I’m delighted to introduce you to my first poetry collection. Yes, it’s a change of direction but each of these was written with just as much if not more emotion than my other book babies.
This is a collection of 45 short poems each written straight from the heart.
Why not check it out today (I promise its not like poems that you studied at high school!)
My first collection of poems, Beginnings, will be published on 29 February 2024. This is a collection of poems that I have written over many years. Many of them have appeared on my blog over the past ten years. Now felt like the right time to bring them all together in one small volume. (And of course, 29th February is too unique a date not to publish on – Yes, I’m weird about dates)
Beginnings is now available for pre-order worldwide for Kindle. Here’s the links
There will be a paperback edition available from 29 February too.
As a little taster, here’s one of the poems, a haiku, that appears in the book.
Icy east wind blows.
Sun shines on the rutted path.
Spring lies just beyond.
The cover photograph is one of my own. (Local friends may well recognise this spot.) It’s a small stand of trees just to the west of Lunderston Bay, my favourite meandering spot. There’s a certain peace to be found among those trees. A beautiful spot to simply stop and connect with nature.
To me, this year is all about Beginnings in so many ways.
For those who are eagerly awaiting news of Book Baby 8, please bear with me a little longer. It’s coming.
My first collection of poems, Beginnings, will be published on 29 February 2024. This is a collection of poems that I have written over many years. Many of them have appeared on my blog over the past ten years. Now felt like the right time to bring them all together in one small volume. (And of course, 29th February is too unique a date not to publish on – Yes, I’m weird about dates)
Beginnings is now available for pre-order worldwide for Kindle. Here’s the links
Less than an hour later, the burgers were sizzling on the grill, Maddy and Lori were bringing salads and relishes out from the kitchen, Becky was contentedly watching TV and the four band members were all catching up with each other, as they sprawled across the sun deck. Rich had taken charge of the BBQ, ordering Jake to stay clear of the smoke. Happy to relinquish the cooking duties, Jake had gone back to the sun lounger without a word of complaint. Once all the food was out, Lori came and sat beside him. He draped a protective arm around her shoulders, kissed the top of her head and whispered, “Love you, li’l lady.”
“Love you too, rock star,” she purred, resting her head against his bare chest.
Within a few minutes, Rich was dishing up burgers and they were all scrabbling round the table for rolls, salad and relish. No one was standing on ceremony and the relaxed atmosphere gave it the feel of a family meal.
Just for today Bonded Souls, book 3 in the Silver Lake series is free to download to Kindle
The cottage garden was sheltered from the breeze and, with the chimnea blazing, the patio felt cosy and intimate. Lit tealights in old jam jars were scattered around the boundary of the paved area, their flames flickering in the darkness. Plucking a gentle melody, Taylor watched as Nana and Jen brought out bowls of crisps and dips and some beers and cider. He smiled over at Ellen, who was sitting on a pile of cushions beside the fireplace.
“You ok?” asked Taylor, noting that she was staring intently at the flames.
“Never better,” she replied with a relaxed smile. “I was just daydreaming.”
“Ghosts in those flames?”
With a wistful smile, she nodded before confessing, “A year ago I couldn’t have sat here. Couldn’t stand to see flames. My dad helped me over those ghosts. Calmed my fears.”
“Shit! I never thought!”
“It’s fine, Tailz,” assured Ellen warmly. “In fact, it’s more than fine. This is perfect.”
Want to know more? Check out Ellen on Amazon today.
“It’s fine, Rocky,” said Ellen, praying she sounded calmer than she felt. “Luke, I’ll make a deal with you. One error and I’m gone. One from you and the result’s the same. You go.”
Want to know more? Check out Ellen on Amazon today.
“Good evening,” began Garrett, a hint of nerves evident in his voice. “Welcome along to my humble abode to celebrate the launch of Riley’s debut album, Firefly Dreams.”
There was a polite round of applause before Dr Marrs began to speak, “I first heard this young lady when she visited JJL as part of a high school music workshop. Her voice immediately caught my ear. A few weeks later, I invited her back out to the studio to sing on Garrett’s solo record. Again, she blew me away with her raw talent. Move forward a few months to last summer. Riley spent a few weeks down at JJL with me and what you’re about to hear is the result of all the blood sweat and tears…. quite a few tears.”
“Without further ado,” continued Garrett theatrically, “We give you Miss Riley Johnson!”
Having offered up a silent prayer to the muses, Riley began to play the intro to Sand Dollars. Keeping her playing subtle, she felt her nerves beginning to ease as she sang her tale of walking the beach at sunrise in search of sand dollars, the flat sea urchins found along the shoreline. It was a song filled with hopes of a bright future where the sand dollars were a metaphor for real dollars.
Want to know more? Check out Riley on Amazon today!
Up on stage, Three Dead Mice brought Killer to an end.
“New York, thank you!” screamed Rob, glancing over towards them. “Now, we’d like to invite a friend… sorry two friends… up here to join us. New York, let’s hear it for the beautiful Riley Johnson and the legend that is Jake Power!”
The small crowd went wild as Riley and Jake stepped up on stage. Hurriedly a guitar was found for Jake then Rob stepped back up to the mic.
“Time to Shoot To Thrill!”
With a nod, Rob and Jake both began to play the distinctive ACDC intro before the others joined in on bass and drums. Gone was the quiet Riley from the album launch. In her place, centre stage, was a rock queen in waiting as she poured all her vocal power into the raucous lyrics. Both Rob and Jake joined in for the chorus, standing either side of her.
“Pull the trigger!” screamed Riley as she spun away, allowing the two guitarists to play together. No one watching would have guessed that the performance was entirely unrehearsed. Their passion for the classic rock track was clear for all to see and hear.
“Folks, give it up for Riley and Jake!” roared Rob, grinning from ear to ear as sweat ran down his face.
Coral McCallum 