Today, I am happy to welcome fellow Story Empire contributor and blogging buddy D.L. Finn to Fiction Favorites. She has a new collection of stories to tell you about, and if these are like her others, this will be an enjoyable collection to own and enjoy.
Thank you for having me visit today, John, to share my short story collection, In the Tree’s Shadow.
“Lyrical Dragon” has an interesting beginning. While commenting on one of John’s posts, I forget what the post was about now, but words from the blog, lyrical dragon, inspired me. I mentioned in the comment that I’d like to write a story about those words. With John’s encouragement, that is just what I did. The blog became my muse.
At first, I wasn’t sure how the dragon would be lyrical. I knew lyrical meant a way to express emotions or thoughts. Dancers, artists, and writers can express themselves lyrically, but how would a dragon? Then it came to me, poetically. What if the dragon spoke in haikus? Although the story doesn’t center on that fact, it creates a creative way to get the dragon’s point across to the young girl, Janine, in the story. I know poetry can tell stories, but my stories haven’t included poetry. This was the perfect way to combine two things I love: storytelling and poetry.
John’s note: I was interested in which post the Lyrical Dragon was mentioned, so I looked it up. It was one with Lucy and Twiggy, where they tried on sweaters as possible dragon costumes in preparation for Halloween. Lucy declared herself a Lyrical Dragon since her sweater didn’t fit.
BLURB
A collection of short stories where dreams and nightmares coexist.
Nestled inside these pages, you’ll meet a couple in their golden years who take a trip with an unexpected detour, a boy desperate to give his brother the Christmas gift he asked for, a girl with a small glass dragon who is at the mercy of her cruel uncles, and a young mother who has a recurring dream about murder. You’ll be introduced to worlds where people get second chances and monsters might be allowed their desires, while angels and dragons try to help. Happy endings occur, but perspective can blur the line between good and evil in these twenty-seven tales. Since the stories vary between 99 and 12,000 words, whether you have only five minutes or an entire evening to settle into reading, there is something that will suit your time and taste.
EXCERPT:
The walk home from the general store was hot and dusty on the red dirt road. Sweat poured down Janie’s face as she labored to carry the burlap sack of provisions her uncles had sent her to get. Because of their poor farming skills, almost everything had to be bought, and what extra money they’d had in the past disappeared when her mother did. Her uncles wouldn’t comment on where her mother had gone, but Janie had her suspicions. The town’s rumor mill, overheard on one of her shopping trips, decided her mother had run off with a man. Janie knew her mother wouldn’t leave her only child behind with these lazy, no-good men.
“They will pay for whatever they did to my mother. I promise you that, Lyrical Dragon.”
Heat radiated from the tiny green dragon charm that bounced against what Uncle Barry called her flat-boy chest. The necklace was the only thing Janie had left from her mother, so she hid it well around her greedy relatives. They’d sell anything of value so they didn’t have to work. With her mother gone, she was the only one left to provide food. The rains had stopped, and the garden was withering in the scorching sun. Water was limited, and everything was fading away except her fat uncles.
FUN FINN FACTS:
- I try to write poetry in new places, including the back of the Harley.
- I like to be surrounded by color and rarely tolerate a white or tan wall.
BIO:
D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, a unique autobiography, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.
D.L. Finn Links:
Fiction Favorites 
Thank you having me visit today, John 🙂 I’m so glad you found the post and extra happy it involved Lucy and Twiggy and their inner dragons.
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It was terrific. Thanks, Denise. 😁
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[…] Today I’m visiting with John W. Howell to discuss the short story “Lyrical Dragon” here. […]
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I just read and adored Lyrical Dragon, and it’s great to see the story behind the story! Wishing you all the best, Denise. John, thanks for sharing. Wonderful post. Hugs to you both 🤗💕🙂
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Thank you, Harmony. Loved having Denise today. 😁
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Thank you, Harmony 🙂 I love it was inspired by the girls! So happy you enjoyed that one. Hugs back xo
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[…] In the Trees Shadow by D. L. Finn #newbook […]
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Thank you, Charles.
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Whoa, I just read “Lyrical Dragon”! It’s my favorite story so far in the collection!
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So glad Vera. Thanks for letting us know. 😁
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Thank you, Vera! So happy to hear that. It was a favorite to write 🙂
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I loved reading the inspiration behind Lyrical Dragon. Congratulation to Denise! Wishing her all to the best on her latest release. She’s a beautiful writer. Thanks for hosting, John!
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Thank you for the lovely words, Jill. 😊
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Thank you, Jill 🙂 I am so glad John found the post and it was Lucy and Twiggy related! Hugs xo
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Congratulations, Denise. I’m enjoying your collection very much. It’s my evening delight. Thank you, John, for featuring Denise’s latest book. Hugs to both of you. 🤗
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Hugs right back to you, Gwen. 🤗 🤗 Thanks for your boost on Denise’s book.
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Thank you, Gwen. I like that: an evening delight! Hugs back xo
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Thank you for introducing me to this poetry collection, John.
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Denise writes beautiful poetry, GP. We ruffians could tale a lesson. 😁
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Thank you, GP 🙂 I was excited to incorporate poetry into a short story through a dragon.
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Dragons, good or bad, are always intriguing!
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Yes, I agree 🙂
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We get the tension of the story right away from this clip. I love the peek behind the scenes, and agree that John is an inspirational guy.
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What a nice thing to say, Craig. Thank you. Glad you liked the post. 😁
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Thank you, Craig 🙂 Home wasn’t a place she wanted to be. Yes, John is a very inspirational guy for all of us.
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blush
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What great fun that Lyrical Dragon got a jumpstart from Twiggy and Lucy planning for Halloween!
Denise, I love the idea that you wove poetry into the story. I’m really looking forward to reading this collection.
