Blog Archives
Author Signing Event at Half Price Books in Mesa, AZ
Hello everyone and welcome to 2024!
I would like to invite you to a book signing event on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 11:00 to 3:00 pm, at Half Price Books in Mesa, Arizona. Here is the address:
Superstition Springs Center
6339 East Southern Avenue
Mesa, Arizona 85206
I would love to meet you and introduce you to my Science Fiction/Fantasy books – The Dragomeir Series (for those who love adventure and dragons), Tinker Smith and the Conspiracy of OZ ( a contemporary twist on the Wizard of OZ), and an action/psychological thriller – Vengeance of the Wolf.
My latest book, The Atrium – a journey of self-reflection where the protagonist is forced to confront the traumas and decisions that have shaped his existence while inside an atrium that transcends the boundaries of time and space will also be available.
For those who are interested in “out-of-body” – The Larger World Series may be of help in your journey of knowledge. And there is something for all those who love poetry as well – Tapestry – a glimpse inside the mind of a poet, with a slightly medieval tone depicting a world of inspirations, hopes, fears, loves, and successes to ponder in the wee hours of any long and lonely night.
Please join me on Saturday, February 3rd, as I am looking forward to meeting you, giving some insight about my books and signing copies for the many readers out there. Come visit me!
Happy Reading!
Solitaire
Christmas Movies that were Based on Books!
There are so many Christmas movies out right now that you can hardly watch them all. The streaming services are chocked full of every kind imaginable. If you are a Christmas or Holiday fan it’s interesting to know which movies were based on books. There are some that I already knew, but there were many of which I was not aware. So, if you are a fan of Christmas or the Holidays in general, you might want to grab some popcorn and watch some of these entertaining and often thought provoking movies and it might be fun to find the books and read them as well. You will often find that the original books contain information that isn’t revealed in the movie which can be interesting.
- The Nutcracker – From the 1816 short story by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, a fantasy set on Christmas Eve in the early 1800s and centered around the excitement and anticipation of Christmas gifts.
- A Christmas Story – 9-year-old Ralphie Parker gets his ideal Christmas gift (the Red Rider air rifle), (you’ll shoot your eye out). If you liked the movie you’ll probably like to read author Jean Shepherd’s In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash, a collection of short stories upon which the movie was based.
- Christmas with the Kranks – Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis live in the suburbs and are a couple new to empty nesting who decide to skip Christmas and go on a cruise. Upon finding out that their daughter will be home for Christmas after all, it turns into a hilarious disaster that you won’t want to miss. This 2004 modern classic is based off John Grisham’s 2001 novel titled Skipping Christmas.
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – This hilarious 1989 Christmas movie was based on a short story by John Hughes titled Christmas ’59 that was published in National Lampoon magazine in December 1980.
- Miracle on 34th Street – This 1947 Christmas classic is about a department store Santa, a single mom, and her 6-year-old daughter who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus. Miracle on 34th Street by American author Valentine Davies was also a best-selling novella in 1947.
- It’s a Wonderful Life – George Bailey showed us what a difference one life can make for those around us during James Stewart’s Christmas classic. The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern was originally written in 1938, self-published, and mailed to around 200 people as a holiday newsletter.
- The Bishop’s Wife -This movie from 1947 tells of one clergyman’s prayers being answered in unexpected ways. The Bishop’s Wife is based on the 1928 novella by author Robert Nathan. A book that has charm, wit and wisdom that makes it a classic.
- Meet me in St. Louis – This is a 1944 Christmas classic/musical that was originally published as a series of short stories in The New Yorker magazine (titled The Kensington Stories) before it was published as a novel in 1942 by author Sally Benson.
- A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens’ legendary novella, A Christmas Carol , was first published on December 19th, 1843. By Christmas Eve of that same year, the novella was sold out. The book has been republished many times and there have been countless screen adaptions.
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas – A beloved Dr. Seuss children’s book before it was adapted for the big screen multiple times, How the Grinch Stole Christmas was first published in 1957 and written in Dr. Seuss’s iconic rhymed verses. Despite being for children, the book was notable for criticizing the commercialization of Christmas.
- The Polar Express – A children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express was published in 1985. It tells the story of a young skeptical boy who takes a life-changing trip on the Polar Express where he receives the first gift from Santa Claus.
- You’ll also find dozens of Hallmark Christmas movies that were adapted from books.
I hope you enjoy the many movies and books of the Holiday Season with all your friends and family. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Solitaire
Exploring the Beauty of Poetry
THE TREES
My ears detect the sigh of trees.
The smell of salt from the ocean breeze
That touches sweat upon my brow,
And brings my thoughts to here and now.
The leaves have sung a sweet refrain,
Of spoken love and conquered pain,
That only comes to those who dream,
Though never knowing what it means.
The branches filter out the sun
And cool the day until it’s done.
But dropping garments on the ground,
They float and fall without a sound.
