiddler and Between the Storm and the Rainbow.

Guest on Nancy Famolari's blog, July 1st & 3rd

2009-06-28T20:19:00.000+01:00

I'm excited to announce that as part of the group VBT-Writers on the Move, I will be a guest on Nancy Famolari's blog on July 1st and 3rd. Amongst other things, she'll be featuring my collection of poems "It's a Teacher's Life...!" So drop by Nancy's place, if you have a spare minute, and learn more about the ups and down's of a teacher's and a writer's life!

The Father

2009-06-19T21:56:00.000+01:00

In honor of Father's Day - a tribute to a remarkable and much loved man.

THE FATHER

1910 the year,
the second eldest in a family of nine,
a quick, sharp brain
fascinated by all things mechanical,
math and science a breeze,
English and history, too,
a military career for him, of course,
following the tradition of years.
An officer he becomes,
listening to long tales of hunting
and shooting in the mess,
but these things do nothing
but bore him completely to death.
Eager to share his mechanical passion
the words pour forth in youthful naivety
about Aston Martins, Rovers,
engines, pistons,
motor bike racing, the lot...
But “Don’t you know, my dear chap,
that’s just not the done thing, what?”

A square peg in a round hole,
a nonconformist
rubbing superiors up the wrong way,
an army career dissolving,
a first marriage ending,
but then war — a reprieve,
distinguished service,
mentioned in dispatches,
family honor retrieved.
Part of the British occupation
on the shattered German soil,
encounter with a native woman
who’s fled her homeland in the East,
fifteen years the difference,
yet what of that?
Elegance and intelligence intriguing,
to joyful marriage vows finally leading...

A few months later a soldier no more,
a career in technical writing beckoning,
but money is tight
and work has to be found
be it north, south, east or west,
so lonely weeks spent away
from family and home
are the price he has to pay.
Yet delight he finds
with two daughters,
helping with homework,
encouraging, comforting,
supporting, teaching,
answers never failing
to satisfy the countless questions,
revealing nothing of financial worries
robbing his nights of sleep.

Insatiable curiosity driving him
to devour books galore
on history and science,
philosophy and war,
to ask all he encounters,
whether workmen in the road
or politicians in the street,
about their work and trade
and the knowledge he gains
is oh, so precious and so sweet!
Up with the lark is his habit,
preparing breakfast before the household stirs,
enjoying the early morning quietness
and the richness of coffee freshly ground,
turning the pages of the ever-present book
or allowing the beautiful notes
of arias and symphonies divine
to transport his soul
to the realm of the spiritual.
A daughter enters
and in companionable silence,
minds perfectly attuned,
a breakfast is shared.

Can’t be found?
In the study perhaps,
planning family holidays
with military precision,
or maybe the garage,
clamped under engine
hands black with oil and grime,
or glued to the workbench
cutting, shaving,
repairing, mending,
gifted fingers
weaving skillful patterns
with tools for this
and tools for that.
A call comes,
a friend in need
of his technical expertise,
or a daughter’s plea,
“Can you take me into town, please?”
No problem!
Requests fulfilled
with grace and speed,
a heart full of kindness
willingly performing
deed after deed.
In the kitchen, too,
a whiz of a chef,
roasting and stewing with admirable flair
and conjuring up delicious puddings
from ingredients plain, simple and bare.
What to do for relaxation and rest?
A book, of course,
(science fiction a favorite)
or a trip to the pub,
to converse with friends
and partake of a pint or two of best.

Yet the money worries of earlier years
have taken their toll
and blocked arteries around the heart
darken tomorrow’s goals.
An operation he wants,
not a body rattling with pills,
but the doctors aren’t sure;
he’s too old, they say, for an operation,
it’s too risky, they say, at seventy-three.
But he persists,
a second opinion he wants
and at last he finds a doctor to agree.
He waits for a hospital bed,
the call arrives,
the bags are packed,
and off he goes,
this man who thinks
his life doesn’t amount to much,
always dreaming of ideas
to make that fabulous fortune,
though it eludes him at every turn,
yet surely it must be there, it must —
if not now, then soon, very soon!
But look at the daughters he’s brought up,
teaching them right from wrong,
never failing or deserting them,
filling their memories
with endless happy hours
of warmth and affection.
Look at their pleasure,
their laughing, smiling faces
when he is near,
look how they listen
with eyes so eager and keen
to the words that fall from the mobile lips —
that’s a wonder to be seen!
How well he’s taught and loved them!
Isn’t that an accomplishment
more valuable than all the prizes
the world of men offers
and more precious than all
the gold and jewels we hide
in strongholds and coffers?

