Author Zone

Bring Your Books 2 – Authorzone

This week in Author zone

ricky-baker

A word from me.

There are words you read and tears flow out of their own volition. This is how the words of haiku for Ricky Baker moved me.

Tanya Cliff is a beautiful soul. Her rich writing and words always reach in and grab my attention. I’ve followed her blog for quite a bit and I am never short of admiration for this writer friend of mine. You can get to know her better through her blog, Post Prodigal.

A word from others

I only recently discovered Tanyas writing, although the way it touches my heart I feel as if I have known her for a long time. …
Good writers encourage you to keep reading, to enjoy the story. Great writers encourage you to believe and be a part of the story. Rickey story did exactly that. It touched me deeply and challenged me to go out and do something.
If you have a heart for the disadvantaged, forgotten children of our world this little book will challenge you as well.
If you don’t read it anyway. You might be surprised where it takes you.

Please Note: “A Haiku for Ricky Baker” all the proceeds from the sales, including 70% of eBook sales, go to fund art and writing projects for at-risk youth.

Please read and lend your support to the Ricky Baker’s of our world. Available on Amazon.

collected-sketches

A word from me

Talented writer. Iain’s stories create intrigue that leaves you wanting to know more.

‘Collected Sketches’ is a series of short stories and flash fiction pieces. They take in varied locations, topics and people but together build a picture of the modern world that we live in, and ask what the future of our world will look like. Some tales are funny, some serious, dramatic and poignant, covering genres from science fiction to historical drama.

It’s available on Amazon.com and Amazon UK.  Support the authors in our midst.

Iain Kelly is a writer based in Scotland, currently writing his first novel.

More of his short fiction can be found on his blog: https://iainkellywriting.wordpress.com/

 

Why I started Author zone.

A writers’ journey can be a lonely and arduous trip and the success of a writer is the collective effort of all those who surround him/her.

I know that I am a small time blogger out there but I believe so much in the strength that lies in unity.

It’s been in my heart for quite a while to find ways of contributing, encouraging and promoting my fellow authors around.

Many are struggling to get their works out there and the challenge of breaking into the limelight of traditional publishing is humongous.

We are the only one’s who can attract and drive our own growth in here. Buying and reading bestsellers is brilliant, all well and good, but contributing to lift up a fellow writer in our midst from one level to the next should be our collective care because it matters.

Support your fellow author/artist/writer/blogger. Collaborate with each other to help them grow.

The truth is that purchasing a book from a little-known author barely costs much. If you are buying 3 books a month, pick up one from an author in our midst, the cost is not even up to a cup of coffee at Starbucks, Tim Hortons, London Dairy or where ever it is that you love to get your sweetness.

The idea behind ‘Author Zone,’ is to highlight a number of authors and their books bi-monthly.

If you would like your book highlighted, please feel free to contact me. I would also try to do a review of a book once a month.

Please share this as much as possible to reach as many authors/writers as we can. BYB

Thank you for your support.

Jacqueline

Guest Posts

Getting to Know My Friend Shiva

His wise words and cheerful demeanour drew me to want to know him better. Whenever Shiva visits, his presence is felt. In my months of blogging, he has been a supportive presence and I would like to extend my appreciation to the gentleman whom I silently title ‘Lord Shiva’ in my head 🙂

shiva

A Bit About Me

I am a third generation entrepreneur from India, born and brought up in a Joint Family but now I have my own nuclear family with two daughters, one is a Software Engineer and the second daughter is studying Medicine.

I am busy in the business of manufacturing of doors and shutters. I am a sportsman and a health-conscious person.

I have learnt and taught yoga and I practice it. I am also an actor and having acted in many dramas in our Amateur Dramatic Association in the local area. Though I like openness and being frank, I do not indulge in gossip and I am not fond of people who do so.

I like to study spirituality. History and space fascinate me. I am friendly and enjoy being with like-minded people. I do not make enemies. If anybody wants to become or attempts to be one I keep away from such a person.

I love my Family, my Workers, my Friends and who have come my way. It has been easy for me to fall in love with anything and anyone. I have my Pets who love me in return.

My Posts “Shower Happiness” and “I know you are the Soul, But..” are the ones that could give a better understanding of my background.

Of late, I have taken to writing and I am surprised to know that I can write poems too.

A Bit About My Blog

I had no intention of blogging or joining the blogging world. When I sent my writings to my friends and cousins who are all over the world, one of them suggested that I should start a blog of my own.

