Smorgasbord Blogger Weekly 19th May 2024 -#Poetry Robbie and Michael Cheadle, #Funnies The Story Reading Ape, #Desert #Arizona D. Wallace Peach, #GoodNews Jill Dennison, #PrehistoricSmarts Jacqui Murray, #CorporateGreed D.G. Kaye

A small selection of posts I have enjoyed this week and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full.

Robbie Cheadle interviews her son Michael who has co-written the popular Mr. Chocolate series with her and other children’s books. He is also a talented poet and he shares his favourite poem, song and one of his own poignant verse. Hosted by Writing to be Read and Kaye Lynne Booth

Head over to enjoy reading Michael’s poetry choices: Robbie Cheadle interviews her son Michael

As always Chris the Story Reading Ape pulls wonderful funnies out of the hat… this one certainly hit the spot.

Head over for a good laugh: The Story Reading Ape’s Monday Funnies

Diana Wallace Peach shares the majesty of Arizona from the jagged peaks to the blossoms that still thrive in the desert, blooming after the rain.

©image Diana Peach

Discover the majesty of Arizona and the desert: Seasons of poetry Spring in the desert

Jill Dennison brings us two stories… one on how a smile can have life changing effects and a hero who risked his own life to save a family…

Something to smile about: Good People Doing Good Things

We may think we modern man is the most intelligent of the species but early man two million years ago was no slouch in this department. Jacqui Murray whose prehistoric novels have us all spellbound takes a closer look.

Discover how bright prehistoric man was: How Smart was Lucy

Debby Gies explores the greed of those who promise the world and then when they have you hooked begin to up the ante. Millions around the world watch Netflix and are caught in their web.

Head over to enjoy Debby’s take on Netflix’s latest money grab: And the Greed Goes On

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will enjoy the posts as much as I did..

Smorgasbord Blogger Weekly – March 2nd 2024 – #Review Liz Gauffreau, #Elephants Darlene Foster, #Concert John Howell, #Funnies The Story Reading Ape, #Family Cindy Georgakas, #Review Jacquie Biggar

A small selection of posts I have enjoyed recently and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full… thanks Sally.

Elizabeth Anne Gauffreau​ shares her review for the compelling family drama The Memory by Judith Barrow Author​ certainly a book I can add my recommendation for.

Read Liz’s review for this compelling novel: The Memory by Judith Barrow

Darlene Foster​ shares her visits to Elephant sancturies on her recent trip to Thailand and as always some wonderful photographs. How wonderful to be up so close and personal with these magnificent creatures and actually get to feed some.

Head over to join Darlene and her new friends: There be Elephants

John Howell has a wonderful series of posts with photos and stories from around his neighbourhood… in this post a visit to the Lakeway Activity Center for a concert featuring the Lake Travis High School Fiddlers.

Join John and his neighbours for the concert: Neighbourhood brown bag concert

Chris The Story Reading Ape never fails to entertain with his Monday Funnies and this week is no exception.

Head over for more giggles: The Story Reading Ape Monday Funnies

Cindy Georgakas shares some wonderful family photos and how her Dad aged 98 has come through a tough time to be able to enjoy celebrations such as this and a new lease on life. She has written a beautiful poem in honour of her Dad.

Head over to enjoy the lovely photographs and poem: A new lens to see

Jacquie Biggar shares some of the books by Amy Harmon including her review for The Outlaw Noble Salt – a different perspective on the life of Butch Cassidy. All the books Jacquie showcased look amazing and I am going to add some to my TBR beginning with A Girl Called Samson.

Head over to enjoy Jacquie’s review and to discover more books by this author: Book Review and the work of Amy Harmon

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will head over to enjoy these posts in full.. Sally

Smorgasbord Blogger Spotlight – June 16th 2023 – #Guest Marcia Meara and Darlene Foster, #Funnies The Story Reading Ape, #Tribute John Howell, #Dessert Dorothy Grover Read, #YorkshireDales Judith Barrow.

