The Alphabet Challenge.

I'm not sure about you, but I can barely contain my excitement over the upcoming challenge that brings further awareness of the alphabet you might be familiar with.  You know, the one that goes from A to Zed, or if you're American, A to Zee.

If you don't know of this challenge and want to self-promote and accumulate followers who may well be those much loved drive-by bloggers, then, by all means, join in.  Sorry, cynical moment over.  If you don't know of this challenge and embrace the ethos of positive interaction in a sharing, caring, blogging community, this challenge may well be to your liking.

Now then, if you're really fascinated and really do want to get involved in time for the fitting date of April 1, 2013 aka "April Fool's Day",  here is the link that leads you there, yep, complete with a countdown clock to the beginning of this amazing alphabet challenge : Blogging from A to Z Challenge (April 2013)  All the information you could possibly need is provided there.

As for Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar, my good self and even the wee folks, we'll  be doing our mainly satirical alternatives to the challenge.  Good natured, of course.  In fact, perhaps somewhat ironically, in our own small way, we bring further awareness of this blogfest or whatever the heck you call it.  And all those hosts of the A to Z just adore us.

So, to cause confusion, chaos and a bit of fun, we may well do the alphabet in reverse.  Yes oh yes, starting with the letter Zed or "Zee" if you speak in American.

If you are doing the challenge or are still contemplating a theme, here's a handy store to go visit in Leek, Staffordshire, England.  Just think what inspiration you might find.

On a serious note, I wish all those involved, a most fulfilling, positive time.  May the ideals of a sharing, caring blogging community, all different, all equal in this great diversity, see you find much contentment and friendship.

"Hmmmm...something beginning with Zee, oops, Zed.."

A Dog On A Blog.

I've seen a human doing poetry
Bringing words of so much glee
A Pat in the Hatt
Is where's it at
Clink on the link
And see what you think>>>>>It's Rhyme Time

Now it's time to see
Some pawetry from me

A Dog On A Blog.

A dog on a blog
Makes you feel all agog
Dr. Seuss
Is on the loose
Mother Goose
Bullwinkle the Moose
In a caboose
Getting footloose
Humpty Dumpty
Goes bumpety bumpety
Comments on blog
Can confuse this dog
Spam-I-Am
Just a scam?
Shakespeare
It does appear
Did a book with Dr. Seuss
A book indeed you might just choose
Green Eggs and Hamlet
How strange does it get?

"The Call Of Agon" By Dean F. Wilson.

I would like to introduce to you a fine youth author.  Dean F. Wilson's first published novel, "The Call of Agon : Book One Of The Children Of Telm", is now available for purchase.  Dean recently contacted me and asked if I could possibly bring further awareness of his book.  It's my pleasure to do so.

An Interview with Dean F. Wilson.

Question 1 :  When did you first realise you have a passion for writing?

"When I was a child. I remember starting writing properly (as in not just for school) at age 11, but my family think I started younger. 11 was when I started writing my first novel, however. It began as a film script, but after a while I thought I would have more luck by writing the book and then the script later when the book was a success. Then I fell in love with the art of writing fiction, and scriptwriting has never been my cup of tea since. I also recall school teachers pointing out when I was even younger that I came up with very interesting and unusual constructions of sentences, which I think was the first sign that words would be my art."

Question 2 :  Do you write according to a routine?

"Yes and no. My "day job" is journalism, so I have to work on a stricter routine for that. News gets old, and at the end of the day I need to make a regular income, so it's a daily requirement. My fiction has been off and on over the years, but it is becoming a bigger part of my life than ever, and I am delighted to be able to live out my childhood dream. I can write when inspiration hits, but I can also write by just forcing myself to sit at the computer. Often you cannot wait for inspiration—it needs to be sought out."

Question 3 :  What motivates your writing?

"Probably my greatest motivation is the desire to explore real human experiences in creative and evocative ways. Language is a very potent tool, and I love reading books where a single sentence will stop me in my tracks with its elegance and brilliance. Some of these can stay with you for a long time, hitting a nerve and resonating with a part of the human psyche or soul. Fantasy has the potential to be particularly powerful. On the surface it seems like little more than imagination, but it can address real things in a way that contemporary fiction cannot. In many ways it is a deceptive genre, delivering a message beneath the surface of myth."

Question 4 :  What author or authors inspired you?

