Sharing Birthday Gift Poem from Michael H. Hanson...

"Peace Painting" - by artist Diane Leonard

Happy Birthday, Glenda

Dreams and Fates

by Michael H. Hanson 

In the one hand are all my dreams,

the other, fates.

From sleeping lands that I have seen

I choose the joy of blessed dreams.

Though pondering the world of late,

I feel the pull of waking life

whose noble cause engenders fates

to battle strife

and war on hate.

My soul is wedded to my dreams,

and heart to fates.

Rejecting all life’s agonies

my spirit favors lovely dreams.

But then my heart feels evil’s mate,

whose loathsome wretched horrid bite

so stirs the hunger of my fates

I prey on spite

and ravage hate.

And so I bid farewell to dreams,

and greet my fates.

Though sleeping realms are quite serene

we are not meant for lotus dreams.

There is a world we can create

with humble hands and renewed sight,

endowing paths to all our fates

with gentle light

that splinters hate.

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

Find More of His Poetry!!!!!

About Michael

Founder, THE FICTIONEERS

Poet, Collections:

"AUTUMN BLUSH" - published 2008

"JUBILANT WHISPERS" - published 2010

"THE GREAT SOAP REBELLION" - TBA

"THE SWIMMING TREE" - TBA

Creator, The SHA'DAA Series:

"SHA'DAA: PAWNS" - published Halloween 2012

"SHA'DAA: TALES" - reprints July 2013

"SHA'DAA: FACETS" - prints Mar. 2014

"SHA'DAA: LAST CALL" - reprints Nov. 2014

"SHA'DAA: INKED" - publishes July 2015

Memberships:

Poetry Society of America

Horror Writers of America

The Fictioneers

Garden State Horror Writers

Spotlighted Author Julia Madeleine Reviews Novel

Midwife Salome (fresco in monastery of Latomou) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Midwife Of Venice 

by Roberta Rich

Doubleday Canada
Reviewed by Julia Madeleine (originally published in 

The Streetsville Village Times, 

Evening Out Magazine, & Port Credit Village Times

Had I seen this book on a shelf in Chapters my eyes would certainly have drifted over it, I wouldn’t have even given it a second glance. Historical fiction isn’t something I’ve ever sought out. The title especially wouldn’t have interested me. But I have to say, I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read The Midwife Of Venice.

The novel is set in 16th century Venice where the main character, Hannah Levi, is a midwife living in the Jewish ghetto. Her husband is a merchant who has been kidnapped and sold into slavery in Malta. One night a Christian Count comes to Hannah desperate for her to assist his wife who is in a difficult labour. But a Jewish woman helping deliver a Christian baby is against the law and not only would it put her entire community at risk, it’s a crime punishable by torture and death. But with a large sum of money offered to her for her efforts, enough to buy her husband’s freedom, Hannah decides to risk everything for the man she loves.

The Midwife Of Venice, is more than just a slice of life novel from the past, it’s a fast-paced suspense story that’s not only beautifully written, but a genuine page-turner.

Roberta Rich has created a fierce heroine in Hannah Levi, whose character leaps off the page. The descriptions of life in the 16th century are so vivid and rich in detail I found myself getting lost in the landscape depicted before me. The brutality of that time period, and the sensation of life and death always hanging in the balance throughout the story is compelling. 

The only thing about this book that I found disappointing was the fact that it wasn’t twice as long, because it certainly felt epic. Highly recommended.

visit Roberta's Website to learn more: http://robertarich.com/

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Review: Summer Time...and The Living is Easy...Come in...and be captivated!

Cover of Under the Tuscan SunThe Write Place At the Write Time


http://www.thewriteplaceatthewritetime.org/home.html


Editor-in-Chief/Founder: Nicole M. Bouchard
Assistant Editor: Denise Bouchard
2 Year Anniversary Issue
Summer, 2010






I must admit that I felt right at home when I stopped at The Write Place At the Write Time. Immediately I was offered a comfortable chair and given a cup of tea--artificial sweetener please... “I know, I know...,” as the waitress smiled at me conspiratorially, as she also was overweight... "but taking the sweetener makes me feel better!”