The surgeons await
and wield their instruments
with skill and care.
The operation’s a success,
but the body’s too weak
and the torrent of drugs is too forceful and strong,
the heart fails,
a minor collapse,
hours later a massive one...
The race begins to open the chest,
massage the heart,
it beats,
but too many minutes have passed,
imprisoning the brain in a vacuum too long.
The body seeks refuge in coma;
organs fail as the days tick by
and hands switch off machines —
a flick here, a click there,
that’s all it takes,
not much,
to enable the soul to pass
to its existence beyond,
accompanied by the love
and gratitude of hearts
enriched by its touch.

Copyright © 2008 Helena Harper

(Excerpt from my book Family and More - Enemies or Friends? )

Murder Takes the Cake - a delicious mystery by Gayle Trent

2009-06-03T08:00:00.000+01:00

Today, in my second post this month about mystery writer, Gayle Trent, you will be able to find out more about her latest book Murder Takes the Cake and read an extract from it.

Murder Takes The Cake tells the story of Daphne Martin, a forty-year-old divorcee who returns to her fictional hometown of Brea Ridge, Virginia to start her life over. She has left behind an ex-husband who is in prison for an attempt on Daphne's life, a dingy apartment and a stale career. She has started fresh in a new home with a new career, Daphne's Delectable Cakes, a cake-decorating company Daphne runs out of her home. She is thrilled to be living closer to her beloved niece and nephew, although being close to other family members brings up lifelong resentments and more than a couple of complications. Daphne is also reunited with childhood friend, Ben Jacobs, a full-fledged HAG (hot, available guy). Then Daphne finds her first client dead.

Here are some reviews of the book.

“This heartwarming and intriguing story will leave the reader hungering for the next two installments in the series. The small southern town charm, combined with the mystery, and the descriptions of food, make this a book to read with a slice of cake on the side.” Suzanne Pitner, Suite101

“This is an entertaining amateur sleuth culinary cozy starring an obstinate baker who needs to know the truth about her mom, her sister, others and the murder. The breezy story line is fun to follow, although fans will pick out the killer early on. Even with several cooking sleuths like Diane Mott Davidson “Goldy”, Daphne is a solid lead character as she follows the murder recipe one step at a time to the delight of sub-genre readers.” Harriet Klausner, The Mystery Gazette

"Trent has written an absolutely captivating cozy, complete with all the traditional elements of the genre. ...I hadn't even read past page 7 and I had absolutely laughed out loud numerous times. The dialogue in this book is filled with snappy wit.” Pudgy Penguin Perusals Blog

"I absolutely was startled to find out whodunnit at the end and it was not one of those lame-o choices so the author could hurry and finish up. I could identify with Daphne's relationship with her family. I think this was the part I liked best. Daphne has a cautious and teeth gritting relationship with her mother, a loving warm one with her father and her sister.
And the cake baking and decorating!!! I didn't get the recipes in the copy I reviewed, so will get the book just for those. This is one of my criteria for a cozy, it makes me want to learn how to do the activity that's the basis of the character and story......This one makes me want to learn how to decorate cakes. Four frosted beans!" http://iyamvixenbooks.blogspot.com/2008/09/murder-takes-cake-daphne-matin-mystery.

Excerpt from Murder Takes the Cake

Chapter One

“Mrs. Watson?” I called, banging on the door again.

I glanced up at the ever-blackening clouds. Although I had Mrs. Watson’s cake in a box, it would be my luck to get caught in a downpour with it. This was my third attempt to please her, and I couldn’t afford another mistake on the amount she was paying me. Whoever said “the customer is always right” had obviously never dealt with Yodel Watson.

I heard something from inside the house and pressed my ear against the door. A vision of my falling into the living room and dropping the cake when Mrs. Watson flung open the door made me rethink that decision.

“Mrs. Watson?” I called again.

“Come in! It’s open! Come in!”

I tried the knob and the door was indeed unlocked. I stepped inside but couldn’t see Mrs. Watson. “It’s me—Daphne Martin. I’m here with your cake.”

“Come in! It’s open!”

“I am in, Mrs. Watson. Where are you?”

“It’s open!”

“I know! I—” Gritting my teeth, I walked through the living room and placed the cake on the kitchen table. A quick glance around the kitchen told me Mrs. Watson wasn’t in there either.

“It’s open!”

Man, could this lady get on your nerves. I decided to follow the voice. It came from my left, so I eased down the hallway.

“Mrs. Watson?”

On my right, there was a den. I poked my head inside.

“Come in!”

I turned toward the voice. A gray parrot was sitting on its perch inside its cage.

“It’s open!” the bird squawked.

“I noticed.” Great. She’s probably not home, and I’ll get arrested for breaking and entering…though technically, I didn’t break….

It was then I saw Mrs. Watson lying on the sofa in a faded navy robe. There was a plaid blanket over her legs. She appeared to be sleeping, but I’d heard the parrot calling when I was outside. No way could Mrs. Watson be in the same room and sleep through that racket.

I stepped closer. “Are you okay?” Her pallor told me she was not okay. Then the foul odor hit me.