A small selection of posts I have enjoyed this week and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full.

Find out Five More Things about author Darlene Foster, who spills the beans on being a young great grandmother, kayaking and books, as a guest of Marcia Meara, whose blog is a great place to be noticed.

Head over to discover the five things you may not know about Darlene Foster: Marcia Meara and Darlene Foster

Chris The Story Reading Ape shares his Monday Funnies and Aunty Acid shared her particularly astute view of the world..including this one.

Head over to enjoy Aunty Acid’s humour: The Story Reading Ape’s Monday Funnies

A sad post but lovely tribute for Lucy, big sister to Twiggy. John Howell took a great many photos of the two of them and lovely to see them again. A big loss for the family, but Lucy will always be in their hearts and ours.

Head over to see these lovely photographs of two sisters and a lovely friend: Twiggy remembers Lucy

If you are looking for a delicious summer dessert then Dorothy Grover- Read of the New Vintage Kitchen served up Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp and ice cream recently and I for one will be trying out this recipe..

Head over to get the recipe: New Vintage Kitchen Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Judith Barrow shares an evening walk in the Yorkshire Dales with a very impressive sheer rock face…Amazing photographs and in one you should try to spot the climbers…..

Head over to enjoy this walk and scenery via Judith’s photos: Yorkshire Dales

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full… thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Blogger Spotlight January 23rd 2023 – #Reviews D.L. Finn, #Reading Robbie Cheadle, #Writinglinks D.G. Kaye, #Diary Yvette Calliero, #Interview Judith Barrow, #Funnies The Story Reading Ape, #Powercut Cheryl Oreglia

A small selection of the posts I have enjoyed this week and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full. Thanks Sally.

Denise Finn shares three of her reviews from the first part of January for Harmony Kent, Elizabeth Gauffreau and Alex Craigie. Amazing books and I can highly recommend too.

Head over to read Denise’s reviews for these wonderful books: Denise Finn January Book Reviews

Robbie Cheadle explores the best way to teaching our children about the natural environment and conservation as it is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. She shares some excellent ways of making sharing about nature and conservation with children both educational and fun on Writing to be Read.

Head over to read this interesting post from Robbie: Growing Bookworms – Teaching Children about Nature and Conservation

Debby Gies shares her monthly compilation of helpful writer’s tips including Anne R. Allen Ruth Harris, Diana Peach Diana Urban, Jessica Bell, and Hugh Roberts..

Head over to take advantage of Debby’s foraging for great writer’s tips: January Writing and Blogging Tips from D.G. Kaye

Yvette Calliero has been participating in the RRBC 30-Day #Blogging Challenge #GetToKnowMe with a blog post a day. One of the interesting by products is, having read this post is just how much we cram into our days in one way or another. Another reason for finding ways to relax and unwind from time to time. Lovely way to get to know our fellow bloggers.

Head over to enjoy sharing a day with Yvette: A Day in My Life with Yvette

Judith Barrow shares another her Places in our Memories with guest Kathy Miles… lovely recollections of Liverpool and Wales.

Head over to meet Kathy and enjoy her memories: Places in our Memories with poet Kathy Miles

As always Chris the Story Reading Ape manages to find the funniest characters online including this couple… some of the gags are a little close to home.

Head over for some laughter: The Story Reading Ape – Monday Funnies

Cheryl Oreglia had a three day powercut so went on a road trip which highlighted the devastation of the storm front on the Californian coast..It was quite the adventure and in typical Cheryl style, was infused with good humour.

Head over to share the adventure with Cheryl: We are still in the Dark

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will head over to enjoy these posts in full..  Sally.

 

 

Smorgasbord Blogger Spotlight 2023 – #history Robbie Cheadle, #Funnies The Story Reading Ape, #Opportunities Marcia Meara, #Review Olga Nunez Miret, #Priorities Pete Springer, #Connections Jennie Fitzkee

A small selection of posts I have enjoyed recently and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full.

