Tag: IARTG

LUNAR BOOGIES, TREE FAIRIES…BOOK REVIEWS

karenringalls26 Comments 
What does a werewolf and a tree fairy have in common? 
They are both imaginary beings. One is frightening and a killer, while the tree fairies are kind and loving.

What do full moons and land developers have in common?
They are both real. They both bring out reactions from us mortals. The full moon can affect negative behavior in some people. Our reactions to land developers differ depending on whether the new homes or businesses are to our financial advantage, or if it means destroying our enjoyment of the peaceful nature of our forests.

Lunar Boogies is the fourth book in a series by author, C.S. Boyack. It centers around the escapades of Lizzie St.Laurent and her magical hat. In this story, the pair’s adventure is stopping a serial killer, which turns out to be a werewolf. There is humor, tragedy, and interesting characters. Each of the victims personalities and life styles added to the story. Joe, the policeman and his eternally departed wife, Meg, were a favorite part of the read with their touching dialogue. The various personalities of the band members Lizzie did gigs with added new dimensions to the plot. The relationship with her parents brought a deeper understanding of Lizzie.

My 5-star review:

Lizzie and her magical and trustworthy hat are on a mission to find the serial killer. The murders happen during the full moon which leads them to believe the killer is a werewolf or someone who is impersonating one. The hat changes as occasions arise to help capture the monster. The communications between Lizzie and her hat are sometimes whimsical, serious, or argumentative. The dialogue is as if they were two humans having a conversation.

Tree Fairies and Their Short Stories by D.L. Finn is a serious story told in a heartwarming and informative way. Through the children, Danny and Colette Burns, and their parents the reader learns about the challenges of the forests as mankind continues in its program of deforestation. Though this is a children’s book, it is definitely for any age. It is a book of four short stories, separate but connected through the eyes of the family members and the fairies that live in the forests.

My 4-star review:

If one loves fantasy, tales, magic, and the world of imagination, then this is the book to read. Though it was written as a children’s book, I read it with my 80-year-old eyes and brain, enjoying every page. Are there fairies? I hope so…I want to think so. This story takes place in a redwood forest and is about how two children try to save it from destruction. The message is a powerful one from which we humans can all learn.

These are two books quite different yet also similar. They will challenge your imagination, bring a smile to your face, and even a frown or grimace. Each book is well worth your time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a good read. Your reviews will be appreciated by the authors.

FICTION IN A FLASH CHALLENGE 2021. WEEK #37. #IARTG #FlashFiction #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts @pursoot

karenringalls26 Comments

Welcome to my blog this week. Each week, Suzanne Burke provides an opportunity for anyone to write a poem, short story, or one-liner based on that photo. All are welcome to join in on the fun. I invite you to go to Ms. Burke’s website and learn about the flash fiction challenges, her books, and who she is a person and an award-winning author. https://sooozburkeauthor.wordpress.com/

When I saw the photo prompt below, I immediately thought about “knock-knock” jokes which I loved when I was a kid. Well, I guess I am still a kid because I came up with some corny jokes. Now you possibly will giggle or laugh, shake your head or raise your eyebrows, or think “that’s a good one,” or give me some credit for even trying!

Did you know that the origin of such jokes might go back to William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth? That is the theory given in Wikipedia, which I shall not dispute.

SOME CORNY KNOCK KNOCK JOKES

KNOCK. KNOCK
WHO'S THERE?
SOOOZ 
SOOOZ WHO?
SOOOZING IN  BED

KNOCK, KNOCK
WHO'S THERE?
MARK
MARK WHO?
MARKING MY SPOT WITH AN X

KNOCK, KNOCK
WHO'S THERE?
JACQUIE
JACQUIE WHO?
JACQUIEING UP MY CAR

KNOCK, KNOCK
WHO'S THERE?
MAE
MAE WHO?
MAEBE, I SHOULD STOP WRITING THESE JOKES!

THESE KNOCK-KNOCK JOKES WERE A FUN WAY TO PLAY AROUND WITH NAMES. THANKS TO SOOOZ BURKE, MARK BIERMAN, JACQUIE BIGGAR, AND MAE CLAIR FOR BEING A PART OF THIS “FICTION IN A FLASH CHALLENGE”.

I NOW CHALLENGE EACH OF YOU TO COME UP WITH A KNOCK-KNOCK JOKE BASED ON YOUR FIRST OR LAST NAME. I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO READING THEM.