I backed away and took my cell phone out of my purse. “I’m calling 9-1-1, Mrs. Watson. Everything’s gonna be all right.” I don’t know if I was trying to reassure her or myself.

Everything’s gonna be all right. I’d been telling myself that for the past month.

I lingered in the doorway in case Mrs. Watson would wake up and need something before the EMTs arrived.

I turned forty this year. Forty seems to be a sobering age for every woman, but it hit me especially hard. When most women get to be my age, they at least have some bragging rights: successful career, happy marriage, beautiful children, nice home. I had none of the above. My so-called bragging rights included a failed marriage, a dingy apartment, and twenty years’ service in a dead-end job. Cue violins.

When my sister Violet called and told me about a “charming little house” for sale near her neighborhood, I jumped at the chance to leave all the dead ends of middle Tennessee and come home to southwest Virginia. Surely, something better awaited me here.

So far, I’d moved into my house—which I recently learned came with a one-eyed stray cat—and started a cake decorating business. A great deal of my time had involved coming up with a name, a logo, getting business cards made up, setting up a Web site and other “fun” administrative duties. The cake and cupcakes I’d made for my niece and nephew to take to school on Halloween had been a hit, though, and had led to some nice word-of-mouth advertising and a couple orders. Leslie’s puppy dog cake and Lucas’ black cat cupcakes were the first additions to my website’s gallery.

Sadly, my first customer had been Yodel Watson. She’d considered herself a world-class baker in her hey-day but no longer had the time or desire to engage in “such foolishness.”

“I want you to make me a cake for my Thanksgiving dinner,” she’d said. “Nothing too gaudy. I want my family to think I made it myself.”

My first two attempts had been refused: the first cake was too fancy; the second was too plain. I’d been hoping—praying—third time would be the charm. Now the laboriously prepared spice cake with cream cheese frosting decorated with orange and red satin ribbons for a bottom border and a red apple arranged in a flower petal pattern on top was on Mrs. Watson’s kitchen table. Mrs. Watson herself was lying on her den sofa as deflated as a December jack-o-lantern. Oh, yeah, things were looking up.

I was startled out of my reverie by a sharp rap.

“EMT!”

“Come in! It’s open!” the bird called.

I hurried to the living room to open the door, and two men with a stretcher brushed past me.

“Where’s the patient?” one asked.

“Back here.” I led the way to the den, and then got out of the way.

“Come in!”

I moved next to the bird cage. “Don’t you ever shut up? This is serious.”

“I’ll say,” agreed one of the EMTs. “Are you the next of kin?”

“Excuse me?” My hand flew to my throat. “She’s dead?”

“Yes, ma’am. Are you related to her?”

While the one EMT was questioning me, the other was on the radio asking dispatch to send the police and the coroner.

“I don’t know anything,” I said.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The book is available here:
http://www.gayletrent.com/

http://www.bellbridgebooks.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Takes-Cake-Gayle-Trent/dp/0980245362/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237845598&sr=8-1

And you can see a trailer for the book here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGnKwHYlPCQ

Fatal Foodies website http://fatalfoodies.blogspot.com/

If you have any questions for Gayle about her writing, her book or even cake decorating, Gayle will be more than pleased to answer them. Please leave a comment.

Gayle Trent - mystery writer and cake decorator!

2009-06-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

This month, it is my honour and pleasure to have as a guest on my blog fellow writer and member of the group VBT-Writers on the Move, Gayle Trent. Gayle is a full-time author who lives in Bristol, Virginia with her husband, daughter and son. Gayle worked previously in the accounting and legal fields, and her last such job was as secretary to a Deputy Commissioner in the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. Though she enjoyed the work, it was a long daily commute and she felt she wasn’t spending enough time with her family. Now she writes while her children are at school and, thanks to a crock pot and a bread machine, can often have dinner ready when everyone gets home.

“I think it’s important to be here for my children…to take part in school functions and to be an active part of their lives,” Gayle says. “I can certainly sympathize with moms who work outside the home—been there, done that—but I would encourage everyone to make time to visit their children’s schools, to have lunch with them at school occasionally, to get a feel for who their friends are…little things like that.”

She is currently working on a new cozy mystery series, involving her hobby of cake decorating. The series features Daphne Martin, a 40 year old divorcee, who has begun the second phase of her life with a new home and a new business venture – Daphne's Delectable Cakes. The first book in the series is called Murder Takes the Cake (ISBN: 978-0-9802453-6-3, printed by Bell Bridge Books, October 2008). In the story, the meanest gossip in Brea Ridge dies mysteriously, and suspicions turn to cake decorator Daphne Martin. But all Daphne did was deliver a spice cake with cream cheese frosting--and find Yodel's body. Now Daphne's got to help solve the murder and clear her good name. Problem is, her Virginia hometown is brimming with people who had good reason to kill Yodel, and Daphne's whole family is among them. Here are just a few comments about the book to whet your appetite:

"Gayle whips up a sweetly satisfying mystery that'll have you licking your lips for more!" – Christine Verstraete, Searching for A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery

“Murder Takes the Cake has all the right ingredients for a delicious read.” – Ellen Crosby, The Bordeaux Betrayal

In my second post on Wednesday about Gayle and her writing , you'll be able to read an extract from her book and see more of the reviews it has been earning! If you have any questions for Gayle, please leave a comment.

