“It’s never a good idea to Piss this woman off.” Online bullying in its most damaging disguise.

Do NOT piss me off!

Anyone reading this who is even vaguely familiar with me, with my writing, and my particular way of dealing with the world will not be too surprised by this post.

For those of you that are perhaps clicking onto this with no knowledge beforehand of who the hell I am, or what hell I came from, please be advised … I have no hesitation in being vocal and passionate about something I believe in.

I am angry … extremely angry in fact. This is not going to be one of my light, bright, happy posts.

So … Why am I pissed off?

A few years back I wrote some non-fiction books. In doing so, and, because of the subject matter (Child abuse) I accepted the fact that there would be folks out there that would be (Sadly) sexually excited by the content. I accepted that, I knew the subject matter alone would attract some extremely sick predators.

I dealt with that fact, because I hoped that my books may help someone, somewhere seek help. I figured that if I could reach people, and perhaps help them recognize the signs of child abuse coming from all around them, then, maybe, just maybe one child somewhere may not need to go through the agony.

I know first hand that this can be a very sick world. I know that only too well. Over the few years since my work was published, I have received numerous emails from people of all ages and genders asking for my help and or advice.

I do not offer them a cure. There is no cure. Humankind has it’s share of inhuman acts.

But this world is turning and beginning to learn and because of that there are now an ever increasing number of places they can contact, places where they can seek assistance, advice and hopefully protection. This is what I do. I put them in touch with these professionals, these people are far better equipped than I will ever be to help them.

I have, never, ever, refused to open an email when the subject line asks me for help on this topic. I have not changed my email address for that very reason. I can’t punish folks that have already been punished enough by life to do that.

I have also received many emails from sick fucks that make me ill with the content of their “Please help me” requests.

As I said, I accepted that this would occur. I also knew that human nature being what it is, they would have been overjoyed had I responded with the anger they expected. So … I refused to respond. Period. I took it on the chin as part and parcel of the world we live in.

Enough Already! I have decided to respond after all. Years of these have taken their toll. I can’t remain passive on this, it’s too fucking important!  NOTE that I’m not telling you the titles of the books in question, nor the name I used to write them. I am NOT seeking promotion. This is NOT a please buy my work post.

What I AM seeking is for folks to recognize that these sick and perverted emails are yet another form of On-line Bullying. It has to stop. I will not Name and Shame them, for that is the very publicity they want. That recognition is what they crave, what they seek. That is what they MUST NOT achieve.

SO, I’m giving these sick fucks a free word of advice. IF you send me an email that is cruel and offensive in the extreme: If you disguise it under the cloak of being an abused person needing help, I WILL retaliate. You are NOT dealing with a helpless child here. I will never be forced into the position of feeling that helpless ever again.

I WILL retaliate by reporting you to the police and/or any other Agency that deals with these matters.

I don’t care what part of the world you live in. I don’t care what name you use. I don’t care if you feel safe and sheltered by a proxy server. I may not have the capacity to track you down on my own …. BUT the authorities have their own ways and means. And I will give those authorities everything I have that may assist them. I’ll no longer delete the posts.

I will and must continue answering the genuine posts that come in. My email will NOT change.

I usually have a sense of humor about life in general. It has been my one great solace and a frequent source of escape.

This TOPIC does not make me smile. I have no sense of humor whatsoever where abuse, in any of its guises is concerned.

Pissing me off is NOT a smart move.

End of rant.

I have included a long list of Agencies where folks (Genuine people) may get the help they need. I have included The United States, The United Kingdom and Australia.

AUSTRALIA:

The following list provides the contact telephone numbers for each State and Territory to report incidences of child abuse:

• Australian Capital Territory – 24 hours: 1300 556 729
• New South Wales – 24 hours: 132 111
• Northern Territory – Business hours: (08) 8922 7111. After hours: 1800 700 250
• Queensland – Business hours: (07) 3224 8045. After hours: (07) 3235 9999
• South Australia – 24 hours: 131 611
• Tasmania – 24 hours: 1300 737 639
• Victoria – 24 hours: 131 278
• Western Australia – Business hours: (08) 9222 2555. After hours: (08) 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Boystown National Hotline

Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home
Boystown, NE 68010
800/448-3000

The Boys Town National Hotline is the only hotline that children and parents can call with any problem at any time: Spanish-speaking counselors available; translation services for 100+ languages; TTY line available for the hearing-impaired at 1-800-448-1833; Counselors can help find services and agencies in the callers’ local community.

