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Some people make the world so much better with their kindness, their generous spirits, their light. I am pleased and honored to be spotlighting the new work of just such a soul, Cadhla Logan. She has designed an absolutely gorgeous, lined journal filled with beautiful, inspiring quotes.  ‘Love, Cadhla’ is a new release from Mad Mountain Publishing. This 5x8in paperback edition consists of 500 Quotes formatted within a Celtic-style journal designed by Cadhla Logan. For the past eight years the Dublin, Ireland lass has worked with Irish Heath and Bog, an independent publisher with several Bestsellers in its catalogue, most notably the long-running Calendar For Writers Series. Cadhla primarily designs book covers and interiors, edits, and produces commercial animations. She also writes fiction and screenplays. Her book, Magdalene Mountain will be published in early 2023. ‘Love, Cadhla: 500 Quotes on Love and Kindness in a Lined Journal’ is a joint effort by Cadhla, her beloved Gran and, she adds, her cat, Mix. They live in Gran’s small cottage in North Dublin, just across from the Irish Sea. Collecting quotations has been a lifelong love of Cadhla. She reads widely and lists Akhmatova, Tolstoy, Balzac, and Zola among her favourites. Beckett is her most beloved Irish author. She has collected all of his books and plays. As for James Joyce, often the Irish writer so many think of immediately, the only work of his she found readable and loved was The Dubliners.  As for the book itself, it is meant to be a thought-provoking journal: read quotations from hundreds of books from over the years and write your ideas, feelings, either good or bad or a mix of the two…. it’s a book meant as a quiet companion, there when you need it. The format itself is eclectic, like the lass herself, quotes here and there amid the lovely, Celtic-themed pages. The cover is an amazing fantasy piece by Willgard Krause, an artist in Saxony she met online. Cadhla fell in love with the photo immediately and the artist graciously granted her permission to publish it. She redesigned the colouring to match her own style and the feedback has been tremendously positive… especially from Willgard! PARTIAL LIST OF AUTHORS INCLUDED: Balzac Beckett Yeats Malraux Baudelaire Forster Colette  FOREWORD: Like many children, I grew up within a difficult family. I tried everything to escape, physically and mentally. I remember thinking I must have the worst pain in the world to bear, trapped amongst these people with their quarrels, fights, accusations, hatred. Abuse seemed to know no end, my physical scars still visible on my face even today. But there were good days, those when I escaped into my books. How I loved moments of peace and life within those fantasy worlds and long-past times, how I wanted to be left there, far from the turmoil I could do nothing to make better, much less to end. The local library and a bookshop inside an elderly lady’s cottage, became my favourite haunts, my sanctuaries. I loved reading but I found it difficult to concentrate. Memorizing was almost impossible, but I started writing things down to read over again later… and this is how I came to love and collect quotations. A handful of words, like a magical faery dust, would instantly transport me back to my happy childhood escapes. The quotes within are some my life-long favourites, and Gran shares a few of hers with you. You will see several by the same authors, also, please note, we decided to not create an artificial length to each section. There is a randomness that reflects that of our own lives, having little time for reading, we always feel so grateful to find a few moments to spend with a book. This book is not meant to be read straight-through, but over days, weeks, months. We hope you enjoy our collection and, too, that these words perhaps will speak to someone and give them the comfort they seek and that they once gave me. It is never too late to craft yourself a safe and happy future…you just have to find the words to inspire the motivation you need. :> love, Cadhla, Gran, and Mix 
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 Today, I’m delighted to welcome Author Randy Overbeck. Talk about suspenseful books! I have so many questions! But first, welcome Randy! Thank you for sharing your time. I really appreciate the opportunity. You know we authors are always glad to have an audience. Before we get to your writing and your latest release, Scarlet at Crystal River, won’t you tell us a little about yourself? Well, I’m a long time educator, serving children as a teacher, college professor and school leader for almost 40 years. For the past ten years, I devoted much of my time to writing , an avocation I’m finding I enjoy almost as much as I did helping children learn. My wife and I have been married for 50 years and we have three great kids (adults now) and are blessed with seven remarkable grandkids. Your books are adding up! You’re working on your fourth now, aren’t you? And it hasn’t taken you very long to write them. I stand in awe. Actually I’m shopping my fifth and I’m working on my sixth. My first published novel, LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND, was published in 2011. It is a thriller about a terrorist cell which takes over a high school and the teacher and volunteer who battle the intruders. More recently, I’ve penned three paranormal mysteries in my Haunted Shores Mysteries series, released in 2019, 2020 and 2021. And I’m shopping my fifth, an amateur sleuth mystery, which may well be the start of a new series. It all sounds amazing. You are prolific! Do you have a favorite time and place to write? Actually, I’m very lucky. I can write almost anyplace and almost anytime. I carry my computer with me and I squeeze in time anytime and anyplace I can—waiting for my car being worked on, sitting in a doctor’s office, grabbing lunch or dinner alone. But I’m quite blessed to have a great office to work in, with a huge L-shaped wooden desk, a large monitor (my eyesight is not as good as it used to be) plenty of research documents and a beautiful view out the wide windows. I find I do some of my finest work there. A perfect setup! You have a great, bookish podcast, too. Please tell us about it. It’s called “Great Stories about Great Storytellers” and in each episode, I share the inside story of famous authors, poets and directors. So far, I’ve profiled greats like John Grisham, Agatha Christie and Walt Disney. Maybe the best way to explain it is this. One of the reviewers called it “Paul Harvey’s The Rest of Story” for famous storytellers. But your readers would have to be a certain age to get the reference. Basically, I give the weird and unusual backstories most people don’t know about the famous storytellers they do know. The podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts—Spotify, iHeart radio, Apple podcasts, etc. and I’m working hard to build my listener base. And now, for your books! I’ve enjoyed getting to know you through our publisher, The Wild Rose Press. You always encourage fellow writers, cheer us on, offer help… For someone with such a positive and sunny disposition, your books seem to be, well, bone-chilling! Ghosts! Murder! Eeek! How did you come to write paranormal thrillers? My first book in the series didn’t start off as paranormal. A few years ago, I was attending a writer’s conference and sat in on a session about ghost hunting. Skeptical at first, I was so taken in by what I learned that session (and the remarkable amount of research and scientific manner of the process), I decided I wanted to find a way to include a bit of “whoo-hoo” in my tales. Like everything else I write, I’ve done extensive research into ghosts and have included slivers of what has been documented about them in my tales. I’m only afraid of the dark after I’ve read something scary. Then, I’m turning on lights before entering rooms! Clearly, you’re not so easily intimidated. But does your writing ever keep you up at night? The writing yes, the subject no. Let me explain. My stories are a bit scary but not terrifying. I’ve worked hard to make the portrayal of ghosts as realistic as possible—which, based on the bulk of paranormal