Hi, everyone! I hope you all have had a great start to the new year.
First, I have some news. I have a new short story available on Amazon titled, Memoir of a Mad Woman. Today’s poem (my first attempt at a Sonnet) was inspired by this story. Memoir of a Mad Woman is a fictional memoir loosely based on the case studies of a female Psychopath and it’s aimed at an 18+ audience.
Mystery and Attract are this week’s prompt words chosen by Colleen Chesebro ~ The Fairy Whisperer.
*The catch is that we can only use the synonyms to these words in our poems.
Colleen hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called, Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Tuesday Poetry Challenge every Tuesday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your Haiku, Tanka, Haibun, Etheree or Cinquain poem. She is an author and poet, and also does book reviews and so much more on her blog. Be sure to check it out.
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I can’t compare you to another girl.
You are an enigma that frightens me.
In your gleaming eyes I see rough winds whirl,
yet your smile makes me wonder what you see.
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In life alluring souls are born to shine,
and everyone dances in their sunlight.
Except you, because you plan her decline.
Perhaps she’s not what she seems in your sight?
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You see things in ways that others cannot.
Crazy thoughts in your head are real to you,
but in the “real” world would be a long shot.
Your madness is a thing to look into.
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So long as you can breathe, and crazy spurs,
you’ll sing a deadly song of gray to her.
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“Emma had nothing to lose but her mind.”
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Blurb:
A short story from the award-winning author of The Fall of Lilith and Son of the Serpent, Vashti Quiroz-Vega.
Who can explain how madness begins?
This is the story of Emma. Raised by a religious fanatic, orphaned at a young age and sent to a mental institution and an orphanage. Molested and betrayed by the people who should be watching over her…
Who can say that madness has no logic?
During a fight, Emma’s best friend punched her in the abdomen. Since then, Emma has believed there’s something damaged inside of her.
Every month… she bleeds.
She tries to fight it all her life, but the pain and the blood return twenty-eight days later… and the cycle begins again.
But Emma, even in her madness, knows how to take care of herself.
She knows how to make things right…
You may not agree…
But, who can reason with insanity?
Read this sad but fascinating tale and traverse the labyrinthine passages of madness.
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I would like to share a wonderful review written by Author, D.L. Finn.
“Memoir of a Mad Woman” is a short, but chilling read. You’re taken into the mind of a young girl, Emma, who had a very unstable upbringing. Emma ends up in an orphanage. This is where she’s finally pushed completely over the edge. It’s brutal and almost unthinkable what follows. The characters feel real, which makes it all the more terrifying in their cruelty. How Emma responds to what she considers a complete betrayal, you can’t help but to root for her and feel her pain. I thoroughly enjoyed this psychological thriller and felt like I understood her madness. I highly recommend this well-written dark short story.
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I hope you enjoyed this post. Take care!
It’s a nice sonnet and a fantastic blurb!
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Thank you, Priscilla! I’m so happy you enjoyed the poem and blurb. Thank you for the feedback on the blurb I’ve been wanting to know people’s thoughts on it, but haven’t heard much. ❤ xo
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It sounds like a gripping read. Congratulations and good luck, Vashti!
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Thank you, Olga. Enjoy your weekend! ❤ xo
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Ooh intriguing! I will have to get a copy of Memoir of a Mad Woman.
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Yay! That would be awesome, Michelle. I’d love to know what you think of it. 😀 xo
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Sounds very interesting and I’m excited to dive into Memoir of a Mad Woman! Good job, V and I hope you have a great weekend. 😀
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Hi K! It’s a “Novelette”, so it isn’t the big book people are used to getting from me, but I hope it’s an entertaining short read. You have a wonderful weekend too, my friend! ❤ xo
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Great review by Denise. Congratulations, Vashti.
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Thank you, John. I’m excited. It’s my first review for Memoir of a Mad Woman. 😀 xo
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A good one too. 😍
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Exploring the nature of madness is an intriguing journey in writing. The mind is a curious thing. These words struck me, “You see things in ways that others cannot.” A description of a mad-person, but also of a genius. 🙂
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That is very true. But there’s a saying, “There’s a thin line between genius and insanity.” 🙂 Thank you.
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Congratulations on your newest book. Hope it does well for you.
