Dave and I recently started following each other. I was attracted to Dave’s blog by his great sense of humor. Once there, I discovered he writes poetry, has eight books published, and draws. In addition, Dave has special features on his posts. Right now, he is running a Joy Project, where he invites writers to fill in the blank on “Joy is _________.”Dave will then publish the piece on his blog.
I am delighted that Dave volunteered to help spread the word on Detour on the Eternal Road. Here is a link to Dave’s post.
More about Dave in his own words
I fell under the spell of books when I was growing up and working in my grandparents’ bookstore: Gingerbread Square Books in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware—a small coastal town that gets crowded with tourists in the summer months. When I began reading books, I was transported to another place, the world the book conjured for me. For me, it was magical.
Now in my 40s, I still feel this way. The ability of an author to pull you into his or her story is truly magical. When I thought of what kind of jobs I could possibly be interested in when I eventually became an adult, I wanted to be one of those people who was able to make that magic happen for readers. And I still do.
Along the way, I’ve found the act of creating is also a kind of magic. When I write, I often fall into the story, and it’s a rush that I’ve come to seek out, one that I’ve become addicted to. That rush doesn’t happen every single time I write, and those days are ones to be pushed through. Frustration is also a part of the process, which makes me value the days when writing clicks well.
I live in Maryland with my wonderful wife, Sue, and our two daughters: Tess and Molly. It’s been a joy to watch them fall in love with the magic of books, from when I read to them, to consuming a great deal of books on their own.
I had the joy to be on the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, hosted by Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson. If you’d like to learn more about my background, please listen to Episode 51: The Magic of Stories, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.
Also, you can reach me at davewilliamswriter [at] gmail.com if you’d like to reach out that way.
I have known Marie Ann Bailey almost since the first day I started blogging. We somehow connected and then collaborated on a simupublished set of posts on the Top Ten Things Not to Do. We wrote and published over a year’s worth of the posts. Marie was the creator of not only mutual publishing but also the idea of ten things not to do. “There are plenty of Top Ten to-do lists,” she said. How about a Top Ten Not to Do list?” We both loved the idea; the feature was born and continues today.
“I am a writer living in the southeastern United States with two cats, more yarn than I can knit up in a lifetime, and a dear husband who doubles as my best friend.
My writing career started in the fourth grade when I was asked to read aloud a story I wrote. Since then, I’ve taken creative writing classes whenever possible, joined writing groups and literary guilds, and participated in readings. Still, in spite of the support I received from mentors and fellow writers, lack of self-confidence made it easy for me to give up on writing. Once I got a “real” job (in an office with a biweekly paycheck and benefits), it was hard to argue with anyone that I should or could expect to do better by writing.
I’ve made a lot of detours in the past thirty years, trying to become a Professional whatever (social worker, data analyst), trying to believe in careers and working in offices and 401k’s. But now that I’m retired, I’ve woken up to the fact that those things–career, working in an office, going to meetings, conferences–has little value for me. My writing has picked up, as have my publications.
In my ideal world, I’m always dressed for yoga, writing until I’m empty of words, knitting down my stash, reading up my leaning tower of to-be-read books, and cuddling with my husband and kitties.”
Marie didn’t mention that she is an accomplished photographer as well.
I have turned off comments so you can leave them with Marie.
A header on Annette’s blog that demonstrates her energy
Annette and I are from Michigan. I know that doesn’t mean much to most, but to those of us who are, a bond is forged out of that fact. You see, Michigan is a great place, but it presents some challenges. Annette has clearly overcome them and is a distinguished Author, Communicator, Muse, and Artist. I am very fortunate to be hosted by her today. When you visit her post, look around, and you will find evidence of the four descriptive words used to describe Annette. Here is the link to her post.
More about Annette
“Most of my life, like since I have been old enough to hold a writing implement, I have loved writing. Other than school assignments, I chose poetry as my favorite way of expressing myself.
Fast forward to and through my adulthood, I have done a lot of writing for work in radio, television and newspapers. And I have also published several books, which you can find here: http://www.amazon.com/author/annetterochelleaben
In addition to writing, I am completely in love with Angels, cooking, making jewelry, photography, cats, listening to music and laughing!”
From her Amazon Author Page
Words are like threads that, when woven together with passion and purpose, can create a tapestry in which you long to wander. That passion was ignited in me when I was a small child and continues to burn bright even today. I was encouraged by educators who challenged me to try and by career paths that demanded I become a proficient wordsmith. I would like to think I have done them proud. Over the years, I have won awards, been nominated for an EMMY for television writing, and penned a #1 Best Selling book of poetry. My collection of books available on Amazon include self-help, inspirational, and of course, poetry. I have been invited to participate in anthologies and collections, several of which are here as well. Welcome to my world of words. Should you find something in which to lose yourself, I shall raise my glass in a toast to your happiness. Thank you for your kind attention.