research that been done, tells us ghosts are usually not scary. (Apologies to Steven King and Dean Koontz). However, there are many nights when I lay my head on my pillow and my mind will not stop racing through language and ideas about my latest writing project. Most times I try to fall asleep figuring I’ll remember it in the morning—if it’s important. But there have been many nights I have to get up, get down on paper (okay, computer) what’s rolling around in my brain before my mind will let me go to sleep. Please tell us about your Haunted Shores Mysteries and especially about your latest release, Scarlet at Crystal River. SCARLET is the third entry in my series and was the most fun to research and write. In this story, Darrell Henshaw, history teacher and researcher—and ghost whisperer—and his new wife Erin have arrived in Crystal River, a beautiful old Florida town on the Gulf coast at the start of the Christmas holidays. They want only to have a great honeymoon, jog on some of the scenic trails, swim with manatees and enjoy seafood at the great local restaurants. However, the ghosts of two murdered migrant children have other ideas and haunt Darrell, asking for his help to find justice for them. Darrell, a man who has dedicated his life to children, can’t ignore them and begins researching what might have happened to the two kids. His research leads him to an amazing young artist, a mega-agribusinessman and eventually to a migrant camp. However, there are those who don’t want Darrell to discover the truth and will do almost anything—including murder—to keep their secret. I’m thrilled that SCARLET, like the first two in the Haunted Shores Mysteries series, has won three national awards and garnered scores of five star reviews. Oh, and did I mention, it’s a Christmas mystery, perfect for that reader who’s looking for a Christmas tale with a great deal of suspense, a bit of romance, incredible scenery and just the right amount of whoo-hoo. Before we go, would you tell us just a little bit about the book you’re working on now? We can keep a secret. My newest writing project is one unlike anything I’ve tried before. I’m working on a historical suspense (with romantic elements, probably) set during the Revolutionary War. Without giving too much away, I’ll simply say that the heroine is a teacher (of course) and that she will make a significant contribution to helping turn the tide against the British in the war. The writing is requiring an immense amount of research—which I love—and is a major challenge for me. I’m only about a third of the way into the tale but I’m excited to see where this leads. Stay tuned. We absolutely will stay tuned! Is there anything else you would like to share with us? Landing my BLOOD ON THE CHESAPEAKE at Wild Rose Press has introduced me many talented young (and not so young) writers like you. I’ve enjoyed working with them and love the way we support each other. I’ve found WRP to be a great home for me, my hero Darrell and a few ghosts who came along for the ride. I agree. My experience with The Wild Rose Press has been wonderful. Randy, thank you for joining us today. Your books get such great reviews. I wish you continued success. Thanks, Anastasia for hosting me. I’ve been thrilled and humbled by the tremendous response my books have garnered and I’m delighted to have a chance to share my stories with my readers.  Dr. Randy Overbeck is a best-selling author of the award-winning series, The Haunted Shores Mysteries, each a cold case murder mystery wrapped in ghost story served with a side romance, set in a beautiful resort location. He is the author and voice of a new podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. He is also a speaker in much demand, sharing his multi-media presentations, “Thanks Still Go Bump in the Night” and “A Few Favorite Haunts” with audiences all over the country. More info about his novels, programs and podcast can be found at his website.  A cold-case murder mystery wrapped in a ghost story served with a side of romance all set in a beautiful resort location You get it all in the award-winning SCARLET AT CRYSTAL RIVER. Christmas time, 1999. All Darrell Henshaw wanted was to enjoy his honeymoon with his beautiful wife, Erin in the charming town of Crystal River on the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida. But his carefully laid plans go sideways when they discover a hidden painting of two young Latino children, which turns out to be haunted. Is Darrell willing to derail their entire honeymoon in this perfect, quiet corner of the world to unravel the mystery of the children's deaths?  Excerpt
Darrell ran harder, finishing the loop and circling back to Erin. She was so engrossed in her paperback he managed to sneak up behind her. He leaned and in and grabbed another long kiss. She kissed him back, smiling. “Now that’s better than a little fictional romance.” She got up and stretched her long legs. “You ready for some waves?” he asked. “If you’re up to it, let’s do a mile or so on the sand first.” “You’re on.” Darrell gave a gentlemanly wave of his hand. “I’ll race you.” Erin took off like a shot, and Darrell hurried after her. Since the beach was small, they covered the same ground Darrell had a few minutes earlier, passing the family sandcastle builders, another jogger, and the same strolling couples. As usual, she was quick, and he had to hustle to keep up, using some fancy footwork to sidestep sunbathers as they ran. When they got to the north end of the beach where Darrell had turned to double back, Erin headed for a little spit of land that strutted out into the water. He looked beyond and saw what she was headed for. Accelerating, he passed her. Ahead, at the far end of the beach, a pair of young kids, he’d guess about six, sat in the sand as the waves rolled over their legs. Their small hands busied with a primitive sandcastle. One had long, brown hair tied into pigtails, and the other had a full head of brown hair, unkempt and in need of a trim. He came up to them and stopped, Erin a few seconds behind. The kids wore street clothes, not swimsuits, but he didn’t think much about it. Then he noticed something about the young boy. His right leg was stuck out at a grotesque angle, as if it had been broken and never set. Both kids giggled at the gurgling water that rolled up around their bare feet and pooled in the makeshift moat they’d dug around their sand creation. The castle was crude, a nearly round construction with seashells sticking up like turrets. The two kids glanced up, caramel eyes wide and pleading with half smiles of white teeth. In unison, they said, “Ayudaños?” “Huh?” Darrell said. “Cute castle, huh?” Erin stared at the sand and looked up at Darrell. “I wonder who made it?” Her eyes roamed around the area. “Out here on this spit of land it isn’t going to last very long.” “Those kids—” he started, pointing to the pair. When he looked down, the sandcastle sat alone, the gulf water flowing around the construction and into the crude moat. His glance darted out to the waves, thinking they’d abandoned their work and ran into the water, even in their street clothes, though he wondered how the boy could have run. No girl or boy. Oh, God! The same two kids? “You vill have two visitors.” “What’d you say?” Erin asked, her gaze meeting his. The ghosts. Erin hadn’t seen them! Shit, he couldn’t tell her. Not now. Not here. “Nothing,” he managed around the lump in his throat and glanced back down at the sand. There at his feet, the crude sand construction they’d been working on, complete with the three blue seashells sticking out of the top, sat alone on the sand. He reached down and grabbed one of the small seashells as the prickle on his neck returned and sizzled. Then he sensed something else, something ominous. No, not ominous, malevolent. More of Natalia’s warning came back to him. “I see a malevolence, a great danger lurking nearby.” A big wave rushed in, rolling over their ankles and leveling the mound of sand, leaving the beach empty. As if nothing had ever been there. “¡Ayúdaños!”  Hooray! It’s here! September is finally here! Recently, I’ve noticed lots of references to “the ‘ber’ months”. I can’t help but laugh, but I must also admit, I love them.