Childhelp USA, National Child Abuse Hotline

P.O. Box 630
Hollywood, CA 90028
800/422-4453 or 213/465-4014

Childhelp USA provides a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week national crisis hotline on child abuse and neglect. Childhelp USA is dedicated to meeting the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused and neglected children. It does this by focusing its efforts and resources upon treatment, prevention, and research.

Children’s Rights of America

8735 Dunwoody Place, Suite 6
Atlanta, GA 30350
770-442-7865

Children’s Rights of America is a child advocacy and youth services organization that is a resource for rescuing a missing/abused child, desperately in trouble, from an impossible situation when all other avenues have failed.

Covenant House Nineline

346 W. 17th Street
New York, NY 10011-5002
800/999-9999

Covenant House is the largest privately-funded childcare agency in the United States providing shelter and service to homeless and runaway youth. In addition to food, shelter, clothing and crisis care, Covenant House provides a variety of services to homeless youth including health care, education, vocational preparation, drug abuse treatment and prevention programs, legal services, recreation, mother/child programs, transitional living programs, street outreach and aftercare.

National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)

1757 Park Road, NW
Washington, DC 20010
202/232-6682
nova@digex.net

The National Organization for Victim Assistance is a private non-profit organization of victim and witness assistance programs and practitioners, criminal justice agencies and professionals, mental health professionals, researchers, former victims and survivors, and others committed to the recognition and implementation of victim rights and services.

Parents Anonymous

675 W. Foothill Boulevard, Suite 220
Claremont, CA 91711
909/621-6184
parentsanonymous-nat@earthlink.net

Parents Anonymous is a nonprofit organization which remains dedicated to strengthening families with innovative strategies that promote mutual support and parent leadership.

Education/Prevention

American Humane Association

Children’s Division
63 Inverness Drive, E
Englewood, CO 80112
800/227-4645 or 303/792-9900
children@amerhumane.org

The mission of the American Humane Association, as a network of individuals and organizations, is to prevent cruelty, abuse, neglect and exploitation of children and animals and to assure that their interests and well-being are fully, effectively, and humanely guaranteed by an aware and caring society.

Child Welfare Information Gateway

U.S. Children’s Bureau
1250 Maryland Avenue SW, Eighth Floor
Washington DC 20024
703/385-7565
800/394-3366 (toll free)
info@childwelfare.gov

Formerly the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, this service of the U.S. Children’s Bureau provides access to information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)

2102 Wilson Blvd., Suite 550
Arlington, VA 22201
800/843-5678 or 703/235-3900
ncmec@cis.compuserv.com

NCMEC is a nonprofit organization and is the nation’s resource center for child protection.

National Children’s Advocacy Center

200 Westside Square, Suite 700
Huntsville, AL 35801
205/534-6868

The National Children’s Advocacy Center provides training and technical assistance to professionals working with victims of child sexual abuse as well as their families.

National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information

P.O. Box 1182
Washington, DC 20013-1182
800/394-3366 or 703/385-7565
Contact: Information Specialist
nccanch@calib.com

The Clearinghouse is a national resource for professionals seeking information on the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect and related child welfare issues.

National Committee for the Rights of the Child (NCRC)

125 Cathedral Street, First Floor
Annapolis, MD 21401
410/268-1544

The National Committee for the Rights of the Child was established to be a well coordinated coalition of organizations, individuals, businesses, and corporations whose goal is to improve the quality of life and development of children in America. NCRC gives primary emphasis to advancing respect and support for children’s rights through education, information, monitoring, and advocacy projects.

National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse (NCPCA)

332 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60604
312/663-3520
ncpca@childabuse.org

NCPCA is a national, nonprofit, volunteer-based organization whose primary goal is to prevent child abuse. NCPCA is represented in all 50 states through a network of chapters.

National Education Association (NEA)

Professional Library
1201 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202/833-4000

The National Education Association is nearly 2.5 million men and women working, in schools and colleges across the United States, to help all students achieve.

National Resource Center for Child Maltreatment

1349 W. Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 900
Atlanta, GA 30309
404/881-0707
nrccmcwi@aol.com

The National Resource Center for Child Maltreatment provides training, technical assistance, consultation, and information in response to identified needs which relate to the prevention, identification, intervention, and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

Legal Advice

For legal help, first contact your local lawyer referral services through your chapter of the American Bar Association. In addition, the following organizations may be able to put you in touch with legal assistance or advice.

American Bar Association (ABA), Center on Children and the Law

1800 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202/662-1720
ctrchildlaw@attmail.com

The ABA Center on Children and the Law is a full-service technical assistance, training, and research program addressing a broad spectrum of law and court-related topics affecting children. These include child abuse and neglect, adoption, adolescent health, foster and kinship care, custody and support, guardianship, missing and exploited children, and children’s exposure to domestic violence.