OK, so there wasn’t a waitress there, but I was encouraged to step into another world, so I did! The first thing I always notice are my surroundings, the space in which I’ll be visiting. The artwork and the beautiful “Peace” right at the doorway definitely pulled my eyes, so I spent some time studying this painting and others throughout the Place. I had been invited to create a review of the site, so I would be visiting often. I quickly added the location to memory (or the electronic version of it) planning to stop by whenever I had a little time or the need for a cup of tea! One of the wonderful things about this site is that you can do just that—there is so much to read and experience, yet there is the ability to leave when you must, knowing that you can return when it fits your schedule.

Some sites make you very welcome and you want to visit! On the two-year anniversary issue commentary/reflections page, Editor-in-Chief Nicole M. Bouchard writes, "I envisioned something, a safe harbor, a warm, alive, freely accessible artistic venue that would combine high professional standards with heart; personal touches on every single aspect, including design." The Write Place at the Write Time certainly fits into that category. Frankly, I have been known to leave a site immediately if I cannot easily find my own way! Having worked with computers for nearly 50 years, I know the potential and what is possible!

I have three important issues I consider when I’m asked to provide a site review: Here’s my overall personal opinion for The Write Place at the Write Time:

Ease of Use Excellent
Content Excellent
Overall Appearance Excellent

As I earlier mentioned, the Introductory welcome to the site and beautiful art work set the tone of my visit. I could plan to visit often and enjoy myself! And I had so much to enjoy!

The site provides a literary magazine within a quarterly publication. But you can also easily access all of the archives, which in my opinion, is very important since we are all so busy and must squeeze out time of our own when we can!

At first, I started to visit as guided, so I met Frances Mayes. But even before I was introduced to her, I stopped to once again enjoy “The Farm” by Hermes Hernandez, which certainly added the right touch of imagery for Under the Tuscan Sun, Bella Tuscany and A Year in the World. Fortunately, I was not a participant in the interview, so I sat back and enjoyed listening to everything. Indeed, Mayes almost speaks poetically as she talks about the home, “where we cook, eat, and talk.” Listen to just one more thing and you’ll know how the whole interview went, “My reader, I hope, is like a friend who comes to visit...” And you, yes, you may meet Ms. Mayes anytime you want just by visiting! Check around the archives and find out what other writing greats you'll run into there...

I’m usually one who will wander off to see what is there on my own, so I chose to visit the Fiction section next. There, I found my favorite painting for this quarter, “Wave and Sand” by Jim Fuess. Actually, I wished I had brought my tea just so I could sit in front of Fuess’ work and fill my eyes for as long as I wanted, which, of course, I did do, but without the tea!

“Land Underneath” was the first featured story. Written by Jackie Dawn, it seems as though it must surely have been based upon a personal experience of loss, because you could not help but feel the anguish of the mother and father who had lost their child. I must admit it was so realistic and beautifully shared that I left for that day to ponder the story...

Later, I visited again and read “The House of Stone Light” by Denise M. Bouchard. It is wonderfully mystical and full of possibilities... It was my favorite! Read it for yourself and you will know why I loved the story! But then I went on to read “Killing the Writer's Block” by Mayra Calvani and found myself laughing at the intriguing possibilities presented!

I came another day to read “Our Stories” which were nonfiction memoirs from various people. As is natural, I was soon remembering my own family as pictures of “Evening in Paris” perfume was mentioned and I’d envision the small blue bottle on my older sister’s dresser and how I would sneak in to just smell and enjoy what I would be able to wear in years to come. My favorite there was “Confessions of a Writer” by SuzAnne C. Cole. The account of her passion for writing is told through an imagined circumstance where SuzAnne’s family performs an 'intervention' and she is sharing at a local “Writers Anonymous” group. I’m afraid though I laughed through this story, I won’t be talking about it with my family and friends. After all, I’ve already joined a group and admitted I’m a Book Addict!

