Welcome Back Award Winning Guest Author Cheryl Carpinello

My friends, summer is almost over and I hope you have enjoyed reading about the amazing Renee Drummond Brown. She will probably be back on here again to talk more about her prolific career. Please remember you can comment if you want on any of these blogs. And also, if you are on Goodreads it is synced on there but has a different title: Rising from the Ashes. 

Now I am bringing you another guest author, who has also written a great many books.  She was a guest here in 2014. Her name is Cheryl Carpinello and I know you will enjoy reading about her. Here is her interview with me.

  Where were you born and where do you live now?

I’m a Colorado native and would never live anywhere else.

  Besides writing do you have any other occupation or hobbies?

I’m a retired high school English teacher. Our grandkids and kids keep us busy with activities and baseball games. I’m also a retired airline employee and so we travel! We’ve been to Egypt, the UK, Iceland, Ireland, and Mexico. We also go to college football games each fall.  I enjoy reading although my selection is eclectic. I gravitate toward books about the ancient world, some published before BCE! I also enjoy some fantasy, adventure stories, and ancient quests. 

 Who or what influenced you to begin writing?

As a teacher, I encountered students who loved to read, who just didn’t read, who didn’t like to read, and who even refused to read. All of these students, especially the non-readers, charted my writing journey. Although I dabbled in writing for many years, it wasn’t until I retired from teaching that I started writing seriously. Hence: Tales & Legends for Reluctant Readers & others.

Why did you decide to write about legends and medieval times?

The ancient stories and plays sparked an interest in my toughest non-readers. They found that they could relate to the characters and to the situations the characters found themselves in. As for the medieval, I had kids who wouldn’t be caught in a library, actually researching and finding stories about King Arthur and his knights!

Please describe a typical day of writing for you.

Wow! This is a tough one, Barbara. I’ve never had a typical day of writing. The only common factor in my writing is that when I’m not physically writing, the story is running through my brain. This past year has proven difficult on many levels. Currently doing a running storyline in my head.

How can children benefit from reading your books compared to other kinds of books?

It is my hope that when young people pick up my book(s), it will ignite a spark of interest that will lead them to read more, to learn more about and value themselves, and build an understanding of the world they live in.

How would you teach reading using your books?

I never taught reading. I guided students to see themselves in the characters and to relate that “fictional” world to their own. Even a play as old as “Antigone” showed students that standing up for what is right is not easy, but still needs to be done.

When you write your books do you use people from your life for your characters? How does this affect them?

For my characters, I use numerous traits from my 20+ years of working with young people. This is how I make my characters talk to my readers. I’ve seen first-hand the loves, frustrations, fears, heartaches, joy, and the many other emotions that young people exhibit. I draw from these to develop my characters. 

However...I also draw upon myself, my emotions, and experiences to develop characters.

Do you think traveling as you do affects your writing? In what way?

I love traveling. It’s exciting to visit different countries and encountering various cultures and people. Naturally this makes its way into my writings. In some it’s the setting such as Egypt, Wales, and Iceland in my Arthurian Legend, my Egyptian Tales, and my newest series Feathers of the Phoenix. In others, it’s the infusion of characteristics of cultures and people as in Sons of the Sphinx, and Tutankhamen Speaks. 

Please describe a little bit about your books. 

My Guinevere Trilogy presents a young Guinevere as she struggles with the future laid out for her. The King’s Ransom is an adventure of friendship and fears. My Arthurian Legend stories incorporate the cornerstones of the Legend: Courage, Friendship, Honor, and Loyalty.

Sons of the Sphinx and Tutankhamen Speaks show another side to the Boy King that reveals his human side.

My new series Feathers of the Phoenix brings together ancient mythology and modern Biblical characters in a race to raise the island of Atlantis.

My Grandma/Grandpa Tales is a 3-book series introducing beginning/emerging readers and others to different reading skills using nature.

How did you get the idea for these books?

Guinevere was literally inspired by my students! Every single year, I kid you not, when I asked what my students knew about King Arthur, they talked about Arthur, the knights of the round table, the Holy Grail, and more. When I asked what they knew about Guinevere, each year I received this answer: she married Arthur, cheated on him, and was the downfall of Camelot! Knew I had to correct that view with a 13-year-old Guinevere.

My Egyptian Tales come from my love of ancient Egypt and were inspired by our 3-week visit there.

Feathers of the Phoenix come from my love of Greek mythology.

My Grandma/Grandpa’s Tales are to help beginners, emerging, and others with reading difficulties to hopefully begin to develop a love for reading.

How do you prepare for your classroom visits? 

I’m basically always prepared. I have my materials all set aside and just need to pack and drive! I do mostly elementary/middle school visits. My Illuminated Medieval Poetry is fun for boys and girls.

What are the values you hope to teach children from your books?

The only values my books teach are for readers to trust and believe in themselves as my characters learn to do.

Besides this do you have any other online or in person events planned? What are they?

I have a couple of on-line interviews I’m working on. One is for the All Author website. I just did an interview for Voyage Magazine in the Spring. 

I have a full in-person schedule for the Fall.

