Sunday, July 16, 2017

Guest Author Walter Rhein #OurAuthorGang

Our Guest Author today


Walter Rhein

Walter Rhein is the author of Perseid Press release Reckless Traveler, an expat novel dealing with his adventures living and traveling in Peru. He runs the blog StreetsOfLima, and writes for Silent Sports and other print and online publications. He can be reached for comments at: WalterRhein@Gmail.com

What inspired you to start writing?
Writing is a compulsion. If I don't get up in the morning and write for an hour or so, I don't feel like the day is complete. It's a nice ritual of keeping your life in order. Writing helps you to organize your thoughts and, eventually, make sense of them. If you are unable to make sense of them, you can at least arrange them in a fashion that is pleasing to look at. Sometimes the nonsensical result ends up being the best.

What genre do you write?
Dystopian Fantasy, Heroic Fantasy, Humor

Book Links:
The Reader of Acheron
Reckless Traveler



Excerpt from “The Reader of Acheron”
“Did you know there once was a time when all children were educated in a great variety of subjects?”
Kikkan shook his head.

“That building we were staying at was such a place.  It was called a school.  Every day children were brought to similar buildings in their village and separated into groups.  They were then instructed in subjects such as writing, mathematics, and history.”

“It sounds like a significant undertaking for children.”

“Concepts were simplified.  Subjects were separated and the children worked on relevant concepts for an hour or so before being dismissed to the next lesson.  These dismissals were signaled by a bell.”

Kikkan marveled at the ingenuity of it.  “It must have been wonderful.”

“It could have been,” the old man admitted, “but it wasn’t.”

“But I thought you had respect for the concept of education.”

“I do.  But these schools were not truly about education.  You see, it was all a grand deception.  Learning the skills of reading, writing and arithmetic were secondary goals.  The real purpose was to trick the children into thinking they were obtaining something useful, to get them to submit to the necessary conditioning to make them a functional workforce.  The schools were not really designed to expand the children’s minds or encourage them to embark on grand new thoughts.  No, the true purpose was to give them the most basic level of competence at rudimentary skills then train them to work in groups, conform to an hourly schedule, and obey a central authority figure.  The whole system was designed to proliferate the submissive mentality necessary for maintaining an industrialized nation.  The goal was never to create packets of individual, creative, maverick thinkers.  The system was designed to make followers not leaders; drones who willingly bowed to a higher authority – any higher authority.”

“Why was that bad?”

“Because a need for a central authority figure is an unnecessary remnant of primitive, semi-savage civilization.  Adherence to that misguided need creates a cultural ceiling that results in the prolonged, unnecessary suffering of every member of the society.”

Adam spat the last words to emphasize his disdain.

Kikkan found his head was spinning, he found he needed something to connect to.  “Were the slaves taught as well?”

“There were no slaves,” Adam replied.  The question seemed to take the wind out of him.  Then he laughed.  “Well, not officially anyway.”

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Guest Author Jennifer Whalen #OurAuthorGang

Our guest today


Jennifer Whalen

I write science fiction, but I am also dabbling in other genres.
I have been writing since I was a pre-teen, but my writing really took off shortly after the passing of my mother. I have Tourette Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. I am currently working on a science fiction series, partially inspired by the James Patterson master class.




Excerpt from the book:
Stooping down in front of Jadis, the woman looked at him with fervent golden eyes, offset by a slightly flattened nose. She tilted her head slightly to one side, “Last man standing…” she said, getting to her feet, “I believe those were your very words…Colonel,” she commented, running her tongue across her glassy fangs. “Pitiful sight, right here,” said the woman, tapping her chin with her index finger, “Tell me, Colonel—how does it feel knowing this slaughter was meant for you? Does it hurt?” Stooping down again, she leaned forward and licked the top of Jadis’ ear, “I’ve won, Liesel,” she whispered in a seductive tone, her breath scorching his ear.

Jadis shoved the woman back, wincing in pain, as his injuries burned, “I would risk the last man standing if it meant the complete annihilation of SHINRA and all the monsters in it!” he said hoarsely, his eyes hard and unreadable.