Coming back again, I went to check out my first love, so I clicked for the latest book that had been reviewed. It was Losing Camille by Paul Kilgore, one I had not read. Great! I liked the format, a short bio and a short excerpt along with the review. Alas, the book didn’t sound too interesting and I wondered if I was interpreting the review more than the book...Still it’s fun to read somebody else’s thoughts about books, don’t you think?

I stopped by briefly at the Writer’s Contest, but didn’t stay. I tend to remember concepts from one book or another, so it really must be intriguing to get me to write responsively—I’d just rather read what the writers’ wrote!

Next I stopped by the Writers’ Craft Box! Ah, I was told to have fun, so I thought I would poke around in the big chest that was highlighting the corner... Here’s what I pulled to write about: a very old music box that plays Fur Elise, a small stuffed kitten that was clearly someone’s favorite...and a tiny crystal swan. What would you pull from the Box? This was cool... I’ll be back here often!

I briefly visited “Exploration of Theme,” saw a fascinating painting and a discussion of The Phantom of the Opera and knew I’d need to spend much more time visiting here! But could I write and express my feelings about The Phantom? Yes; it's part of the invitation. Actually, I have two books I’ll be reading soon...but...what would you say?

Visiting Poetry last was intentional. I love to read poetry but words in some poems do not speak to me. I know I don’t have training in its appreciation, so I tend to read literally. I skimmed the titles and chose the first to read by that process. As with the fiction stories, there were many to choose from. Denise Bouchard’s, “In the Land of Dementia,” seemed to express my thoughts:

“I try to understand the language there...”

But then, I really did understand her words... and the love felt as she watched what dementia does to precious family members. I’ll go away again right now, this one has saddened me, made me think of my mother and how my own memory doesn’t seem as good as it used to be.

But I’ll be back, Denise and Nicole, to The Write Place at the Write Time, because there is fun and happiness to be found here as well as sadness. This certainly is the right place to be...when it is the right time to stop for a cup of tea—and more! Readers, it’s all here in one spot! Bookmark it and visit often...let me know when you’re there and we’ll talk over a cup!

G. A. Bixler

Review: Author Lives Musically for A Year Then Shares Through Writing!

Image via Wikipedia

A Year of Living Musically







By Katherine Dixson

Completely Novel
183 Pages


One of the first responses to reading A Year of Living Musically by Katherine Dixson is that you will feel overwhelmed and, yes, tired! How could all of this get accomplished! But by the time you will get that feeling, you will have spent a delightful time peeking into a life that was dedicated to all things musical—for at least one year!

In many ways, readers may also see the book as an excellent example of a journal kept by writers who want to record their life, not in a daily fashion, but in narrative form explaining what they were involved through each month.

Katherine Dixon is one of those individuals who apparently sends out signals of leadership...you know, they are those who get involved with something that interests them, such as singing and music—and all of a sudden, they are also helping in the management activities. That was the case of Katherine as she was asked to act in an administrative position, which included not only directing the activities related to concerts, but also, during the time period, coordinating the possible merge of two large choral groups from separate areas, into one that would support the larger area. I imagine that quite a few times through the year Katherine said a prayer of thanks for email! And it wasn’t beyond her wonderful imagination to consider moving the Christmas program into summer months! She quickly realized that her decision to live musically was “turning into a year of existing organisationally, with music in a decidedly secondary role.”

I must say that there is a lot of courage demonstrated since she was also taking piano lessons at the same time. It got scary, though, when she revealed that she had reached that weird state where she wanted to learn music theory for its own sake! Now, that’s taking it a bit far, isn’t it? I guess not, though, since she later made a 96% on her exam!

Actually, my little comment added above is not as funny as a lot of the quips that are thrown in by Katherine throughout the book. She shares her internal thoughts taking place, even when she outwardly chose to ignore some of the comments coming from choir members and others.