"In the fantasy genre, which I primarily write in, I would have to include Tolkien, of course, but there are dozens of others who have been directly and indirectly influenced by him, including George R.R. Martin and Stephen Donaldson, whose work I enjoy. I tend to like darker stories, so a touch of Neil Gaiman goes a long way, and for something lighter there's always Terry Pratchett. The latter two joined forces quite well in the excellent Good Omens. I think the old reliables like Shakespeare, the Greek epic poets Homer and Virgil, and more recent poets like W.B. Yeats have also been a significant influence on my style."

Question 5 :  What message would you like to share with an aspiring author?  

"Many people say they would like to write a book, but the thing that makes you an author is perseverance. You have to sit down and write, rain or shine, whether the mood strikes you or not. It requires a lot of discipline, and it is a very lonely art, but it is also extremely rewarding. Watching and participating in the unfolding of a story is an amazing process. The best way to learn the craft is to write, and to read often and widely. Ultimately success boils down to those who endure, whether it is in the painstaking process of writing itself or the often more painful process of publishing thereafter. So keep at it."

"Thanks again, Gary."

You're very welcome, Dean.  Thank you for such excellent responses to the interview questions.

The Blurb for "The Call of Agon : Book One Of The Children Of Telm."

"THE LAST LINE. THE LAST WORDS. THE LAST CHANCE.

Ifferon is one of the last in the bloodline of the dead god Telm, who mated with mortal women, and who imprisoned the Beast Agon in the Underworld. Armed with a connection to the estranged gods in the Overworld and a scroll bearing Telm’s powerful dying words, he is tasked with ensuring the god’s vital legacy: that Agon remain vanquished. Fear forces Ifferon to abandon his duty, but terror restores his quest when the forces of Agon find his hideaway in an isolated coastal monastery.

Weighed down by the worries of the world, but lifted up by the companions he encounters along the way, Ifferon embarks on a journey that encompasses the struggles of many peoples, the siege of many lands, and discoveries that could bring hope to some—or doom to all."

You can find out further information about Dean's book and other contact information at the following link : Dean F. Wilson

In conclusion, to give you an idea of Dean's intriguing book, I leave you with the above video.  And Dean, here's wishing you much success and fulfilment with your writing endeavours.   Continue to share your love of the magic that is the written word.

The Wee Folks Dreaming Of Spring.

Such a long, seemingly never ending winter.  The wee folks in their magical garden, looked for the signs that promised spring.  Then the snow doth cometh again.  And again.

What to make of it all.  Tiny snowdrop flowers, ready to emerge, sleeping once more under heaps of snow.

Oh how they dreamed of previous springs.  A time of joy, the rebirth that the spring doth offer.   And yet, despite the cold, despite the snow, they held onto the dream.  

They cast their thoughts to the coming times when the sun kissed the horizon in a slowly fading farewell.  Shafts of light, once more, would glow upon the blossoms of pink and the joyous faces of the wee folks.

The wee folks dreaming of spring in the northern part of this fragile planet.  Time for renewal.  With the new spring, brings a new hope from the wee folks that humanity can learn lessons from their all different, all equal world.  A world where no stigma is attached and we celebrate diversity.  

Time To Catch Up.

Oops, I'd said I would do my own bit in promoting books, either finished or being worked on.  Due to some circumstances beyond my control, I had to delay this posting.  So here we go.....

Author and professional speaker, L. Diane Wolfe, has recently released her latest book. This is her seventh book.  And here's a quote to give you an idea about her latest book.

"HOW TO PUBLISH AND PROMOTE YOUR BOOK NOW! 

Publishing and promoting made simple! 
Have you always dreamed of publishing a book but didn't know where to begin? This book walks you through the steps of identifying markets, budgeting, building an online presence, and generating publicity. Get the whole story on: 
• Traditional publishing
• Self-publishing
• Print and e-book setup, formatting, and distribution
• Finding your target audience
• Generating reviews and media interest
• Networking and developing an online presence
• Promotional materials and appearances
Uncover your ideal publishing path and numerous marketing options before you begin. Writing is your dream. Give it the best chance for success! "

You can get further information on Diane's highly informative book and how to purchase it or any of her other six books here:  Spunk On A Stick's Books.

And you can discover Diane's blog site here:  Spunk on a stick   Wishing you all the very best, L. Diane Wolfe.  May you continue to inspire authors, published or aspiring.

Speaking of aspiring authors, our blogging friend, Tammy Theriault, is working on a novel titled, "Living RunAway".  I know that Tammy is taking a bit of break from the writing of it.  So, as she notes and I quote: "I didn't know where to go with it.  I don't outline, never liked it in school & continue that no not me philosophy.  So I was the "fat guy in a little coat".  I was stuck!"  Yes, that dazzling radiance in the above photo is Tammy!

