Blog Archives
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
One way to Calm the Mind
We all know that life can be a real “challenge” from one day to the next – or more like one minute to the next on occasion. When we try to fit everything that is important to us, along with the mundane necessities into our daily schedules, it makes for one hectic lifestyle. It generally leaves our minds frazzled and our bodies in a constant state of stress. So what do we do to calm down?
Well, in the case of this writer, there are a few things that come to mind. I am of the creative “ilk”, so I put my thoughts and energies into several things. The obvious outlet for my creativity is writing. I am also a musician, (I play guitar – left-handed – check out my website under “About”), and so for many years I wrote songs and played with quite a few bands. A lot of my songs became poetry, along with many more poems which have been compiled into one of my books called “TAPESTRY.” Many of my poems have a medieval tone and some are quite classic and epic in nature.
Like novels, poetry can carry you to parts unknown, but may have very different emotional and spiritual effects from person to person. A poem can allow you to see things from a different perspective, can tell a story, and often has a very tranquil or calming effect. At the most basic level, poetry is important because it makes us think, it opens us up to wonder and the sometimes astonishing possibilities of language. It is, in its subtle yet powerful way, a discipline for re-engaging with a world we take too much for granted. So, here are a couple of mine, and if you would like to read more, check out “TAPESTRY”.
THE TRAVELER
I step upon the path
And strain my eyes to see ahead
I walk to strengthen my resolve
And resolve will make me walk instead
Throughout my life – toward the light
For answers to this strange and tangled thread
I move upon the road
And hasten toward the light I see
I run to manifest my hope
And hope it finds my inner need
Throughout my days – a thousand ways
For answers that are always plaguing me
I fly above the highway
And stretch my wings up to the sky
I soar because the dream is real
And real is cause to fantasize
Throughout the years – and all the tears
For answers to this haunting lullaby
EPITAPH
I sit here by the windowsill
And sometimes wonder while I’m still
If life is but a test of will
Or dreamlike with a wisp of smoke
To damn us all, as if it spoke
But now that I have gathered age
I see my life as one more page
Of teaching like a withered sage
To dream upon a younger man
As only one with my age can
And set into this world a passioned rage
For this to go on as before
The young must always yearn for more
Than living stolid, war to war
And hiding from their feelings lost
While living, though their lives are tossed
Onto the sand that marks the ocean’s shore
I hope you enjoy – Happy reading,
Solitaire
Do you have a favorite poet or poem?
BOOK SIGNING AT BARNES & NOBLE!!!
Hello All! I am having a book signing on Saturday, August 2nd, from 11:00 to 4:00 at the Barnes & Noble near Metro Center Mall in Phoenix, Arizona. This Barnes & Noble location is not in the mall, but a stand-alone store. The address and directions can be found HERE.
I will have physical copies of my new book, The Emerald Dragon available for purchase. I would love to personally sign it for you. If you purchase a physical copy of the book, you will also get a free t-shirt (while supplies last), and a bookmark will be included in each book. I will also have available, cards that can be used to purchase the e-book version right there in the store. You can read the first 5 chapters of the book online HERE, if you would like a preview.
I will also have my mystery novel, Vengeance of the Wolf, along with my book of poetry called Tapestry available for sale. E-books can be purchased for these as well.
It is Sci-Fi Fantasy Day at the store on August 2nd, so feel free to dress up as well! It will be a fun day, come on by to say hello and enjoy yourself!
Thank You Laura! My Blogger Award & 5 Star Review!
Hello everyone! I’ve been really sick this last week, and I have not been able to get much done where the social media is concerned. I am now finally feeling well enough to dive back into it all! The first on my agenda is to send a great big THANK YOU to Laura Thomas aka “fuonlyknew” for nominating me for “The Most Inspiring Blogger Award”!! I am very honored to have been nominated by such a wonderful friend and blogger!! This award is also my very first and I will display it proudly! Thank you again Laura!