Aside from the organisational issues, there is a constant flow of details related to concerts—both planning and attending. For instance, she noted that first rehearsals for The Creation was devoted to “notebashing,” a necessary activity adding style was a “bit like knowing how to string letters and words into sentences before enhancing them with imagery. I learned that they now have specially created practice discs with each member’s voice part highlighted and wished they had them when I was singing in large groups!

When she was not busy with her own choir, she attended or participated in others! For instance, she sat back to listen to John Williams Blockbusters concert and also had the opportunity to sing led by Paul Leddington Wright by participating in the BBC recording of Songs of Praise in celebration of Handel’s* Messiah. Cool, right?!

Moving from music scores to hanging three loads of laundry in the breeze may seem to trivialize the year...but does it? To immerse yourself into something almost exclusively for a single year can only be personally traumatic to some extent! But then she shares about her right thumb, which washurting, was her write thumb, was painfully putting “arghh into her arpeggio!

Did Katherine Dixson make it through A Year Of Living Musically? Readers will become totally immersed in the world of music, just as was the author! Music students of all ages (including community groups) might well consider this book a “must-read!”

Dixson writes with enthusiasm, humor and a level of expertise that makes the book a significant read for lovers of music. One thing for sure—if you are considering dedicating a year to any hobby or special interest...I highly recommend you read this book—first!

I applaud Ms. Dixson for fulfilling a commitment made to herself—and then using her interest in writing to tell others about it! What a role model!

Book provided by Author
Through Completely Novel
Read in Online!
G. A. Bixler


*Portrait of Georg Friedrich Handel

Review: Naughty Bits...

Image via Wikipedia

Naughty Bits:











An Anthology of Short Erotic Fiction

Spice Books
ISBN: 9780373605415
9 Stories
392 Pages

According to several sources, erotica is the hottest genre in publishing today--I don't know whether that is literally or figuratively, but apparently, for volume, there are many more books being published than in the past. Many writers enjoy writing short stories, but that means that you may have to submit for an available anthology being planned, hopefully that could use your short story.


Recently I noticed that the Vine had Naughty Bits, so for a little bit of variety I requested it for review. The key issue in an anthology is that there is a variety of topics, writers, and storylines, all of which may or may not be interesting to you. But, with the added touch each story gives you, when erotica is included, you may find something of interest even if you don't like the storyline.

Ok, I admit that I found one story that I simply loved--"Medusa's Folly" by Alison Paige. Imagine, if you will, a goddess who has been changed so that a man cannot look directly into her face. Remember she's the one with the snakes!

What is a girl to do?! Well, in all of her travels around the city, one day Medusa notices high upon on a building a gargoyle that looked quite different from others on the building. In fact, it seemed to include something that just might be--could it be?

Well, that woman climbed up onto the roof, slipping and sliding until she could reach this particular gargoyle. She was right! It had....oh my goodness!   Well, it would be difficult, but she maneuvered her way down to where she could sit on his lap! Here was a man whose face was already stone. She leaned in and kissed him...and then so much more!

Now obviously I can't share on each and every story, but here are the titles: Chance of a Lifetime by Portia Da Costa, The Priestess by Elliott Mabeuse, Taken by Lillian Feisty, Favor Me by Jenesi Ash, Primal Instincts by Cathryn Fox & Lisa Renee Jones, This is What I Want by Megan Hart, Improper Pleasure by Charlotte Featherstone and Caught in the Act by Saskia Walker.

One thing I noticed in this Anthology was that a number of the stories had multiple chapters, which does not often occur, as you may be aware. Erotia is meant to be short and on point for those who have not read it before, and, in my opinion, it is always for adults only. I enjoyed these longer stories and found myself more involved with the storyline.

One other story caught my attention given the ever-increasing blog writing these days. In "This is What I Want," a young woman who has an erotic blog...you guessed it...tells readers exactly what she wants. Some of these blog entries were included in the story. You might also find that there was a moral to this story...namely, that there is no security in what you write online...and there just might be someone who knows exactly who is behind the screen telling everybody...this is what I want...LOL

There is a little bit of everything in this book...from ancient times to modern, there is always somebody writing about it...right? So if you enjoy erotica, I think that you will indeed enjoy Naughty Bits: An Anthology of Short Erotic Fiction. Erotica is always a bit of fun, don't you think?