Sept. 21: Aurora Mini-Con (auroragov.org)

Oct. 5: Littleton Craft Fair (littletoncraftfair.org)

Oct. 19-20: Molly McGee – Longmont

Oct 25: Boo-rific – Foothills Rec. Center

Nov. 1-2: Sons of Italy Craft Fair

Nov. 8-10: Grandmother’s House – Parker

Nov. 16-17: Molly McGee – Longmont

Nov. 22-24: Colorado Country Xmas – Denver

Dec. 7 & 14; Book Nook Book Bash - Georgetown

Are you planning to publish another book soon? If so, what is it and when will it be available?

Yes. I’m hoping to finish up The Norse Star this fall. It’s Book 2 in the Feathers of the Phoenix series.

Please tell us where we can find you. 

My on-line store: https://cheryl-carpinello.square.site

Website:  http://www.cherylcarpinello.com

Writing Blog:    http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/

Publishinng: https://www.silverquillpublishing.com/

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.carpinello1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccarpine1/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2924554.Cheryl_Carpinello

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cheryl-carpinello

Finally, my last question which is one I ask all of my guests. Are you a plotter or a pantser? In other words, do you outline or do you just write?

I’m a pantser. When I sit down to write, the story is already in my head. I learned years ago to ‘write into the dark’ and I love it.

I am a pantser too and my characters talk to me too. Only mine are more of this century. LOL

Cheryl Carpinello Bio  

Tales and Legends appeals to readers of all ages, particularly those who have struggled with reading. Through my 25 years of teaching experience with diverse readers, I’ve found that stories from the Ancient Worlds and Arthurian Legend draw in readers of all abilities.

My Grandma/Grandpa’s Tales help young readers build reading skills through nature tales.

My husband and I are both retired high school teachers and we love to travel. We attend a college football game around the US each year, and we travel abroad for fun and my books. We’ve been to Egypt, the UK, Iceland, Mexico & the Caribbean. Besides teaching for 20+ years, I also worked nights for a major US airline. Reward: Lifetime Travel Benefits! Love it!!

I'm a lover of mythology, myths, legends, & tales from the ancient/medieval worlds. All of these have transcended time & space into our world today. The myths & legends don't fade away; they are just repackaged for a new audience.  As a high school English teacher, I continually challenged my students to find connections between today & times long gone by. Some took more digging than others, but the connections are always there

Now, I write Arthurian Legend for young readers and teens. These stories exhibit what I consider to be cornerstones of that Legend: Courage, Honor, Loyalty, & Friendship. My tales from Egypt & my new series Feathers of the Phoenix meld the ancient/medieval worlds with today. The Atlantean Horse (Book 1 of Feathers of the Phoenix) also brings the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse out of the Bible & into the modern world. My Grandma/Grandpa’s Tales, short illustrated stories, help the youngest readers build their reading skills. At the 2nd grade reading level, these stories are suitable for readers aged 4 and up.

I love doing classroom visits where students create their own Medieval Illuminated Poetry. So much fun! Even the boys have a great time creating their poems. I also do full-day Medieval Workshops where kids explore Medieval titoimes with a variety of activities.

It does sound like fun to do that with kids. As a teacher I know that activities like this are better for learning than any books. And your books are sure to be both fun and educational. I hope everyone will check out your website and see all the awards you have won for your books.

Thank you, Barbara, for this opportunity to appear on your blog.

It is my pleasure to have you on my blog again. I went back and saw you were a guest author way back in 2014. I hope you won't take ten more years to come back.

Until the next time, this blog will be on here until October 16, 2024.  I hope some of you have checked out my newly published book, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor.  It's YA but older people like it too. This book will bring you back to high school.

The next guest author on here will be Fibby Bob Kinney. He is a poet and author.

The Jewish Holidays usually come up around now but this year they are in October. Fall is in the air and it's hard to believe summer is almost gone. Summer is my favorite season, since I was born in the middle of it. But I do like Fall or Autumn too for the colors of the leaves. Please leave a comment here for our guest author. 

Welcome Renee Drummond Brown

 It is August and it's time to visit with another great author. This is a special time for me since my birthday is on the last day of the month. When I was a child I hated that it was in summer because I couldn't have a birthday in class when kids would bring cupcakes for their birthday. And none of my friends were around for it either. Though I was usually at camp where the entire camp sang "Happy Birthday" and there was a cake for my table only. It was funny because kids at other tables who barely knew me always suddenly tried to be friends so they could get cake. 

This is a big birthday and we started celebrating it early. But as the years go by I still love my birthday and have come to terms with the number this year. 

Anyway, on to my guest author for the rest of this month and most of next month: 

Renee Drummond Brown ------- Drum roll please---------

My very accomplished guest author, Renee Drummond Brown, has published over 75 books including hard cover, paperback, ebooks, coloring and activity books. Here is her interview with me:

• Where were you born and where do you live now?

Reneé Drummond-Brown is a renowned author born on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, located in Onslow County, in southeastern North Carolina. Drummond-Brown now resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

• Besides writing do you have any other occupation? Do you have any hobbies?

I’m a retiree. My hobbies include: Deep-diving and delving in the Sacred Scriptures, providing child care for my grandson: Giovanni Dominic Antonelli (my ‘lil “Gio-Gio”) and creating his coloring book line “Gio’s Coloring & Activity Books: #1 - 10,” and attending college full-time - student at Liberty University (LU), pursuing higher and professional education. In addition, traveling across the globe.