************************************************************************

Contact details

You can contact Gayle via e-mail at gd830@hotmail.com or via one of her websites: http://www.gayletrent.com/ or http://gayle24202.tripod.com/.

If you share an interest in cake decorating, please visit Daphne’s website, available via click-through from either of Gayle’s sites or at http://www.gayle24202.tripod.com/id9.html.

Review of my book "Family and More - Enemies or Friends?"

2009-05-26T20:38:00.000+01:00

Karen Cioffi-Ventrice, children's author, freelance writer and administrator for the group "VBT-Writers on the Move", has posted a review of my poetry book Family and More - Enemies or Friends? on the VBT-Writers on the Move blog. The book is a collection of sixteen poems about the people in my life who've had a big influence on me and the lessons I've learnt from them - lessons that will not be just unique to me. To read the review, please click here.

And if you wish to read extracts from the book, please go to
http://www.helenaharper.com/ or http://www.authorsden.com/helenaharper

I hope you enjoy!

The Mother

2009-05-10T19:54:00.000+01:00

In honour of Mother's Day, I would like to post a poem from my ebook "Family and More - Enemies or Friends?"

The Mother

A child of East Prussian woods and forests,
a German outpost
dwarfed by the Russian giant nearby.
Skiing to school
in winters of iceberg temperatures
minus thirty and below,
swimming in pristine lakes
on steaming summer days,
walking through the cooling shade
of fresh-smelling pines,
the small hand engulfed
so safely,
so securely,
in the father’s,
feeling so proud,
so happy,
so warm,
so loved.

A big sister to three,
a younger to two others,
one of a handful of girls
in a grammar school1 of boys,
diligence driving her again and again
to fall asleep over books,
to gain the reward of good grades
and the praise of teachers inspiring.
Sport, biology, English
no problem at all,
but math and physics
a different story;
sixth form2 classes
with pupils few,
for the oldest boys,
her brother, too,
have gone to fight and die
in honor, they say,
on the Eastern front.
But war or no war,
nothing deflects
from her goal of study.
A levels3 she passes with
countless distinctions,
and so to university
to realize her dream
to become a doctor,
a doctor for children,
to help and heal
to care and share.

Two terms at university,
then books and lectures
she abruptly leaves —
a letter from the father adored,
soldiering in Leningrad,
foretelling the disaster to come.
The family must flee
from the Russian advance,
shedding tears for a father
they’ll see no more.
Hour upon hour
in horse and cart
on the long journey West,
Hamburg their goal,
along tracks barely passable,
thick with refugees,
leaving the happy land of childhood
for the future of uncertainty and fear.

The brother lying wounded
in a hospital southeast of Prague,
so farewell to family
when they reach Berlin.
The long trek shared with
the brother’s young wife,
anxious and afraid,
squeezed like sardines
in the back of an ammunition truck,
no longer stuffed with bullets and shells
but with Russian prisoners’ coats,
destined for German soldiers at the front,
then by train to Prague...
But a city in turmoil
and frenzied revolt they meet —
Czechs rebelling against
wartime oppressors —
so German barracks they seek,
a refuge from fires and shooting,
till a ceasefire agreed,
leaving at midnight
without brother, without hope,
back on foot from whence they came,
in sweltering, stifling heat,
jeered on by locals
offering poisoned water
to the sun-parched German throats,
whilst the brother’s shiny, new officers’ boots,
two sizes too big and
for the bulging rucksacks too large,
rub, rub, rub, rub, rub,
the suffering, silent feet.

The town of Pilsen in sight,
forty-odd miles
from German borders.
Soldiers there,
odd-looking helmets,
the Americans,
how come?
“The war’s over,” she hears.
Relief overwhelmed by
fatigue and pain,
and a doctor called to treat
the young girl for exhaustion
and brutally blistered feet.
Then by hook and by crook
to Hamburg they must,
no trains, no buses, no planes,
but from south to north they must go.
A journey of months it will be,
lorries and feet sharing the load
and pages of an English dictionary,
discarded by a German soldier,
helping to while away
long, tedious hours on the road.
Sleeping fitfully
in airless air-raid towers
and suffocating barns,
rivers and streams,
pumps and wells
washing off the dirt and heat
of miles and miles and miles.
Hamburg they finally reach,
delight at the sight of family reunited,
even the brother thought hopelessly lost
in that hospital near Prague,
their ears made sharp and sensationally keen
by his tale of escape on the last train out,
bodies shuddering with fear,
realizing what a close shave it had been.

