Tag: Poetry

Guest Post – Harmony Kent – #newbook Sorrowful Soul

~ John W. Howell ~ 104 Comments

Today I am very happy to host a fellow Story Empire contributor and friend, Harmony Kent. She is here to share information about her latest book of poetry. So please welcome Harmony to Fiction Favorites

Thanks so much, John for hosting me today. It’s always wonderful to visit with you.

Here’s a little bit I’d love to share about my latest book of poetry, Sorrowful Soul. Full of freestyle poems, which provide company and compassion through the devastating journey of grief and loss and onward, this heartfelt collection shows us we do not travel this lonely road alone.

Since Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’s excellent book on the stages of grief, we now have an established set of seven stages to the grieving process. Although these stages are non-linear and can be revisited at any time, it’s helpful to have a rough idea of what we might expect during this difficult period of transition. The third stage is commonly known as Guilt.

Here’s an extract from the opening lines to a poem about guilt and shame …

From Part 3: Guilt

(Extract From Penance)

You set fire to the rain

Drenched me in pain

Our last words burn

While the world ceases to turn

You took every last bit of me

And now I don’t know how to be

I am lost with nowhere to belong

Weak and wearied now you’re gone

Maybe it’s all my fault

I deserve this thunderbolt

And tho’ I did my best

I cannot lay this to rest

Is it possible to make this right

To end this deep dark night

Of a wounded soul?

Have you ever found yourself trapped within layers of guilt and shame over an unexpected change or loss? Chat with me in the comments. I hope you enjoyed this poetic excerpt and would love to know what you think. Thanks for reading 😊

PRE-ORDER NOW: https://mybook.to/SorrowfulSoul

About the Book:

If we’re lucky, we meet twilight at the front door and old age creeps in on the night breeze.

Even if we make it to our twilight years, the more we age, the more loss we must endure as part of the cycle of life. Many of these poems lament death, but they also relate to broken relationships, severed friendships, and the loss of youth. This book of grief poetry is as much about saying goodbye and working through loss as it is about death and love split asunder.

This heartfelt collection provides company and compassion through the devastating journey of loss and shows us we do not travel this lonely road alone. Within these pages we share shock, numbness and denial, catapult into anger, bargaining, depression, loneliness, and guilt, and—eventually—make the seismic shift into testing the possibility of a new normal and finding acceptance.

Trailer

Universal Sales Link:

https://mybook.to/SorrowfulSoul

About the Author

Harmony Kent spent 13 years in a Zen Buddhist monastery, where she faced her demons and overcame devastating low self-esteem and found freedom. After a life-changing injury, Harmony returned to the world at the tender age of 40, and her life as a writer began.

Harmony is an award winning multi-genre author, and her publications include:

The Battle for Brisingamen (Fantasy Fiction) AIA approved

The Glade (Mystery/Thriller) AIA Approved/BRAG Medallion Honouree/New Apple Literary Awards Official Selection Honours 2015

Polish Your Prose: Essential Editing Tips for Authors (Writing/Editing) New Apple Literary Awards Top Medallist Honours 2015

Finding Katie (Women’s Fiction)

Slices of Soul (Soul Poetry Series: Book 1)

Life and Soul (Soul Poetry Series: Book 2)

Sorrowful Soul (Soul Poetry Series: Book 3)

Interludes (Erotic Short Stories)

Interludes 2 (Erotic Short Stories)

Moments (Short Stories and Poetry)

Jewel in the Mud (Zen Musings)

Polish Your Prose (How to Self-Edit)

Creative Solutions (Creative Writing Inspiration)

Backstage (Erotic Romance and Thriller)

FALLOUT (Post-Apocalyptic Dystopia) BRAG Medallion Honouree

The Vanished Boy (Psychological Thriller)

As well as being an avid reader and writer, Harmony also offers reviews and supports her fellow authors. Harmony is always on the lookout for talent and excellence, and will freely promote any authors or books who she feels have these attributes.