And guess what! Much as I respect the astrological calendar, I am ready to embrace the meteorological calendar for autumn’s sake. Do you know the difference? I just got it straight in my head. The astrological calendar divvies up the seasons according to equinoxes and solstices which, in turn, are based upon the Earth’s tilt. This year, the fall equinox begins September 22, at 8:04 p.m., CDT. The date/time varies from year to year, but only by a little. The meteorological calendar is based upon annual average temps and never changes. Accordingly, fall is September 1 through November 30. Winter is December through February. Shall I continue? Why not? Spring is March through May and Summer, June through August. Makes sense to me! So… Happy Autumn! Yahoo! For me, both September and Autumn mean gardening, travel, and holidays. The weather is great – neither too cold nor too hot. Tourist destinations are less crowded because school is in session. Colors are brilliant in both hemispheres. And then of course there’s pumpkin spice, soul-warming stews, soups, and chilis, new Hallmark movies, and so much more. My birthday is also in the fall, which gives me a great excuse to request trips large and/or small. I’m not really a terrible brat, and I don’t think I worry too much about my birthday, but, well, if it works… I just want to go someplace with cool, crisp air and gorgeous colors and my birthday month just happens to mean high autumn in lots of places. This year, my husband and I have an exciting trip booked, but I won’t talk details yet. It’s too soon. For now, for September, I’ll enjoy the ever-so-slightly-less-hot days, sow a fall garden, and begin switching things out around the house and garden to reflect a new season. And I just might daydream about our fall trip. Wishing you a beautiful September!  Ralk? Wun? Spralk? Sprun? I wonder if there is a name for a walk/run endeavor to start the day? Sprinting, probably? But that sounds too grand.
That’s what I’ve been doing, however. Short little bursts still, but they’ve gotten longer and faster these past few weeks. I’m loving it, too. It feels great. I’m wondering if I should add a few evening ones in, just to burn off the days’ indulgences and undue energy. Although, as I read long ago, “energy begets energy”. While our children were growing up – until they left for college – I spent a few hours a day at the gym several times a week – weights, yoga, pilates, and, less regularly, some sort of cardio experiment. For a while, I had private yoga instruction, too, and we always swam all summer. For me, it was just a normal part of an active lifestyle, as routine as brushing my teeth. When our sons left for college and we moved to a rural area where there were far less gym options, I wasn’t worried. I had country roads to run and ride my bike on, an exercise room in my house, and four acres of garden and yard to tend to. I stayed busy and active. But eventually, the gardening took precedence. Big job that it was, it wasn’t enough to keep up with my disastrous eating habits. To this day, I still eat like a teenaged boy – a wild, teenaged boy. When we moved to back to the suburbs, so many things were going on in our lives that my workouts pretty much ground to a painful halt. But I continued to eat what I wanted, when I wanted, and still enjoyed a glass of wine or two every evening. I love fresh fruits and vegetables and herbal teas. I also love fried foods, ice cream, Dutch gin and rosé. Lately, that hasn’t been feeling so good. My clothes all still fit. I’ve worn the same size for years and years. But take it from me, I’m not the same. For one thing, I’m weaker. Of course, I am. And there’s a heaviness around my waist that I can’t like. I’m not as flexible as I used to be, either. Anastasia, what have you done? Obviously, I don’t diet. I am also not of the “no pain, no gain” school. Absolutely not, although I can see where that would work for certain personalities. Well, then, what? It’s okay to be gentle with ourselves. I’m not out to impress anybody. But I should take care of my body so that I can fully enjoy what time I have left on this earth. More to the point, I would like to continue to have fun with our children and grandchildren and all of our loved ones. My family, by the way -- our children are sooo very fit. Our older son works in the fitness industry -- he's a guru, really -- and our younger son and daughter-in-heart are the most active people I know. My brother owns gyms! And all our family works out more these days, not less. No one nags me -- they are all wonderfully sweet and supportive -- but I'm pretty sure none of them expected me to ever NOT be physically fit. And I probably am reasonably fit. But I can do better. So... Modified… everything. I do modified pushup several times a day. I don’t sweat and I don’t hurt my joints. But now, a few weeks in, I can do more regular pushups. I can see that becoming a trend. I’ve begun lifting again – oh, what a blow to my ego. But my muscles seem to remember what to do. And my yoga practice – it’s probably the most challenging aspect because, damn it, I didn’t even realize how my shortened, lazy asanas were chipping away at my flexibility. This, I’m having a hard time going slow with, which is against yogic philosophy. Let go of ego. Breathe. Be kind to yourself. I really can’t imagine not having a yoga practice. Everyone, absolutely everyone, should. My walk/runs are beautiful. I love being outdoors early morning, always have. My sprint time is beginning to equal my walk time, although not always. So far, my longest, um, spralk is about a mile and a half. Hardly marathon material? Is that what you’re thinking? I’m grinning at the very idea. You’ve got that right! I’m drinking more herbal tea than wine these days, although ice cream, well… How can such creamy deliciousness be bad for you? I will have to leave it off my shopping list for a while. If you take anything away from this, my “confessions”, I hope that it might be some small encouragement. Little steps do make a difference. I’m feeling more myself again and more confident in my physical capabilities. Every little bit really does help. Cheers, friends! Wishing you joy! Silver Dagger Tour: Buried Treasure, Lost Worlds: A Search for Aztec Treasure by Hep Aldridge8/16/2022 Welcome, Silver Dagger Tours and Hep Aldridge!  The adventures continue…  In 1521, the Aztec empire fell to Spanish Conquistadors in bloody genocide. The Aztec ruler, Montezuma, was murdered, and his treasure… disappeared. Legend says the treasure was spirited away by Montezuma’s elite Eagle warriors, headed for an unknown desert location in the southwest of what is now the United States. It has never been found. Dr. Colten X. Burnett and the Risky Business team have a lead. Will the unexpected map they now have in their possession guide them to the long-lost treasure in the land of the Mescalero Apache? Join this bold, inimitable team as they face new dangers and uncover secrets that the mountains and deserts of New Mexico hold as they search for the lost Aztec treasure.  **Don't miss the other books in the series!