Blog Archives
SMASHWORDS – End of Year E-book Sale 2025!
From December 8th 2025 – January 1st 2026, I’m excited to announce that my Ebooks will be available as part of the Smashwords 2025 End of Year Sale! This is a chance to get my books, along with books from many other great authors, at a promotional discount.
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 (genetically altered children in a world of espionage and the wizard of Oz), Between Two Worlds (a rip in the fabric of time and space, and The Atrium (a psychological adventure in science fiction) at SMASHWORDS.
If you check out my website you’ll find other books – The Larger World Series in including a new release, The Forces of the Universe. For anyone who could use an assist in becoming a writer, there’s even a book to guide you on your journey – The Triple Threat (how to write a novel and stay sane in the process), plus books filled with Digital Artwork and many interesting extras.
I hope you’ll visit Smashwords 2025 end of year sale. Enjoy the holidays – MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!
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
Exploring the Fascinating Architecture of Stepwells
Step Well Pattern by Solitaire
In my Internet meanderings I came upon something I thought was extremely unusual and quite amazing. It was an ancient architectural marvel that served a very useful purpose and was visually outstanding – a Stepwell.
These structures are located in various parts of India and are water reservoirs created by digging deep into the ground and making use of natural layers in the earth to trap rainwater and groundwater. They are typically many levels deep (at least 25 meters or 82 feet) and can be reached by a series of stone steps.
The construction and use of stepwells went on for centuries under different dynasties. Stepwells provided people with a perennial water source in areas prone to arid climates and drought, such as Delhi and Rajasthan. The stepwells not only provided water for the people in the area, they had magnificent architecture featuring intricate carvings, and provided other social functions. There were often shaded pavilions where people could rest or gather to meet with friends and family.
They fell out of use under British rule in the 19th century. But today many have been excavated and used to divert and store excess rainwater, as well as to improve the groundwater table. They have become tourist attractions and social sites that provide employment and income for the locals. Today stepwells stand as testimony to the traditional knowledge of water systems, engineering, construction methods and craftsmanship of ancient times.
Solitaire
You won’t want to miss Smashwords 2025 Summer/Winter ebook Sale!
The sale period will run from July 1, 2025 – July 31, 2025.
Hello to all the readers and authors out there!
Why is it called “Summer/Winter”? Here in the Northern hemisphere, it’s mid-summer. Readers are loading their e-reading devices for summer beach reading and long-awaited vacations. South of the equator they are now in the middle of winter. They’re ready to curl up in front of the fireplace and enjoy a great read too!
All my eBooks will be on sale for 50% off, so take advantage and stock up on plenty of books to read over the summer/winter. It’s an opportunity to find exclusive discounts from your favorite indie authors and discover new future favorites. You will find every type of genre, with books from terrific authors all over the world. So, check it out at SMASHWORDS.COM.
You’ll find my ebooks HERE
- The Forces of the Universe
- The Atrium
- Between Two Worlds
- The Triple Threat
- The Dragomeir Series
- Tinker Smith & the Conspiracy of OZ
- Vengeance of the Wolf
Now is your best chance to find my entire ebook collection for a great price at Smashwords as part of their Annual Summer/Winter Sale!
Whatever genre you like, you can be sure to find it at SMASHWORDS.
Mark your calendar: promo starts on July 1, 2025.
Happy Reading to everyone!
Solitaire
Optimize Your Writer’s Sites: Spring Cleaning Checklist
It’s the time of year that frequently focuses on Spring cleaning just about everywhere. It’s a great idea for authors and writers to do that as well – their websites, blogs and various other digital content. Here are some ideas that you may want to think about for your Spring cleaning checklist:
Update your Website and/or Blog:
Check for broken links
Does your site need a new overall look?
Update your Bio, Contact information and Photo
Make sure your site looks good on mobile and all browsers
Check your page load speed
Think about adding or deleting content in your sidebars
Redo your Header or Footer
Add or delete Social Media sites and the information on them
Backup your site
Email:
Go through your emails and unsubscribe to unnecessary ones
Archive material you want to keep
Delete old emails
Social Media Sites:
Do passwords need to be changed?
Update your Bio, Contact information and Photo
Do you need a new Header or Background?
Check privacy settings and information
Check all Book Sites:
Are all your books listed?
Check and update book descriptions if needed
Update Bios, Contacts and Photos
Are my sites linked to the proper places?
Backup:
Keep important files of data and images backed up to protect your content (perhaps an external hard-drive)
To maintain an engaging online presence, it’s important to give your readers regular updates. Get ready for a brilliant year ahead! Prepare to achieve your goals!!!
Good luck, and I hope you have a great year!
Solitaire
Artwork in the Digital Age
Digital art refers to any artistic work or practice that uses digital technology as part of the creative or presentation process. It can also refer to computational art that uses and engages with digital media. Since the 1960s, various names have been used to describe digital art, including computer art, electronic art, multimedia art and new media art.
Subcategories for the art include digital painting, where artists use software to emulate techniques using in physical painting, digital illustration, which involves creating rendered images for other media, and 3D modeling, where artists craft three-dimensional objects and scenes.
Sources for digital art include pieces stored on physical media, galleries on display on websites, and collections for download for free or purchase.
History – to understand the history of digital art, read here.
According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy:
“In order to be a true digital artist, you must learn the same types of skills to perform digital artwork that you would for traditional artwork”. Digital art requires serious creative skill, though it might not involve physical materials.