I just wanted to let Tammy know that she has my ongoing support.  I know that the passion of writing will continue her on with her dream.  If for some reason you have never actually visited Tammy' site, here is the link that takes you there :  Tammy Theriault

That's it for now.  In a few days time, I will be highlighting a book by a young author.  And fairly soon, I will be announcing the publishing date of another author I have been working with in the background.  Yes and for reasons beyond what my last two brains can ever comprehend, a number of writers, published, aspiring or just plain desperate, contact me.

Be well, my friend.  May the magic of the written word continue to fill your heart and soul.

The Inner Puppy.

Greetings, yes it's me, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar.  Thought it's about time I did a pawsting, sorry, posting.  Let my human, Gary, yes the human I so kindly allow to live with me, take a break. The old fellow is exhausted.

He did ask me to hold off for a couple of days before I pawblished, sorry, published a posting.  I know he was hoping that a number of people might read his posting.  Let them see that through adversity, we can find inspiration.  Yes, he sought out his inner child and during such recent times of torment, I sensed that peace was beginning to embrace him in new and magical ways.

And during those times of torment, of his lingering doubt, I've been here for him, comforting him, making him realise that all will be okay.

A little while ago, he did something rather unusual, he went out the front door.  "Where are you going, Gary?"  "To the hospital", he replied.  And the next day and the day after that, I asked him the same question and got the same reply.  On the fourth straight day of him going out I said, "Let me guess, you're going to the hospital?"  "Not this time, Penny.  I've got to go to a medical assessment where I have to prove I've not been very well."  I found that most odd.

The weekend started and I noted he was tired and confused.  "Gary?"  "Yes Penny?"  "Gary, I have sensed, very deeply, that the last two months have been a huge challenge to your resilient spirit.  I am an adult dog and yet, my dear human, I rejoice in the purity that is my inner puppy.  Relax Gary, tune into your inner child and let the pure goodness immerse your environment.  You are going to be fine.  You love me and I love you."

I saw the solitary tear flow down his cheek.  A tear, of relief, of reflection, of hope, of happier times to come.  He looked at me and said, "Penny, beautiful Penny, indeed there are times when it seems that negative forces, be it external, internal, or a combination of both, tried to mess up my life.  I'm learning the lessons.  Lessons that teach me that through adversity, I gather strength, determination, inspiration.  As you embrace your inner puppy, spread joy to me, to all who are blessed to know you, Penny I have the wisdom to defy my inner critic and embrace my inner child."

"Penny, when it's dark and rainy, I do not merely see droplets of water on the window.  The raindrops, illuminated by the street lamp, become stars and the street lamp, a galaxy.  I can see the positive in what can seem the most negative of moments.  Thank you, Penny."

Here I am as a puppy.  Held lovingly in the arms of my brother, Tristan.  He was but twelve years old in the photo.  Me, a couple of months old.  Now he is twenty four and we have been together for half his life.  I am still that puppy.  The inner puppy exudes so much non-judgemental, unconditional love.  Tristan, my brother, Gary, my dad, know that their inner child will get them through the toughest of times.

Listening To The Inner Child.

We all have choices.  In the past, I made the mistake of giving in to negative thoughts. The screaming chatter in my head that told me I was useless and not worthy of being a part of society.  A pathetic man trapped in his self-imposed prison.  And I clung onto those thoughts.  Reinforced by those who exploited my vulnerability and compounded by me.

In one last gasp attempt, I reached out for the last remaining shreds of my self-worth, my dignity. Negative energy will not be given permission to sabotage my right to a peaceful, positive life.  I will not drown in the sea of despair.  Now I walk along the beach of dreams where the sea and the sky embrace.  Beyond the horizon, the voices in the chorus of compassion, the instruments in the orchestra of enlightenment, merge together, flow as one, in peaceful, rhythmic harmony.

I challenged my fears.  Understood that the inner critic tells lies.  Yes, I have been scared.  Yet through those dark clouds of fear, I found inspiration.  Inspiration to carry on, to face any outcome, with a resolve, a determination that has made my heart, my soul, rejoice with the knowledge that when you seek the good, you find the good.  I began to listen to my inner child.  For the inner child reveals the truth.

A positive environment starts from within and transcends to the world beyond.

The past few weeks have been painful, hopeful.  Moments where I sat in a darkened room, stared out at the stars and felt the solitary tear flow down my cheek.  My life has been one of bizarre contradictions.  I am the reluctant recluse who when he braves the outside world, becomes a man who brings that smile to someone who seems so sad.

I have made many a mistake and lessons are learnt.  I am not defined by my mistakes.  What I learn from my mistakes, defines me.