** Sunken Treasure, Lost Worlds The Risky Business Chronicles Book 1 Goodreads * Amazon Sunken Treasure, Lost Worlds: Revelations The Risky Business Chronicles Book 2 Goodreads * Amazon Sunken Treasure, Lost Worlds: Encounter The Risky Business Chronicles Book 3 Goodreads * Amazon   Hep Aldridge is a certified scuba diver, cave diver and amateur archaeologist whose main area of interest is Pre-Columbian cultures of the Americas. He has led or been part of archaeological expeditions to Mexico and Honduras, making discoveries that have been reported in National Geographic Magazine. Hep's related interest in space, and space exploration and "things unknown" was fueled by his father who worked for NASA. While living in New Mexico, he began to question the many strange and unexplained things he saw in the night sky in the mid 60's, and also developed an interest in lost treasure that has stayed with him his whole life. The combination of these diverse interests led to the genesis of the Risky Business Chronicles, Book One, his first novel of a three-part series. Hep is an Air Force veteran and resides on Florida's Space Coast.     Happy August 9, Book Lovers! The day is ours! I do love books. It's a strangely emotional attachment. We've moved a lot and replaced possessions many time over. We even got rid of a piano once, only to buy another later on. But I am loathe to let my books go. In fact, I've mentioned to Joseph several times that if we do ever move again, wherever we go and however much we might downsize, I would want to take my books with me. And I've noticed that our elder son Bashir, while leaving almost everything behind in his various moves across the country, has also held onto his book collection. And he's remarked upon it -- that he just can't let go of his books. And I'm so very proud that our younger son Raji and daughter-in-heart Julia have books all over their home and that their little ones -- our dear little grands -- are great readers. God bless them. You see? Emotional... In wishing our children and grandchildren well, I wish them an enjoyment of books and I'm thankful that they appreciate them. If you know me, you know that I love ebooks and audiobooks just as much as hard and softcovers. There's room enough in my heart for all. I'm not one to wax poetic about the smell of books, the tactile pleasures of holding a book in your hands, turning pages... In fact, I prefer an ereader under a wide variety of circumstances. But not only is there more to a book than its cover or even its content. They can remind us of loved ones, of good times, of weathered storms, and that we can always learn. And always hope. I'm a big fan of coffee table books, especially well-written ones. I enjoy gifting them when I find one that focuses on a loved one's hobby or passion. For myself, books are amongst my favorite souvenirs, which goes back to reminding me of a happy time. There are some types of books that are just better as soft or hardbacks. Cookbooks, for example -- oh, there are so many gorgeous cookbooks. I prefer them to online sources, although I certainly appreciate both. Books with beautiful illustrations, travel and gardening books, certain how-to books -- I prefer these as hard/softcover volumes. I also like to have very important books like the Bible in hardback. Prayerbooks, so personal to me... I like to have favorites in both ebook and bound. We have plenty of bound volumes. But there is a lot to be said for ebooks. I absolutely love them. I appreciate that they can be stored on multiple, connected devices. I can carry my library of around 1000 ebooks times two in my purse with ease -- one library in my kindle and the other on my phone. To be clear, I do understand that the library is on "a cloud" somewhere -- and that's even better. It's safeguarded. As I've already mentioned, I'm not very sentimental about the tangible attractions of hardbacks, although I have to admit that my bookshelves would look pretty empty without them. But my point here is that I find it easier to read a novel on my kindle, especially in bed or by the pool or at the beach. A kindle is also much more convenient for travel, especially when I hope to read more than one book on a trip, which is often. And the access to more, more, more and instantly is wonderful! And then there are so many free ebooks introducing me to great, new-to-me authors. It's fabulous! And allow me to confirm for you -- audiobooks are books! Yes, they are. And listening to an audiobook equals reading a book. It's not the same as watching a movie based on a book. Whether you are reading or someone is reading to you, you are still getting and interpreting the words from printed matter. It's not a short or altered version of the author's words. It's ALL the words and if you don't know some of them, you'll have to learn them. If I'm not working at my computer, or eating, or sleeping, I am probably not sitting down. I am so glad to be able to listen -- and I listen to a lot. I guarantee that I know those books just as well through listening as those who read them themselves. This brings me to an important point, more than all the rest of my philosophizing. Those who might not have the best eyesight or leisure time to sit down and read a book but take the time and/or effort to listen have effectively read those books. The words -- from the printed material -- resonate all the same. And you can get distracted either reading or listening, so don't bother going there. It offends me that anyone should think themselves so superior as to deny a book lover the satisfaction of declaring they've read and loved a book just because they chose a narrated version. Whoops! Getting angry over here! And I shouldn't. It's National Book Lovers Day, after all. Enjoy your books, you lovers, and let everyone else enjoy theirs! Happy reading!   I am delighted and honored to welcome Nancy Light of N.N. Light Book Heaven today! Following her interview are an excerpt from N. N. Light's new book and my review. Enjoy! Hi, Nancy! Or should I say, “Mrs. N”? Welcome! You are a shining star of encouragement and enthusiasm. I’m so happy and honored that you have agreed to an interview. Congratulations on your latest release, N.N. Light’s Book of Daily Inspiration: Advice for Overwhelming Times. I love it! I’ve been reading it every morning after my prayer time. It’s both deep and light-hearted, a lovely way to start the day. But before we talk about the book, please, won’t you tell us a little about yourself and about N.N. Light’s Book Heaven? I can’t begin to imagine how you fit it all in. Sure, I’d love to, but I have to be honest, I don’t like talking about myself. I’m in my element when talking about books and/or authors. Let’s see, my name is Nancy and I am one-half of the nom de plume N. N. Light. I’ve been a writer since as long as I can remember. My grandfather loved telling the story of how I was just starting to talk and walk when I would stand at the top of the stairs to the basement talking in a language foreign to him. I would stand with my hands on my hips and tell him a story with a great deal of emotion. LOL! I guess that is when I started creating stories. Over the years, I improved my writing skills and got a degree in English Lit with a minor in art history and humanities. I explored life and put my writing dreams on the backburner. When I got married in 2004, my husband urged me to pursue my writing dream of being published. While I was querying literary agents, I started