• Who or what influenced you to start writing?

I began writing as early as five years of age (and just love it), however, there were several professors at college and a publisher (Judith Hampton-Thompson, Publisher of The Metro Gazette Publishing Co., Albany GA.,) who took a personal interest in my writing prose and convinced me to share my work with the world.

It is as equally important to note* The Civil Rights Activist/Songbird, Ms. Rutha Mae Harris, Original Freedom Singer of The Civil Rights Movement was solely responsible for having my first poem published in The Metro Gazette Publishing Co., that I wrote for her while in college.

The Father who art in Heaven and my beloved mother (who has gone home to glory) inspires/inspired me to write. Next, self-satisfaction and finally, the gratitude and comments that I receive from colleagues from across the globe while blessing their situation(s) with my unique style and form of poetic play on words

.• What made you decide to write your first book? Did you try to publish it with a traditional publisher?

My first book is self-explanatory: Renee’s Poems with Wings are Words in Flight-I’ll Write Our Wrongs! is a collection of poetic accounts designed to have colorblind justice, hear the truth, touch freedom, taste love, and smell the Rose of Sharon. This book is written with such conviction that it is sure to cleanse the soul, mend the broken heart, and ultimately transform one’s mind.

No, thus far, I have never been given the opportunity to work with a traditional publishing house to date but I’m open to that concept.  

• Most of your books are self-published. Please tell our readers how this happened?

Poets often write what others are thinking but are too afraid and dare not speak ‘IT’. Each of my global Anthologies (listed below) address our contemporary stance relating to societal issues (and the ‘IT’).

• How has poetry changed your life?

As a woman of color, I use poetic language: imagery, metaphors, similes, allegories and play on words sealed in parables coupled with the biological human senses relating to sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing to convey the emotions of what ‘we’ the African American people feel in our struggles and plights, by addressing ill-wills, fights, hurts, sorrows, grief, heartaches, misery, woes and anguish bestowed on us on a daily basis. Not to mention our horrific loses and assignations during slavery, throughout the Civil Rights Movement, and unto this present date with so many of our sons being buried 6 ft. deep (a baptism of tears eloquently flow within our issues).

The uses of these senses add dramatic overtones and provides the reader with an ambiance of sensations. This evokes a heartfelt reaction to my literary works causing the reader to not only connect with my storylines but to place themselves in the place or space with me and/or the character.

• Please tell us about a typical day of writing for you.

My best writings are at an extremely fast pace and start at 3:00 AM., (sometimes for two days straight) which makes it extremely hard for me to work with others. I can only focus with complete silence. Talking to me while writing annoys and infuriates me.

You know I feel the same way. When I'm writing I close myself off and don't want any noise either. 

• What made you decide to write coloring books?

I want my only grandson (thus far) to have a legacy long after I’m gone mirroring this Scripture:

                    “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass,

               one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law,

               till all be fulfilled” Matthew 5:18 King James Version (KJV).

• One of the ways we met was you sent me an invitation to be in your anthology many years ago. I also interviewed you on my radio show, Books and Entertainment Tales from the Pages, which has since gone off the air. How many books do you now have since that interview?

75 live titles and presently working on an International Anthology.

• What is your latest book? describe it for our readers.

As previously stated, I have over 75 published book titles (under my belt) via Amazon, AuthorHouse and Westbow Press.

 Read Between the Lines Poetry Book, and Haiku Anyone? Poetry Book are my latest publications.  Read Between the Lines, comes        from the African American’s perspectives on life, while, Haiku Anyone? speaks to the art of Japanese writings, form and artistic craft in which, I absolutely love. 

• You have won a great many awards. Please tell our readers about these and list them for us.

They are just too numerous to mention; my latest are from:

Well Read Magazine: Three Dogs Write Press bestowed International Author Reneé Drummond-Brown the “Well Done” March 2024, Award for her poem “Last Night I Cried!”

LAST NIGHT I CRIED by Reneé Drummond-Brown - Issuu

~Wildfire Publications Company and Magazine – President Susan Joyner-Stumpf: Graphic Design Artist and Vice President: Kerry Marzock – bestowed International Author Reneé Drummond-Brown, MA, BS, AA., the 2024, Humanitarian Award.

~ Fraternidad Poetica Mundial, World Poetic Fraternity 120 paises/120 countries - Founder: Juan Antonio V. Delgadillo – bequeathed International Author Reneé Drummond-Brown, MA, BS, AA., the Global Poet 2024 Award representing the United States of America (USA).

~Wordsmith International Editorial Issue #38 - By: Dr. Omatee Ann Marie Hansraj of Trinidad

(Drummond-Brown’s woks also appear in issues #13 and #36, sold via Amazon).

Author/Publisher/Poet Drummond-Brown, graced the July 2024, international magazine cover:

https://www.facebook.com/renee.drummondbrown/videos/480768338027861

~Bizcatalyst 360 – Life Culture Biz Reimagined Humanity Rediscovered – Conferred International Author Reneé Drummond-Brown, MA, BS, AA., the Columnist Award for 2024, publication

https://www.bizcatalyst360.com/kiss-aint-just-a-kiss/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEXqtxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHe95vlb9vCFAYiB7VgSuIGn7Exhnt1dNIc52rxamzvq_DGiGzaBMsF4wgQ_aem_RA5IRQ_AhAfTIXo22QtY0g

• In each of your anthologies and magazines you have your contributing authors give you a quote. When did you first begin to do that and why?