Until then, I knew nothing about blogging. However, out of curiosity I explored into that and found WordPress. Somehow I signed and the blog was opened for me.

While giving a name to my blog I thought what would be a proper name for that, I pondered on it and ultimately got the answer to have a name as “the shivas ponder” that sounded better as the articles I write are to be pondered.

Then came the ‘Tag’, since I thought the articles written by me are to be pondered by me first and then by others, my tag reads – “For Me You and Everyone”.

To know a bit more of my blog experience you could check “My 100.”

So it continued. I am a person who would be after something and would go further deep into it, to its core.

I started blogging and got to know its trends and etiquettes. I befriended many who have now become good friends and a part of my life.

I derive maximum satisfaction, happiness and inspiration being here and truly salute the blogging phenomenon and the technology behind it.  I am deeply indebted to it.

Well, who knew we would be getting friends from all over the World in such a short span of time. It is this Blog World that has brought the World closer and has made it easy to interact with people with their thoughts and feelings.

I have my Facebook page too, but I am never active on that. Personally, I do not like the things going on there. I feel it is a farce. I have seen people on FaceBook who could be your own friends or relatives; when they meet you they don’t even look at you, let alone talk to you.

This is just nonsense… a sheer waste of time… and an addiction… I feel it’s ridiculous.

No doubt people have derived some sort of satisfaction in that, as they find quotes and other good messages and try to meet old friends.

Staying Motivated

Oh! The Motivation part. I keep myself motivated in all wings of my life. I think I have become a more responsible person after starting my Blog since I have to set an example, I keep thinking of bettering my ideals. That motivates me further and guides my actions accordingly.

The blogging world provides lots of information, knowledge and true friends who are capable of doing so many things. They display their talents and creativity. Furthermore, you get inspired and would want to do and give more.

Bits of Challenges

I have had very good and few bad experiences here, which has ultimately taught me many things.

I feel challenged to give more to my writings and creativity and to further my understanding of what others do.  The English language has been a good medium for communication; so I should improve my usage of language and its vocabulary.

I also feel that I should always be a sort of inspiration to others and that I can do only do that if my language and the communicating skills are intact.

You’ve Got to keep Blogging!

I definitely encourage others to blog. We all get to know so many things here. Be it personal or of Life in general.

Many bloggers write about their personal accounts which help especially the younger ones’ on how to lead a wonderful Life. We get to see the real world on our screens. Many bloggers contribute and share such good posts that enhance the knowledge of the readers. Be it a Travel Post, a Cooking Recipe Post, a Quotable Quote Post, a Spiritual Post, a Lovers’ Feeling Post or a Post on Nature and so on.

My personal feeling is that we should not make the Blog World a Nonsense area. It should not be like a Face-Book joint.

Of course, I am happy having met some wonderful people here who are not only writers but are very creative in their work. Many are concerned about the well-being of others which they would like to see through their own work.

One should be aware that what they are doing on their pages reflect on those who read and come across them. Anything helpful to others in bringing them happiness and a sort of building a good relationship is most welcome.

Keeping personal matters to themselves, unless one wants to share them for good reasons.

In the days to come, we shall see a New World which shall be a Conglomeration of all peoples of all countries. We are the builders of that New World so to say “The Pioneers”. As such we are to be responsible people. We have to set an example for future generations to come.

Going Forward

Asides from my blog, I do not have any published material and don’t have any plans in the offing though I have plans to write a novel which is still in my head.

My Observations

I have seen some of the newer bloggers in order to get more traffic and follows on their blog, tend to act ridiculous. They just go on putting their likes without any comments. The likes may stretch to the extent of 10 to 30 numbers at a time in a few seconds.

How can that be a possibility? If you have to comment on the Blog Post it means that one has read the post, and they would not have read it. After which they are not traceable once they get a follower. Hahaha!!!

I always go to a Blog Post read it with patience; if the post is interesting I may read it more than once and put my Like; most of the times I comment on what I feel about the Post. Some of my comments are of few sentences pertaining to the post which could make the author glad.

While we blog and visit other blogs it is very important to see that your visit and presence has been felt and that you have added some value to the persons involved and also to others who shall visit those posts.