Solitaire utilizes digital technology to enhance his work, express himself and create beautiful artwork by stretching the limits of his imagination. Whether it’s abstract, science fiction, fantasy or scenic art, it can be used for video games, websites, book covers, attire or displayed on the wall in a home or office. It is a dynamic and captivating medium that holds the power to inspire us all. You can view Solitaire’s artwork here –
https://www.redbubble.com/people/ChaosX33/explore?asc=u&page=1&sortOrder=recent3/shop
For a copy of his Art Book go to –
Help – How Do I Write a Novel?
Writing your first novel can make you craaaazy!!! Do you have a process , or should you even have one? Maybe you’ve taken a class on writing but are still unclear where to begin. If this is where you’re coming from, then hang onto your hats because I’d like to share something with you.
I’ve been there! You are not alone, so don’t worry. This writing process is the reason for my next book –
THE TRIPLE THREAT
(How to write a novel and stay sane in the process)
Hi, I’m Solitaire Parke and I write science fiction, urban fantasy, horror/thriller, larger world and poetry books. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, and I’ve made my fair share of mistakes along the way. Hopefully, I can help you avoid some of those same mistakes and your novel can become a reality instead of just a dream.
I believe everyone has at least one good book within them, probably more. But if you don’t know where to start, that’s a problem. So, I’m attempting to share some of the knowledge I’ve gained along my writing journey in the hope that your dream can come to fruition.
The Triple Threat will cover
Where to start
Outlines
Research
Plots and Subplots
Characterization
Dialogue
Showing not Telling
Conflict
Timelines
Helpful Templates
Editing
Cover Art
Publishing
and much more within each chapter – including examples.
Understanding what you’re writing and finding the answers to all your questions will shape what and how your novel is written and ultimately make your readers (hopefully, a lot of them) happy, and anxious to get your next book when it’s published. Not to mention, the satisfaction you receive from being able to put your thoughts down in a paperback (e-book or audiobook) is well worth all the time and effort, and something you can be proud of for the rest of your life.
The TripleThreat is in its final editing stage and will be out very soon. So, stay tuned for further updates. Happy reading to everyone – and hopefully you’ll be writing your own novel in the near future! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment or contact me.
Solitaire
Memorial Day 2024 – America Remembers
Once again, the last Monday of May is upon us. For many it is a long weekend for camping, parties, lots of sales, and even Memorial Day cruises. There are many reasons why this day is notable.
But let’s not forget the real reason – the important reason. It was set aside to remember and honor all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the military service of America . . . Those who died fighting to preserve our lives and our freedom. They won’t be here to celebrate with us because they gave up everything for us.
So, amidst our celebrations, let’s pause and take time to remember the thousands of men and women whose lives were cut short so that we could live and be with those we love to enjoy our freedoms. God help us to remember the cost of our blessings and to remain worthy of that cost.
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave.”
Solitaire
Artwork Brings Imagination to Life
If you had to sit in a room with nothing but blank walls or stare into a dark tunnel would you be inspired? Since the dawn of time, the environment around us has wired the human brain to be inspired by what is all around us. It gives us the catalyst to appreciate and expand our imaginations and creativity. Art is an expression of our imaginations that is realized in a tangible form. It challenges our minds to think beyond what is familiar and obviously real – to “think outside the box”, so to speak, and as a result anything is possible. Since each of us has a unique and different outlook on our environment, we are surrounded by creative people who have pushed the boundaries of art and design. It creates a more colorful and innovative world in which to live.
Imagination increases our cognitive, creative and social skills. We explore our feelings and thoughts more in depth and we learn how to creatively solve problems. Children start from a very young age to learn this concept. Art is a genuine gift to the world which helps us to understand it and gives it meaning.
So, whatever type of artistic ability you have, continue to inspire people with your artwork. It plays a very vital role in our lives.
Please join me at HALF PRICE BOOKS in Mesa, Arizona on Saturday, May 11, 2024 between 11 and 4 p.m. If you love artwork, you might find something interesting for your home or office walls!
Solitaire
Accepting Being Imperfect
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of mending broken pottery by joining pieces back together and filling cracks with lacquer mixed with gold. It highlights the flaws in the repaired item. In our world today there seems to be no end to the broken pieces of our society and we are all a part of it in some way. But these pieces can be put back together again and be made stronger than before with work on our part. I am reminded of this when I look at Kintsugi. It turns into a beautiful piece of art.
Accepting our flaws is a fundamental part of the writing process as well. No author writes a perfect first draft. It reminds me of one of my books written years ago that just never quite hit the mark. I ended up tearing it apart, section by section, and rewriting it at least three times. There was a point when I had almost given up on it altogether and considered scrapping it completely. It was very disheartening and left me wondering why I was even writing it at all.
I’m not one to quit easily, so I took it as a challenge, and reworked the entire story so that it became a cohesive plot filled with much more exciting actions and a richer storyline. As a result of fixing the flaws, it became a much fuller narrative that I was pleased to publish – Tinker Smith & the Conspiracy of OZ.
A group of ten genetically altered children are attempting to save the world
from a technological, power hungry scientist,
the self proclaimed Wizard of Oz,
who is determined to control the world with a computer virus.
Johnny and his father meet Tinker, one of the ten children
and together they forge ahead in the hope of survival
in a strange world of machination and espionage.
None of us are perfect, and in the artistic process of writing it sometimes means tearing apart our ideas, then putting them back together again to be stronger and more engaging.
It’s much like Kintsugi. From imperfect to amazing!
Happy Reading to everyone!
Solitaire
Solitaire Parke - Sci-Fi/Fantasy Books 