Eyes full of sly cunning, the woman grinned with satisfaction, “Your men died for nothing,” she said, seizing Jadis by the front of his jacket. She yanked the man forward, their faces mere inches apart. Caressing the side of Jadis’ face with her fingers, the woman’s nails blackened and lengthened several inches. “SHINRA is untouchable,” she voiced sternly, driving her knife-like nails into his chest, centimeters from his heart.

Heaving forward, he grabbed the woman’s forearm with both hands. Jadis lifted his eyes and fixed her into his seething gaze, “I will not die so easily,” he choked, his eyes turning a luminous blue color. A deadly instinct fully engaged. “I will gladly die here—but I will be taking you with me!” he shouted.

A sudden overpowering force threw the woman backwards. Crashing into the vaulting pine, the sheer force of her body’s impact fractured the dark trunk, turning the splintered wood into airborne projectiles.

https://www.amazon.com/Sanctity-Enemy-Loved-Jennifer-Whalen/dp/1546858938/


Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Glastonbury ~ The Ancient Isle of Avalon #OurAuthorGang #Arthurian #Glastonbury





In my last post I talked about how Arthurian Legend began with the story of Merlin. Today, I wanted to look at an Arthurian location that I am sure you have heard of...


“And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountains green?”

Jerusalem by William Blake


Glastonbury Tor


There is something about Glastonbury (the fabled Isle of Avalon), she gets under your skin and stays there. I have heard many accounts of people coming from all over the world to climb the Tor, or to walk around the romantic ruin that is Glastonbury Abbey. This draw to Glastonbury isn't a new thing, though. People have been doing it for thousands of years. The reason? Well, there are many. But for today's post, I want to look at some specific Arthurian reasons as to why Glastonbury was a place of pilgrimage in the past.

 
Glastonbury Abbey

Joseph of Arimathea and Glastonbury.

“Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.  The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.”
Luke 23:50-53

Joseph of Arimathea's story can be found in all four gospels of the Bible.  But that is not the only place we can find him. You can also find him in Glastonbury, England!

 Joseph of Arimathea by Pieto Perugino


Joseph of Arimathea — A British Story?

According to the Glastonbury — I am going to call it Legend — Joseph was a wealthy merchant who travelled to Cornwall to purchase tin. On one of these trips to Britain, Jesus came with him — hence Blake's famous opening line in Jerusalem.

A pilgrim traveling to Glastonbury Abbey


But Joseph wasn’t just a merchant, he was also fundamental in bringing Christianity to Britain — Christianity indeed came to Britain, but the jury is out on whether Joseph had anything to do with it. Not only did Joseph bring Christianity to Britain, but he also built a Christian Church  - in fact, he built the very first Christian Church in the whole world, and he built that Church in Glastonbury.

In c1340 John of Glastonbury - a Benedictine monk and chronicler - assembled The History of Glastonbury Abbey. Just to put this time in context we are in the reign of Edward III — the Abbey has a few years yet before Henry VIII Reformation and Dissolution of the Monasteries (1536-1541). 
Now Glastonbury, at the time was a place of pilgrimage. Not only did people come to the Abbey because of their interest in Joseph of Arimathea, but they also came because of the Arthurian connection.

Glastonbury Abbey

Joseph of Arimathea and King Arthur

John stated that when Joseph came to Britain, he brought with him two vessels. One of these vessels contained the blood of Jesus and the other his sweat. John also claimed that Arthur was descended from Joseph and he had the pedigree to prove it!

There was no reason to doubt John’s words. Years later, after the Dissolution of Glastonbury Abbey, Elizabeth I, told the Roman Catholic Bishops that the Church of England pre-dated the Roman Church in England because of Joseph's missionary work. 

The "Darnley Portrait" of Elizabeth I (c. 1575)

Over time, the version of events changed. Instead of two vessels, Joseph brought one, and this vessel became known as The Holy Grail. It is said that when Joseph visited Glastonbury, he hid the Grail in a well  — which is why the water has a reddish hue to it. You can visit that well today, and if you ever find yourself in Glastonbury, I recommend that you do, The Chalice Gardens are beautiful to relax in on a summers day.


The Chalice Well Gardens — note the red spring water which is caused by Iron Oxide, but in all fairness, it does taste like blood!


Joseph, not only brought Jesus and the Church over to Britain, but he settled in Glastonbury too. He was given some land by King Arviragus. Or so they say...!