I have done that in every Anthology and/or magazine. Quotes add an experts’ point of view to their genre of writings and confirms their credibility from different positions.

Thank you for explaining that. Each time I submit I have had to dig to find a quote. But that is an inspirational moment too.

• Please tell us your website and all the places we can find you.

Drummond-Brown’s Hardcover, Softcover, eBooks, Coloring books (adult and children), Anthologies, Magazine and Children’s book are sold via Amazon:

Pittsburgh author Renee Drummond-Brown

(Renee's Poems with Wings are Words in Flight!). 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07V4GW9SH

AuthorHouse:

https://www.authorhouse.com/en/search?query=Renee+Drummond-Brown&fbclid=IwY2xjawEXuB9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHf26jWyMEit0j5pB0ko81yiw1XOcz5r-qBEl2vbRGpWsSoSU4v1FMfNfQw_aem_I9jhzSJOJecibWXxkEXVRQ

Westbow Press:

https://www.westbowpress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/706476-Renee-s-Poems-with-Wings-Are-Words-in-Flight

• My last question for you is one I always ask all my guest authors. Are you a plotter or a pantser? In other words, do you plot out your work or do you just write?

A little bit of both a plotter and pantser (here and there) in the sense that I don’t plan and yet I have a strong intuition of what I feel within my body of literary works as I’m going along.

Moreover, as far as a plotter is concerned my artistic nature knows how to strategize to complete my literary projects on hand.

Renee Drummond Brown Bio:

Reneé Drummond-Brown, is a renowned author, visionary in literature, writer, publisher, and poet residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned a Grad certification in Christian Leadership from Liberty University (LU). She holds a Master of Arts degree in creative writing with a concentration in poetry from Chatham University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Ministry Leadership with a minor in biblical theology studies, graduating summa cum laude from Geneva College of Western Pennsylvania. In addition, she received an Associate of Arts degree in Christian Ministry at The Center for Urban Biblical Ministry (CUBM), where she served as class president and is presently in pursuit of higher education. Drummond-Brown is an accomplished poetess with experience in creative writing and authored several books to her credit. Her poetic prose is recognized across the globe. 

Thank you to the renowned and esteemed Pittsburgh author and poet Renee Drummond Brown for sharing her thoughts with us. I am honored to have her on my blog and I invite people to leave their comments here. She is truly a gift to the world and I look forward to seeing the next anthology in which I will have two poems. 

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

I'm hopefully posting this on my birthday or the day after that. It goes into the month of August. I always think of my birthday as halfway through summer. I'm looking forward to the rest of the summer. It is my favorite season though it gets very hot. I practically live in air conditioning so I don't get out much. But when I do it is hot out there. Anyway, August will bring new adventures including one of my favorite things to do: sell books in person. I have my books all ready for the Norwalk Book Festival on August 24th. Anyone who lives near there should come and say hi. You won't miss me. I will have my pink poster and my books out in front of me.

Have a great rest of summer and don't miss checking out Renee Drummond Brown's books. I am in a lot of her anthologies and magazines too. She gives all writers a chance to be seen. Thank you to Renee Drummond Brown for the opportunities she has given to me and all other international poets.,

Unitl the next time, please check out my newly republished book, If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other online bookstores. You might find one in your library or local bookstore. But if you don't, tell them to order it. LOL 

The next guest author on the blog will be: Cheryl Carpinello, who is another YA author and friend.

Happy Summer!!!!

Welcome Deepika Singh!

 

I hope you have all had a very pleasant month and a few days. I love this part of the year when it gets warmer and the flowers bloom. I'm a summer baby so this is when I feel most comfortable. 

 Sadly, we must say goodbye to Wendy Blanton for now and I am sure she will be back with her new book very soon. Let's welcome our new guest Deepika Singh. She is not an author yet, but she has been published in multiple anthologies. I remember the time when I wasn't an author yet. So I extend my hand to anyone who would like to be seen. I think you will find she is very interesting and talented in several areas. 

Welcome Deepika Singh and we are all interested in learning more about her. Here is her interview.

Where were you born and where do you live now?

I am an Indian native born and brought up in Margherita-Assam. Surrounded with lofty hills and vibrant tea gardens.

Besides writing do you have any other occupations? Do you have any hobbies?

Besides writing I am a torch bearer, a teacher. My hobbies include reading, writing and making rangoli. I feel that if a person tends to write then he/she must read enough. Rangoli is the traditional floor art of India. I also made a state and World record in Rangoli (2020).

That is great! Congratulations!!!Who or what influenced you to begin writing?

I did my Bachelor degree in English major and was very much influenced by Rabindranath Tagore, William Wordsworth and John Keats writing style. In my Master degree I started writing for newspapers. In the year 2012 my father went to heaven and I stopped writing. After some years I got married which didn’t go well and ended up in divorce.When the whole world was struggling against the Corona pandemic I was going through my divorce and I realized that pain is inevitable. I tried to transform my pain through writing and thus my pen started flowing again.