Through bombed ruins
she makes her way each day
to British Army HQ,
showing German clerks
how to impress with
expert, efficient administration,
teaching them mind-blowing,
bewildering, English ordnance jargon.
A slice of bread her breakfast and supper,
a soup of water for lunch,
hunger pangs her constant companion.
Then one day no food left —
digging under cover of darkness
for vegetables to feed
starving brothers and sisters,
face wet with streaming tears.
But starvation knows no shame,
no dishonor,
no deceit,
swallowing all
in the aftershock of war.

Yet still she takes pride
in smartness and fashion,
hours spent conjuring up clothes
from this rag and that,
hands weaving magic
with needle and thread.
Catching the eye
of an English colonel
with a well-informed mind
and attractive appearance and manner.
An unhurried courtship
leading to announcement of marriage
and good-byes said to family and friends;
then off to the land
her husband calls home,
to a life of new hope and success.

All so strange this new country,
adapting to customs unknown,
spellings so odd and funny,
shorthand and typing, too,
a secretary valued by bosses
for reliability and punctuality,
efficiency extreme,
but what of the pediatrician,
her longed-for, childhood dream?
Gone up in the smoke
of the burning bombs,
other things to focus on now,
no time for regrets
with two screaming infants in tow.
Decorating an old, worn-out house,
busy from morn till night,
then translations to do till three,
useful money it brings
for a family’s needs, you see.
But translations aren’t enough,
when school fees have to be paid,
so off to work she goes,
to London each day by train,
rising at four for weeks on end
when railways strike,
though the stress would drive
many others around the bend.
Yet even she succumbs at last,
two weeks she’s off,
made ill by the strain,
work has to get by
without her for once,
till she’s fit again.

Application intense
and energy immense,
no problem for this woman
of German descent.
Hard work her friend,
her family and house her rewards
in this life she has made across the sea.
A British citizen of many years,
yet still the voice betrays
an accent ever so slightly,
indefinably different,
and her desire for tidiness precise,
for everything in its place
and cleanliness supreme,
for work to be done just so
and attention to details minute,
still give clues to the land of her birth.
But to return is not her wish,
here she will most certainly stay,
walking, reading,
badminton, gardening
giving clear purpose to her day.
A wild, overgrown bush —
what to do?
Pull it out, of course,
no other choice,
spade, push,
root, pull,
push and pull,
pull and push,
pull and push...
“Ow! Not that leg,
my bad hip.
Forgot again...
Got to shift.”
Toiling with the energy
of someone barely forty,
though her years number now
(would you believe?)
a massive one and eighty.
Planting and cutting,
digging and weeding
regardless of time,
ignoring the cuts, the bruises,
the aches and the pains,
because to do nothing and lie back
would be infinitely worse,
in short —
a villainous crime.

A remarkable woman
who laughs at the conduct expected
of old fogies aged eighty and more;
the pursuit of her passions
infusing energy into her days
and cementing the resolve
to vanquish all problems,
events that serve merely
to engage mind and body,
extracting solutions
of admirable resource and
great ingenuity.
How many of us follow
our passion in life?
How many of us grow old
in grayness and lethargy
because we never
listen to the heart’s joy,
destined to fill our soul with
rainbow-like vitality?

The daughter gives thanks
for this woman of resolute will
who refuses to wallow
in past tragedies, disappointments,
upheavals and strife,
living in the here and now
of the autumn of her life
and living it in a blaze of vibrant color.
May each day in the seasons
of our lives glow likewise
with iridescent rainbows
of passion and joy,
so we can live life to the full
and help and heal
and care and share
like this woman,
exceptional and extraordinary,
whom in another time, another place,
one unthinkingly called an “enemy.”

1Selective high school
2Last two years at high school
3High school leaving exams

Copyright © 2008 Helena Harper

What does Mother's Day mean to you?

Teacher Appreciation Week

2009-05-06T18:55:00.000+01:00

This is Teacher Appreciation Week and, if you'd like some ideas about what to do for or give to a teacher, check out http://www.teacher-appreciation.info/Teacher-Appreciation-Week-2009

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Some ideas to get you started: lottery scratch cards, cinema/theatre tickets, gift vouchers, book vouchers, books with happiness or thank you quotes, perhaps even my book "It's a Teacher's Life...!", which is an amusing collection of 20 anecdotal poems based on my experiences as a teacher. If you're giving a book, I think it's nice to give something that teachers can dip in and out of quickly, which will make them smile or give them a quick pick-me-up. Feel free to add your own ideas!

=======================================================

And as it is Teacher Appreciation Week, I thought I'd post a poem from my book as a tribute to all teachers everywhere.