The Glastonbury Thorn


But it doesn't end there. When Joseph visited Glastonbury he thrust his staff into the ground at a place called Wearyall Hill — then, something amazing happened. A thorn tree took root and sprouted from the staff. A miracle indeed. Interestingly, a budded branch of The Glastonbury Thorn is presented to the Queen once a year at Christmas — A British tradition.

The Glastonbury Thorn
Is the story true? The monks at Glastonbury Abbey were certainly pragmatic enough to know that a good story would draw in the crowds, and an Abbey the size of the one in Glastonbury certainly needed funding. It is worth remembering that Arthurian legend wasn't Arthurian legend back then — it was Arthurian fact. Throw into the mix Joseph of Arimathea, and those monks were on to a winner.

***

If you fancy joining me in the 6th Century, then why not check out
 The Du Lac Chronicles series!





Read for Free on
 


References:

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Jerusalem by William Blake

Joseph of Arimathea by Pieto Perugi, Wikipedia

 The "Darnley Portrait" of Elizabeth I (c. 1575), Wikepedia

The Glastonbury Thorn, Wikepedia

The Chalice Well Gardens ~ Pixabay

All other images are my own.  

 

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots: Guest Post ~ Erika M Szabo #Hungarian #myths #lege...

Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots: Guest Post ~ Erika M Szabo #Hungarian #myths #lege...: I am handing the blog over today to fantasy / children’s author, Erika M Szabo . Erika is going to introduce us to Hun...

The Pesky Parrot #OurAuthorGang

Today I'm posting about my Award Winner bilingual children's book,
Pico, The Pesky Parrot
Pico, el Loro Latoso


In stores

Signed print

The purpose of this English and Spanish bilingual book is to show children the beauty of the English and Spanish language side by side. The story also delivers a message to children about family values, accepting people with disability and finding a solution to problems with friends as a group. Also, when we don’t take the time to listen to each other, we tend to judge others quickly before we get to know them. 

About the story:
Sarah, Emma’s mom, promised to bird-sit Pico for two weeks but soon regrets her decision because the noisy parrot keeps screeching and squawking all day, annoying her family and the neighbors. When Pico makes a mess of Emma’s room, Emma gets very angry, but her friends help her. Charlotte notices that Pico seems sad, and Pedro finds out why Pico is shrieking so loudly all the time. The parrot is frustrated because nobody pays attention to him, and nobody understands what he wants.

Review quotes:
"As a former ESL teacher, I was impressed by author Erika’s bilingual story about a pesky parrot and wondered why books like this one (written in both English and Spanish at many reading levels and interest ranges) were not available when I was teaching." ~Bette A. Stevens

"Pico the Pesky Parrot is an adorable story that teaches a strong message of compassion, community, and communication." ~Janet Balletta

 Pages from the story


English Page:
When it was time to go to the airport, Molly dropped off her bird and cat at Sarah’s house. Miau started playing with Emma’s cats right away, but Pico flew on top the sofa and started squawking. 
Pico looked at Molly with suspicion in his beady eyes. He anxiously shifted his weight from one foot to the other perching on the sofa and shrieked, “Irgr, irgr, irgr.” Pico seemed angry and afraid and started scratching the sofa cushion with her sharp claws.
“I’m so sorry Pico, but I will be back soon. Goodbye, Pico.” Molly said with tears in her eyes, and she left quickly.
Dennis, Sarah’s husband, was not happy, “This bird will drive me crazy!” he shouted.
“Not a peep out of you Dennis, I didn’t say a word when you brought your friend’s Great Dane home while he was on vacation.”
“Sorry honey, you’re right.” Dennis calmed instantly. “I’ll zip my mouth and take the screeching for two weeks without a word, I promise.”