I couldn’t resist putting my own twist on the award image! 🙂
I highly recommend visiting and following Laura’s blog! She always has something fun posted! —>http://fuonlyknew.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/thank-you-ella-my-most-inspiring-blogger-award/
*********
I believe the next step is to share 7 things about myself and to nominate 7 other inspiring bloggers, so here goes:
1. I have 2 grown kids (my son Dallas and my daughter Cirocco) and 4 granddaughters between the two of them.
2. My wife and I were in a rock n’ roll band called “Starchild” for nearly 15 years.
3. I am dyslexic and love to invert words and sing entire songs backwards for comedic relief.
4. I can’t feel heat in my hands after being given a tetanus shot when I was 12.
5. I worked as a Professional Commercial Photographer for over 20 years and have a Masters degree in Photography.
6. My two favorite breeds of cats are Manx and Siamese (specifically blue and lilac point). Over the course of 30 years I have owned at least 6 siamese cats named Dejah.
7. My favorite color is green, the only true color…of course. He he he
*********
Now, in no particular order, I would like to nominate these 7 awesome bloggers!
Caron Rider – http://caronrider.blogspot.com
Alex Laybourne – http://alexlaybourne.com
Kay Glass – http://kayglassauthor.wordpress.com
Nick Thacker – http://www.nickthacker.com
Eden Baylee – http://edenbaylee.wordpress.com
Tanja Segal – http://authortanjasegal.blogspot.com
Belinda Witzenhausen – http://bwitzenhausen.wordpress.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was also incredibly honored to receive an amazing 5 star review of my Poetry book “Tapestry” from Laura Thomas! This review was very heartfelt and I am beyond pleased to hear that she enjoyed reading my poetry!
Here is the link to her review of “Tapestry” – http://fuonlyknew.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/a-tapestry-of-words/
Be sure to visit her blog…she is currently holding a giveaway for a chance to win one paperback copy or one of five e-book copies of “Wormwood” by D.H. Nevins! Here is the link to go read her review of “Wormwood” and enter the contest: http://fuonlyknew.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/giveawayreviewinterview-wormwoodi-didnt-have-a-clue/
Many, many thanks Laura! 🙂
5 Star Review of Tapestry
I was pleasantly surprised to find that my Poetry book, “Tapestry”, had received a 5 star review today! The review was written by indie author, Kay Glass, and left me feeling utterly speechless! Poetry has always been a passion of mine, and with every word written, a piece of me, the author is forever imprinted. As subjective as poetry is, extreme criticism is a risk that every poet takes when they have decided to share their work with others. Kay’s incredibly touching review of “Tapestry”, was everything I had hoped a reader would feel when reading my poetry! I am blown away by her review and cannot possibly thank her enough!!
Here is the link to her review of “Tapestry” – http://kayglassauthor.wordpress.com/2012/07/08/book-reviews-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ehhhh
Kay Glass has written the Paranormal/Romance Series, “Just One Bite” – with a total of three books, so far…“Love Bite”, “Bitten By Regret” and her newest, “Taste of Grief”, due to be released 7/16/12. She is currently holding a giveaway for a signed copy of “Love Bite”, so be sure to enter for your chance to win the first book in the series! I highly recommend that you check out the series and follow her blog for updates on what she’s working on next!
Many, many thanks Kay! 🙂
Welcome! The “Indie Author Giveaway Hop” Has Begun!
June 13 – June 19
I am jazzed to be participating in the Indie Author Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Krazy Book Lady! This blog hop is a fun way to celebrate all of the incredibly hard working Indie Authors who have had the courage to publish their work and features books by over 200 Indie & Small Press Authors! Please support Indie Authors by checking out the other links to enter and win lots of wonderful books!
I have 3 Giveaways to offer you!
1. A signed paperback copy of “Silver Knight” by Caron Rider (International)
When seventeen-year-old Diana recognizes an elderly priest in a video on YouTube, she realizes that reincarnation is real and that she’s been alive before! Every night in her dreams, she relives her past learning that it’s kill or be killed. Now a bishop at the Vatican whom she saved in another life calls on her once more. She is needed to help defeat evil within the catacombs of Rome. But when she arrives in Rome, she meets Alexander – the man of her dreams! Through the centuries she has loved him…betrayed him…been killed by him. Will she give him another chance or this time will she strike first?