Harmony’s Website

twitter: @harmony_kent

Goodreads: Harmony Kent

BookBub: Harmony Kent

Story Empire (co-authored blog): Harmony Kent

Harmony’s Amazon Author Page: author.to/HarmonysBooks

 

 

 

 

Guest Post – D.L.Finn – “Just Her Poetry Seasons of a Soul.”

~ John W. Howell ~ 90 Comments

I am very pleased to welcome D.L.Finn to Fiction Favorites on this TGIF Friday. She is launching her first book of poetry and it is great to have her here to tell you about it.

Thank you, John, for having me on your blog to celebrate today’s release of my first poetry book, “Just Her Poetry Seasons of a Soul.”

Finn Facts:

  1. Snowstorms distract me, and I don’t get much writing done.
  2. My mind wanders into the land of writing when I cook. I burn a lot of dinners.

Just Her Poetry Cover

Blurb:

Take a journey with D.L. Finn as she blends her love of nature with her deepest emotions. Sit with her on the forest floor observing its tranquil beauty, or stroll along the ocean’s shore admiring the vastness of its horizon. Here in these peaceful moments, you’ll be able to experience her thoughts and feelings in the light—and in the darkness. This is a thought-provoking collection of poetry that invites the reader into all the seasons of a soul.

Excerpt from NATURE: Spring and Summer

THE GATHERING

At my feet they gather in peace…

As the sun reflects off their fur.

They quickly find their sunny spot…

Ears alert as bird songs fill the air.

A bee examines our assemblage…

Its presence startles a relaxing cat.

Our gathering expands deeply…

Into the blooming fertile landscape.

The gentle breeze…

Blows away the remnants of winter.

The blue skies showcase the beauty…

In an abstract painting of an untamed scene.

A woodpecker in the distant tree…

Is loudly searching for the awakening insects.

Yes, the long winter nap is over…

And we gather in the moment to rejoice together.

Amazon Purchase Link

1

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 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. 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, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, and adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventures with an open invitation for her readers to join her.

D.L. Finn Links:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

D.L. Finn blog

Special Guest – #RRBC President Nonnie Jules on her Celebrating Poetry as Love Tour

~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

1If Only There Was Music book cover

Please welcome Nonnie Jules on her Celebrating Poetry as Love Tour stop with me today. As you know, I am a member of Rave Reviews Book Club and so glad to be able to participate in spreading the word about Nonnie’s new co-authored book. Nonnie is a wonderful supporter of indie authors and an excellent leader of the over five hundred member Rave Reviews Book Club organization. Nonnie, Fiction Favorites is yours.

Thank you all for allowing me to celebrate INTERNATIONAL POETRY MONTH with you by sharing excerpts from my first co-authored poetry book, “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC…” The Poetry of Forbidden Love.  Here is a bit of the book’s introduction below:

“Ever read poetry that was so soothing, so mellow, and just so perfectly sweet, you felt it should have been a love song?  “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC…” is just that kind of poetry…but it’s also poetry written about forbidden love.

Back in the summer of 2014, I was approached by an up-and-coming author by the name of Giani Jordan.  Giani said that he had been following my writing for over a year and was extremely impressed.  He was reaching out to me because he wanted to collaborate on a poetry book.  Well, since I didn’t know Giani and wouldn’t attach my name or my writing with just anyone, I asked if he would send me a few samples of his work, and he did.  I was blown away by the intensity and the depth of this man’s writing, and wanted to know more about this person he clearly was in love with and was writing so fervently about.”  

In summation, Giani was in love with a woman {Christine}, who belonged to another, and to make this situation even more complicated, he, himself was also involved in a relationship.

The “snippet” of poetry which you are about to read below, is {Christine’s} response to Giani’s apology for his temper, which just might have cost them their love.  This is also a treat for today’s host as this piece has not yet been published!  You guys are so lucky!  Take a peek:

 

“BROKEN”

There are no words to take away the pain

Of your hateful words, slung yet again

Your venomous tongue, your vile spew

Has removed my heart, so far away from you.