Profuse they stretch to meet the sky
And touch the clouds that chance sends by.
Living in a plaintive maze
While watching nature through her days.
A solitary vigil here
That cloaks the world throughout the year.
A living carpet that forever stands,
In every heart…In every land.
Poetry is a type of creative writing found in cultures around the world. It is a type of literature or artistic writing that attempts to stir a reader’s imagination or emotions. The poet does this by carefully choosing and arranging language for its meaning, sound, and rhythm. The author is attempting to communicate a message through the piece, and it can be a powerful teaching tool. It is a unique and captivating form of literary art that evokes human emotions and is often interpreted differently by each reader. Poetry, more than any other form of writing, allows the author to convey their ideas and feelings and communicate those expressions to others in a way that may be encouraging or thought provoking.
Poems can be structured, with rhyming lines and meter, the rhythm and emphasis of a line based on syllabic beats. Poems can also be free-form, which follows no formal structure. You can read all about the different forms of poetry here –
My book of poetry is called 
TAPESTRY, and can be found on my website here –
Review –
“There is as much beauty and wonder inside this book as there is on the cover.
I don’t profess to know a lot about poetry. I just know I like to read it.
It moves me the way a wonderful painting or other piece of art does.
I don’t have to understand it, I just have to feel it.
Tapestry moved me in many ways. It still does.
I keep it on my ottoman and when I’m not busy, I sit quietly and open the book to a random page and lose myself.”
I hope you will take the time to enjoy some poetry now and then. It is food for the mind and soul.
Solitaire
Surviving the Scorching Summer Heat
We’re having another record-breaking hot summer this year, not only where I live but across the globe. It’s having an impact on how we live and what we do. More people are staying inside for longer periods of time due to the impact of heat on the human body. It’s possible to cook on our sidewalks here in Arizona, as crazy as that sounds. Outdoor barbecue has taken on a whole new meaning! The kids are staying out of the sun in the middle of the day and limiting their outdoor activities to the mornings or late afternoons and evenings when the sun isn’t so intense or has disappeared beyond the horizon. Even my dogs don’t want to be outside for long.
As an author and digital artist, I am perfectly happy to be inside my office where I can be comfortable in the air conditioning with my ceiling fan whirring over my head to keep me cool. That’s the most productive atmosphere for me, and my favorite setting. If I want to see the outdoors I can just look out of the window next to my desk and pull back the curtains to let in the light, without having to deal with the heat.
If you work from home, adjust writing routines when necessary, by working during cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings. Setting realistic goals and focusing on specific tasks like editing or mind mapping during peak heat hours can also be helpful. Writers may need to be especially mindful of channeling and shaping emotions in their work, recognizing the potential for heightened emotional responses during heatwaves. You can also try working from libraries or cafes to make your day more interesting.
Some writers find that the summer heat actually sparks their creativity. Ernest Hemingway embraced writing in the summer heat and his style flourished during these periods. He spent significant time in hot locations like Madrid, Spain and Key West, Florida.
If you’re in one of those excessively hot areas of the world, be kind to yourself and stay hydrated, comfortable, and safe from the effects of the hot sun. Many children are now heading back to school, which will keep them busy for a good part of the day. Stay indoors when you can and protect yourself if you do go outside with sunscreen, a hat or umbrella and wear loose, light clothing that will allow you to stay cool.
Being indoors gives us all a great opportunity to explore our world and other worlds through writing and reading!
Have a great summer!
Solitaire
New books and Revisions
Here I am back again after Memorial Day, working on my latest book “Between Two Worlds.” I’m in the fifth chapter and going strong, but MS Word is being the usual annoying program that it is and slowing me down. I’d really rather concentrate on including everything that should be in the chapter, but no, here we go again with formatting issues. OK, I have to admit that some of the problems might be me, but whatever it is, my editor will figure it out if I don’t. Right now it’s a work in progress that’s coming along nicely.
I’m also working on a revision for one of my previous books – having the interior re-edited and having a new book cover as well. I’m creating a second book as a sequel, making this a saga. So, my work is cut out for me in the days ahead. Plenty to do. It will probably have typos, possible plot holes and characters that I’m not sure what to do with, but it will all work itself out in the end and hopefully create a two-book thriller that will keep people up at night. That’s the plan, anyway.
Every now and then I take a break to get some new input, whether it be from watching a movie or getting feedback from those around me on a particular character or subject. It helps to get a different point of view to make things well rounded or to bring up something I hadn’t thought of which could add to the story structure. Various forms of research are always needed, depending on what subject you are tackling and how much you know or don’t know , and how critical it is to making things accurate. If you decide that it’s not what you wanted – rebuild it. Read through from start to finish and you’ll catch things you missed. You have the power to create whatever you want for your particular world or story. That’s your superpower as the author and it’s pretty tremendous.
So good luck to all you writers out there who are clacking away on your computers or brainstorming for your next project. Keep up the good work and I hope you finish an amazing book!