Wishing you all the best with the release. Thanks for hosting, John!
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Thank you, Mae. I’m looking forward to reading the collection as well.
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Thank you, Mae 🙂 It does make it even better it involved Lucy and Twiggy. I loved mixing in poetry and I believe this is the first time I’ve written a story with a dragon.
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I’m intrigued by the Lyrical Dragon!
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I was blown away when Denise wrote that Twiggy and Lucy inspired her idea. Thanks, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John. Twiggy and Lucy are inspiring gals.
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For sure. 😊
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Thanks to Lucy and Twiggy for that phrase! I couldn’t resist, Liz 🙂
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😀
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I think I need to read this!
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We all do, Noelle. Thanks. 😊
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Thank you, Noelle. I hope you enjoy it if you do!
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I loved learning about the inspiration for the story character. What a great connection. I finished the book yesterday and enjoyed the wide range of speculative stories. Wow. Congrats on the latest collection, Denise. Thanks for hosting, John. 😀
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Thank you for your lovely comments, Diana.
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Thank you, Diana 🙂 Happy you enjoyed my branching out into different areas. I had fun! Xo
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🙂
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I loved hearing what inspired this story, Denise. (Who wouldn’t be inspired by Lucy and Twiggy?) I look forward to reading your book.
Thanks for hosting today, John.
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Thank you, Joan. I appreciate your support. 😊
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Thank you, Joan 🙂 I completely agree they are inspirational on many levels. I hope you enjoy it.
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I love the inspiration behind this story, Denise. And how fun to write a character that only speaks in haiku. Best wishes!
Thanks for hosting, John. (And thanks for inspiring the story, Lucy and Twiggy—a post I remember and enjoyed.)
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Thank you, Staci. I thought the haiku character was clever as well. 😁
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I love the places we find inspiration and Lucy and Twiggy are always providing that! I had fun having a character communicating through haikus. I got to blend both things I love. I am so glad John refreshed my foggy memory, it was a fun post, Staci 🙂
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Another wonderful excerpt, Denise. And I love that you shared the inspiration behind this story and how it included Lucy and Twiggy. This is living proof that inspiration can from some surprising sources! Thank you, John, for hosting today, and for innocently providing the inspiration for this story.
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Thank you, Jan. It was a lovely surprise to find out the inspiration for the story.
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Thank you, Jan 🙂 Yes, we never know where we will find inspiration. It is even better it includes Twiggy and Lucy!
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I love the Lyrical Dragon story, Denise! How cool that you got the inspiration from John’s page! Thanks for hosting today, John!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
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Thank you, Yvette 🙂 I remember seeing those words and knowing I had to write about them, one way or another. So happy John found the post!
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Thank you, Yvette. So happy you are here. 😁
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Well done, D. L. Finn, well done indeed.
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Thank you, Hook 🙂 I had fun with this one!
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Thanks, Hook.
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You gotta love the inspiration behind this project, John! Denise, congratulations on the new release. Sounds like a great collection of stories.
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Thank you, Bruce 🙂 This might be my favorite inspiration.
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I do love the inspiration. Thanks, Bruce.
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Thank you, Bruce 🙂 This might be my favorite inspiration.
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This sounds really good, John and Denise. I have a thing for dragons, you know. I’ll have to check it out. 😉
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Thank you 🙂 I love dragon too but this is my first dive into a story with them.
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Thanks, Tim. It does sound good
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Cool to see a Lucy-inspired story. I think this book is soon to be added to my TBR pile. It sounds like a winner. Good luck to Denise.
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Thank you, Dan
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Thank you, Dan 🙂 Yes, Lucy and Twiggy are very inspiring! I hope you enjoy it.
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I love the excerpt, Denise. I have the book, and look forward to reading it. Congratulations.
Thanks for hosting, John.
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Thanks for your comment, Beem.
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Thank you, Beem 🙂 I hope you enjoy it!
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A wonderful review and conversation . As a biker chick myself , I like that. Good work John. 🌹
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Thank you, Holly.
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My pleasure to read. 😊
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😁
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🌼😊
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🌹
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Beautiful!
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😊
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Thanks, Holly 🙂 Nothing more inspiring than being on a bike.
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So true! That’s freedom personified 😊
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With nothing left to lose.
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How wonderful that John was instrumental to your Lyrical Dragon story, Denise! Congratulations on your new release! The tour is fun. Thank you for hosting, John.
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Thanks for the support, Miriam.
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You’re welcome, John.
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😊
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Glad you are rnjoying the tour, Miriam 🙂 Yes, John and the girls are very inspirational.
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Thank you, Denise
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We all can use inspiration like this, Denise. 😊
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Wow, Denise, you inspire! Another book of short stories, and these stories look amazing. Congratulations! Nice of you to highlight Denise’s new book, John. Hopefully you saw my review of YOUR newest book in Amazon and Goodreads. So many talented writers in the blogosphere!!
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Thank you, Pamela 🙂 Yes, thrilled to be visiting John and agree his latest book was great!
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Nice to see you featuring Denise here John on her new book blog tour. I’m enjoying visiting a few and learning some background snippets to the stories. ❤
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Thank you for visiting my place, Debby.
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My pleasure John 😉
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😊
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Thank you, Debby 🙂 I am thriled you are following along! Hugs xo
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Hugs Denise xx
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[…] Wednesday, April 19th – John Howell, “Lyrical Dragon.” […]
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[…] Wednesday, April 19th – John Howell, “Lyrical Dragon.” […]
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I think I may have to read these. Seems very good. I do too much non-fiction reading in order to stay informed for my blog posts. I think it’s time for at least one fiction book! thanks for posting 🙂
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Yes. Fiction is a good thing at times
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