Poetry Friday ~ Poet’s Choice of Words

Welcome, everyone! I hope you all had a great start to the new year.

 

2018 was a year of high highs and low lows for me, but in the end I am grateful for all the blessings bestowed upon me, for my family and friends (including my marvelous online friends), and for the opportunity to continue on my quest to realize all my dreams.

2018 started off with a bang as I was selected “Spotlight” author by the Rave Reviews Book Club. That was a great honor and I’m still excited about it. As “Spotlight” author I was given a week long blog tour featuring me and my book, The Fall of Lilith. Needless to say, January was a fantastic and memorable month for me. By the end of February I had sold many books and received close to 30 wonderful reviews.

I travelled to Japan and that was an amazing, life-changing experience. I also published the 2nd book in my Fantasy Angels Series, Son of the Serpent. And best of all I’m cancer-free! So, although there were some extremely tough times last year, I still consider 2018 to have been an overall great year and I’m looking forward to an even better 2019 for me and for all of you too. Let’s do this! 

This week it’s “Poet’s Choice of Words” at Colleen’s Weekly Tanka Poetry Challenge. I chose the words Year and Gratitude. I dedicate this Tanka to all those amazing people online and off who supported me through the tough times and cheered me on during the great times. You are special and will occupy a space in my heart forever. 

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This new year may you

realize your fondest dreams

recalling each and

every blessing with joy

and gratitude in your hearts

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I would like to share the latest review for my book, Son of the Serpent written by Author, Mark Bierman.

REVIEW:

I have yet to read the first of this series, so I was unsure of what to expect. Let me tell you, I was hooked in the first paragraph. Thanks to the skillful writing of author, Vashti Quiroz-Vega, living the tale through the eyes of Dracul and Lilith was effortless.

The references to biblical accounts were blended smoothly throughout, and depict Lilith orchestrating the downfall of humanity. The story can be described as a journey through biblical history viewed through the lens of the supernatural.

This novel is an ideal medley of action, raw emotion, and fantasy. It whets the appetite for more.

Happy reading and writing!

Doing my “Book Dragon” happy dance.

 

Year and Gratitude 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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Enjoy the 1st weekend of 2019!

Haiku Friday – Home & Free

 

Home and Free are this week’s prompt words chosen by Ronovan Hester of Ronovan Writes.

Ron hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge every Monday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your haiku poem. He is an author and poet and also does author interviews and much more on his blog. Be sure to check it out. Read Ron’s Haiku Prompt Challenge Guidelines for more information.

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Gadreel’s Lamentation

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Nefarious deeds

Got me exiled from heaven

Now on earth I roam

Hiraeth beckons my soul

But I can’t ever go home

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I’d gladly give up

the freedom earth allows me

for one day back home

Where flowers sing lullabies

and leaves dance all aquiver

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Floraison Scene Illustration by Jeff Brown for The Fall of Lilith

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Haiku Friday – Ire & Fire

 

 

Ire and Fire are this week’s prompt words chosen by Ronovan Hester of Ronovan Writes.

Ron hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge every Monday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your haiku poem. He is an author and poet and also does author interviews and much more on his blog. Be sure to check it out. Read Ron’s Haiku Prompt Challenge Guidelines for more information.

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I write Fantasy

With the passion of lovers

Making fire jealous

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Today is ‘Author Pride Day’––no it isn’t. I do feel excited to be an author today and most days. 

The following are the most recent reviews for my novel, The Fall of Lilith on Goodreads (You can also find them on Amazon). Please click on any of the images below to read the complete review and if the review is helpful to you, click “Like”. Thanks! I’m very grateful to the readers for reading and reviewing and I am beyond thrilled that they enjoyed the book.

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*I love books and movies about writers. If you’re interested you can click on the images below to see 50 films and 12 novels about writers.

50 Best Films About Writers | Flavorwire

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12 Novels About Writers

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Enjoy your Friday and to the wonderful moms out there have an amazing Mother’s Day!

 

 

Haiku Friday – Regal & Hopeful

Hi, everyone! Welcome to my blog!

I hope everyone is in good health and has had a wonderful week. I appreciate you stopping by to visit.