Book Provided Via
Amazon Vine

G. A. Bixler

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Review: Pressed Pennies Inspiration Romantic Novel!

Pressed Pennies

By Steven Manchester



Luna Bella Press, Inc.
ISBN: 9780984184200
235 Pages

 
 

 

 
 
Steven Manchester's Pressed Pennies gives readers so much more than several wonderful love stories, but I must admit I got caught up into the lives of the two main characters that I just have to start there!

Abby Gerwitz was the child of an alcoholic, abusive father. While her mother was very loving, Abby saw how she was treated by her husband and prayed that somehow her mother wouldn't have to be hurt so much, even knowing that she took the abuse so it wouldn't fall on Abby.

But when her father went to work, Abby belonged to a gang of kids that constantly played and ate together. One of those kids, Richard Giles, had saved her from a "hissing squirrel" and they were now even more inseparable, which angered Abby's father even more!

Richard lived with his father and grandmother and both of these individuals played a very important role in the lives of those children. But then Richard's family had to move because they could no longer pay the mortgage on the house.

Abby and Richard were devastated... Especially Richard, since he had lied and told Abby that his father got a promotion and that was why they were leaving.

But, in fact, all of the children who had lived and played on that street had been affected by childhood. Reading about their lives was fun--but it was not surprising how each of these individuals became as adults!`

While the book focuses on Abby and Richard's lives--both of them are now divorced, having made mistakes in their marriages--a beautiful minor love story features Richard's grandmother and a man she married late in life. Highlighting multiple relationship stories is one of the reasons the book becomes so intriguing. Readers read about the mistakes we all have made; but there is also a message of hope for each couple...

I had already decided long ago that the changes that have evolved in America have affected the American family but must they affect our dreams? I think Steven Manchester in Pressed Pennies has effectively highlighted the darkest worries and fears of today's adults and emphasizes that we do not have to lose our dreams--that allowing ourselves to love others and then making sure we work to maintain that love is the most important thing that we can do in our lives.

Aside from the excellent writing and storyline, I must add a note about the use of poetry to complement this novel! Each of the poems was added to highlight exactly what was happening to the individual, whether it was to express hope, fear, or the magic of love. It was not the least bit intrusive, but rather added a dimension to the feelings expressed far beyond what could be done by any romantic scene, although there are lots of those too!

Only you will know whether Pressed Pennies by Steven Manchester is for you--those of you who have become bitter or deeply hurt by relationships in your life. You decide...from my point of view, the book is well above 5 in a 1-5 rating! It spoke to me personally in many ways--I hope you allow the novel to speak to you as well...



G. A. Bixler

Great News Received; Congrats to Ruby Moon-Houldson...Again!

Image via Wikipedia

Hello Glenda, great news!!




More Than Angels 3 is the winner for the best "Audio Book Fiction" category of the National Indie Excellence Awards for 2010.

The Mark of Cain was Finalist for "Visionary Fiction".

Star Trek 40th Anniversary was Finalist for "Reference".

Just wanted to share!!



Ruby

If you all think that I'm proud of this young woman - You're Right! Kudos for Ruby!!!

Review: Spotlighted Bettie Corbin Tucker Reviews A Woman's Lover

A Woman’s Lover

Yvonne Hampden





A Ymah Rivera Publication
ISBN: 0-9744086-1-1
74 pages



In Writing A Woman’s Lover, author Yvonne Hampden has elegantly shown the power of word structure in her poems. The selections effectively convey thought, feeling and action, emotionally tugging at the heart. Love is a theme that many poets will concentrate upon until the end of time, but the author intensifies the theme with her style and choice of words. I particularly appreciated the figurative language that is specific and ignites the imagination. There is little rhyme but the free verse is written in words that create powerful images with form and line length.

