Author · Author Zone

Just Thinking: By Colin Chappell – Author Zone

Introducing “Just Thinking”

A little book, for when you have a little time, with some little writings, which may produce some little thoughts.
 
It was published last month and is available from any online book retailer in eBook, Paperback and Hard Cover format.
Just Thinking, Collin Chappell, Poetry Book, Author Zone
It’s a collection of verses written over a number of years, and it is my sincere hope that readers will be able to relate to the manner in which I wrote them. If a piece was emotional to me, I would hope that it could also be emotional to them.
If I have incorporated situations or circumstances which I found thought-provoking, it is hoped that they will also be encouraged to pause and ponder.
I have had no formal education in verse but I do, however, know how I feel and what motivates me to write. I write honestly. My writings are, quite simply, me!

The link below takes you a reading of “Just A Rose”, which is included in this book.

 

All the proceeds from book sales will be directed to my daughter, Melanie-Anne, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2007.
She is still fighting, but the treatment programs have taken their toll and she is unable to hold down a paying job for a variety of reasons. She is therefore dependent on benefits from her disability provider.
Melanie has no cable TV and no Internet but does survive in this electronic age with her phone, which is also her reminder of meetings, her complex medication times, and of anything else that she is otherwise likely to overlook.
She uses her time to volunteer for non-profit organizations and has been involved in giving some dignity the women who are living on the streets in Vancouver’s downtown Eastside when she is up to it, Melanie is also performing a befriending/preliminary assessment function (on a volunteer basis for a counseling service)
of individuals who are fighting poverty.
Two of her poems are also included in “Just Thinking”!
Author · Book

SOS! I NEED YOUR HELP!!

I would like to crave your indulgence and support. You know the greatest hurdle that lies before any indie-writer is not about getting the book written and published; it’s selling the book. Marketing is a humungous task.

Help, Assistance, Support, Community

Most of us would be enthralled to simply focus on spewing out the words and hoping the books will somehow sell themselves, unfortunately in the self-publishing business, it simply doesn’t work that way and all the best wishes from others don’t sell any books. What works is a pragmatic approach.

As most of you know, I just published my second poetry book ‘Unbridled,’ and going by experience gained from the first book Out of The Silent Breath – which was supported by several friends in this space and helped to instil my confidence to forge ahead – I have to buckle down, dig in my heels and jump into doing the needful.

As we speak, I am still learning the ropes, this is why I turn to all my friends in Bloglandia since I don’t have funds to run big marketing campaigns.

I am trying to create a buzz around ‘Unbridled,’ and would appreciate any support and leg up that I can get from all of you.

Would you be willing to grant me and my book an audience in your blog space, in any form that you deem suitable, such as book feature, blogger interview, book tour, book review etc? Also, if you’ve got pointers in any direction – authors/bloggers who support fellow authors, I would be glad to go begging cap in hand 😉

I understand that asking for support might be a bit imposing, but I also know that this journey is not one that I can embark on alone.

No matter how much I pride myself with the capability of pushing forward by myself, we also have an African proverb that says “if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.”

I choose to go far alongside others, even if our walk may be slower. Please help. I look forward to hearing from you.

My regards,

Jacqueline

 

Available in paperback on Amazon

I Am Judging You

‘Why do you write like this,

don’t you worry that people will sit and judge?’

she asked me.

‘I’ve grown too old to worry about being judged;

for judgement has been my portion for as long as I know,’

I replied.

I don’t shield my words in niceties,

afraid to cause you to blush.

I don’t say my words to cause shame,

but yes, I’m judging you.

I can’t pretend that we are friends enough

to write things only relatable

and swallow my words to please you

‘cos that would be dishonest,

I’ll be lying to myself.

Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha is a gifted word weaver whose poems are snapshot vignettes of life to which readers can relate. Her story poems transverse a range of emotions that provokes profound thoughts and evokes dreams and deep desires of the heart.  Deborah Palmer

 

Author Zone

Bring Your Books #6 – Author zone

This week in Author’s zone

The Swamp Fairy Book Cover

A bit about ‘The Heart Stone Chronicles.’

Fourteen-year-old Abigale Forester, recently orphaned and a ward of the State of Illinois moves from Chicago to Florida to live with her aunt, her last living relative. Magnolia Forester becomes her legal Guardian, and together they claim an ancient inheritance; land that belonged to Abby’s mother’s family for generations.