How wonderful, though it is sad that this caused you to start writing again. I also began writing again due to sadness. It is greatly healing to write when you are sad. 

Do you speak any other languages besides your native one and English? What are they?

India is a land of cultural diversity. Here in India other than the mother tongue and English language , people can easily speak fluently in other native languages tooI can speak easily in Bengali, Assamese , Hindi and English well.

Why did you become a teacher and what do you teach?

My mother is my strength.She was a teacher and I followed her footsteps. I have been in this profession since 2010 and I teach English and Social Studies. Teaching moulded me. It gave me a new ME. The best thing which I learned from my students is to always be kind.

That is a wonderful lesson and you can learn from your students. They are the greatest teachers.

How did you start to write poetry?

I don’t want to keep myself limited. I always wanted to explore myself and thus my writing journey started. As I already mentioned that pain is inevitable , I thought why not let’s make my pain beautiful by writing. I feel that poetry is like an art and the words are colors. Every verse gives me new birth and rejuvenates me.

What would you say are your main themes for your poem

My poems mainly deal with nature and life. And both are intertwined with each other.I am from a small town, where communication is not easy, books are not easily available butone thing which I am blessed with is bountiful nature. So I have become more inclined to write about natureAlso as we grow we become more entangled with life’s problems. We should use our pain as a shield and wake up like a Tigress and set an example for everyone how to fight back with your pain so that the whole world applauds.

Wow, I totally agree that people respond to painful poems. I have had the most comments on my saddest poems.

I noticed all of your poems are in free verse. Do you ever write in rhyme?

To be very honest this is my limitation. I always love and prefer to write in free verse. I believethat through free verse I am able to express myself more.

Your poem: “Ode to Chipko Women” is dedicated to the Chipko Women in Uttahrakhand,Inda. Are you a member of this group? What inspired you to write this?

Well I am not a member of any such group. The Chipko Movement originated in Himalayanregion Uttarakhand , India in 1973. When this region was facing rampant deforestation due tocommercial activities. What caught my attention is that the women group who started thismovement were simple peasant women not much educated. But still they understood the value ofnatural resources.It was a nonviolent movement. They hugged the trees and encircled them to prevent being hacked.Soon all over the world people came to know about this eco feminist movement and still we are following its legacy.

You mention in your bio your work is translated into many different languages. How did this occur?

When my work gets translated my poems get a new life. Many brilliant luminaries appreciated my work and they showed interest to give a new light to my work through their translations. I am very much grateful to them.

Many of your poems are published in anthologies. Have you thought of publishing your own book?

I know my limitations. As I always write in free verse, I feel that if I need to publish a book I need to explore more in the poetry genre. I need to work harder to catch readers' attention.

Well, you captured my attention and I'm sure our readers will enjoy your poetry too. You have to take the leap. 

Do you believe poets are important for society? Why or why not?

Poets'; words have echoed since ages , from ancient civilisation to modern era. They help us to delve into our imaginations. They dive deep into emotions offering solace through words and sometimes words can also have the impact to change our lives.

That was a great answer. I agree and feel that is why poetry has captured the spirit of society again. Poets translate events of the day and help people understand how to cope with them. Poets are the soul of our world. 

Please share your website and social media links here.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028332699779&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Finally, my last question and the one I ask all my guests. Are you a plotter or a pantser? Inother words, do you outline before you write or do you just write?

I always jot down the words or beautiful sentences which come to my mind. Then I choose a. theme and start working on it. I dive deep into human emotions and always try to keep my poems simple so that common people can easily understand .My message to budding Wordsmith- no matter how remote region you live, if you love to write just be a voracious reader. Whatever you get, just read it. Make it a daily habit. We all go through mental trauma, don't stop yourself, rather rise like a tiger and roar like a lionby your creativity. God has made us all creative, we just need to explore ourselves.

Thank you Deepika Singh for being my guest here on the blog. This interview will be up here for about a month. Your words are so powerful and now let's see your poems. 

Here are some of the anthologies in which Deepika Singh is published:

Here are photos of Deepika Singh doing Rangoli and one of her Rangoli pieces. Rangoli is floor art. Please check it out here:

Here are some of Deepika Singh's poems:

MY REBIRTH

Time favoured bestowed with happiness,

And I build the kingdom of hope.

But life stabbed and crumbled me again and again,

My voice is choked, tongue tied up.

Went through innumerable dark nights.

The softest heart bruises the deepest.

The walls witnessed my pathos,

But life goes on.

I was like a caged bird,

Poetry gave me wings to fly.

You gave me beacon of hope,

You rewired my entire DNA,

A renewal of the new ME.

You crafted me, you nurtured me.

Poetry sanitized my mind,

And evoked my ink.

I woke up like a Tigress.

And roar like a Lioness

My words are my weapons now.

Which my mates adore 

And my foes abhor.

 © 2024  by Deepika Singh

JUST A FIGURINE

In my yesteryears I played with a lovely doll.

I caressed her everyday.

She was my soul,

And I was her heartbeat.

When I stepped in my budding days,

She smiled and said, “You are a dol”.l

I ignored her,

Never dived deep into the depth of her words.

I smiled and got engrossed in the mortal coil of life.

As days passed by I realised,

That I am just like a rag doll.

In the hands of fragile hearts.

Some souls are just pastime gadgets.