The book is unique as it contains historical photos and documents that give readers insight into the author’s genealogy. She indicates that A Woman’s Lover will have readers thinking about their love stories as well as those of their ancestors. And she is correct! On a dresser in my bedroom is a picture of a beautiful woman who is wearing a long flowing dress and sitting on a tree stump in the forest. The woman is my grandmother who died at the age of 32. When I look into her eyes, I can visualize the love she had for my grandfather. After reading this book, I immediately wanted to write a book about this love and why death had to separate them. My grandfather eventually remarried, and I ask myself if any love can ever be as great as the first. Another thought…another poem?

The first two lines of the first poem in the book are ones that I shall always remember. The author states: “What is love but the soul’s (line break) Cry to be complete with God?" I found myself pondering these words over and over, realizing that she had created an influential verbal image in my mind. There are many other philosophical lines that show her creativity of mind and soul.

Though the poems all deal with love, there is much variety in the selections. She covers rejection, abuse, understanding, loneliness, anger, desire, state of mind, loving a junkie, passion, presence, absence, healing, etc. Yes, these subjects are covered in many poems; however, she writes with a fresh and thoughtful perspective. Yvonne ends the book with a letter entitled “True Womanhood” which her aunt gave to her in 2005. The salutation reads: “Mr. Chairman and members of the Sunday School Convention of the Houston District.” It is a wonderful letter that all readers should and could learn from.

For poetry lovers who want to read about love and the way that feelings and heartaches stemming from such a small word do not change through generations, I recommend this book as an excellent read.

Bettie Corbin Tucker
For Independent Professional Book Reviewers

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Officially...Books--Cats; Life Is Sweet!

You know, I commented on a blog this morning owned by Carol Mitchell, author of a number of books, including my favorite, What Happened to Suzy, that I was now officially retired...you know, I've reached "that" age. That age when you are automatically registered into Medicare and told you must now do this, this and this...

Well, I did kinda retire...again... I've given up my partnership at Independent Professional Book Reviews site, but that really didn't change much since I told the director of the site that she could call upon me whenever she needs me...

Then again...I seem to be reviewing for a lot more clients and publishers these days...So what does it mean to retire?

Well, instantly, I changed my slogan on the bottom of my official working email address... It now reads:

Books--Cats; Life Is Sweet!

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Now you might want how the above article link got here! Me Too! Well, I'm testing out Zemanta. Cool application so far!

And totally relevant to this blog post...ever more cool!

Do people appreciate what they don't pay for? Well, that has been an argument in the past, ongoing and in the future for book reviewers! You know, though, I never had the issue raised by any of my clients in the past! It was always somebody "else" who declared that my reviews were "bought" if they were paid for...

Geesh! You know, I worked for nearly 40 years in educational administration at a nearby university. I earned my respect there by performing...Yes, I was paid, but practically all of my "clients" made more than I did! They were deans, directors, vice-presidents, and the president...either my work was acceptable or it was not. Nobody questioned whether I should be paid for that work...

So, in the publishing world, why isn't it the same, I thought? Everybody has a certain niche...mine soon became that I was a reader and I knew enough that reviewing a book was a task for which I quickly gained credibility... Guess what, for "some" of those reviews I was paid... For some I wasn't, except of course, with a copy of the book.

Well, I just spent a few minutes trying to link another reference provided me by Zemanta, only to find it (as I was proofreading my entry) posted with the other link above...So, I'll just mention that I thought the "How Book Reviews Work" entry was excellent and I thoroughly agree with her! The only thing I've touched on, only incidentally, is Trends. I could be wrong, but I think most readers know that vampires are in...that there are many more books in science fiction/fantasy...but, who knows, you might see more of that in my reviews in the future...

So, officially, I am now retired...I'm no longer charging for any review...except of course I still need that book you want me to review...lol

Zemanta has performed well, for my first effort and here I am checking out how to allow YOU to Reblog Me! What that means is that if you like my book reviews and want to refer them to your friends, I don't mind! Just hit reblog like I just did with one of my favorite book marketing experts.... in my last entry!

And don't forget Life is Sweet...with a cat or two and all the books you can read!