To learn more about Caron Rider and her exciting YA novels:
http://www.caronrider.com
2. A signed paperback copy of “Tapestry” by Solitaire Parke and a special-made bookmark (US Only)
A collection of over 200 poems written in a style often compared to that of Edgar Allan Poe.“Tapestry is a vivid sojourn inside the mind of the poet. His inspirations, hopes and fears come to life through a series of interlacing poems which depict his life and careers, his loves and disappointments, and his successes. Great to ponder in the wee hours of any long and lonely night.”
Included is a special-made bookmark featuring the poem “Solitaire” and signed by Solitaire Parke.
3. An eBook copy of “A Hint Of Murder: The Writer” by Lia Fairchild (International)
Alicia Fairfield didn’t plan on being famous. Now a bestselling author with millions of fans, Alicia also has the attention of a killer. Someone has been recreating the murders from her books and the suspects are piling up; her mentally ill son, a disgruntled associate, and possibly even her loyal literary agent. The pressure of public recognition along with the guilt over these senseless killings could be enough to drive Alicia over the edge. Can she hold it together long enough to uncover a killer?
This is a short story (9,000 words), and is the first in Lia’s exciting Murder Mystery Series.
To learn more about the series:
http://www.ahintofmurder.blogspot.com
To be eligible to win:
Follow this blog and then leave a comment on this post stating the giveaway you are interested in. If you would prefer to enter the giveaway via Google docs, click this link to fill out the form: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dC1GUWNsWEU1SnlvYm9Wc2xLYUNLclE6MQ
For extra entries:
1. Like the Solitaire Parke fan page: http://www.facebook.com/solitaireparke
2. Follow me on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/solitaireparke
3. Tweet about this giveaway!
You may only enter 1 time for each book.
There are lots of great gifts out there with the participants of the rest of the hop. Be sure to check them out by clicking on the “Indie Author Giveaway Hop” banner above! Most importantly, have fun! 🙂
*Contest Winner*
I am so pleased to announce that I have my first WINNER of the “Riddle Me This” Contest!!!
My Congratulations go to:
Jason Cook from Phx, AZ
Many thanks Mr. Cook for participating in the contest! I will be shipping your signed copy of “Tapestry” asap!
It’s not too late to try your luck at guessing what the poem is about! I still have two e-book copies of “Tapestry” to give away!
*Contest Alert* – Riddle Me This!
“Poetry is the rhythmical creation of beauty in words.”
– Edgar Allan Poe
“Poetry is a sensual assault on your senses.”
– Solitaire Parke
There is a rhythmic cadence to poetry that no other form of writing can equal. It is the only known method to transfer a person’s thoughts and feelings at the emotional level without sacrificing their intellect. Poetry sets up a flow that can be as lazy as a Summer’s day or as torrid as a raging River. It allows you to play with your vocabulary for an emotional outcome as dense as armor or as filmy as gauze. It penetrates the heart and can cause tears to cleanse the soul.
The rhyme scheme does not matter, only the fervor that you place within it. Gentle and damaging, it speaks to us all. Simple as breathing or as a riddle that can vex you to the core. That being said…Riddle Me This…
Here is a poem, veiled as a riddle and a mystery. The first person to guess its meaning and leave the answer as a comment will win a signed copy of my new Poetry book “Tapestry”! Two copies of “Tapestry” in ebook will also be up for grabs!
THE ENDLESS FLAME
by Solitaire Parke
A ring of fire with the strength of four.
The mist is rising and calls for more
Than scorched remains it holds below.
But summons from the heat it sows
Aromas from the flesh it sears
And stings the eyes with stubborn tears.
A frozen wasteland in darkened white.
Day breaks without heat as its wall ignite
In a crystalline layer of myriad glass.
This snow bank’s eternal and time cannot pass.
Yet moved from the haven above time and space,
It warms in the sunlight – immortality erased.
Lush and tropic, it rains on cue.
The heat is stifling as waves pour through
This forest of afterthoughts we’ve left behind.
A sea of sensations that no one will find.
Then like parchment it dries in the hot summer air
As the cycle repeats itself year after year.
Solitaire Parke - Sci-Fi/Fantasy Books 