Life is so uncertain.

People step in our life.

Shower with a million dreams.

Toy with our emotions.

To expertise in flamboyance,

To master in oratory.

Their hunger is never fulfilled,

Always in search of new prey.

Leaving us abandoned,

When we need them the most.

And then come the mass parade

To hear our raw story.

Instead of helping hands,

Giving us a hamper of pit hole tips.

Adding more spices and advertising our tales.

too difficult to stitch our tormented heart and trust again.

Painted face carries its glory.

Beautiful soul lies somewhere in the corner of dark room,

Finally, we become the effigy.

© copyright 2024 by Deepika Singh

UNFILTERED STORY 

I was like you, one among you, 

Chirping all the time.

I loved to be enveloped with people. 

Always extended helping hands,

I was an ointment who healed the scars.

Fresh breeze, nutrition of thoughts.

I thought others to be the same, 

Who value honesty and treasure those humble souls.

Acidic remarks hijacked the pleasure centers in my brain. 

Bestowed with hollow promises.

I carry the burden of scars,

Don’t accept me to be normal.

Embarking on a great battle.

I don’t play the tune of my sorrows now,

Drained out hopes, faith in dwarf planets. 

Deep down my soul always cries,

Scars are nowhere to heal.

Bitterness is paralytic.

Storm of tears and mosses of sadness.

In solitude I find comfort now.

A piece of me dies every second.

If you don’t walk in my shoes 

You don’t know the path,

I had walked too.

I am just a laughing stock and topic of discussion,  

For bugging minds.

Everything seems alien now. 

Emotional battles hard to deal with, 

I cry tears of blood.

Arrogance reflects in my face.

I don’t like to see mirror now,

Yes I am harsh too.

In fear of getting pangs,

I too was unstained,

Betrayal contaminated my soul,  

Lost in unethical coil.

 © copyright 2024 by Deepika Singh

PACT with PEACE

Flapping her wings a butterfly whispered in my ears,

Call for peace, sign the treaty of love.

Our power is in our hands and devotion to our work.

Sweat till the flag of tranquility flutters in the sky.

We don’t want ponds of blood.

There is only one earth and we are God’s dazzling creation.

Bitterness is alien to our Almighty.

We are here to do our part,

To preserve the heritage of holy peace.

To fabricate our earth as the safest heaven .

Be alert, don’t fall prey to devil’s exploiting path,

Which only exhibits hatred.

Don’t let the path of peace short,

Quest for peace is not far.

Just shun your ego,

And drown in the stream of love.

We all are tired of strolling in the pavement of barbaric blocks,

Power peddlers don’t you feel guilty?

Civilization is on the brink of ashes.

It’s a hard picture to draw and too hard to be photographed.

Outburst noise of uncivilized nation,

Will be documented in the pages of history.

Restoration of love and peace is the utmost cry now.

Sow the seeds of love and breed humanity.

Spin thread of nonviolence,

Sing the melody of friendship .

Peace can only be gained when we sparkle love.

Let hope not be the luxury word

which we cannot attain.

Peace adds to empowerment; it’s the key to prosperity.

© copyright 2024 by Deepika Singh

Bio for Deepika Singh:

Deepika Singh is an Indian native from Margherita, Assam. She holds an M.A. and a B.Ed. degree,by profession, a teacher. Her writings are a reflection of the everyday experiences she has. She thinks the correct words have the power to transform our culture. Her works were featured in various publications, including Sipay Journal, The Poet Magazine, Womensweb, Journal of Macedonia Scientific Society, Poetry Zine Magazine, Archer Magazine, etc. Additionally, her writings were translated into Hebrew, Chinese, Macedonian, Spanish, Serbian, Tajik, and Turkish. She also recited poetry on Kent’s BBC Radio.

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I hope you enjoyed getting to know Deepika Singh and I wish all of you a great rest of this month of June and July. Happy 4th of July to my US readers. We are celebrating it on July 6th this year with my brother as we usually do. I hope some of you will comment on this and thank you to Deepika Singh for sharing her life with us. I am still adding authors to the blog so if you want to be on here please let me know. My next guest author will be Renee Drummond Brown. With all of the books she has authored I might need two posts for her. LOL Until the next time, keep reading and get out and enjoy life while you can. 

Welcome Wendy Blanton, Author of Dawn of Shadows

 

Friends, I know I was supposed to put on all the poems from Poem A Day but April was very busy for me and I had some health issues. But now I will post the rest of them on the My Poems section of this blog. The reason is I am starting my Author Interviews today with author Wendy Blanton. Each month I will be featuring another author. Please contact me if you are interested. I am on Facebook: BarbaraJEhr.

Wendy is someone I met at Prosateurs, a group which meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on Zoom to write and share our results. All we do is meet the first five minutes to talk of what we will write and then the last five or ten minutes to say how we did. It has enabled me to work on my writing in manageable increments and given me motivation to write all the time. Stephen Bagley, who is our leader, creates an atmosphere of confidence and openness with his funny comments and offhand remarks. Anyway, that is how we met and I learned of her new book series. I always admire authors who write about dragons, even though I know I couldn't possibly do it. With her Balphrahn Books she brings you into the world of dragons.

Interview with Wendy Blanton

1. Where were you born and where do you live now?

I was born and raised in Michigan and I live near St. Louis, Missouri.