The Lessons

9 a.m.,
the first lesson bell rings,
all still in assembly,
again Mr. Smith droning on;
the teachers groan -
bang goes that test...
Well, it's a lesson off the cuff now,
nothing new,
it's happened often enough.

The girls drift in to lessons,
it's ten minutes past,
the teacher hands out sheets
fast, fast, fast,
explains at breakneck speed
what to do;
then the first hand goes up,
'Can I go to the loo?'
Another hand is raised,
'Will we get our homework back today?'
'No, get on with your work, Fay.'
A third hand shows,
'Will we get it back tomorrow?'
'I don't know.'
A fourth hand shoots up,
'Will we get it back by the end of the week?'
Who's that? Susan?
But she's normally so meek...
'When will we get our homework back?'
'When I've had time to mark it –
and that's that!'
The bell goes, everyone packs up.
So much for that lesson -
thanks, Mr. Smith,
thanks a million!

The third lesson,
after break,
hair and uniform now a mess,
the pupils enter the classroom
and the teacher starts to sigh:
'Tie your hair back',
'Do your shoelaces up',
'Pull your socks up',
'Do your cuffs up',
'Do your top button up',
'Roll down your skirt!
Whom are you trying to impress?'
The pupils meander to their seats,
fish out their books.
It's Year 9 Maths, Division 3 -
What joy! the teacher thinks.
Now, let's see...
A simple sum to start,
'What's 3 x 6?'
A hand flies up,
the answer's easy of course -
'36!'
The teacher tries once more
to explain multiplication:
'What about 4 x 4...?'

Down the corridor Year 7,
wrestling hard with Geography,
'Where's Cornwall?' the teacher asks.
'In Wales', a pupil replies.
The teacher sighs
and tries once more.
'The water separating France from England?'
'The Atlantic,' someone shouts.
'No, it's not, it's the Pacific.'
Wow, what a lesson this is,
it's just terrific!

Some Gallic greetings
waft through the air,
it's Year 8 French
performing role plays with flair -
at least that's what they think
and the teacher doesn't really care!
Yet slowly their enthusiasm
wins him around,
piques his interest -
what's that he's found?
A pupil with a promising accent!
What a coup!
And then the mediocrity starts again:
'Est-ce que je peux aller...to the toilet,
Monsieur Jones?'
'Aux toilettes, Poppy, aux toilettes!'
'Oui, est-ce que je peux aller aux toilettes?'
'Vite, Poppy, vite!'
'Et moi...aller...to sick bay, Monsieur? J'ai...headache',
The teacher sighs and tries again,
something always driving him on....
What?
The desire to inspire,
to light the fire
that burns within,
the 'aha' in the expression
when something clicks -
that's the reward
for hours and hours of work
and patience,
a reward of infinite measure,
a priceless, unlimited treasure.

She Wore Emerald Then - cosmic imagery and homely down-to-earthness

2009-05-06T17:36:00.000+01:00

I recently had the opportunity to read a collection of poetry by Magdalena Ball and Carolyn Howard-Johnson called She Wore Emerald Then - Reflections on Mothers and Motherhood.

It is a collection that movingly illustrates many aspects of motherhood and, if you are a poetry lover, there is much that you will find appealing and thought-provoking. In the first half of the book, the poems by Magdalena Ball have a cosmic quality to them and some wonderful imagery. In the poem 'Coil of Life', for example, giving birth is described as the 'Big Bang' and in 'Assault by a Black Hole', the reader is taken on a journey from the sublime to the commonplace and you can't help but smile:

A powerful jet from a black hole
is blasting nearby galaxy 3C321
with outrageous galactic violence
x-rays, gamma rays
particles travelling the speed of light
tearing ozone layers
destroying alien life forms
and breeding new star systems
a million primordial sons
in the lethal pummelling.
Talk about tough love.

In the face of that million year
assault
(a fraction of the system’s lifetime)
I suppose I have no right
to complain
about one smart, sharp smack
sent my way
to facilitate a few manners.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson's poems have, by contrast, a homely down-to-earthness which also appeals. I loved her description of dandelion petals in the poem 'Dandelions in Autumn':

Yellow petals, pollen-soft
like monarchs' wings.

Little lions' manes
like illustrations in childrens'

books, not like roaring
Serengeti cats

or the MGM logo lion, harmless
these. I pick them, bunch them,

hold them under Mama's chin
to see if they light her throat

yellow, and if they do, delight!

In the poem 'Musing Over a New Calendar', the author reflects on the passage of time - how there is still so much she wants to do and see, yet her ageing mother is 'alone, rejecting all but her home'. I felt the author's pain in these lines as I did in the poem 'Mother and Daughter' where she describes her job of 'mothering again', but this time it is not her children who need her help but her own elderly mother:

...I take over seatbelt
duties, step ahead of her then stop,

reluctant for her to know she's slow.
We all forget names, I say as numb

moves from hand to heart
because it is my name she has forgotten.