Last night I willed them, but no tears would come

I told myself, “This time I’m done!”

I wanted to cry, I missed you so

But realized it just might, be time to let go.

I held your hand, in the palm of mine

I tried my damnedest to still the time.

Rewind the clock, to go back a day

So you could take, all my pain away.

I love you still and always will

But the road to getting back seems all uphill

I will not call, I won’t make one move

Because repairing us, is now up to you…

If you’d like to read similar delightful poetry, I invite you to pick up your own copy of “IF ONLY THERE WAS MUSIC…” The Poetry of Forbidden Love on Amazon.  I’d also like to invite you to follow this tour in its entirety as each day, at each stop, you will find more and more of these love songs without music, and even more reasons to fall in love with your lover, and Poetry, again. If you aren’t in love when you start reading this book, you will go seeking a love afterwards.

Please visit my complete tour line-up HERE, and at each stop that you leave a comment (including this one), your name will be entered that number of times, into a random drawing for a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!!

Thanks to my awesome host for today and thanks for stopping by, dear Guests.  I hope to see you every day throughout this amazing tour to help keep Poetry alive!!!  Always remember, that Love IS Poetry…they’re truly one in/and the same.

Author Bio:

Nonnie Jules is a mom, a wife, an author and also President of Rave Reviews Book Club.  Her passion is children and her advocacy lies in supporting others and encouraging others to do the same.  She has authored other fine books such as:  “The Good Mommies’ Guide to Raising (Almost) Perfect Daughters,” “DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND (A Novel),” and “Sugarcoatin’ Is For Candy & Pacifyin’ Is For Kids!”

Although Poetry should be celebrated every day of the year, the month of April has been set aside specifically to lift it up, and so this is why Nonnie has embarked on this blog tour to keep it alive and bring awareness to the fact that Poetry is a great medium for release and expressions of all kinds.

PURCHASE LINKS:

THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS: www.amazon.com/dp/B00CP62O56

DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND:  www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLM2VVM

SUGARCOATIN’ IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN’ IS FOR KIDS: www.amazon.com/dp/B00IRIA014

CONTACT:

Twitter:  @NonnieJules

Blogs:

www.BooksByNonnie.wordpress.com

www.Nonniewrites.wordpress.com

www.AskTheGoodMommy.wordpress.com

www.RaveReviewsByNonnieJules.wordpress.com

 “This tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com.”

A Poetic Proposal by Julian Froment – Launch

~ John W. Howell ~ 5 Comments

A Poetic Proposal

‘A Poetic Proposal’ by debut author Julian Froment is a journey of love. Dedicated to that one special woman.

This is a collection of poems that plumb the very depths of that deepest of emotions, LOVE. Running counter to this is the on-going theme of angst and heartbreak that is present when two beings that are destined to be one are separated by distance, and in this case a rather large, wet ocean.

This collection progresses chronologically from initial meeting to final proposal of marriage, taking the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride of highs and lows. The reality of the author and his intended living half-lives, together, then apart, together, then apart, is clearly evident throughout the course of this collection.

On Gossamer Wings

On gossamer wings,
On gossamer wings,
My heart it flies to you.
To be together,
‘till the end of days,
Is all that’s left to do.

Flying high,
‘cross the ocean blue,
To where it now belongs.
Cradled within,
A soul so true,
Amidst angelic song.

And soon now,
Oh, so very soon,
The body shall be along.
To join the heart,
To fill the void,
Back where I belong.