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Thank you very much, Craig. 😀 xo
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You never cease to amaze me! ❤
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Aww, I feel the same about you, buddy. ❤ xo
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Wow! What a cover! Congratulations, Vashti. I hope you’re continuing to feel better each day. ❤
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Hi Jill! I wanted to be sure that the cover grabbed people’s attention. Ha, ha. I do feel better every day. Thank you. ❤ xo
The book cover was designed by The Book Khaleesi, Eeva Lancaster. She does all kinds of covers and has great prices too. http://eevalancaster.wixsite.com/portfolio/book-cover-designs
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This sounds fascinating, Vashti. You can’t reason with mental illness either. I bought this and will read it straight after Voyage of the Lanternfish.
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Thank you very much, Robbie. Mental illness is something that is not taken very seriously here in the USA. It’s becoming a really big issue with people not getting the help they need for mental disorders. Although this is a short fiction, I’m hoping that it will at least make people think about the lack of empathy for people with mental illness in the world. 😀 xo
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Your sonnet is beautiful. I just purchased your book. I look forward to reading it!! Best of luck, Vashti! ❤️
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Thank you very much, Dorinda. I’m happy you enjoyed the sonnet and that you purchased the book. I hope you enjoy the story. ❤ xo
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You’re very welcome. I’m sure I will!! 🙂
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Wow, Vashti! Congratulations on the book release. I haven’t added the Sonnet to the syllabic poetry choices because it’s really involved to write. All that iambic pentameter stuff. Way to difficult for our challenges. LOL! However, you did a lovely job. This book looks like a spooky read… ❤
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I could have sworn it was on your list. I didn’t realize how involved it was until I began to write it. Phew! It’ll be a while before I attempt to write another one. I followed the Shakespeare pattern. The short story isn’t so much spooky as it is raw. It isn’t for the faint of heart, but to me it’s an important read because it brings to the forefront the lack of help and care for the mentally ill in the US. I’m glad you liked the poem. Thank you.
❤ xo
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You’re brave, Vashti. I stuck with syllabic poetry because everyone can learn how to write those forms. Your poem was spectacular and your new novella looks fab!!
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Thank you. ❤
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Now that sounds a very fascinating read. Great poetry too. Really enjoyed. 🙂
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I’m happy you thought so, Marje. Thank you! 😀 xo
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Vashti, I wonderful and atmospheric sonnet … you nailed this format and a delight to read. Sonnets are not often attempted (I would never dare try) but a rewarding read. Wow, your short books sounds intense and incredible … I’m hooked by both the story blurb and the terrific review. For some reason I seem to be drawn to darker literature at the moment and have bought this to read soon.
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Hi Annika! I didn’t realize how involved and difficult sonnets were to write. This poem took much more time to do than I wanted to spend, but once I start with something it’s difficult for me to quit on it. I’m happy the blurb worked on you and the review was terrific. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you very much. 😀 xo
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This is fabulous news, Vashti! The published story, amazing review, and captivating poem are gems to celebrate. Cheers to you! XO
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Thank you, Natalie! I thought of you while writing this poem, not because of the content but because of the complexity of it. I know you write free form poetry but your poems are intricate and masterfully written always. As always, I appreciate your kind words. ❤ xo
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All the best with your new release!
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Thank you, Mark! 😀
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Congratulations, Vashti!
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Thank you, Merril! 😀 xo
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You’re welcome!
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That cover is awesome! And the blurb is fantastic. Knowing your writing style, I’m sure the short story is going to be a hit! 🙂
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That’s such a cool thing to say, Yvette. Thank you very much, my friend. ❤ xo
The cover is by The Book Khaleesi, Eeva Lancaster. http://eevalancaster.wixsite.com/portfolio/book-cover-designs
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What a fantastic sonnet, Vashti! I love the cover of the new story and just discovered it in the RRBC catalog. It’s on my radar!
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Hi Jan! I’m so happy you enjoyed my sonnet. Oh yes, one of the first things I did after it was published was to submit a form to place it in the RRBC catalog. Thank you for having my short story on your radar! ❤ xo
The cover was designed by The Book Khaleesi, Eeva Lancaster.
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You did a beautiful job with that sonnet! 🙂
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Thank you very much, Robert. I worked really hard on it. I had no idea how complicated it could get when I decided to do it. 😀 xo
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It takes real discipline to use a strict poetic form and make it work. Congratulations!
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