IWSG Wednesday AND Did You Know Thursday

 

The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

 

Twitter handle: @TheIWSG  

Hashtag: #IWSG 

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Thank you to the awesome co-hosts of the March 4 posting: PJ Colando, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Natalie Aguirre!
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March 4 question - What elements do you include in your book launch? Or what do you have in mind for your future book launch? Or what advice do you have to offer to others planning to launch a book? 

Remember the question is optional. 

 

February/March Reviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.

 

HOMEPORT by MK Alexander

This is Book 3 in the Seven Sisters Series. Each book builds on the previous and each draws the reader deeper into the fascinating, deep space world that MK Alexander has created. HOMEPORT takes a poignant turn when Milo York, on top of shipmate losses, loses someone near and dear.

In the previous book NULL SPACE, our stalwart hero is fighting Urchins, parasite-like aliens, that are out to harm humans and their world alike. Now, he and his mates are battling on two fronts: Urchins and evil humans.

As always, the world building is exemplary and the characters endear themselves to the reader. I’ve truly enjoyed the first three books in the series and look forward to number four. A must read for MK Alexander fans, those that enjoy Sci-Fi and space operas or just relish a well-told tale. 

Available at Amazon 

 

SUNFLOWER TANKA: A 2025 Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose & Experimental Tanka by Colleen M. Chesebro and Robbie Cheadle

This is another wonderful SUNFLOWER TANKA offering as special as last year’s with many of the same contributors—from all over the world—along with first-timers of this particular anthology.  

There’re so many moving prose, I couldn’t begin to list them.

Along with many other gems, this one caught my eye:

 

‘I slept quietly

But felt a hand holding mine

I knew it was hers

It was my grandmother’s touch

Crossing the vales from heaven.’

 

If you read last year’s tankas, but haven’t yet read 2025, you are in for a wonderful treat. Enjoy. I certainly did.

Available at Amazon 

 

AND 

Did you know, that when Truman Capote wrote In Cold Blood, Harper Lee was his assistant?

 

100 Fun Facts About Books and Authors — Keeping Up With The Penguins 

 

 

 

 

IWSG Wednesday and Did You Know Thursday

 

The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

 

Twitter handle: @TheIWSG  

Hashtag: #IWSG 

The awesome co-hosts for the June 4 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Pat Garcia, Kim Lajevardi, Melisa Maygrove, and Jean Davis!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional

 

June 4 question - What were some books that impacted you as a child or young adult?

I read every horse story I could get my hands on: INDIAN PAINT, FROG THE HORSE THAT KNEW NO MASTER, BLACK STALLION, etc. BLACK BEAUTY broke my heart.

May/June Reviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.

 

THE HILL OF SACRIFICED SOULS by RC and JP Carter

Book 35 in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles focuses on the paranormal. The authors themselves actual paranormal investigators, part of a team out of FL.

A young woman, much loved by the community goes missing, abducted and killed by a ritualistic serial killer.  Hoping to prevent the killer from striking again and harming anyone she knows, the victim Eliana Espinosa contacts her friend, paranormal investigator Maureen Donovan, in a dream.  A dream that sends Maureen and her husband Mike racing to Magnolia Bluffs hoping to discover and stop the killer before he strikes again. Tension mounts as another young woman is kidnapped, while beings on both sides of the veil try to prevent another murder.

This will especially appeal to those drawn to the paranormal and are curious about how an actual paranormal investigation work.

Available at Amazon 

 

THE GENIE EFFECT by MK Alexander

What happens when a celebrity chef finds a lamp with an actual genie in it?

Celebrity Chef James Carter is on vacation in Morocco when he discovers a lamp in a tourist shop that he just has to have. Imagine his surprise when he rubs it to clean it and a genie appears, an attractive one at that.

After Azar emerges in a whisp of smoke James’ life becomes one big adventure filled with fun and romance. But not everyone is as enamored with genies as James is with his. An ancient wish has created a brotherhood whose sole purpose is to wipe out every genie in existence. And the brotherhood has nearly succeeded.

How will James and Azar get out of this dangerous coil they find themselves in? You’re going to have to read their story and find out for yourself. Grab your beverage of choice, put your feet up and settle in for a fun read.

M.K. Alexander worked for the New York Times for over ten years.

Available at Amazon 

 

FRANKLIN PIERCE, America’s 14^th President by John DiConsiglio

Franklin Pierce was not a well-known president or one that was very well liked. He tried to strike a compromise to keep the Southern states from seceding and ended up making both sides furious.

He also lost a beloved son two months before his inauguration. His wife was devastated and refused to attend, believing it was a sign from God that Pierce shouldn't run for office.

Pierce spent most of his time in office without a VP AND appointed his friend Jefferson Davis Secretary of War. He was also the only president to place his hand on a law book instead of a bible when he was sworn  in.

It’s not a known fact but there is speculation he was an alcoholic. And given his life it would hardly be surprising.  I found this book to be informative, but sad.

*This is part of a young person's presidential encyclopedia set, but also suitable for adults. 

Available at Amazon 

 

 AND

 

Did you know, June 4th is