National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse

American Prosecutors Research Institute
99 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 510
Alexandria, VA 22314
703/739-0312

National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse is a program of the American Prosecutors Research Institute aimed at responding to an increasing volume of reported child abuse. The National Center serves as a central resource for training, expert legal assistance, court reform and state-of-the-art information on criminal child abuse investigations and prosecutions.

NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund

99 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10013
212/925-6635
Contact: Intake Department

NOW Legal Defense and Education Fund continues to be at the center of every major social and economic justice concern on the women’s rights agenda, defining the issues and bringing them to public attention. NOW Legal Defense pursues equality for women and girls in the workplace, the schools, the family and the courts, through litigation, education, and public information programs.

Domestic Violence

Family Violence Prevention Fund

383 Rhode Island Street, Suite 304
San Francisco, CA 94103-5133
415/252-8900
fund@igc.apc.org

The Family Violence Prevention Fund works to end domestic violence and help women and children whose lives are devastated by abuse, because every person has the right to live in a home free of violence.

National Resource Center for Domestic Violence: Child Protection and Custody

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
P.O. Box 8970
Reno, NV 89507
800/527-3223

The Council’s increased awareness and sensitivity to children’s issues and provide meaningful assistance to judges, court administrators and related professionals in whose care the concerns of children and their families have been entrusted.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

American Council for Drug Education

164 W. 74th Street
New York, NY 10023
800/488-DRUG or 212/595-5810 ext. 7860

The American Council for Drug Education is a substance abuse prevention and education agency that develops programs and materials based on the most current scientific research on drug use and its impact on society.

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information

P.O. Box 2345
Rockville, MD 20847-2345
800/729-6686
ncadi@health.org

The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) is the information service of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. NCADI is the world’s largest resource for current information and materials concerning substance abuse.

National Parents Resource Institute on Drug Education (PRIDE)

3610 Decab Technology Pkwy., Suite 105
Atlanta, GA 30340
404/577-4500

PRIDE is the largest and oldest organization in the nation devoted to drug- and violence-free youth. With programs devoted to reach parents and youth at home, school and work, PRIDE has made significant contribution in communities across America and around the world.

Volunteer Opportunities

National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association

100 W. Harrison, Suite 500
North Tower
Seattle, WA 98199
800/628-3233 or 206/328-8588
staff@nationalcasa.org

Volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are everyday people who are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children.

THE UNITED KINGDOM

If you think a child is in immediate danger

Don’t delay – call the police on 999,
or call us on 0808 800 5000, straight away.

Email us at help@nspcc.org.uk

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“Glimpses Across The Barricades” #Poetry in progress. ‘In Dreams of A Perfect World’ by Suzanne Burke.

Welcome to ‘Glimpses Across the Barricades’ This poem was included in the epilogue of my book “Faint Echoes of Laughter”.

In A  Perfect World

by

Suzanne Burke

 

As I lay snugly warm and safe
Within my families womb
My heart begins a slow sad ache
For another child will cry tonight
Another child will die tonight
What was once their home
will become their tomb

Anger tears me as I read
The desperate plead of a child in need
How can we continue to ignore
The deafening cries from every land?
Can the balance be restored or
Are we so desensitized to pain
That we can’t give
Without thought of gain

If I had but one wish to make
Then that wish would surely be
That when my own sweet child has grown,
and if fate so decrees

I’ll hold her own children on my knee
And when I lay them in their beds
No sad thoughts will fill their heads

For our world will have become a place
Where all its children have their space
Where no ugly thoughts will touch their minds
When faith is restored in humankind

No sweet child will need to cry
No hungry child will need to die

We have that power in our hands
To make these changes throughout all lands
If we can but clearly see
That our world is not
What it needs to be

Once the changes have been made
Each child may sleep with sweet child dreams

Each child will wake to see the dawn
Each child will be thankful
they were born.

In my dreams of a perfect world.

 

 

Meet Nonnie Jules!

I’m delighted to share a post about Author & President of Rave Reviews Book Club, Nonnie Jules. Nonnie and #RRBC offer support second to none. Take a peek!

Lizzie Chantree

I’m sure that many of you will have heard of her already, but today, as part of RRBC’s pay it forward day, I am happy to introduce you to a lady who had boundless energy and an inventive mind. Meet talented author and founder of Rave Reviews Book Club, Nonnie Jules!

                        

Nonnie writes books on her own and in collaboration with other authors. Her work has had some amazing reviews and if you haven’t already picked up a copy of her work …why not? 🙂  Click any book cover to find out more about each book.