Blogging etiquettes are important and one should understand them through other experienced bloggers. One can take the Blogging classes rendered by WP. In any case, I feel one’s attitude is displayed through their actions. Sometimes I give a smile when I feel the pulse of the blogger.   I am very thankful to WP for having given this opportunity.

““Having a Blog is Constructing a Blog”

“A Blog is like constructing a beautiful building and creating an Amazing city”.

“Building a Blog takes time, so One has to be patient and put efforts to make it a Fascinating One”

I really appreciate the work you do, Jacqueline.

A little clip on SHIVARATRI – The day of Shiva’s night.

Featured Blogs

Featured Post…Share Your Post Links

Sharing, Blogs, Networking, Growing Readership, Connection, Bloggers, Blog Posts

‘PLEASE SEND IN YOUR LINKS.’ 

Today’s featured blogs posts are:

Do step in and show some love.

Do you want more eyes on your words?’

Inspired Beacon I love Kayla’s blog and online shop. Each day I visit, it gets better and better. Never stop fighting for what you want. You’ll get lucky.

Two are Better than One Reading Michelle’s refreshing words never fail to fill. I am already famous. 

Caffeinated Ramblings Brenda weaves poetic words that make you think over and over. Her strong imagery grabs and keeps you going. My Ada

Steps to Protect One of the most practical Self Defense and protection a blog that I know. Tasha’s post and recommendations are well thought through and sensible. How to tell if you’ve been drugged. 

Come in, Sit down Anna’s post are on Diabetes and much more are resourceful. Winter blues and how to beat them.

Well then, add your LINK INTO THIS LOOP.

Comments are disabled here to keep the loop tidy. Any comments or link you want to send can be added through the link in the post.

Thank you for your understanding and regards.

‘We create a cohesive community when we come together.

The Daily Post

Building a Nest…

‘Petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid.’ Bit by bit the bird makes its’ nest. 

I thought that I would only watch such stuff on National Geographic.

It was my utmost pleasure to spy as intrusively as possible on the little birdie constructing its’ nest.

It’s amazing how dexterous these little ones are.

Now, I regret not making a video.

Against all odds – The Daily Post

bird-in-a-nest, resilience

Guest Posts

Fight Till Your Last Breath

Related image

If Blood is Showering Out of Your veins,
If the Lesions & wounds are Giving you Pain
And Even If Circumstances are Showing your Death,
In spite of that, Fight Till Your Last Breath.

No Matter If you are Sailing On a Tidal Ocean,
No Matter If conditions Prevailing give you Tension
And Even If There is No Time Left For you to Regret,
In spite of that, Fight Till Your Last Breath.

What Happen If Night Always Comes Before the Morning,
What Happens if Every second Intensity of Darkness is Increasing
And Even If, darkness is Giving Brightness a Terrible Threat,
In spite of that, Fight Till Your Last Breath.

What Happens If you feel yourself alone on this Land,
What Happens, If your Shadow Remains your Only Friend
And Even If, you are Deprived of Love From anybody as yet,
In spite of that, Fight Till Your Last Breath.

It is Blissful, If you come out as Victorious in the End,
But if all Your Efforts & Attempts Go into the Sand
Then You Need not to Strike your Head with a Stone,
Because Fighting Till Last Breath is a Victory on its Own.

An Inspirational Poetry Composed By –  Syed Sabah ur Rehman-‘Aatif’

Uncategorized

ADD SPARK TO ROUTINE, writer’s quote challenge

What spark are you adding to your routine? Writers’ Quote Challenge.

oneta hayes's avatarSweet aroma

“I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” Helen Keller

For this week’s Writers Quote Challenge, please share with us a “small task” which you feel you have accomplished in a “great and noble” way.

How “great and noble” are you when it comes to frying eggs, changing tires, picking up toys, teaching manners to your children, making the grocery list, making the bed, playing Candy Land, combing your mother’s hair?  Okay, you are on your own.  What does this quote mean to you?

My Submission:

For many years I have taught adult Sunday School classes, generally to people who are my peers.  It seemed dull to me to teach the same thing we had “learned” many times before.  After all what could I say that had not already been said.  So…

View original post 107 more words

The Daily Post

Empty Head…

Image result for images of empty head of Donald Trump

He knows  diddly squat,

yet his views about a woman who knows better

makes good dinner jokes.

Ω

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Squat – The Daily Post

Inspiration - Motivation

Menace…

Image result for images of vultures

They showed up and stood in the shadows

holding their breath, filled with baleful hope.