FICTION IN A FLASH CHALLENGE 2021. WEEK #32. #IARTG #FlashFiction #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts @pursoot

karenringalls13 Comments

It is my pleasure and honor to participate in another flash fiction challenge based on the photo prompt. Award-winning author, Suzanne Burke, has provided these challenges every week. Everyone is invited to write a short story, poem, or a one-liner.

Here is the photo prompt for this week:

And here is my Tanka poem based on the above:

There is a wonderful poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, titled “The Sands of Time.” It is a poem that left a large impact on me when I was in high school. Its influence is obviously still with me.

Thank you for visiting my blog today. I welcome your comments.

FICTION IN A FLASH #20 #IARTG #ASMG #Writing Community @pursoot

karenringalls13 Comments

Award-winning author, Suzanne Burke, has presented a photo prompt for which everyone is invited to write a short story, poem, or one-liner. Join the fun and time of creativity.

This week’s photo prompt brought several ideas to mind, but I chose a poem in Tanka form. This is a Japanese style that consists of 31 syllables, divided in 5-7-5-7-7 format.

THE EMPTY SADDLE
 
THE BREAKING OF DAWN
OF YELLOW, GOLD, AND PURPLE
PAINTED BY GOD’S HANDS
SYMBOLIZED NEW BEGINNINGS
AFTER A STORMY, SAD NIGHT.
 
THE EMPTY SADDLE
WHERE SHE ONCE RODE HER HORSE, BABE
WITH ME BY HER SIDE
IS NOW SLOWLY LED HOMEWARD
WITHOUT THE LOVE OF MY LIFE.
 
I STAYED BY HER SIDE
I HELD HER COOL AND FRAIL HAND,
I KISSED HER SWEET LIPS
THEN SAID GOODBYE TO MY LOVE
ALWAYS TO LIFE IN MY HEART.
 
WITH EACH NEW SUNRISE
I GAZE UPWARD, SIGH, AND PRAY
FOR STRENGTH AND COURAGE
TO LIVE EACH DAY WITHOUT HER
‘TIL MY SADDLE IS EMPTY.
 

I invite you to go to Suzanne Burke’s website, learn about this amazing woman, become a follower of her blog, and buy one or more of her books. I highly recommend each and every one of them. https://sooozburkeauthor.wordpress.com/

I enjoyed writing this poem inspired by the beautiful photo prompt. Your comments are welcome and appreciated.

“FICTION IN A FLASH CHALLENGE” #19. #IARTG #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts

karenringalls15 Comments

Award-winning author, Suzanne Burke, provides a photo prompt and invites everyone to write a short story, poem, or one-liner based on the photo. This week’s photo inspired me to write one of many stories or poems, because I lived in Hollywood the last two years of high school. I walked down Hollywood Blvd. to go to school where I had classes with Annette Funicello and Stephanie Powers.

The story within the Tanka Poem is true. I hope you enjoy it. Some happy memories about an amazing film personality came back to me.

HOLLYWOOD WAS HOME
TO THE FAMOUS MOVIE STARS
SOME LIVED IN MANSIONS
SEEN DRIVING EXPENSIVE CARS.
 
BELA LUGOSI
WHO STARRED AS COUNT DRACULA
WAS MY NEW NEIGHBOR
WHO DAILY WALKED BY MY HOUSE
SURPRISED I KNEW WHO HE WAS.
 
HE SIGNED A PHOTO
WHICH I TREASURED ALL MY LIFE
WHILE WE TALKED AND LAUGHED
ABOUT DRACULA’S STORY
NOT LIKE BELA LUGOSI.
 
HE DIED ALONE, POOR
 NOT FROM A WOODEN STAKE PLUNGED
DEEP INTO HIS HEART,
 NOR SUNLIGHT AS TOLD IN BOOKS
ABOUT THE COUNT DRACULA.
 
A HEART ATTACK TOOK
HIS LIFE OF FAME, WITHOUT WEALTH
ENDING IN A GRAVE
WEARING DRACULA’S BLACK CAPE
BURIED IN CULVER CITY.

Unfortunately, I have lost the autographed photo of Bela Lugosi. He was a sweet gentleman, who lived and died in a small apartment three houses away. He was type-cast in the role as a monster or vampire. His career declined quickly once the Dracula movies were no longer in demand. He earned large sums of money which he spent unwisely on alcohol and opiates for his chronic sciatica pain. In those days, there were no residuals.

Thank you for taking the time to read this Fiction in a Flash piece. I encourage you to go to Ms. Burke’s website: https://sooozburkeauthor.wordpress.com/. Let your imagination go and write a poem or short story based on that week’s photo prompt. Have fun!