About Nonnie Jules, Author

Nonnie Jules was born in the mid ’70s in  TX.  When she was a mere toddler, her family relocated to Shreveport, LA. She still lives in Louisiana today with her husband, two daughters and their many animals. She loves…

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“Soooz Says Stuff!” ‘It’s A Girl Thing.” AKA “The Girl’s Night Out” Unapologetically Politically Incorrect.

 I recently posted ‘It’s A Guy Thing” and being the fairest of people, of course I need to express the viewpoints of the ‘Opposing team.’

Thus we come to “It’s A Girl Thing.”

Let’s take a look at a fairly typical “Girl’s Night Out.” An Ancient, revered, and oft’ misunderstood ritual.

Picture this … Location … A Singles Bar in a Big city, anywhere.

WHEN … Every Saturday night. Unless said Saturday night occurred in conjunction with a full moon. When all the smartest of bars remained shuttered and closed.

Paramedics? … On stand by.

Cops? … They’ll wait and see how this one pans out.

Welcome to ‘Tabitha Tabbies’ Girl’s night out.

The Girls Night Out is an ancient mating ritual, oft’ misunderstood. The premise being that one of the clan is tying the ribbon soon. She is leaving the clan to begin a clan of her own. To celebrate they band together and hunt en-masse. Their prey? Must be male and preferably breathing.

I’ll be your tour guide for the evening. Don’t hope for David Attenborough, and you wont be disappointed. Whenever necessary I’ll translate the girl/guy text-speak into a language that hopefully even men can understand.

Things you need to know to help the visual imagery along …

Item 1.

You need to be aware that these locations have invisible wall of separation; AKA ‘Keep your ass in your own space, bitch!‘

Item 2.

Each segment of the room houses it’s own clearly definable group.

Thus we have … Group one: The girls label them as ‘The Desperate and Dateless.’ The guys label them “A Sure Thing”

Group two: The girls label them as ‘We clearly don’t belong here.’ The guys label them ” Reconstructions.”

Group three: The girls label them ‘The Kindy Kids’. The guys label them as “The FORBIDDEN ZONE.”

Lets briefly visit each group one by one. Listen in to one of the conversations … and the translation.

Please be aware that as the translator I am provided my non-watered-down drinks for free.

GROUP 1.

“Oh my god, it’s gonna be one of those nights! Look who just strutted her reconstructed ass through the door.” Felicity Furball hissed her displeasure.

Translation! (Two drinks in) Oh god I have to get the name of her surgeon!  Her ass looks seriously amazing.

“Dahling Katrina! It’s so wonderful to see you! You’ve been gone for weeks. I’ve missed you.” Felicity purred out the words. “You look so well rested.”

Translation! Oh, crap, don’t sit here!  I haven’t had a botox update for weeks..

Air kisses erupt at the table and the selfie pandemic begins.

Meanwhile over at GROUP two,  at the “We clearly don’t belong here.” table, Miss -Directed was airing her views on the gathering. She also gave her new boobs an airing as well.

“Wow! Eyes left, kittens. We have dream candy on approach to the bar!’ she squealed with happy anticipation, being careful not to smile too hugely less the laughter lines give her the look of ‘Yoda’ on steroids.

DREAM CANDY Charlie Hunnam

 

Yoda on Steroids.

Translation. (Four drinks in) I saw him first, so keep your grubby paws off!

“He seems quite … er … young-ish.” said Miss -Apprehension.

Translation  (Six drinks in) “I’m old enough to be hish … older shister. Oh all right then, aunt!”

“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s just the lighting.” Said everyone else at the table.

Transhlashun = (Stopped counting drinks a while back)  “don’t bring the resht of the group down, bitch. Let ush have our fantashy!

And the selfie pandemic continued.

Ah, then we come to Group three. The ‘Kindy Kids” enclave.

Where, everyone talked at once, sometimes even face to face,(Gasp!) but way more often they would text. Most of the conversations went something like this,

“So, I’m like, what the? (Insert confused face … 😕)thus.  What’s with the guys here? They look, like, you know, seriously old.” Says Miss Prudence.

Translayersh … Yeah … so they shaid , I’m utterly confushed! Can anyone exshplain to me why the guysh here are shignificantly older than ush?

“Some of them are like, you know, not too bad.” (Insert Smiling face)😊 thus,  “Says Miss Conception.

Trans whatsis!  = “I dishagree (But not strenuoushly,) ’cause I did not utilishe um youtilishe  … I didn’t ushe a (Insert Angry Fashe)😠

“You’re kidding me, right? They are like in their twenties or worse!” (Insert wheelchair symbol ♿)

Yeah, what she shaid = “I think you’re joking. You mush be! You’re eyeshight clearly needsh checking. (Insert Optometrist symbol) or as close as you can get. 😷

Much laughter is of course shared at the very thought of someone in their twenties being out so late.