2. What made you decide to go into the Air Force? Did you know how to fly before you enlisted?

Oh, no, I don't fly. You have to be an officer and have special training before they let you do that. I enlisted so the Air Force would pay for my college education, but really, being in the military is an education in its own right. It's a blessing that I had no idea what I was getting myself into at the tender age of 19. 

3. How did you meet your husband? Do you have any children?

I met my husband in the Air Force. The squadron I worked for housed single airmen in the first two floors of a dormitory, and his squadron had the third floor. We tangentially lived together before we even met. We met, married, and birthed our two children in North Carolina. It was our longest tour in his career.

4. Describe the difference between being in the Air Force and being an Air Force wife. Were there any funny or unusual incidents you might relate to our readers?

On active duty, you're told what you need to know and nothing more. We said we were mushrooms--kept in the dark and fed BS. But there was a comradery in that, and we did have news trickle down through the chain of command. 

As the wife, it was the same, but sometimes the news didn't get to us. We got news from our spouses, but if they were deployed, we were at the mercy of whoever was supposed to remember to contact us. The spouse also takes on the responsibility of keeping the family together--caring for the kids/house/car/pets when the airman is away (and you can plan on something breaking within the first week of their departure), overseeing all the details of every move, and changing jobs with every new duty station. The job situation might be a little easier now, but when we were in the Air Force there was no such thing as remote work. We barely had the internet. It's a challenging life, but there are nuggets of wonderful. We lived in Italy for a year, and while that had challenges of its own, it was an amazing experience and came when our kids were the perfect age for it.·       

5. Who or what was your greatest influence for writing?

I've been a reader since I was little, and I've been making up stories almost as long. I think it's part of my DNA. My mom's family is artistic, and my dad's family is imaginative and witty. And sarcastic. I learned the fine art of BSing at my grandparents' table.

6. Why do you write about Balphrahn? What significance does it have for you?

 Balphrahn came into existence through a Facebook comment. I was working on short stories for the Blackbirds anthologies, and I posted about needing ideas. My friend posted a comment about fire exploding across the sky--the dragons were back. I thought it was cool, but I didn't want to write fantasy. At the time I thought I was going to write historical fiction. Silly me! I did one short story, which led to another and part of a third before I dissected them and scattered the pieces through the first novel. That was nine years ago, and it has taken on a life of its own, as projects like this often do. 

 7. How do you know so much about Celtic history? What made you decide to go to the festivals in Scotland?

Oh, I hope to do a festival in Scotland someday. For now, I tell Celtic folktales and history at Highland Games in Missouri (although I'm open to traveling under the right circumstances), and at local libraries. I got into it accidentally. The guy running the Clan Campbell tent at the St. Louis Scottish Games is a storyteller, and since I'm a writer, I volunteered to apprentice under him. He agreed, and the best part of a decade later, I'm doing it myself. I've gained knowledge through my mentor, but most of it has come from reading and study. I still have a lot to learn.

Thank you for clarifying that.

8. Please describe a typical day of writing for our readers.

Oh, you don't really want to know that, do you? I generally write between 8 am and 11 am, and I schedule sessions from 1 pm to 3 pm, but those hours are flexible and are usually writing-related things, like editing, marketing, scheduling social posts, and so forth. We won't get into the cooking/cleaning/scooping cat litter part. I think if you are working from home it's necessary to do all these things along with writing.

9. Why did you republish this book with a different name? 

Dawn of Shadows was originally Dawn Before the Dark, and it was published by Bear Publications. I had a three book contract with them, and writing the second novel made me realize we have different ideas of how the series should go. I negotiated to get my rights back, and changed the name and the cover to make it clear that it is no longer with Bear, but also to avoid any confusion with Amazon. It also marked a fresh start in my career, which was more important than I realized.

10.  Are you planning to add more books to this series after Book 2?

Yes, there will likely be 3 in this series, and I have a prequel series in my head that will probably also be a trilogy. As I write book 3, I'm getting ideas for spin-offs, so who knows how many books there will be?

11.  Are you planning to have any in person or online events for the book besides this blog, of course.

I'm open to it but don't have any plans currently. I have enough going on with editing book 2 and writing book 3, and I'll get more serious about promotion when I have more books out.

12. Please put your links here so our readers may learn more about your work. 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wendy-Blanton/author/B00OFLL43M

https://www.coffeewithdragons.com

https://www.facebook.com/coffeewithdragons2021

https://www.instagram.com/coffeewithdragons

 Coffee With Dragons? Where did that come from?

Dragons can represent the challenges we face in life. When you come up against one, you can kill it, but there will be another one right behind it. Killing dragons takes a lot of effort and energy. It's better, in my opinion, to find out what it's trying to teach you, and what better way to do that than over a cup of coffee?

Plus, I'm a coffee junkie. I quit drinking coffee for a while in the '90s and my family says I was hard to live with, so here we are. 

To give credit where it's due, I got the idea from Stephen B. Bagley. This is the second time his name was mentioned on this blog. Hmmm. No, seriously, Stephen is practically our muse.

13. Finally, this is always my last question. Are you a plotter or a pantser? In other words, do you outline or do you just write? 