 

Regal and Hopeful are this week’s prompt words chosen by Ronovan Hester of Ronovan Writes.

Ron hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge every Monday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your haiku poem. He is an author and poet and also does author interviews and much more on his blog. Be sure to check it out. Read Ron’s Haiku Prompt Challenge Guidelines for more information.

 

*I was inspired by my novel, The Fall of Lilith today. It’s no wonder, since I’ve been working on my WIP day and night and referencing The Fall of Lilith plenty. I decided to write a Tanka, which is a haiku with two extra lines (7 syllables each).

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Illustration by Luis Royo

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Eager for the crown

She dreamt of being regal

And thus lost it all

She never sat on the throne

Yet she was queen in his heart

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If only she knew

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Illustration by Luis Royo

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This is the latest review written by author, Nia Markos for The Fall of Lilith:

I’m thrilled to announce that I’m on the last chapter of the first draft for “Son of the Serpent” (WIP). I’m excited but I still have a lot of work to do before it’s ready. I’m happy with the progress though.

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

Haiku Friday – Worship & Goddess

Hi, everyone! Happy Friday!

Worship and Goddess are this week’s prompt words chosen by Ronovan Hester of Ronovan Writes.

Ron hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge every Monday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your haiku poem. He is an author and poet and also does author interviews and much more on his blog. Be sure to check it out. Read Ron’s Haiku Prompt Challenge Guidelines for more information.

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To worship my God

You need never visit church

Nature’s His temple

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“I sit in silence and join the song of the universe.”

~Eunsung aka Silas

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In Other News:

I am doing the Amazon Countdown Promotion for The Fall of Lilith starting today.

Fri. March 30th – 99¢

Sat. March 31st – $1.99

Sun. April 1st – $2.99

If you’ve been thinking of purchasing, The Fall of Lilith take advantage of the reduced prices this weekend starting today. Thank you!

 

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Haiku Friday – Magic & Hope

Hi everyone! A warm welcome to my blog!

Since last year, I’ve been saying that I have a strong feeling that 2018 is going to be a great year for me. Well, so far I’ve had a great start to the new year. I mentioned earlier this week that the Rave Reviews Book Club had selected me as “Spotlight” Author for the month of January, which is amazing! It’s going great! I’m having a lot of fun in the “Spotlight”. The RRBC “Spotlight” Author Blog Tour is still going on and you can follow the line-up of blogs hosting me, here. Please visit some of these blogs and say hello.

My new release, The Fall of Lilith has received several great reviews this year, already! I’m extremely grateful to all of you who have read and reviewed the book. Thank you so much! You can read some of these wonderful reviews, here.

I have several goals for this year and two of these goals have to do with writing, so I really have to hunker down and get to work. I’m going to be ruthless about protecting my writing time this year.

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This is my “Spotlight” Author schedule for the month:

Blog Tour: 1/7/18 – 1/13/18

“Bring On The Spotlight” Radio Show: 1/18/18

“Who’s On The Shelf?” Interview: 1/25/18

“SPOTLIGHT” Support Day: 1/29/18

* I’ll announce the different events and give more details, as we get closer to the dates.

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Illustration “Dragon Writer” by Andrew Ferez (25kartinok – DeviantART)

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Some wondrous moments

appear like wishful dreams

carrying magic

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Illustration by Luis Royo (Dreams Collection)

 

“I believe we each make our own magic. It’s great to have hopes and dreams, but dreams only come true if we’re true to ourselves. To achieve our goals we’ve got to do more than hope. Hope works, if we do.” 

~Vashti Q

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Magic and Hope are this week’s prompt words chosen by Ronovan Hester of Ronovan Writes.

Ron hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge every Monday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your haiku poem. He is an author and poet and also does author interviews and much more on his blog. Be sure to check it out. Read Ron’s Haiku Prompt Challenge Guidelines for more information.

Rave Reviews Book Club “Spotlight” Author

 

Hi everyone! I have great news!