Robbie Cheadle with a post on Writing to be Read, shares the fascinating creation story of the Shona People in Zimbabwe, and it is amazing to read how many elements other creation stories across the cultures share in common.

Head over to discover more about the myths and legends of the Shona People: Robbie Cheadle – Shona – Zimbabwe

If you missed his Christmas Day funnies and love dogs and cats then head over to Christopher Graham for some home truths.

Head over to enjoy the words of wisdom and laughter: The Story Reading Ape Funny Signs.

Marcia Meara is inviting you to join her for her very popular 10 Things you may not know about me series or her Guest Post on Tuesdays. I have been at the receiving end of Marcia’s hospitality and it is always great fun and a wonderful place to be showcased.

Head over to check out these amazing opportunities: Marcia Meara author and bloggers promotions 2023

If you are looking for some dark humour and a different take on the world, then this book, reviewed by Olga Nunez Miret might be just up your street. Baking Bad: Notes from my Diary by John Dolan

Head over to read Olga’s review for this intriguing sounding book: Baking Bad: Notes from my Diary by John Dolan

Pete Springer shares his thoughts on the coming year in relation to blogging and his presence online. He has two children’s books he wants to focus on and so will be stepping back from blogging on a regular basis. Since I know that many of you are also reviewing your online presence as I am too, I am sure you will find an interesting read.

Head over to read what 2023 will hold for Pete’s writing and blog: Pete Springer’s priorities 2023

Jennie Fitzkee shares the amazing connections her family has with a movie of a true story of heroism in a time of war. Certainly a film I will look out for.

Head over to read this amazing story of connections over the decades: Devotion – The Personal Back story

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will head over to read these posts in full.. Sally.

 

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Blogger Weekly July 15th 2022 – #Writing Mae Clair, #Kindness John Howell, #Funnies The Story Reading Ape, #Nostalgia Darlene Foster, #Tafftrail Judith Barrow

A small selection of posts I have enjoyed this week and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full.. thanks Sally

Mae Clair writing for Story Empire, takes us through her writing implements from pen and paper to top of the range computer programmes.. I can certainly relate and it is a wonderful measure of how far we have come in the last 50 years.

Head over to enjoy the nostalgic look at how we used to write our books and stories on Story Empire with Mae Clair: Writing Then and Now

John Howell shares another one of his good news stories and this week an airline that goes the extra mile with one of their captains offering an act of random kindness to a little girl.

Captain Josh – courtesy of Laura Larmon

Head over to discover just what this kind hearted airline captain did: Tgif Friday Good News and a Tooth Fairy

As always Chris, The Story Reading Ape shares great funnies on a Monday and he has some very astute family members including Maxine on the joys of July, heat and picnics.

Head over to absorb and enjoy Maxine’s words of wisdom: The Story Reading Ape’s Monday Funnies

Darlene Foster shares some amazing pre 1950 photographs of her family and friends. So wonderful that today’s technology allows us to scan and preserve the memories for future generations.

Image Darlene Foster

Head over to enjoy this trip back to the mid 20th century and Darlene’s wonderful photographic memories: Memories in Photos

Judith Barrow and her granddaughter and lovely dog Benji.. takes us on a guided tour of Taff Trail in Radyr. A wonderful walk in nature but also some fascinating historical elements to enjoy. Plus a very special heart stone…

Image Judith Barrow

Head over to enjoy the walk and the photographs of this special place:  Walking the Taff Trail with Judith Barrow

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will head over to enjoy these posts in full.. thanks Sally.l

 

Smorgasbord Blogger Weekly 25th June 2022 – #Poetrycontest Colleen Chesebro, #DriveThrues John Howell, #Runes Jan Sikes, #Reviews Diana Peach, #Funnies The Story Reading Ape, #TenThings Marcia Meara and Alex Craigie

A small selection of posts I have enjoyed this week and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full.