a blog. That is where most of the inspirational thoughts were first published. They came from my heart and my observations on life, love, and society. Spread the Light became my mantra and the feedback was overwhelming. Eventually, my husband and I chose the best inspirational thoughts for the book. My husband and I also formed N. N. Light’s Book Heaven during the querying time period. It took off and this March we celebrated our seventh year in business. We wanted to help authors succeed and that is where the idea came for N. N. Light’s Book Heaven. We both love reading and wanted a place for authors and readers could connect over their love of books. Over the years, we’ve grown to become a full-service marketing/editing/graphic design firm. Our reputation is something we are proud of, and we strive to offer authors what they want most: a team of booklovers promoting books to readers through guerilla marketing tactics. We market books without it seeming like we’re marketing books. Think about those Tupperware parties from the 50s, only for this generation of readers. It's wonderful that you enjoy your work. It shows. Your firm is highly respected and appreciated. Now, please tell us about N.N. Light’s Book of Daily Inspiration! What inspired you to write it? I even love the dedication. Can you sum up your life philosophy or approach in one sentence? The first book we wrote is called Princess of the Light and it was completely inspired by a homeless man in our neighborhood. I called him the Walking Man because that is exactly what he did. He would walk throughout the town we lived in. He wouldn’t beg or ask for money. He was a tortured soul and slept outside in a vacant lot. He didn’t do drugs or anything like that. He was, in my opinion, the forgotten man. While I was writing the book, I started writing the inspirational thoughts. Words just poured out of my soul; I can’t explain it. When I look back at some of the thoughts, I’m amazed I wrote them. My life philosophy, in all its facets, is the Golden Rule. I treat others how I would want to be treated. It’s this lifestyle which has led to a fulfilling life. Some of the entries really touch deep. Was writing it an emotional experience? Was it hard or did the words just flow? Or perhaps both? Writing for me is a very emotional experience. Whether it is fiction, inspirational messages, marketing for authors, or nonfiction, I write from an empathetic part of myself. I find writing inspirational thoughts much easier than fiction. I think it comes from my personality and willingness to help someone who may be hurting. It’s also a way for me to express my own spirituality to the world. I’m not preachy or anything like that. I use my own personal life to make a point. It's a beautiful book. You begin each entry with a wonderful quote and some of the passages have additional ones. Every once in a while, the quote is your own. Quick count - that is over 365 of quotes and a lot of beautiful thoughts. Did or do you have a system for keeping them organized? Were they difficult to sort through? Which came first, the quotes or your reflections? I gathered inspirational thoughts that I had written from the blog. I got to choose from over 450 inspirational thoughts. It was quite the process for organizing them by month but honestly, I had fun doing it. Each inspirational thought was formatted as it is in the book: date, quote, reflection. Your Valentine’s Day reflection is soooo lovely and romantic. Would you like to share a few thoughts about love and Mr. N? There is not enough time for me to talk about love and my love for Mr. N. I’m a romantic through and through. I can’t speak enough how transforming love is, in all its forms. Whether you’re talking about the love a parent feels for a child, the love friends share, romantic love, or self-love. The greatest of all these is unconditional love. I didn’t realize I was missing unconditional love until I met, fell in love, and married Mr. N. He loves me for me, flaws and all. We just celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary and I love him more today than I did on our wedding day. I learned a lot about love and the different types of love by reading The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis. Mr. N and I are retired now from our careers and work solely on our business, N. N. Light’s Book Heaven. I love spending every minute with him and I’ve never been so happy. One last thing about love and then I’ll stop. Take my advice and tell your loved ones every single day, “I love you.” You never know what will happen in a day and they could be gone forever. Do you have another book in the works? I have a few manuscripts I’m working on. Life is quite busy with running the business and helping authors succeed. Writing is, and will always be, my first love but I am content with what I’ve accomplished so far. Last question: do you have any words of wisdom you’d like to leave us with? Don’t regret anything you’ve done or wish you’ve done. Now is the time to make your dreams come true. It’s never too late. Thank you for spending some time with us today, Nancy. May the kindness and encouragement you always share be returned to you a thousandfold.  N. Light is the award-winning husband-wife writing team, commonly known as Mr. N and Mrs. N. Mrs. N. has been creating stories ever since she was little. Her grandfather remembers when she was two years old, she would stand at the top of the stairs and tell him a story filled with emotion (and in a language foreign to him) with her hands on her hips. Let’s just say she was a born storyteller. They’re blissfully happy and loves all things chocolate, books, music, movies, art, sports, trains, history, cooking and baking. Their mantra is to spread the Light. In addition to being authors, they’re also book promoters/reviewers, social media marketers/influencers and the owners of N. N. Light Author Promotions. They both love books, have ever since they were young. Matching up books and readers is something that gives them great pleasure.  "Spread the Light and inspire others to do the same." -- N. N. Light In 2013, we wrote a mission statement and started a blog. We wanted to test a theory. Could one person (or in our case, one couple) use uplifting words to create change? The answer is a resounding yes! People from all over the world responded to our short inspirational thoughts of the day, and our following grew. What started out as a few people promoting kindness and goodwill turned into a movement. In every city, there are Light-Bearers making a difference and we want you to join us. Everyone needs inspiration. It doesn’t matter what spiritual belief you hold dear, you have the Light inside you. Kindness, compassion, empathy, encouragement are all attributes of the Light. In this book, you’ll find a ninety second inspirational thought for each day of the year. You’ll be inspiring people to spread the Light daily with our collection of inspirational thoughts. From giving of yourself to simply smiling, these are easy concepts for anyone to apply! Excerpt from N. N. Light's Book of Daily Inspiration: I find it refreshing to unplug from it for a while. You kind of forget how deeply you get embedded in it. --- Will Wright When was the last time you unplugged? Turn off the computer and shut off the phone? When I left for vacation, I left my computer, laptop and cell phone at home. I unplugged. Was it hard? Not really because I have been doing that with MR N since we've been married. Whenever we go on vacation, we unplug. The benefits are so amazing! You feel so relaxed and free! Can't do it for a whole week? Try it for a day and see what happens. Go for a walk. Spend some time with your friends and/or family. Bond with your kids. Reconnect with your partner. It will refresh your soul and you will see the world in a whole new light!  