I use the Goodreads annual reading challenge to track the books I read and review each year. Sometimes I hit the target, other times I exceed it. This year I began with a novella, To Rome, With Love by D.P. Rosano, which was a Christmas gift. I am now onto my next read The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker.
I have set my challenge for 20 books this year.
Do you set a target for your books?
What are you currently reading?
What was your favorite book of 2021?
I enjoyed If It Bleeds and Billy Summers both by Stephen King – as you all know I love his story telling expertise. These books were very different in genre, but both equally compelling. The other book that rates on my long list is The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick. It was a delightful tale of self discovery and mystery.
Today I am highlighting some of the incredible authors published by Dream Write Publishing of Sherwood Park, who are launching new books at this event. It will be the 12th annual Words in the Park and with over 100 titles, this publishing company has continued to maintain their mission to assist authors in realizing their publishing dream. http://www.dreamwritepublishing.ca/
Mike Deregowski: Duffy the Duffle Bag.
Duffy is a large duffle bag. He has a hard time fitting into tight spots and often wishes he could be smaller so he could go more places. Join Duffy and his friends to learn more about acceptance. The trick is to learn to be happy with yourself no matter what size you are.
Leslie Hodgins: The Tale of the Siren Song
“Gather ’round, ye who dare! Gather ’round to hear the story of Captain Dara Finn, the Cursed Pirate! Legend has it that he terrorized these shores for as long as memory serves, living without feeling, serving no one, and going where he wanted!”As always, this story begins with once upon a time…Sirens were considered mythical creatures although more stories were being told about them – some about sailors meeting them, some about where they came from, others about what powers they have over you with just their voice. Dara listened intently to the stories, hoping there was a chance they’d hold a clue to breaking the curse. But no one seemed to know…
Mandy Eve-Barnett: Rython Legacy (the sequel to The Rython Kingdom)
Juliana held her granddaughter in her arms; it was a bittersweet moment. The child was a delight but also her replacement; she was the new sorceress who would protect the kingdom if called upon. At that precise moment, Maralynn opened her golden eyes – there was such intensity in them that her observers were taken aback at the obvious power the new little being held. A thin thread of cyan mist floated and twisted above the happy group… unobserved., a portent of things to come. Maralynn’s reign as Eldenma would be fraught with challenges, but could her exceptional power ultimately overcome.
J.E. McKnight: Unnatural Selection
In a world where the male population outnumbers the female eight to one, the survival of the human race depends on the advent of a breeding program, outlawing marriage and monogamous relationships. This is all anybody knows as there isn’t a generation that hadn’t had to participate in some breeding program or another. Martin 11 od Coddlebury and Eric 23 of Coddlebury grew up together in the same nursery and dreamed of the day they would be old enough to enter the breeding program. Everything changed, for Martin, the day he met Desiree 9 of Peppercoll. Now he is torn between his duty to the program – not to mention the law – and his feeling for a woman he knows he can never have…
Come and meet these authors and over 30 more at Words in the Park, 28th September. Venue: Agora, 401, Festival Lane, Sherwood Park, AB. Time 10.00 am – 4:00 pm
Free admission for books, games, interactive tables, kids Find IT game, prizes, treats, story telling, music, writing prompt workshop, artisan crafts and much more.
I was sure the glass bauble was secured on the tree. I’d made a point to check the wire. As a family heirloom it was important to me to keep the shiny ornament high enough on the Christmas tree so little fingers and large paws did not dislodge it. As I turned to retrieve another bauble I hear a crash – my heart sank. There on the tiled floor was my great-great grandmother’s bauble in a thousand pieces. I fell to my knees, tears brimming over my cheeks. Shock held me still for several moments. With great care I gathered the glass shards, tiny pinpricks cutting my fingertips as I did so. The light glanced off the opalescent pieces. My heart ached, how could I ever replace it. With the last few pieces held in my hand, I began to get up, but a small piece of paper tied with a silk thread caught my eye. Placing the shards on the tiles, I picked up the small paper bundle and unwrapped it. Inside was a beautifully written note in cursive writing.
To whoever finds this note, may your wish come true, Celia
That was my great-great grandmother’s name. Why had she hidden such a note in the bauble? I turned around at footsteps – there in front of me was my daughter. What a wonderful surprise and one I’d wished for. Her global travels had taken her away for so long and she had once again said she could not make it home for Christmas.
“You’re here, oh my love it is wonderful to have you home.”
“I was given a free ticket from a friend, who had other commitments. It was so unexpected. I wanted to surprise you.”
We have all seen the documentaries and ‘discoveries’ of native people living far away from the trappings of modern society. Some of us may wish we could escape and live a simple life but in reality these ‘lost’ people have a hard existence. Food has to be gathered, hunted or grown, they do not have the convenience of food stores, in fact no stores at all in many cases. Bartering with other villages and meager supplies from other sources can supplement their provisions but it is not an ‘easy’ way of life. However, they do have structure, incredible skills and do not waste anything. It is a completely different change of pace and cultural experience, if you happen to be honored with acceptance by these indigenous people.
All processes are hands-on, such as grinding corn for flour, carrying water, or chopping wood for a fire. The majority of the day is taken up with hunting, fishing, gathering and then the cooking of meals. Planning for the day’s activities to ensure everyone is fed is followed by actions and then sharing across the generations, playing with children and the telling of stories complete the day. Everyone has a vital role within the village no matter their age – a real community. The wisdom and skills of elders are revered and passed from generation to generation.
Many tribes live within certain areas, utilizing known seasonal fruit and plant provisions as well as animal habitat. Others follow the seasons for grazing and other sources of food. Housing is created using natural forms and materials found nearby while others are made from skins and other natural fabrics and reused time and again.
In reality could you live this kind of simple life?
Monomania – definition: obsession with a single subject or idea
Well, I’m sure you are all aware of my monomania – writing but it would be fun to see what your obsession is.
Since finding ‘writing’ as a creative outlet there has been no stopping me. The added benefits are the friends I have made through the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County and through all the forms of social media I subscribe to, especially this blog.
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 