I’ve known Jan Sikes for over ten years. She is a tireless worker and has continued to write exciting books. She now has twenty titles in print and is working on number twenty-one. I feel privileged to have her as part of the Detour on the Eternal Road Tour. Here is a link to her post.
More about Jan in her words,
I’ve been an avid reader all my life. There’s nothing I love more than losing myself in a story.
Oddly enough, I had no ambition to be a writer. But I wound up in mid-life with a story that begged to be told. Not just any story, but a true story that rivaled any fiction creation. Through fictitious characters, the tale came to life in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books. Not satisfied to stop with the books, I released music CDs of original music matching the time period of each story segment. In conclusion, to bring the story full circle, I published a book of poetry and art. I was done.
Wrong!
The story ideas keep coming, and I don’t intend to turn off the creative fountain.
I love all things metaphysical and often include those aspects in my stories.
I am a member of the Author’s Marketing Guild, The Writer’s League of Texas, Story Empire, and the Paranormal Writer’s Guild. I am an avid fan of Texas music and grandmother of five beautiful souls. I reside in North Texas.
I have to apologize that for a reason I have yet to understand, I missed Jaye and Anita’s post on February 7th. I hope to correct that today. I am visiting Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes. They are very talented sisters who author books. In addition, Jaye is interested in gardening and her bonsai collection. Anita also writes compelling poetry. I am delighted that Anita and Jaye volunteered to host a stop on the tour. Here is a link to their post.
A little more about Jaye
Jaye Marie came to writing rather late but has always loved books.
She enjoys reading many different genres, so was surprised to discover a passion for writing detective thrillers. Four of them to date, with more to follow.
She also enjoys running a website/blog, https://jenanita01.com and loves meeting all the wonderful people who drop in to say hello!
Jaye has 13 titles published. You can see all of them at Her Amazon Page
A little more about Anita
Anita Dawes loves all things esoteric, magical and the otherworldly and would prefer to live in a fairy tale. In between these moments, she likes to visit old churches and ancient buildings.
She has written six fiction novels in various genres, Bad Moon, Simple, Secrets, The Scarlet Ribbon; Let it Go and Not My Life. Presently working on a sequel to her popular supernatural romance, The Scarlet Ribbon.
Anita has recently rediscovered her childhood love of poetry and often writes and posts them online.
Once owned by an egocentric black and white cat called Merlin, named after her favourite hero, Anita dislikes computers and prefers to writes longhand, sharing a website http://jenanita01.com with Jaye Marie, who transcribes and edits her work…
Denise can project happiness with just a word. Her mantra is “To follow your inner child,” and that concept will keep her young forever. Under the pen name D. L. Finn, Denise has authored 20 titles in several genres. I have known Denise since I started writing and feel honored that she is a stop on the tour.
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, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.
Her two latest books are ones I have enjoyed very much. (Click for Amazon)
Today, we visit the neighborhood to check on things we might not have seen before. Since it is Super Bowl Sunday, we will have a traditional Super Bowl offering.
We are catered by Doc’s Backyard Grill, with their Superbowl menu. Our entertainment is The 1985 Chicago Bears.
WINGS
BONELESS HOT WINGS
TRADITIONAL HOT WINGS
WHITE WINGS – Chicken & fresh jalapenos wrapped in smoked applewood bacon and tossed in buffalo wing sauce
APPETIZERS
BEAN & CHEESE NACHOS, PULLED PORK NACHOS -Pulled pork, goat cheese, black beans, red onions, and cilantro.
SHRIMP NACHOS – Blackened shrimp. Monterey Jack cheese, black beans, red onions, cilantro, and avocado.
QUESO – Topped with pico de gallo.
FAJITA NACHOS – Fajita chicken or marinated steak.
GUACAMOLE
SLIDERS
FISH SLIDERS – Three blackened or hand-battered fish sliders topped with Doc’s Sriracha coleslaw.
BAT SLIDERS – Three smoked applewood bacon, avocado, chipotle mayo, and tomato sliders topped with Doc’s Sriracha coleslaw.
DOC’S MINI CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS – Three sliders topped with American cheese and grilled onions.
Yes, this stop is with the same Teri Polen who brings us Bad Moon Rising each October. That month-long sharing of insights into the participating author’s personalities is a highlight of the year. In addition to her blog, Teri is an author and book reviewer. It is no wonder that I am delighted she offered to host a spot for the Detour on the Eternal Road Tour.
Teri Polen reads and watches horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. The Walking Dead, Harry Potter, and anything Marvel-related are likely to cause fangirl delirium. She lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband, sons, and black cat. Sarah, her debut novel, was named a horror finalist in the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
Teri has authored five books and participated in three anthologies.
Her latest is The Power of Three, a cannot put down Mystery. (Click cover for Amazon.