Holding onto the only piece of her mother Abby has left, a calcite pendant and her mother’s most sacred possession, she discovers the truth of her legacy. The pendant is more significant than she could possibly imagine. Forged from a giant mystical heart-shaped stone found on the very swamp land Abby now owns, it holds the power of her ancestors.

But with that power comes greater responsibility, one that pits her against Rafe Cobb, a greedy land developer, who will stop at nothing to own Abby’s swamp land.

As Abby learns to be part of a family again and explores her love of horses with friends, Savanna, and Blake, the swamp slowly gives up some of its secrets. She is summoned by a primaeval nymph, who teaches Abby that her true destiny is to protect the nymphs from evil in an ever-changing modern world.

Can Abby save the swamp and the Naiad Nymph Clan from certain destruction before it is too late?

Here’s where you can find your copy:

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Paperback

Goodreads

Universal book link

What Readers Are Saying

“This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I must admit that it’s not my usual kind of read. But I thought I’d give it a chance. Right off the bat, I had two favourite characters, Abby and Sam. The author drew me in with good writing, excellent pacing, and an antagonist that had me turning pages at an alarming rate. I had to find out what the dastardly villain would do next! Andrew Joyce

An enchanting book written by Colorado author and blogger Colleen Chesebro, the “Fairy Whisperer.” This charming book tells a story about a little girl, Abigail, who, in spite of a difficult life, finds true magic from the love she has given, the love she receives, the magic of friendship, and of her beloved swamp.
A wonderful book for tween girls who, like all of us at that age, love horses, magic, and trying on their own wings. Beautifully written, and lovingly told, this story resonates those values we all hope to achieve. Belinda M

A Bit About Colleen

Colleen M. Chesebro is a writer of cross-genre fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Her children/adult fantasy series is presently under production and called The Heart Stone Chronicles. The Swamp Fairy is the first book in the series. A retired bookkeeper, she has an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, and another Associates Degree in the Arts, which she uses to combine her love of writing with her love for all things creative. When she is not writing, Colleen enjoys spending time with her husband, dogs, children, and grandchildren. When time permits, she also loves gardening, cooking and crocheting old fashioned doilies into works of artistry. She lives in the United States with her husband, and her two Pomeranians, Sugar and Spice. You can learn more about Colleen and her writing on her website: colleenchesebro.com

The Daily Post

Satisfaction Guaranteed…

Before I dabbled into photography, I never knew that I would find such delight standing behind the lens instead of in front of them. It almost feels like a meditative prayer capturing images. It simply feeds my eye’s and my soul. Jacqueline

Hibiscus Flower, Bud, Bloom, Photography, Photo Quotes

Life is teaching me that I don’t need expensive treats to find deep satisfaction. Satisfaction comes from the cheap little thrills of life like a beautiful day, the happy laughter of a child, a pretty flower, a meaningful conversation, a well-deserved cup of brew, a good read etc.

There were times that it was hard to feel satisfaction. Times when raw pain made me wonder if the bleakness would ever lift off, but through writing, I find unquantifiable satisfaction.

It, therefore, goes as no surprise to say that seeing my books in print gives me pure pleasure.

My Latest Literary Accomplishment

Available on Amazon

Daily Post – Satisfaction

Join our monthly blog party going on right now through this link.

 

Friday Fiction in Five Sentences

Stretched…Friday Fiction in Five Sentences.

Church, Prayer, Story, Fiction

 

Tara hated herself for what she was doing, but her clogged mind just couldn’t think of any other way out of her problems.

Her meagre earnings were stretched beyond its capacity that to eat one meal a day was now a hurdle.

Sending money back home to the Philippines to assist her folks with the younger siblings and her dad’s medication took virtually everything.

With a pounding heart, she prayed for forgiveness in the silence of her heart, cast furtive looks around and quickly dipped her hands into the offering bag; the small clutch of cash felt like burning coals in her palm.

John Paul saw her through the CCTV and smiled to himself; what a golden opportunity, he had her where he wanted her.

© Jacqueline

 

Check out my new book on Amazon

Book cover, Unbridled, Poetry book, Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha, Bold Must-read

Short Stories

Mixed Blessings…

She stared at the stairs and in her mind’s eye, she saw it as it was back then; hidden in the quiet corner of the park and surrounded by thick foliage. Leaning on her cane for support, in a slow, emotion-laden voice, Alice told her son a secret she had harboured for too long.