‘A Poetic Proposal’, which is available in both digital and paperback formats, can be obtained here:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

 

Follow the author:

Julian Froment’s Blog

Twitter

Review Highlights from Amazon

‘Reading this collection of poems made me feel like I was eavesdropping on the world’s most romantic marriage proposal’ … ‘If you are looking for love poems to share with your own lover, these are just the poems’ … ‘After reading this collection, I was ready to say ‘I do’ myself’ – Pamela Beckford

’The poems in this book are very romantic, emotional, well-written, and thought out well’ … ‘This is romantic poetry at its best’ – Chris McMullen

‘The poet freely admits that this is about his love life and dedicated to his lady, so you know you’re getting an insight into something private. That brings an interesting dimension to the poems because you know there’s a living, breathing story behind them’ – Charles E Yallowitz

Love: Lost and Found by Pamela Beckford Book Tour

~ John W. Howell ~ 3 Comments

 

So happy to be part of the Love: Lost and Found Tour. Pamela is such a talented poet who can inspire all of us.

Alone (double cinquain)

Alone
So incomplete
Gazing at the moonlight
Wondering just when you’ll be here
Nearby
With me
To start our lives
Never to leave again
Becoming whole and not just half
As one

Pamela has written a second collection of love poems. Poetry is an expression from deep within the soul. It can be therapeutic and healing. It can bring out all the best or the worst in life. Her poetry comes from the heart, not the head. It is an outpouring of emotion and she exposes it to the reader in the pages. Love: Lost and Found contains over 90 poems representing over a dozen different forms of poetry. The poems span the angst and despair of love lost to the exhilaration and ecstasy of a deep abiding love.

Love: Lost and Found has already received a five-star review that says

“Pamela Beckford writes with her heart as much as her mind. She makes me feel things when I read her work that usually stay buried beneath the surface. Her way of expressing emotions that usually aren’t captured for later evaluation is amazing.

I also enjoy that she uses a lot of different styles and forms of poetry in her collections, making the book varied and interesting. Some are shorter and some longer, but all of them carefully constructed. Her ability to say so much in so few words is an indication of her talent as a writer.

If you are looking for an excellent poetry book, look no further.”

Pamela’s other books have also garnered some great reviews and both are available on Kindle or paperback as well.

Season of Love (tanka)

First there is summer,
Followed by fall, winter, spring
But lest we forget
The season of love appears
Bringing hope for all lost souls

Can’t wait to read this collection

Story Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 17 Comments

 

Wednesday is upon us once again. Not sure I have ever said that before, but at least we are all pretty happy the week is sliding by as smoothly as possible. If it’s not I am sorry and I hope it gets better as time goes on. Before I get into the story today I need to explain a little about the inspiration. I was reading a post by Pam Beckford on her blog  Year Round Thanksgiving project  when I noticed she mentioned a new neighbor at work. In the course of the comments back and forth, I also found out her new neighbor took her parking place. I sort of hinted that such an act was would make homicide justifiable. Pam being the good person she is, would not cotton to the idea, but suggested perhaps my character Frank could do the job. This became the prompt for this week’s story. Also in case you didn’t know it, Pam has a poetry blog simply titled Poetry by Pamela. You can find excellent words there.

The title of the story is Parking Place (of course) and stars my favorite jagoff Fran

Parking Place by John W. Howell © 2014

“We want to welcome you to the firm Frank. If you ever need anything please let us know.”

“Thank you Mr. Talsman. I have certainly looked forward to this day. I think this will be a mutually fulfilling relationship.”

“I’m so glad to hear that Frank. So many young people come in here expecting the company to take care of them. It’s refreshing to have someone who understands it is a two-way street.”

“I will give it my best sir.”

“I’m sure you will Frank. Now I would like you to meet Larry here. Larry is going to show you around.”

“Nice to meet you Larry.”

“Yes. Very nice meeting you Frank. You two go now and good luck. I have to get a move on I have a meeting downtown and I hear the traffic is pretty bad. I didn’t drive to work today so I need to get a cab to the train.”

“Thank you Mr. Talsman.”

“You’re welcome Frank.”

“So Larry tell me all the ways to stay out of trouble.”

“It’s real easy Frank. The only way I have ever heard anyone get into trouble is to take Mr. Talsman’s parking place.”