And then = Lol, lol, lol,😆😆😆  rotflmao. 🤣

“Oh, wait!  Look at the one in the Armani threads. He’s like, to die for!” Said Miss Directed (Insert Angel) 👼

Yup = “Jush a moment! The man wearing the Armani suit ish devilishly attractive! (Insert picture of the impossibly attractive Mr J. Depp) just because this is my blog and I’m allowed to.)

Much groaning ensues at such an obvious gaffe.

So they all do the Sigh! thing. I can’t translate it, but it’s you know, kinda like the sound you make when your partner at the time says something really diabolically stupid. Yeah sort of a whooshing, hissing noise.

“Baby-girl, what are you thinkin‘??? (Insert laughing face)😛  One of his x’s would kill you!(insert Angry Face)😠 🌟 These hotshots don’t live in the real world. I’m like, serious. (insert serious face) “😖

I now have 911 on speed dial (Which would do me no good whatsoever ’cause our code down here in Australia for Emergency responders is 000)=

Anywaysh … “What the hell, are you batshit crazy? I’m not kidding around here. Have you seen his ex?

“Oh. I’m like, so, you know,  embarrassed. (Insert embarrassed face) Says Miss-Directed😱.Yadda yadda = “I’ll approach him later when this lot are gone.

“It’s like, okay. Whatever? So, you DO know how to pick out the married ones, right?”

‘slayshun. = “You re forgiven. It doeshn’t matter. Please reasshure me that you would recognishe a married man if you shaw one.”

“By their look of abject misery?”

Um … = I threw that one in just ’cause it made me laugh.

“I’m like, serious, girlfriend! You like, need to look for the white-place where their wedding bands were, up till, like, an hour ago … unless you know, like maybe the poor thing’s just been ditched.”

Uh-oh = (Insert Shtern Face) 😡But not your mother’s. “I kid you not! Theshe guysh take off their wedding ringsh and ‘ccordingly exposhe the thin band of white where the shun failed to penetr… um shine. You are in deepesh-do-do if they are newlywedsh, and have yet to have worn the ring long enough for a mark to appear.  Sigh. Unlesh the guy is badly on the rebound and looksh utterly helplesh, and then your assh is hish!

“Eeew! That is so, like, creepy. My dad, like, would not do something like that; and he’s like, you know, married.”

“To your Mom?”

lol…Sorry!

“Like, I know, right. For the second time, even. Go figure!”

So, yeah … “I’m pissed off about it.

“Wow. That is, like, seriously different.”

“Shit eh!”

“Promise me you’ll never tell, like, anyone.”

“Oh I would never like do that.” (Says she already composing a Facebook post guaranteed to get hundreds of you know … likes.)

Spontaneous outbreak of hugs and much air-kissing ensues. And then of course the ritual of attending the bathroom en-masse begins. The table is temporarily abandoned. With the least popular and most unattractive girl is left behind at the table to ‘watch’ the bags. Men have yet to affix a suitably detrimental title to this phenomenon. They sink into David Attenborough mode and whisper of magic animalistic rituals that they are never permitted access to.

Ah, yes indeed, the girls night out.

The paramedics warmed up their ambulances.

The cops called in sick.

And as for the guys, they held bedroom auditions, knowing well in advance that nobody here would be in need of a call back.

Those fools that breached the ‘Forbidden Zone’ are still seeking bail.

Such is life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

💕 THE HEART’S LULLABY 💕 It’s #BookRelease Day! #RRBC #IARTG

I’m delighted to share the marvelous news of a new release by author Natalie Ducey. This talented author touched my heart with her book ‘The Heart’s Journey Home.” The new book “Heart’s Lullaby” is NOW available.

Today, I’m so thrilled to release my second book of poetry, The Heart’s Lullaby.

It is currently available in eBook format via Amazon, Kobo, Indigo/Chapters, Barnes and Noble, and iTunes. The paperback will be available in July. I’m pretty much in a constant state of excitement. My current excitement to nervous ratio is holding steady at 70:30.

This has been such an incredible journey. When I published my first book, The Heart’s Journey Home in 2015, I didn’t have a website, Twitter handle, Facebook page, or Google+ and Pinterest profiles. I entered the world of social media and everything changed. I connected with so many amazingly talented, incredibly supportive authors, that I’m now humbled to call dear friends. Thank you to everyone, old friends and new, for you are a part of this exquisite journey.