Like ominous Vultures circling the cadaver,

they wait for you to crack,

watching eagerly for your downfall.

Do you fall

or

Do you fight?

The choice is always yours.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Gratitude

Every Little Step I Take – personal

Life, Gratitude, Higher Calling, Goals, Aspirations

The ring tone of the mobile cut into my reflection. I was just coming to the end of my evening walk. Answering the unknown number, her sweet Indian accented voice carried through and in a voice that I will place at 26 years, she chirpily informed me, Ms. Jacqueline, blah, blah, yadda, yadda… unfortunately, due to our employment policy, we can’t offer you the coveted position of events Manager since you are above 35 and too antiquated in my 4o’s (okay, I added this bit about antiquated).

Well, that gave me pause for mere minutes as I trudged up the bridge in front of me but the greatest emotion that I realized was that of relief that flooded me. An odd emotion I must say. I’ll analyze it later.

Let me give you a brief background. This is the latest venture in my attempt to find full-time gainful employment. One of the greatest challenges of being an accompanying spouse or should I say spice is the ‘not having a defined career and dependency on your spouse for periods of time that might cause discomfort.’

You could spend the better part of the time/if not all the time spent abroad searching for something suitable in the form of employment and yes, you learn frugality to the last letter y.

Except when one is up and pushing like I have to do each day – searching for freelance opportunities that come far and few in-between or occupying myself with things that enlarge my scope in the pursuit of my dreams to be a successful writer – one would probably end up a frustrated, emotional bag of chocolate cookie eating monster.

Over the years I’ve learnt to manage on what we can afford and sometimes squeeze out a bit for some side attractions but not having a strong earning power (yet) has stunted some things that I seek to do for myself.

If truth be told, my major interest for seeking this job is to earn in order to fund some self-development life-coaching programs that I want to attend and to save up to return to school next year without burdening my husband whose plate is full right now.

In my head, I was already trying to see how I would fit the job around my life that’s surprisingly full without a 9-5 job and was feeling somewhat stressed at the thought. Now, this explains my odd sense of relief when they informed me that they would rather seek a person with perkier body parts than mine, irrespective of the wealth of experience that I have to bring on board.

As a matter of fact, instead of feeling disappointed or upset about the rejection, last night I felt a deep sense of inexplicable peace and understanding. A quiet voice came to me with the verse of Jeremiah 29:11 saying:

‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’

By the time I went to sleep last night, I was all excited and grateful. I have no idea what lies before me, but I know deep inside me that God’s plans over my life are exceedingly bountiful.

I woke up this morning and quickly checked my emails. A notification I saw simply made me burst into tears and laughter. Tears at my foolishness and human sense of worry. Laughter at the beautiful surprise.

Gift and Gratitude

A voice said to me, go back to the work that you are doing. Go back and finish the book that has been dropped in your heart to write. It’s a book on ‘finding wisdom and purpose.’

The interesting thing is that I never had a plan to write such a book. I have novels that I am working on, but ever since the instruction to write this book came to me late last year, it has not allowed me much sleep and has taken precedence over the novels. I am several days behind due to neglecting it during my trip, but all things being equal, it will be ready by March.

All that I can say is that even when things are not looking the way we want them in our human eyes, keep your eye’s looking up. Be grateful for the much that you’ve been given, for out of it shall abundance flow.

To the sister who gave me this surprising gift, may your circle of blessings never run dry. May laughter fill your mouth and may praise remain your portion.

Jacqueline

If you wish to participate in a gratitude challenge, there are several gratitude/thankful platforms in the blogosphere that you can tune into and get your ithankful going on. I can’t express in words the enormity of Joy and fulfillment that comes from having a heart of gratitude. Please check out Maria’s blog, Colline’s blog and Bernadette’s for thankful/gratitude challenges.

Echos Of My Neighbourhood

Mixed Glimpse of My Neighbourhood. Lagos & Dubai

I went visiting home – Naija several days ago. It was a trip of mixed feelings. I was happy to see home and family but not too happy with the slow progression of things back home. The government just hasn’t served its people well.

Well, all is well that ends well. It was a good trip and I traveled back to base in Dubai, jumping right back into the bus(y)ness of life.

Lady Lee’s all set off to the Philippines – another country on my list. I know she’ll bring back loads to see 🙂

If you would like to show us your neighbourhood, the challenge is quite simple and you can find out more about it through this link.