Spanish page:
Cuando llego el momento de ir al aeropuerto, Molly llevó al loro y a la gata a casa de Sarah. Miau empezó a jugar con los gatos de Emma en seguida, pero Pico se posó sobre el sofá y empezó a gritar.
Pico miró a Molly con recelo en sus brillantes ojos —¡Irgr, irgr, irgr!
Pico parecía enfadado y asustado y empezó a arañar el cojín del sofá con sus afiladas garras. 
—Lo siento mucho, Pico, pero volveré pronto. Adiós Pico —dijo Molly con lágrimas en los ojos, y se marchó rápidamente.
Dennis, el marido de Sara, no estaba feliz.
—¡Este pájaro me va a volver loco! —gritó.
—No digas ni pío, Dennis. Cuando trajiste a casa al Gran Danés de tu amigo mientras él estaba de vacaciones, yo no dije ni una palabra.
—Lo siento, cariño, tienes razón —Se calmó rápidamente Dennis—. Cerraré la boca y aguantaré los chillidos sin decir una palabra, lo prometo.


English page:
After Charlotte had put the thought in Emma’s head that Pico might be trying to tell them something, Emma looked at the bird differently.
“I wish I knew what you want Pico,” she said to the bird.
Pico looked at her, ruffled his feathers and shrieked, “Quue, quue, quue, manzzaarrna, manzzaarrna.”
Emma got angry. “Oh, there you go again! I don’t know what you want, and I have had enough of your screeching. Shoo, get out of my room, shoo!”
The bird looked at her with sad, intelligent eyes and shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
“Didn’t you hear me? Shoo!” Emma yelled.
Pico kicked his body up into the air and flew out of Emma’s room.
Emma felt angry and sad at the same time and a little embarrassed, “I’m trying to talk to a stupid bird,” she whispered.

Spanish page:
Después de que Charlotte le hubiera sugerido que Pico podría estar intentando decirles algo, Emma empezó a mirar al pajaro de un modo diferente.
—Ojalá supiera qué quieres, Pico —le dijó al loro.
–Pico la miró, agitó sus plumas y parloteó: – ¡Quué, quué, quué, manzzaarrna, manzzaarrna!
—¡Ya estás otra vez! No sé qué quieres y ya estoy harta de tus chillidos. ¡Vete, sal de mi habitación, vete!
El loro la miraba perspicaz con ojos tristes mientras cambiaba su peso de una pata a otra.
—¿No me has escuchado? ¡Vete! —gritó Emma.
Y de un salto, Pico salió volando de la habitación de Emma. La niña se sintió enfadada y triste a la vez, y además, un poco avergonzada.
Estoy intentando hablar con un pájaro estúpido —susurró.

Click on this link to read more pages from the book:



Click on the link and read about my books in my author magazine



COMMENTS

Erika M Szabo

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Thank you Rick :)
 
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Erika M Szabo via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
The Pesky Parrot #OurAuthorGang
Today I'm posting about my Award Winner bilingual children's book, Pico, The Pesky Parrot Pico, el Loro Latoso In stores https://books2read.com/u/mdKQdW Signed print http://www.authorerikamszabo.com/store/c36/Book_Bargain.htmlThe purpose of this English an...
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Cristina Grau

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Excellent book with great graphics for bilingual children.
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Thank you Cristina :)

Lorraine Carey

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
I love those colorful illustrations!
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Thank you Lorraine :) I illustrate all my books :)
 
You are multi-talented my dear Ms Szabo!

Joe Bonadonna

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Pico! This is such a cute story for children, as well as their families. The illustrations are lush and very eye-catching. I love the excerpt you've chosen, and offering a Spanish version to readers in wonderful. Congratulations on the award!
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Thank you Joe! This book sells the most copies out of all my children's books :) I think parents like it that the English and Spanish pages are facing in the paperback so children can compare the two languages.
 
You're welcome! That was a great idea to format the book in that fashion.

Mary Anne Yarde

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
What a fabulous children's book!
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Mackenzie Flohr

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
I have never seen a book having both languages side by side like that. What a great idea! I am surprised more books don't do this.
 
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Joe Bonadonna via Google+

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
Author and illustrator Erika M Szabo talks about her bilingual, award-winning children's book, "Pico, the Pesky Parrot," and gives us a great excerpt in both English and Spanish. Come visit us at A Small Gang of Authors.
https://asmallgangofauthors.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-pesky-parrot-ourauthorgang.html
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Rick Haynes

1 year ago  -  Shared publicly
 
What a great name Pico is, especially for a parrot. The graphics look great, so colourful and vibrant. Well done Erika, it's looking good.
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