‘I’ve battled with myself whether to let you know or not, but with my diagnosis, I can’t put this off any longer.’

‘You’ve always wanted to know who your dad is and the truth is that I don’t know who he is.’

‘For many years, these stairs represented the stairs into a private hell.’ 

‘Thirty-two years ago, I was attacked here by two strangers and you were conceived that evening.’

‘Circumstances that led to your birth were difficult and changed my life, but once I held you in my arms, I couldn’t give you up for adoption.’

‘You’ve been such a blessing to me that a situation meant to destroy me was turned around.’

Jacqueline

Thank you, J.S. for the photo prompt and PJ for hosting.

Poetry/Poems

Chewing The Fat…

poetry, books, reading

On days misery eats at me

I listen to classical music,

eating dark chocolate and

chewing the fat on pages

of Pulitzer winning literature,

just in case anyone ever died from misery

and I end up being one of such ‘anyone’

at least I shall be found

keeled over genius stuff and

looking halfway intelligent

©

Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Personal

Taking Notes…An emotional attachment

Journals, Taking Notes, Emotional Attachment, Diary

 

Pretty notepads are one of my favourite things. I indulge in going to a book or stationery store often and the way that I look at the journals for sale – each time with shiny eyes like a child let loose in a candy store – I visualise my words coming alive and filling up the notes.

I always carry a notepad and pen in my bag, maybe that’s why I like sizeable shoulder bags – hubby always teases me about lugging a bag full of wonders all over the place.

Ever since I became aware of my writing passion, I’m known to squeeze in a little notepad inside a dainty purse so that I can quickly scribble my observations at a dinner party, outing or wherever. It makes me feel like a professional sleuth. I know all about using gadgets and computers, but it just doesn’t feel the same to me as writing into my journals.

In so many years, I haven’t chucked out any of my notepads, except some weeks ago when I went to the mall with the children. After galloping through the shops, we sat down to eat and I left my notepad on the table to briefly use the ladies.

By the time I returned, horror of horrors, my notepad had gone missing! Unfortunately, the kids had excused themselves to use the washroom as well and it was left on the table for a whole five minutes.

I felt robbed and I literally interviewed everyone within the vicinity, but no one had seen my beautiful butterfly pink pad. For several days I was simply upset thinking of all the spur of the moment ideas that I had scribbled down and some unknown person was privy to my naked thoughts. Lesson learnt. Where ever I go, never leave notepad lying around again.

If and when we leave the UAE, I am going to find a way to smuggle my journals along with me – though I know my husband will query my sanity for paying excess luggage to carry dog-eared notepads along 😉

Sadly, I failed to keep those that I had during my much younger days because I’ve moved around quite a bit in my life and carrying them didn’t occur to me back then. I bet the notes written in them would have made an interesting read for me.

Do you have a journal passion? Earlier in the week, I read a post where a blogger shared her fear of someone stealing her notes and I could totally relate to that. I’d rather give away the clothes off my back than my journals.

Jacqueline

Poetry/Poems

Storytelling…

Stand alone, quotes, storytelling, writing, chasing your dreams, experience, living

Never stop telling your stories.
Even if your ears
are the only ones
to hear them.

©

Jacqueline

Short Stories

Adrenaline Rush…

As an adrenaline junkie, Ash was always in search of the next rush. He lived for daring feats and had literally done all sorts of daring stuff to the constant chagrin of his mother.

Diving off building tops was tame considering other adventures he had embarked on, but today was different. In response to the challenge of his long-standing competition Todd Kemp, it was a record-setting moment for his fastest free fall so far.

With safety harness all set up and onlookers gathered to cheer, he was about to step off the ledge, when the flash of his mothers repeated pleas echoed in his head.

She had warned him over the past several days not to engage in any dangerous attempts based on a recurring nightmare that she had, but he waved it off as one of her usual entreaties.

Shaking off the fleeting cold feet from hearing his mother’s voice in his head, he stepped off and tumbled down into a blackout. The last thing Ash remembered was the cacophony of voices and an insistent voice urgently cajoling him not to let go.

© Jacqueline

Thank you, Grant – Sud for the photo prompt and PJ for hosting.