Yet, despite such painful memories and associations, perhaps the strongest is the 'eternal warmth' of our mother's bed – as Ms. Ball puts it – 'a shared space/ free from the ticking illusion/ of time, motion and change./ Here, where you are always welcome/ nothing matters/ except this peace/ this place/ containing every possible now.'

A wonderful description of what makes mothers so special, don't you think?

Rebekah Redeemed - a wonderfully moving, vividly descriptive story by Dianne Sagan

2009-05-04T11:01:00.000+01:00

In this, my second post about multi-talented author, Dianne Sagan, I am going to talk about her latest book Rebekah Redeemed.

The book is about an orphaned girl who becomes a servant in her uncle’s house in Bethany. Traded from relative to relative, Rebekah suffers neglect and abuse. When a Roman soldier assaults her, she flees in fear of her life and hides. Rebekah is discovered and Lazarus becomes her kinsman redeemer. Can Jesus redeem her soul? Can she forgive or break the chains of her past?

An excerpt from Rebekah Redeemed

Benjamin sized up the little girl. A flicker of recognition in the older man’s eyes quickly turned to ice. Stepping closer he reached down to the child and she pulled away. “Look at me, child,” he commanded with a little less animosity in his voice.

Rebekah lifted her chin and looked into her uncle’s brown, lined face. He pushed the shawl off her stringy brown hair, and for a moment the lines in his face softened and his eyes showed compassion.

“You look like your mother,” he mumbled to himself. Then he stood back, cleared his throat and narrowed his eyes once more. “You want me to take her in, is that it?”

“Yes. We have little and cannot take her as our own.”

“What is in it for my wife and me?”

“She is strong and a good worker. She is good with lambs. She can help with cooking and drawing water. I know she looks small, but she is strong and obedient. She could be a useful addition to your household. A daughter is not like having a son, but they can work.” Caleb tried to sell the idea to the shopkeeper.

“Well,” he sized up the child and scratched his bearded chin. “She could help my wife.” He stood in silence, strolled out into the street, and looked up and down at his friends and neighbors. Then, turning on his heel, he walked back to Caleb and said without emotion, “You asked around the village for me? Others know of the child?”

“We asked people so we could find you.”

With one more glance up and down the street, Benjamin saw the rabbi walking toward them. “The Torah does say that we are to care for orphans and widows. She is my dead sister’s child, no matter what else happened between us. I will take her in, but not as a member of my family.”

“Shalom. May you...”

Benjamin reached for the girl. He interrupted Caleb, “I will not pay you for her. Go back where you came from. I take her because it is my duty under the Law of Moses.”

Caleb turned to go. Benjamin pushed Rebekah toward the back of the shop. She looked over her shoulder at her father’s friend for the last time.

“Come. You must meet your mistress. You have taken up enough time. I have a business to run and customers to serve.” He spoke as if he were an important man.

Rebekah stepped through the door into a small courtyard and into a new life. She prayed silently that it would get no worse.

Purchase information for Rebekah Redeemed
ISBN: 978-0-937660-52-2

Now available online at
AWOC.com

or
Amazon.com

Contact the author directly through her website:
http://dgsagan.tripod.com/

The reader will learn much from this wonderfully moving, vividly descriptive story of first century life. Enjoy!

Dianne Sagan, author of 'Rebekah Redeemed' and writer of many talents

2009-05-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

It's my great pleasure to be host to multi-talented author, Dianne Sagan, this week. Dianne is author of Rebekah Redeemed and is a member of VBT – Writers on the Move.

Dianne Sagan, author, speaker, ghostwriter, and consultant has been a storyteller much of her life. She started writing short stories for her children when they were small. Dianne has spent several years honing her craft as an op-ed columnist in the regional newspaper, Amarillo Globe News, short stories for anthologies and online articles on Suite 101, Writing for Dollars, and others.

Born in the Midwest, she grew up on the plains of West Texas and in her heart of hearts always wanted to write. She says that she loves being married to a writer and an editor because she always has someone to brainstorm with.

Her interests include reading, quilting, gardening, time with her children and grandchildren. She has spent years in volunteer work through Boy and Girl Scouts, her church, and the Sharing Hope Ministry to incarcerated women. She is also involved in writing about women’s issues. She loves speaking to groups about these issues and about writing.

Works in progress include a flash fiction book with five other women writers, Women’s Bible studies, a series of suspense novels, more Christian fiction novellas, and ghostwriting. She is also working on a line of ebooks for students and their families to help them decide on which college to attend, how to understand the financial aid process and the hoops that you have to jump through in order to obtain financial aid, as well as a handbook for a successful first year at college. Her most recently published book is Rebekah Redeemed – a Christian fiction novella.