Solitaire
12 Reasons Why Writing is Important.
- Sometimes an idea makes little sense until you can see it in words. It also helps when you’re trying to explain your idea to another person—if they can see it written down, it goes a long way for understanding.
- Communication – It is an essential skill that allows you to communicate with people. It also helps to build vocabulary skills, which in turn can improve our social skills. Nowadays we use far less words to communicate than our forefathers.
- Discipline – If you learn to write on a regular basis, it builds discipline. In other words, it provides you with direction and training.
- It engages your brain – both the creative side and the logical or analytical side, allowing you to make sense of what is being stated. It also improves memory function and helps you make better decisions.
- By writing things down we can often work through an idea or problem and come up with possible solutions. It helps to keep our thoughts organized.
- The written word very often influences how we think in society – via authors, journalists, bloggers, speechwriters, etc.
- We wouldn’t know what happened in history without those who took the time to write about it.
- Everyone has at least one book inside of them. We all have a story to tell, and no two stories are alike. The experiences of others can be very enlightening and can often influence and be of help.
- Keeping a journal is very often a means to better mental health. It is important for dealing with anxiety, depression, and other issues. You may not be able to tell someone what is bothering you, but writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you to change your outlook and reset your thinking. Writing down your anxieties or fears can often diminish them in our minds and put us in a greater state of ease. In short, it promotes emotional and spiritual well-being.
- Sometimes you need reminders of what your goals are to stay on track. You are more likely to achieve them if they are written down and you can refer to them to keep you heading in the right direction.
- Making a To Do list is often extremely helpful to organize your ideas and helps you to remember important things that need to be done. We all have busy, fast-paced lives that make it difficult to remember everything all the time.
- When you take the time to write to a loved one or a friend it forms a bond that would not otherwise have been made. You can relate something important to them without having to be where they are. It can build memories. When you take the time to write, it tells someone that you care.
Writing is more than just a means of communication; it is a powerful tool that can be used to inspire, persuade, and even change the world.
Solitaire
Smashwords – Read an Ebook Week 2023 !
Welcome to the official Read an Ebook Week from March 5th through March 11th 2023!
Mark your calendars! Here’s an opportunity to find new authors with one of the biggest sales of the year! Support the many authors on Smashwords in this global celebration of Ebooks. You will find around 100,000 multi-format books regularly priced at free every day, and thousands more that are free or deep-discounted exclusively at Smashwords during Read an Ebook Week only. Browse the catalog by discount categories of FREE, 75%-off, 50%-off and 25% off.
This sale is a fantastic way to discover new authors and continue reading your favorite authors – so load up your e-readers and get started!
Solitaire
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/solitaireparke
SMASHWORDS 2022 End of Year Sale!!!
Welcome to the 6th annual Smashwords end of year sale! From December 15th 2022 through January 1st 2023 – Join thousands of readers – find great book titles from your favorite authors and discover new authors in your preferred genres.
Books are discounted from 25% – 50% – 75% – and even FREE!
You can locate the Dragomeir Series (adventures with dragons), Vengeance of the Wolf (a horror/thriller), Tinker Smith and the Conspiracy of Oz (the children and wizard of Oz), Tapestry (book of poetry), and The Atrium (a psychological adventure in science fiction) at Smashwords.
Check out my website for other books – The Larger World Series and extras
I hope you’ll visit Smashwords 2022 end of year sale. Enjoy the holidays – MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!
Solitaire
Shop the EMPOREUM – Great Gift Ideas
Shop the EMPOREUM for Unique Books,
T-Shirts, Gifts for Home & Office, & Digital Artwork!
If you love to shop, you will find an assortment of gifts for everyone from home and office decor, clothing, drink-ware, digital artwork and Books –
There’s something for everyone. Come check us out!
Solitaire
TODAY IS INTERNATIONAL LEFT HANDER’S DAY
10% of the entire world population is left-handed. That is 760 million people around the globe. You are much more likely to be a lefty if one of your parents is too. I am one of those left handed people. It was in August of 1976, on a Friday the 13th, that Left-Handers International first declared August 13 to be a day where left-handers were celebrated.
It is thought that left-handed people are more flexible and adaptable, as they are often challenged in a world that is made for right-handed people. The left hand is also controlled by the right side of the brain, which is associated with emotion and creative qualities such as music and art. I have always been a musician, playing guitar and writing music, poetry, and books, and have a passion for digital art, so I guess it holds true, at least for me.
American Presidents Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton are part of the left-hander’s club, along with such famous musicians as Céline Dion and Jimi Hendrix, who was one of the biggest rock stars in the world. He was renowned for playing a right-handed guitar with his left hand.
Here’s an idea – if you are left-handed, challenge your right-handed friends and family to use their left hands for the next day or so! You never know when using your left hand could be a real benefit!
Solitaire
Solitaire Parke - Sci-Fi/Fantasy Books 