“Wow. Who would do that?”

“It’s interesting Frank. The spot is not clearly marked. Mr. Talisman’s name is real small and if a person is in a rush it could be missed. One guy parked there and Talsman fired him on the spot.”

“But still. Isn’t it up front?”

“No actually it is in the rear. Mr. Talsman uses the rear door so he can come and go without running into any salespeople in the lobby.”

“In the rear? It wouldn’t be right by the door would it?”

“Yeah. Right to the left of the door.”

“Oh my god. I thought I was lucky that a space was open so close. I think I took Talsman’s spot.”

“Lucky for you he didn’t drive today.”

“Excuse me Frank, Larry.”

“Mr. Talsman.”

“Frank, may I see you in my office please?”

 

 

Dreams of Love by Pamela – A Review

~ John W. Howell ~ 5 Comments

dreamsoflovecover

Dreams of Love is a delicate collection of poems which will cause one to remember how it felt to love strongly. Pamela takes the reader on a journey much like attending a grand ball. There are light notes to entice the waltz and heavy notes to demand the reel. All are served up in differing tempos and style. My favorites are when Pamela lets go and gives herself free rein over the subject. She will bring tears, as well as, some moments of laugh out loud delight. This collection will be looked at again and again.

I actually took time out from a stressful few days of trying to get a couple of marketing programs up and running to read this collection of poems. I was immediately taken by the soothing aspect of the writing and the different styles. It felt good to take time away from the stress and concentrating on the thoughtful messages. The book is for those who have been in love, have fallen out of love, or who would like to be in love. In short, it is for everyone who needs soothing once in a while.

You can get both the e-book and paperback edition HERE

The Best Workday Is as The Best Workday Does

~ John W. Howell ~ 20 Comments

cacfriday5

Friday is the day we have been waiting for. We started out the week on Monday and made some personal notes to self that we would never ever party like a rock star again. Look at us today. We are working our duff off so we can go out tonight for another meeting of the Bacchus Brothers Social Club. WHAT IS WRONG WITH US ANYWAY?  Did we not learn a valuable lesson last week? Did we not make it home in one piece? Did we not swear to the ceramic deity that we would never cast major dispersion onto the still waters again? Yet here we are looking anxiously forward to another Friday night and weekend. I think insanity has been described as repeating the same action expecting a different outcome. Okay so here is a question:

How many think that the number of drinks we had last week will not produce the same effect as before is we do it again this week? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? *Crickets*

I thought not. Of course the answer is, the same number of drinks in the same amount of time will produce the same results. You know  the results:

  • Speaking into the ceramic microphone.
  • Calling train arrivals such as, “Poughkeepsie,” and “Pittsburg.”
  • Walking around with a headache so big you wish for bolt of lightning to take you out.
  • Hands shaking so bad people think you’ve got at least three of each.

Well, since we never learn, here is a little Haiku to help you through the weekend.

Get Up By John W. Howell ©2013

Find the light today,

Yesterday is not too clear. . .

Tomorrow is life.

Have a great weekend.

End of the Week is as End of the Week Does

~ John W. Howell ~ 9 Comments
English: Friday Street allotments
English: Friday Street allotments (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Friday again. Man how the week goes by. I spent most of it editing my next book and I must say I like this one. I know you would like to agree with me, but it’s going to be a while till I get the thing out the door. Besides the fact that you will have to pick it up and read it before you agree or not, I have confidence you will.

The subject of my post today is to celebrate the week’s end with a quick Haiku that hopefully translates the meaning of Friday to most of us. Those of you who are lucky enough to avoid work can stop right here cause you will simply not get the meaning and social import of the words assembled. For the rest of us who must face the prospect of working each and every day here is my haiku homage to work.

Work by John W. Howell ©2013

For some work is play,

Work for others is judgment. . .

Drinkers work’s a curse.

Have a Happy Friday and Great weekend