This week on Colleen Chesebro​ Wordcraft poetry there is a syllabic poetry contest with a theme of ‘dreams’ in the Tanka Prose format. Head over for the details and you have today and tomorrow the 26th  to submit your entry

The Word Craft Poetry Syllabic Poetry Contest: #TankaProse

As always John Howell is the ‘go to’ guy on how not to behave when encountering life’s experiences. In this week’s post… Top Ten Things Not to Do in a Fast Food Drive Through. Sage advice if you want to enjoy the process….

Top Ten Things Not to Do in a Fast Food Drive Through by Life Expert John Howell

I think most of us look for signs that offer postive affirmation of what our present and future circumstances are likely to bring us. Jan Sikes shares her readings of both the runes and cards this week to motivate us.

Image Jan Sikes

#MondayMotivation – #Meditation #RuneReading #DragonOracleCard

Now for some book reviews from Diana Peach… the next best thing to receiving a review from Diana, is reading those she has written for other authors. Hence our overcrowded TBRs… In this post reviews for Teri Polen, Jan Sikes, Harmony Kent, DL. Finn, Marcia Meara and two anthologies Quantum Wanderlust and Poetry Treasures Volumen 2 (Relationships).

Myths of the Mirror June Book Reviews Part One

And more positivity with the humour from Chris Graham The Story  Reading Ape who shares funnies every Monday. Flo is a feisty woman of a certain age who has created her own rules to manage the daily challenges that come with maturity….

The Story reading Ape Monday Funnies

Alex Craigie (Trish) is the guest of Marcia Meara this week in her entertaining series Ten Things You May Not Know About Me.. and Alex shares some wonderful and amazing snippets. Plus Marcia’s review for Means to Deceive the excellent latest release by Alex.

Head over to enjoy finding out more about Alex: Ten Things You May Not Know About Alex Craigie with Marcia Meara

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will head over to enjoy the posts in full.. thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Blogger Weekly – 10th April 2022 – #OnlineProtection Jacqui Murray, #Review Traci Kenworth, #Publishing Nicholas Rossis, #Flash John Howell, #Funnies The Story Reading Ape

Welcome to a small selection of posts I have enjoyed recently and I hope you will head over to enjoy in full. Thanks Sally.

The first post is an important reminder from Jacqui Murray about securing your WIP from hackers and also accidentally losing all your work.

Secure your WIP from hackers–easy and free

Tech Tips for Writers is an occasional post on overcoming Tech Dread. I’ll cover issues that friends, both real-time and virtual, have shared. Feel free to post a comment about a question you have. I’ll cover it in a future tip.

As a writer, it’s critical to protect your work. If anyone stole them, it would ruin our day, our year, longer.

Here’s an important step to take to protect your mss that’s easy and free: 

Head over to find out the important steps to take to protect your work: Jacqui Murray – Secure your WIP

The next post is from Traci Kenworth with a review for The Girl From the Well by Rin Chupeco plus some recommended blog links…

Book Blurb: “[A] Stephen Kinglike horror story…A chilling, bloody ghost story that resonates.”― Kirkus

From the highly acclaimed author of the Bone Witch trilogy comes a chilling story of a Japanese ghost looking for vengeance and the boy who has no choice but to trust her, lauded as a “a fantastically creepy story sure to keep readers up at night” (RT Book Reviews)

I am where dead children go. 

Head over to read Traci’s review and discover her recommended links for the week: Book Review: The Girl From the Well by Rin Chupeco by Traci Kenworth

Nicholas Rossis shares a guest post that explores the options for publishing your book today including the growing audio book market.

Should You Publish Your Book as a Paperback, Audiobook, or Both?

This is a guest post by Junaid Ali, a full-time blogger at The Character Counter. He has successfully grown organic revenue by 74% in 5 months through better analysis of the website and SEO Activities. To grow your website, you can contact him at talhaehsan333@gmail.com.

Head over to find out more about the growing market for audio books: Should you publish your book as a paperback, audiobook or both

Now for a delightful take on a photo prompt by John Howell that I think many of us can relate to with regard to the weekly shop..