I'm a pantser, which is strange because in every other part of my life, I'm a long-term compulsive planner. I've tried plotting, though, and it locks the process up, so it is what it is.

Excerpt from Dawn of Shadows

Chapter 1

    Three bodies lay like discarded rag dolls, all with the throats cut, but no blood. Not one drop. 

    Tanwen paced in the clearing. "What do you think it means?"

    Her dragon, Quillon, opened one eye. His silver scales glittered in the sun. He answered telepathically. I have not seen its like before. Speculation would be futile.

    She snorted and turned away from him to look at the carnage at the far end of the clearing. "What do you make of the tree burned into the side of the house?"

    It is a fair rendering, if a bit crude.

    She glanced at him over her shoulder. "Do you think it was done by magic?"

    I think all of this was done by magic. He lumbered to his feet. The others are coming. Though I wish to bask here in the sun with you, I will circle to guide them in.

    His muscles bunched as he leaped and flapped his wings to take off. He clipped the top of a spruce tree with his tail and circled the clearing.

    Tanwen turned away from the wrecked homestead and focused on the flowers in the meadow. Someone had been encouraging certain wild herbs to grow in the area. She recognized feverfew, skullcap, and coneflowers. All the other plants had been pulled out, and the grass that was there was patchy. She wondered if someone who had lived in the house suffered from headaches.

    From the west, she heard the clink of chain mail and the murmur of voices. "Tanwen?"

    "Over here." 

    A few minutes later, her husband rode out of the woods, followed by two other men.

    Liam slid out of his saddle and led his horse to her. His black hair was tied back, and the blue of his tunic matched his eyes. He kissed her lightly and said, "What are you doing in the woods?"

    He smelled of leather and chainmail, and she wrapped her arms around his waist. "Looking for you."

    He smiled, and her knees melted a little.

    Behind him, Siril said, "It's the same necromancer. See the tree branded on the side of the house?"

    She shivered. "Nice of him to sign his work, I guess."

    The others dismounted, and they led their horses to the clearing.

    Siril stopped as the sunlight reflected on his bald head. "We should tie the horses up here and let them graze. I don't like what I'm sensing over there, and they won't either, I'd wager."

    They led the horses to a patch of alfalfa at the edge of the woods and tied the reins to bushes before walking toward the scene. 

    As they got closer, Liam nodded. "I see what you mean, Siril. It's odd, like necromancy, but not the same."

    "I felt it at the last scene, too."

    "Pity a magical signature can't tell you who it is," said Tanwen.

    "Without a known signature to compare it to we can't, but when we find him, we'll know," said Siril.

    "But you're sure all the homesteads have been attacked by one necromancer acting alone?"

    "One bad single mage," said Colum.

    Liam bent next to the nearest body, looking at the wounds. "We need to check the buildings."

    They searched the house and outbuildings and found no people. There was evidence of cows and horses, but they were missing, too. Only the chickens and a barn cat were left.

    The cat twined around Tanwen's ankles. "I wonder if the dead are the people who lived here?"

    "Where are the women? There were two here, judging from the clothing I saw," said Colum.

    Siril ran his hand over his bald head. "I'm not sure it's possible to say just now. We'd better get back. Arwyne will need the details to pass along to the king."

    Liam nodded. "It's going to be close to dark when we get back." He took Tanwen's hand. "Are you going back with Quillon?"

"    Yes, I'll go ahead and report to Arwyne. Should Aithne and I wait to have dinner with you?"

    "No, go ahead. She'll be starving and cranky if you wait."

    "I might be, too." She leaned in to kiss him. "See you at home."

Wow, this excerpt makes me want to read the book! You have packed so much into this first scene. I want to know more about the dragon and Tanwen's life. 

Wendy Blanton Bio:

Wendy Blanton has been telling stories since she could string sentences together. In addition to the Balphrahn Books, she is featured in several anthologies with her writing group, including Yule Tidings, Prosateurs, Tales & Truth, Blackbirds First Flight, Blackbirds Second Flight, Blackbirds Third Flight. She is a United States Air Force veteran, having served on active duty for the United States Air Force for eight years and an additional thirteen years as an Air Force wife. Being the wife was a harder gig.

In addition to writing stories she performs as Scottish festivals and private gatherings, telling Celtic folk tales aned history to educate people about Celtic culture. If you see her at an event please feel free to ask her for a story. She divides her time between various locations in Balphrahn and her home in Missouri with her husband and cats. Visit her website at:
wendyblanton.com

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Thank you for being here, Wendy, I hope our readers will have comments for you. If you, as a reader, wish to comment please remember to be courteous. I moderate the comments so please be respectful and do not spam. Other than that please feel free to leave a comment and it will be posted as soon as possible. For Goodreads readers please add Wendy's book to your list of Want to Read books.

Wendy's interview will be up here for the rest of May and some of June, since I promised her a whole month. Until the next time, check out my poems from this April in the Poetry tab here. I will start with April 9. Also, please check out my books: If I Could Be Like Jennifer Taylor, and You'll Probably Forget Me Living With and Without Hal.

 We are up to Day 5 of Poem A Day and I have written over 5 poems. For some days I have three or four poems. Today I have only one so far. 

The prompt is: Tell--------

Here is my poem for today:

Until the next time, I hope you are writing too. Please share your writing here in the comments.