Dianne is a member of Panhandle Professional Writers and she can be contacted through her website: Dianne Sagan, Writer – http://dgsagan.tripod.com./

She also has a blog at http://www.diannesagan.wordpress.com/ and can be found on Authors Den at http://www.authorsden.com/diannesagan.

INTERVIEW WITH DIANNE SAGAN

Dianne, how do you define your writing?
A quick read that hooks you on the first page (for my novels and novellas).
Informative and practical advice and information (for my nonfiction articles and books).

Why do you write?
I am a compulsive writer. I write because I would explode if I didn’t. My brain is always working on a story or an idea for another book. I would write even if no one read it, but it’s better if people read it.

Can you describe a typical working day for you?
My typical day starts about 9:00am. I spend some quiet time for myself, have some coffee and chat with my husband. I spend the rest of the morning doing email and short projects or research. Then I write until about 3:30 or 4:00pm. Sometimes I go back and write again about 9:00pm until 11:00pm. However, this is flexible according to deadlines and projects. I have an office in my home, but sometimes work at the library or in a local coffee shop for a change of scene. It helps me focus and not get distracted by things around the house. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and write for three or four hours and go back to bed at 6:00am when my husband is getting up. I sleep until about 11:00 and go back to work for the afternoon after a bite to eat.

What is going on with your writing these days?
My current projects include a series of Christian fiction novellas. The series is called Touched by the Savior. Each book is the story of a little known woman who met Jesus during his ministry. The first, which has just been published, is a story of Rebekah, orphaned and used as a slave by her relatives until she is taken in by Lazarus and his sisters. The second tells the story of Peter’s wife. A third tells about the woman at the well after she went home from the well. Others are also planned.

I’ve ghostwritten ten nonfiction books in the last couple of years. Subjects included business success, leadership, health issues, overcoming your past, overcoming your fears, how to tap into your mental strength, and teaching children about finances. My husband and I are also starting a new ghostwriting and editing package called Legacy. This is not your normal memoir or family history/memory book. We work with people who would like to leave behind a message to their family and others about lessons learned in life and the legacy they leave behind. I'm working
with a revision for my novel, Escape, for a publisher who is interested in it and I’m working on stories for several anthologies. I had a story published in the Tainted Mirror anthology in October 2007. The story, Second Chances, is about my son’s head injury and the aftermath.

What writer most inspires you and why?
I don’t think I can say that one writer inspires me. Several inspire me. I took an advanced novel writing class from Jodi Thomas, the romance writer and recipient of five Rita Awards and 2007 inductee to the Romance Writer’s Hall of Fame. She inspires me to keep on writing and submitting. Debbie Macombre inspires me - she started on her kitchen table and now sells her wonderful books everywhere. She writes about friends and relationships in a way that touch you. She encouraged me at a writers conference a few years ago. Deborah LeBlanc, from Louisiana, shows me what it takes to succeed and market yourself and how she gives back to people through her reading program for kids and supplying books for them. We spent time together and she gave me guidance on a plot idea that I was entertaining.

In one sentence – what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
Dianne Sagan wrote timeless books with story lines that held your attention, as well as taught life lessons and gave people hope.

====================================

In my next post, I will be talking about Dianne's recently published novella, Rebekah Redeemed. If you would like to ask Dianne a question, please leave a comment and Dianne will reply in the next few days.

A celebration of poetry in National Poetry Month

2009-04-18T20:29:00.000+01:00

If you like poetry and want to read some wonderful poems, then check out Glenda Bixler's blog, Book Reader's Heaven, during the month of April. Glenda is an Independent Professional Book Reviewer and she is playing host to some great poets all during this month, which is National Poetry Month.

I feel very honored that today she has chosen to highlight two of my poems from my anthology Family and More - Enemies or Friends? , which is a collection of sixteen poems, written in free verse, about people who've had a big influence on my life and the lessons I've learned from them. The two poems are "The Baby" and "The Father". You can read extensive extracts from the book on my author's website and my authors den website. It's available as an ebook from my publishers.

Free verse - an art form

2009-04-14T18:15:00.000+01:00

What exactly is 'free verse'? Angela Saunders, who is poetry editor for the website Bella Online, recently wrote an article about this and she says the following:

"Free verse is a form of poetry that does not follow either traditional rhyme or meter. Rather, it uses a rhythm or cadence closer to normalized speech patterns. Free verse may use a repetition of words, a grouping of words in specific shape patterns, or it may use specific line breaks to create emphases on thoughts. In free verse, the poet chooses how they will and will not use conventional rules of poetry..."

She then goes on to compare free verse to abstract art and illustrates the points she makes by giving examples from my book It's a Teacher's Life...!, which is all written in free verse. If you'd like to read the whole article (which is not very long), here is the link:

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art3030.asp

I hope you find the article interesting and I'd love to know whether you agree that free verse is like abstract art or not!