To my family, thank you for your love, support, and encouragement as I delve…

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‘Author Showcase’ Featured Genre for June ‘Children’s Books’ Featured author Maretha Botha.

Hello and welcome to Author Showcase! I will be featuring different authors & genres each month. I interview each author, and showcase their featured work.

WHY? Simply because I enjoy supporting other Indie Authors every chance I get.

This Month, “Children’s Books” are being featured.

Please welcome my guest, Maretha Botha.

MEET AUTHOR MARETHA BOTHA.

AUTHOR BIO

Proud grandmother, happily married for 37 years, retired librarian who writes and illustrates children’s books most suited to readers between 9-13 years; confirmed bookworm, chocoholic and unapologetic coffee drinker, keen gardener and bird watcher, who occasionally walks on the moors, joints permitting.

INTERVIEW WITH MARETHA BOTHA

1.     What motivated you to write books for children?

This is a difficult question with no quick answer, but I like to see children happy. When I read to them, their imagination often takes flight.  The why’s, how’s and what happens next, make for lively discussions, building more stories. I experienced this with my niece and nephew, and then my own children, as well as at work, having planned reading activities at the school library.

Then too, I carried a lot of stories around in my head, but only after my post as librarian was localised, did I find the time to gather these thoughts together into proper stories.

2.     Most children’s books are written to impart life’s lessons to children. Was this your goal?

No, I seldom consider a specific life’s lesson when writing anything for children, but often the character’s choice or actions highlight an important lesson.  For example, the working-dog hero in “Flame and Hope” forgets his promise to open the red gate for the goats.  He learns a valuable, but painful lesson when a stubborn old goat picks him up with his horns and throws him down on the “WELCOME” rug.  Early the next morning, he apologises for barking rudely at an older animal and remembers that, “A PROMISE IS A PROMISE”, no matter what – restoring peace in Fauna Park.

3.     What life’s lessons does your work contain?

Apart from the one above, Fauna Park Tales is about living in peace – rescued animals and birds who would not normally be together, live up to their promise to protect helpless or vulnerable ones, often doing so at their own risk.  Many of the stories are based on fact – martial eagles’ fledglings removed from their nest, or large birds flying into moving trains at night, how drought effects the lives of everyone living on the savannah – yet both animals, birds and humans learn how to protect the environment, caring for each other – and they always have hope for the next day as their first little motto assures us.

‘HOPE REMAINS ALIVE AND KEEPS OUR FEARS AT BAY.

‘LET’S KEEP OUR HOPE ALIVE FOR MANY A DAY,

‘WHILE IN THE DARKEST NIGHT, OUR HOPE WILL LEAD THE WAY.

4.     What was for you the most challenging part of writing for children?

Writing a “true” story within the imaginative world which I created, doing so in language which is clear and understandable, age appropriate, yet enough to still be a challenge – not talking down to them – think of Beatrice Potter describing Squirrel Nutkin as “impertinent”.  So, I don’t mind occasionally using words like, ‘Are you a pachyderm?” The word has a nice memorable ring to it as does “conspicuous”, but the challenge is to explain it via the text without changing the story into a grammar lesson.

5.     All authors are aware of the need for reviews, yet I imagine an author of books written for children would face an even more challenging time, simply because these are children.  Have you found it challenging?

Yes, it has not been easy to persuade adults to write reviews for children’s books.  Then too, the way an adult looks at a children’s book might be quite different to how children would view the story.  When I review a children’s book, which is more difficult than you might imagine, I always get input from my grandchildren and based on their views, I’ve often changed my review to rather highlight their thoughts and ratings.  However, I mention that I read and discussed the story with them.

6.     Are you currently working on anything new?

Yes and no.  I’m writing the follow-up to book 4 – “Trails and Trials: An African Adventure” which is called, “The Bird Mission”.  This will probably tie up everything for the whole of the series, but I might keep the backdoor open and let the villainous poacher, Tall Leader escape . . .

Then too, I’m involved via my blog, researching and writing short stories about small, often lesser-known, wild animals and birds in Southern Africa – especially those who are on the threatened and/or endangered list.  I intend to compile an anthology of about twelve short stories when everything is written after a year – definitely a long-term project with illustrations.

TRAILS AND TRIALS: An AFRICAN ADVENTURE (book 4) in Fauna Park Tales Series –

Category: Children’s books>Action and Adventure>Survival Stories (ages 9-13 with illustrations). On pre-order till 18th July 2017

 

Book Blurb:

Four trails – one destination – the waterhole closest to the best place to cross the Tukani River into a neighbouring country. This adventure takes Flame and his furry friends on a thrilling, dangerous quest, but they always have hope. Were it not for the help of a meerkat clan, a gripe of sandgrouse and other feathered friends such as Mars, a martial eagle and Vera, an eagle owl, their trail might have had a different outcome. This fast-paced adventure takes place for one week and is told from four different viewpoints, because friends as well as foes race to get to the waterhole, and in striving to do so, experience their own personal adversities and trials.