My Review: What a beautiful, loving, encouraging book to open every morning. I just want to hug the authors! The love --and light -- begin before the book does, with the dedication. "We dedicate this book to those who fight for truth around the world and more specifically, in the printed word. You inspire us every day." So does N.N. Light. With at least one eloquent, motivational quote and gentle, thought-provoking reflections for every day of the year, N.N. Light's Book of Daily Inspiration is like a warm hug, a pat on the back, a kind smile or shared tears when you need them -- all rolled into one. It brims with love, compassion, and wisdom. The reflections are deep but not heavy. On the contrary, they're light -- and this, I think, is one of the authors' guiding points, that there's light within and around us, light to reach for when needed, light to share. Some of my favorite reflections: Valentine's Day, very personal from Mrs. N., gratitude in November, self-examination in December to encourage yourself to be your true self, to give and forgive and to shine. Throughout the book, there is spirituality without preaching, encouragement without pity, positive reinforcement, and life-giving love. Go for it. You'll be glad that you did. Many thanks to the team N.N. Light for the love and light that they share.   I love the mountains. Seriously, I looooove the mountains. I also dream of rural-living. But we live in Suburbia. In the peace and quiet of mid-morning... I have to stop here to note that it was mid-morning and still peaceful and quiet -- I enjoyed a wonderful walk. It was really a small challenge to myself, a walk/run, and my first since I had Covid about three weeks ago. There were some people about -- exercising, walking dogs, and a few landscapers getting ready to work -- but it was surprisingly placid. I was able to think, pray, ponder. We live in a neighborhood where others of our family reside. For most of our life together, my husband, children, and I have lived in the same city as our relatives, but the Houston area is gigantic. In the past several years, we've all lived much closer than before, just minutes away from each other. It makes life wonderfully fun and pleasant. I can be an ungrateful brat sometimes. And no, one is never too old. I've known a lot of immigrants in my lifetime. I grew up with them. More than twenty years ago, one of our family friends told me that it's not the place that counts, but the people. He was older, gruff, and not a man much given to sentiment. But he looked so sad when he gave that advice. I've never forgotten it and even incorporated it in one of my books. And of course he was right. Now... would I have appreciated my grandparents settling somewhere with gentler weather than southeast Texas? Yes! But it was here I met my husband and so many wonderful friends. It's where our family is. And our suburban community -- vast, yet supremely convenient and well-maintained. And I've made some very nice friends. And there are lots of green spaces. And I do have a garden. We all have our needs and preferences. Some people truly need quiet and wide-open spaces to feel free. I understand that. Every once in a while, that's me. Maybe you miss your family. Maybe you would love to have that option. You might be overwhelmed by your social calendar or you might be lonely -- or both. Maybe you're in the countryside yearning for the city or in the mountains yearning for the sea. Perhaps your heart is torn between two countries, new and old. And sometimes you just don't feel well or happy or grateful at all. That's okay -- for a short while. We can't always help how we feel, but wallowing won't get you very far. To be clear, I'm not talking about life-threatening challenges. I would not presume to preach. But in la vie quotidienne, the daily grind, it's good to look for the good. I hope I'm always grateful in my heart. I truly think I am. But today, I'm also grateful in my head. Thanks be to God.  #theworldneedsmorepoetry  Welcome, Marcia. I’m so happy and excited that you agreed to this interview. Thank you for joining us and for sharing a couple of your beautiful poems, which follow this interview. You have given hope, love, and inspiration to so many online fans. Personally, I watch eagerly for your tweets. They almost always make me smile. For that, I offer still more thanks. I also happen to enjoy poetry and absolutely loved your book Whirlwind of Mosaic Pieces. I rarely read a book of poetry straight through from beginning to end. It seems somehow counter-intuitive to me. Is that strange? But that’s how I read your collection of poems. To be clear, each chapter can certainly be read on its own. Each poem inspires a reader to return to it as needed. But as a whole, the book flows seamlessly and with all the emotions. The poems grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Congratulations on a magnificent yet relatable work of art. Thank you, so much, for your beautiful introduction and heartfelt words. You can’t see me at this point, but I’m blushing… I’m honored that you’ve taken the time to support and share my work. I’m thrilled that Whirlwind of Mosaic Pieces was a collection that enthralled you enough that you wanted to read it “cover-to-cover”. That was one of my hopes in creating the collection: that it would be gripping enough for the reader — whether a true poetry fan or not — to find some merit, relevance, and relatability in it. Whirlwind… was always meant to tell an overall tale, but each poem, itself, was always designed to be its own self-contained story. I crafted it to be a collection for the casual browser, as well as, for the in-depth reader. So, again, it’s a true honor that it engaged you tremendously. It certainly did engage me. Even though, from having read your book, I feel I already know you, won’t you please tell us a little about yourself? I would describe myself as a “city girl with Southern charm”. I’m also an introvert who loves to people watch. I came from a background where one spoke to the neighbors and fellowshipped among the community. My “Good Morning” tweets are an homage to that spirit where one speaks to and greets the neighbors with a hearty, “hello”. Creatively, ever since I wrote my first poem at six, I’ve called myself a poet. At times, I believe I live and ruminate in my own head far too much. {LOL} I can spend hours reading a book, then spend days chatting about it. I’m a true film nerd and an immense music aficionado. I, also, classify myself as a hippie with a bohemian soul. I come from an artistic family, though none of them formally pursued this craft. Even though Whirlwind is my first collection of poems, I’ve been a story teller my entire life. And how about Jane? Jane is an amalgamation