Tuesday Anything possible – Kreative Kue #354 by Keith Channing

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm on Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next time.”

The photo. 

Head over to read John’s piece of flash fiction: Everything Possible Kreative Kue 354

And last but definitely not least…Christopher Graham the Story Reading Ape continues to deliver the funnies every Monday as he celebrates 9 years of blogging, bringing writers together with opportunities and information as well as humour.

Head over to enjoy all the funnies: The Story Reading Ape – Monday Funnies

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will head over to enjoy these posts in full.. thanks Sally.

Smorgasbord Blogger Daily – 5th November 2021 – #Guests – Robbie Cheadle with Frank Prem, Marcia Meara with Antoinette Truglio Martin, C.S. Boyack with Staci Troilo, #Funnies The Story Reading Ape

First Robbie Cheadle hosts Frank Prem who shares the background to his children’s poetry books with wonderful images of The Beechworth Bakery Bears.. a third in the series out soon. Robbie also shares her review for the book.

Robbie’s Inspiration – Guest post by Frank Prem and a review 

Today, I am delighted to welcome poet and author, Frank Prem, to Robbie’s Inspiration with a post about his The Beechworth Bakery Bears series of books.

What is it about Bakery Bears?

I can’t really begin to examine my literary aspirations for The Beechworth Bakery Bears books without recounting the context for my becoming aware of them.

Head over to discover the beginnings of the Beechworth Bakery Bears and the new addition to the series: Robbie Cheadle hosts Frank Prem

In the next post Antoinette T Martin joins Marcia Meara to share the background to her series Becoming America’s Stories including her latest release The Dreams of Singers and Sluggers.. 

#GuestDayTuesday – Antoinette Truglio Martin 

Today, I’d like you good folks to help me welcome Antoinette Truglio Martin to the Write Stuff. This is her first visit with us, but I hope it won’t be her last. And, without further ado, I’ll let Antoinette tell you more about who she is and what she’s written.

Thank you, Marcia. The heart of the Becoming America’s Stories series came from my grandmother and her sisters telling and retelling their stories at the dinner table or in the kitchen. Stories grew from each teller, and time shifted perspective and facts. My grandmother, the eldest, was born in Sicily and immigrated with her mother across the ocean in steerage. She was perhaps two years old when she arrived and met her father for the first time in 1905. The family lived in the Lower East Side tenements on Manhattan Island. Four American daughters were soon born to the family. My grandma spent her crowded childhood in three-room flats on Mott Street and Mulberry Street.

Head over to discover more about the fascinating background to Antoinette’s latest book: Marcia Meara hosts Antoinette Truglio Martin

The next post today is from Craig Boyack who hosts Staci Smith Troilo as she shares an excerpt from her latest release No Such Luck.. looks like a terrific read.

No Such Luck #NewBook #Romance 

Please welcome Staci Troilo today. She’s a dear blogging friend, a tremendous author, and a partner in Story Empire. I’ve learned a lot from her, and suggest everyone get to know her. She has a new book to tell us all about, and I hope you’ll check it out.

Thanks for inviting me here today, Craig. Hi, everybody. I appreciate you taking a few minutes to chat with me about my new release, No Such Luck. It’s a fast and fun clean romance perfect for the holidays.

Piper Seidel loses her good luck charm, and that sets off a chain of unlucky events for her. The following is a brief excerpt from the novella, when she has the misfortune of running into her unrequited high school crush unexpectedly.

Head over to enjoy the excerpt from Staci’s new book: No Such Luck New Book launch

And last but definitely not least.. we might have got to Friday but if you need a little boost to get you to the weekend… here are some funnies from Chris, The Story Reading Ape..

Head over to recharge your Mojo: Monday Funnies… Recommended

 

Thanks for dropping in and I do hope you will head over to enjoy the posts in full.. have a lovely weekend.. Sally.