These illustrated adventure stories will provide endless hours of reading pleasure to better readers who also enjoy seeing some illustrations of the characters, increasing overall reading pleasure. Book Three and Four should ideally be read in sequence and are most suited to readers 9-13 (Middle Grade), but younger listeners will enjoy being read to just as much.

·        Book 3.  The Orphans’ Plight: An African Adventure Purchase ‘The ORPHANS’ PLIGHT’ On Amazon– Category children’s books>Science, Nature & How it works>Nature>Environment and Animals>Birds This book is discounted to 99p to be bought and read before book 4.

·

Book Blurb:

Bad humans are disturbing the peace in Molodi valley, and two small orphans are in danger. One of them, Larita, speaks the bush creatures’ language – Faunalang – a rare and wonderful talent that they want to use. Alone in the desert, who will help them? Young and old will enjoy reading about the furry and feathered friends’ latest thrilling adventures, when Molodi’s bush creatures meet friends and foes in their quest to stick to The Promise to protect helpless ones in Fauna Park. Plump-Grump, the stubborn goat, and his harem do their bit, but what will happen at the farm while Flame and his friends are on a dangerous mission? His Handsomeness, King Rat returns, but is he a friend or foe?

REVIEW:Of The Orphans’ Plight.

Furry and Feathered Friends – Delightful!

5.0 out of 5 stars Furry and Feathered Friends – Delightful! 19 Feb. 2017

By Gracie Bradford, Author on February 18, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

The illustrations are different than you see in most children books but effective and very well done. This story is suitable for all ages but primarily written for elementary school age children. Looking forward to book 4 of the series.
Pets take on humans. A delightful story of furry and feathered animals who listen to the strange conversations of people. Everyone, people as well as the furry and feathered friends, join in the search to find the orphans. I haven’t read book 1 and 2 yet but book 3 is definitely a good read.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Flame and Hope on FACEBOOK U.K
The Author on FACEBOOK

https://marethabotha2013.com

The Author on TWITTER

Thank you for joining me here and meeting my featured author today.

My featured Genre for JULY will be, Mystery/Thriller/Suspense. Are you interested in being featured here in July? Send me an email at Email link

Please include links to the book you would like featured. I will respond with the details of your author interview and other requirements. Each Showcase will run for one month. Beginning the 12th of each month.

 

 

 

 

‘Glimpses Across The Barricades’ #Poetry #Memoir “The Tears We Just Can’t Cry.”

Welcome again to my Poetry in Progress. This particular poem was written in the days after the last of the valiant kids I’d lived with on the streets ended his life.  It is one of many poems I’ve written for and about those dear people. All damaged strangers, they took me into their hearts, their home, and their lives.  My journey through life was forever altered by their existence and forever bereft at their loss.

Glimpses Across The Barricades

 The Tears We Just Can’t Cry.

Dedicated with love to all the kids from ‘The Palace’

By

Suzanne Burke

There are those that never cry them

Those tears that cleanse the soul

For the rivers they create

Will never make them whole.

The anger they hold to them

Like a dark defensive shield

Holds back a tide of tenderness

Only undamaged ones can feel

Dark dreams forever taunt them

Laughing at their pain

As they leave veins forever open

To bleed out in life’s rain.

And when the waves of despair come

They have no place to hide

No shelter can enclose them

They have no sense of pride

They are afraid to face a future

If their barriers they remove

In case a love should die there

Best unknown, to be so mourned.

The ending that they pray for

Lay waiting in the wings

And for some it is hastened

By sad choices their lives bring.

As for those still left standing

That seek a way to cry

They spend a life demanding

Just one reason why.

There remains no place to hide now

No safe harbor from the storm

Nothing to prevent the cascade

Of tears as yet unborn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Glimpses Across The Barricades’ Poetry in progress. “And The Music Plays On.”

Thank you for being here, as I share my Glimpses Across The Barricades of life. Poems written long ago, and poems of life yet to be lived.

Glimpses Across The Barricades.

And the Music Plays on.

By Suzanne Burke.

 

Oh, how those melodies linger,

stroking our souls with soft fingers.

Refrains of the journeys we’ve taken

and the people we’ve known.

 

Lyrics haunting and taunting

Caught on the wind

Oft’ bringing sweet sadness

Of things that our memory will not rescind.