of many women—both real and imagined. She embodies all of the following traits: grit, steel, vulnerability, passion, innocence, survival, and naïveté that many women possess or are expected to possess in order to survive the day-to-day operations known as the cycle of life. She’s my family, my “sister-girl”, my “warrior princess”, my “hopeful romantic”, my “tender-hearted soul” and my “powerhouse”. She represents all of those women who’ve inspired, influenced, and shaped me. And, yes… She’s me, at times. Jane is that aspect of self that will continue to rise no matter how many times she’s been knocked down. Jane will continue to believe — no matter how many times she’s been given doubt. She will continue to pursue because there are still more days left on the calendar. Whirlwind... is so raw, so real, so beautiful. Will you share a little about your process in writing it? I never formally sat down to write Whirlwind of Mosaic Pieces. Busy with chores and life and other such matters, I always complained that I didn’t have time to sit down to WRITE-write. But, always there would be some social issue, or occurrence, or bout of inspiration that would pull me closer to my pen. The pen has always served as therapy for all that my soul wasn’t able to process. So, I started to write a screenplay, short story, or poem, here and there, and would place it in a large binder, which I always vowed to address later. Then a year passed. Then, two… Then, ten. Twenty-twenty hit us all like a Mack-truck and my soul was anxious and my mind was racing… Many seemed to reach for creativity. The online presence was bursting with artistic expression. I looked at the numerous, beautiful works and was inspired. Though a turbulent time, my artistic soul was eager and optimist, again… I was finally ready to share. Even through the more painful chapters or poems, I sense a deep hope in Jane, even if it's tinted in rebellion. Is that because I am aware of your inspiring online presence or because it’s something irrepressible in you, even in your darkest moments? Great observation! There is a sense of rebellion in Jane—even at times if it’s a quiet storm. I see her as a powerhouse who has used her voice and her silence as a survival tactic and a coping mechanism. Maybe it comes from the hardships she’s had to endure. Paraphrasing an old adage, diamonds only shine and are only strong due to the pressure exerted onto them. It was necessary for the painful moments to be explored and included because I always insisted that she be presented as a well-rounded “character”. In those moments when she was a “fool for love”, she still demonstrated her optimism in receiving love. In those moments when work-life stress seemed to want to break her spirit, she still demonstrated how she managed to thrive and survive. In those moments when she feels utterly alone, she is always reminded that in her silence she has the pen that can help tell her tale. And, I can relate to that because for me, in those dark moments, I am always reminded of the simple, but powerful words my grandmother and mother would state: “This too, shall pass…” I’m imagining there are so many more poems. Was it hard to decide what to cut and what to keep? Or am I mistaken? Organizing the poetry in the collection was the most fascinating process. As many writers probably do, I tend to write daily — even if it’s a couple of haikus — so I’ve accumulated hundreds of poems that have spanned many years: probably more, but I haven’t catalogued them all, yet. For this inaugural collection, however, I wanted to tell a specific story, or several stories within a story. So, I needed those poems that contained that certain “Jane voice”. I was conscious of which poems spoke of heart-break, or family turbulence, or work-woes, and I leaned into poems that had their own individual flare. I wanted the poems to visually differ as well as feel as if they embody a different tone. Sorrow is sorrow, but how one describes it can feel different. So, I strove to ensure that all poems that dealt with sorrow felt unique to that time, place [in her life] and circumstance. Some poems were eliminated because they didn’t adequately enhance the story, or didn’t match her point of view. This is a profound and yet personal body of work. Now that it’s out there, what would you hope readers gather/understand from it? That’s a great, but tough question. {LOL} As a writer, I always want readers to generate their own impressions of my work. Coming from a teaching background, I always wanted my students to feel a sense of connection and relevance to the work studied. As a writer, ultimately, I’d like for readers to appreciate Jane’s journey and to be able, no matter their individual circumstance, to relate, appreciate, and applaud the steps that she had to take to her happiness. Being a warrior doesn’t mean that you aren’t vulnerable and frightened. Being a leader doesn’t mean that sometimes you can't feel “led astray”. Being joyful doesn’t mean that you don’t, oftentimes, experience sad times. I’d like for readers to appreciate the beauty in her ordinary. Jane is vulnerable, and doubtful, and introspective. She was a survivor when she finally let go of certain toxic relationships. Sometimes, the fight is holding on; sometimes it’s in the letting go. Though Whirlwind of Mosaic Pieces is written from a specific point-of-view and Jane came from a specific social-economic life-style, her individual experience is reflective of many people who don’t have the courage to speak and share their experiences out loud, yet. Finally, I hope readers can appreciate the beauty in life’s journey—no matter the whirlwinds. And does that differ from your intention while writing it? Did your intentions change? My intention while writing is always to tell a *good* story. That’s subjective, I know. However, I write stories, poems, and screenplays that I’d want to see/read. My intention is for readers to appreciate the poetic art form, to see that poetry can be diverse, speak hard truths, be poignant, beautiful, and relatable. I always keep in the back of my mind students who brushed off poetry because they deemed it archaic and “out-of-touch”. Once they saw that poetry could take all forms and styles [including modern art forms such as spoken word and rap], many became hooked. In the back of my mind, I will consider marketability and audience, but my driving force is always to start with a great story, or in this case, series of poems. Do you have a favorite poem or chapter in the collection? Or would that be impossible? You’re correct: it is impossible. {Lol} They all tell a story of where I was at a certain point. So, my favorite poem from the collection tends to ebb and flow and vary depending on my mood. I do like the reaction I’ve gotten from certain poems, such as when I read “Dedication” to my parents. Of course, they are my backbone and have heard my poetry and other writings throughout my writing journey, but as they expressed it at the time: “that one struck differently”. Overall, the chapters “Healing”, “Overcoming”, and “Fulfillment” always get me emotional. Though the poems relating to my grandmother: “Buttered Biscuits and Syrup, Homemade” and “Sunset” always bring a tear to my eye. Now that Whirlwind of Mosaic Pieces is finished, do you feel your writing process has changed or will do so? Once I got the first book off my chest, mine did. No, I don’t think my writing process, overall, will change. I think I’ll always write for myself as I’ll always see myself as the first audience. If I don’t like a scene, poem, etc., I pivot quickly, edit and start anew. I’m not a speedy author, but a daily writer. So, my work may take longer to release. However, I’m happy with that. I think what worked well with this collection is that, at first, I wasn’t under some strict timeline and I allowed my Muses {Yes, I really do believe in them. LOL} to determine when the best time was to write. I never force myself with a wagging, as if chastising finger: “You must write a sad scene today”. {LOL} So, what that day inspires is the story {or poem} that gets told. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I consider the marketability and the difference between the general audience and the specific one, but I think, as I’ve mentioned before, for me, telling a sound story is my primary goal. Have you consciously moved on to the next project? If so, care to share? We can keep a secret. Yes, and no… I’m always working on new material and have been working on revising a spec script and am also working on my first novel. Whirlwind…, and the story of Jane, however, continues to pull my attention and I’d like to create an audio version of the collection at some point. Any words of wisdom for a struggling creative? How about for poets in particular? I think my *advice* for artists would be to follow your passion and pursue your artistry with intense fervor. As much as you can, try to eliminate self-doubt and surround yourself with supportive individuals. Also, learn to pivot quickly. I’ve had many doors closed and many rejections and “no responses”, but that didn’t stop me from writing. Being a writer means writing. Will I publish all of my work? No. Sometimes, I write for myself; other times, it’s for others… Also, network. Other creatives are not your competition, but instead are your greatest ally. I ask questions and allow other poets/artists to serve as my mentor. For poets specifically: never be afraid to take chances, promote your work in unique spaces, and share your work any chance you get. Poetry is not a dying art form. Don’t be afraid to shine your light. Lastly, Marcia Lynn Paul, to you, what is poetry? For me, poetry is taking the ordinary and reformatting it to appear extraordinary. It’s finding a new way to see the known. It’s experiencing the universe through a child’s eyes. It can be rhythmic and bluesy, or poignant and morose. The art of poetry is, sometimes, translating a tome into a haiku. For many, it’s therapy; while for some, a great vehicle to express love or social reform, and finally for others simply a great way to describe a sunset. Finally, I’d like to take the time to thank my editor and advisor Patricia Brookins for her hard work and diligence as well as PJ Maxwell for his artistry and encouragement. Their assistance and support has been invaluable.   Marcia Lynn Paul has been writing poetry and other works since she was six. At nine, her first poem, Pacer Proud, won the state Peanut Butter Press Contest for her age group/division. Majoring in Slavic Languages & Literature and receiving her Master’s degree in Secondary Education, she spent over a decade teaching English, writing and Language Arts at the middle and high school levels. Currently, she’s working on several works, including a screenplay, a drama, and a romantic comedy. A selection of her poetry can be seen on her YouTube channel: Marcia Lynn Paul. Her spirit animal is the tortoise, her favorite weekday is Tuesday, and her favorite color is cobalt blue. She hopes to someday retire somewhere near the ocean and dreams of owning a “brick and mortar” bookstore. Whirlwind of Mosaic Pieces is her first collection of poems. https://twitter.com/MarciaLynnPaul1  Excerpts from Whirlwind of Mosaic Pieces GEPPETO’S POPPET Strings attached. Discombobulated mixture of who I am and who they expect me to be. Introverted wild child crafted and packaged to be somebody… But, wanting to be somebody… else. The strings tug too tight, too taut to just be a boy, a man, a woman — somebody other than the symbol of what you did right. The strings, attached, tug too taut, too tight to detach and take flight and be somebody other than what the blueprints in your mind said I was supposed to be. Papa’s dream; mama’s gleam… Poppet’s fantasies trapped in dreamland. Left hand this way; right hand that way. Everything crafted organized, planned. left hand this way; right hand that way, Puppeteers preparations always preplanned. Marionette Masterpiece-- discombobulated mixture of who I am and who they expect me to be. Left foot this way; right foot that way… Crafted and packaged to be somebody. But, wanting to be somebody who’s… real.  THE IRONY OF THIS POEM Poems, I think, should not solely live in books. On stuffy, dusty counters, or tucked away in some library nook. They should turn cartwheels with four year olds and sing sonnets with lovers, comfort those left behind when loved ones make their final journey, entice babies to sleep and cause the non-sentimental to weep ‘cause the words moved him and touched his spirit. They should keep time with the Double Dutch girls, help me make some sense of this world and give him an opening line to meet her. They shouldn’t be crowded between this page and that page, somewhere stuck between this story and that essay, as if uncertain like the middle child, Jan Brady. Poems should make noise about rainbows, comment, slyly, about love and woe and tell you how phenomenal your hips are. They should make you giggle at the absurd, make some sense of the unheard and marvel at the artistry of cartwheels. They should sing, happily, with songstresses and lament, tragically, with the blues. Rap about the nonsense and the necessary. Jive and rhyme with pastors and scoundrels: amuse, confuse, diffuse and enthuse… They should be chanted when Afro Puffs and Pigtails perform hand jives and hopscotch and inspire you, humbly, when love’s labor, you did botch. They should make the youth wise, the aged young, again, the middle-aged hipsters just happy to be there, while still conning sleepy infants, quietly, to sleep. Poems, I think, should not live in books with spines bound and elaborate dust covers. They should whirl and gust through sequoia trees, soar from flower to flower like honey bees, marvel at the wizardry of the Grand Canyon and amaze at the wonders of 1940’s Harlem, encourage three year olds to skip and jump, remind us, all, to be fierce, calm, vulnerable and strong and, finally, give him an opening line to meet her.  Available at Amazon.
 June
The sun is rich, And gladly pays In golden hours, Silver days, And long green weeks That never end. School’s out. The time Is ours to spend. The playground calls, The ice-cream man, And, after supper, Kick-the-can. The live-long light Is like a dream, And freckles come Like flies to cream. --John Updike (1932-2009) A Child’s Calendar |
Keep me away from the wisdom that does not cry, the philosophy that does not laugh, and the greatness which does not bow before children. – Gibran Khalil Gibran Archives
September 2022
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