 

Anthems of times of upheaval

When the world lost its way,

Sung by those that stood witness

On far distant shores.

 

Songs of love, and of laughter

Songs calloused with pain

All linger in memory

As we dance in the rain.

 

The last song not yet written

That last post un-played

As we come unbidden

To our safe place in life’s shade.

 

 

 

 

A #WRITER’S CONFERENCE & BOOK EXPO YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS! #RRBC

Don’t waste a fabulous opportunity to shine! The Rave Reviews Book Club Writer’s Conference & Book Expo is coming! Early Bird prices available for a short time only! Learn more in this post!

Watch Nonnie Write!

Authors, how much time do you spend trying to market your books while scouring the web for any and all information you can find on writing?  Well, if you’re like many of the authors I know,  you spend more time than you’d like anyone to know about.

This is not an easy business we’re in, but, it is one that our souls call us to be apart of.  Yes, for those of us who are born with the gift of the talent of writing, and for those of us who spend the time trying to hone our skills in the craft, we HAVE to do this…our spirit will not allow us to rest unless we are writing.  I penned the quote below to describe my own urgency to write:

 “How I know I’m a writer:  When I sleep, I wake to write;  when I dream, I rouse to write;  when…

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BOOK REVIEW: “Ultimate Betrayal” By Jo Ann Wentzel @WentzelJo #Science Fiction #Dystopian. #RRBC

BOOK REVIEW: ULTIMATE BETRAYAL. By JO ANN WENTZEL.

Meet author Jo Ann Wentzel.

Jo Ann Wentzel has been married to the same man, Dan Wentzel, for over 52 years. She is a mother, grandmother and former foster care provider. She worked with over 75 kids while also working as a writer for weekly newspapers and many websites. She served as a Guardian-Ad –Litem and Court Mediator. She and her husband have been speakers and workshop presenters for many groups including foster parents. Almost two years ago, she and her husband retired to a motor home and travel the US with a rescue dog named Jessie.

Ultimate Obliteration is Wentzel’s fourth book and sequel to her novel Ultimate Betrayal. In her first novel, she describes her setting this way “Imagine a dystopian world where society cannot protect their children from moral decay and the spread of evil.” Ultimate Obliteration continues finding a solution to this issue with many using their own brand of justice.

The Rave Reviews Book Club selected her book It Begins and Ends with Family as one of the Books of the Month. This book describes her experiences working with challenging teens and the secrets to running a foster home.

Wentzel also wrote a book A Collection of Jo Ann’s Thoughts, a selection of a variety of her articles in answer to many of your questions.

She has several writing projects in the wings so you certainly will see more of this author.
Jo Ann wants to thank all readers who support her and would love to hear from you. All contact information, more of her writing and a forum to express yourself is available on her website, authorjoannwentzel.com

 

I am reviewing “Ultimate Betrayal.”

BLURB.

Imagine a dystopian world where society cannot protect their children from moral decay and the spread of evil.

Andrew Zenith, a conscientious local TV reporter, never worries about getting ahead just making a difference. He uncovers a story that will change the direction of his life forever. After hearing this story, all he thinks about every moment is confirming the facts he hopes are not true. He is driven to save the children. This task is near impossible since the majority of people have cold hearts and a loss of compassion for others.

He joins with others who care. Their mission-is to save the children at all costs. If their mission fails young lives will be ruined and even cut short. The fate of the children rests upon finding answers to the questions no one even wants to ask. Will he succeed against overwhelming odds?

 

MY REVIEW: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A look into a frighteningly possible world.

This book may well be science fiction, and set in a future Dystopian society, but, you would need to be utterly hidden from our current society, with no outside communication whatsoever, not to understand that this book can well reflect with rare exception, the inhumanity exhibited in our world today. Not in some far distant time.

The character of Andrew Zenith is presented well. Author Jo Ann Wentzel’s writing allows us to feel the many layers of this man, his passion for life, his compassion for those for whom life has become unbearably dark. Most notably the children with nowhere to run and nowhere to turn to for safe-haven.

The book permits us a glimpse into a future where the desensitization to other people’s pain has created a callous indifference to suffering, and a well-shielded conscience.

The story is classical good vs evil. What sets it apart from other such classic tales is the author’s ability to allow many shades of both darkness and light to co-exist. It is a complex co-existence. Author Jo Ann Wentzel weaves it well.

An entertaining and thought provoking read indeed. I look forward to reading the sequel.

Purchase Ultimate Betrayal on Amazon.com

Jo Ann Wentzel’s Amazon Author Page.

TWITTER LINK

Author Website