 

The Rave reviews Book Club has selected me as their January “Spotlight” Author! This is great news, because it means that my writing and my new release, The Fall of Lilith will be showcased all month throughout social media. The RRBC’s “Spotlight” Author Blog Tour began yesterday on Author, Wendy Scott’s blog, Wendy Scott Fantasy Blog and will continue until the 13th. You can visit today’s tour post on Author, Beem Weeks’ blog The Indie Spot. If you’d like to follow the line-up for the “Spotlight” Author Blog Tour and read all about what it is to be a “Spotlight” Author you can do so at Rave Reviews Book Club Blog.  I hope to see you at the blog tour!

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Rave Reviews Book Club “Spotlight” Author Blog Tour:

 

Fantasy Author Wendy Scott Blog

The Indie Spot

A Blog Focused On Writing An Music (Jan Sikes)

Michelle Abbott Romance Author Flawed Heroes

Shirley Harris-Slaughter

Life As I Know It (Marlena Smith)

Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko

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Have a great week, everyone!

 

 

 

Haiku Friday – Singe & Deep

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you are all keeping warm. The temperature in S. Florida is 55º F and it’s midday and the sun is blazing! 😮  To us, Floridians that’s like -10º F, anywhere else. Ironically, today’s prompt words from Ronovan Writes are Singe and Deep. Just reading the word singe warms me a little, but it also gives me an eerie feeling. With that being said, here’s my contribution for this week’s prompt challenge.

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“The house is on fire, and it isn’t my fault.” Emily crossed her thin arms as she stared at the burning house. She stood wide-eyed with red lips pursed.

The young female police officer in charged of her, observed her for a while. “Are you okay? I know this is a terrible experience for a ten year old girl to go through.”

The little girl didn’t look her way. She blinked a long blink and gave her a one shoulder shrug. Then she nodded her head ‘yes’, but said, “No, I don’t think so.”

The policewoman tilted her head and furrowed her brow. “I’m sorry, I know it’s got to be so hard for you. You can rest assured that the fireman are doing everything in their power to rescue your mother from the fire.”

Emily pressed her lips together, narrowed her deep-set chocolate brown eyes and then gazed at her like a puppy dog. “I left my scrunchy and my favorite teddy bear in the house. Do you think they’re burning right now?”

The policewoman stared at her and narrowed her eyes. She rubbed the nape of her neck and squatted down to be at eye level with the girl. She took Emily by the shoulders and turned her, so that they faced each other. “I think you should come with me. I can take you to the hospital where you can be properly looked after. You shouldn’t be here.”

Emily frowned and wrested her shoulders from her. She turned away and continued to stare at the house engulfed in flames. “Once I had a pet hamster. He accidentally walked into our fireplace. He made the strangest sounds as he burned––it was a he and his name was Agamemnon. Do you know how long it took me to learn that name? I was only six then, but that’s the name my mother wanted to give him. She couldn’t even let me name my own pet.” She grumbled the last sentence. “I would have named him, Apple, because he was round and had red hair like mine.” Her alabaster skin flushed making her freckles appear darker. She lowered her eyebrows and squinted her eyes. “Agamemnon died quickly and stunk up the whole house!” She turned to look at the officer. “Do you think my mom will stink like that, as she burns?”

The woman jumped to a stand and looked at the girl with a shocked expression.

Emily turned her sight to the burning house again. “I’m sure it will take much longer for my mother to die, because she’s bigger. She may stink up the whole block.” She crinkled her pixie-like nose.

“Come with me.” The officer took her by the hand and pulled her toward her squad car.

“No!” Emily screamed. “I want to stay here! I want to see.” She wore a hostile facial expression. She pulled her hand from the woman’s hand and took a few steps closer to the house. Her small chest heaved with every breath. She raised her chin and shoved her hands in the front pockets of her jeans.

The policewoman’s eyebrows bumped together in a worried scowl. She minced her way up to her and stood silently by her side. Her eyes were fixed on the girl and squinted in a furtive manner.

A fireman covered in soot and coughing approached the police officer. He took off his fireman hat and ran his hands through his hair. His face was black with residue from the intense fire, but his agonized expression was clearly seen. He gave Emily a grim look before turning to the officer again. He shook his head. “We did everything we could, but we couldn’t save her.” He lowered his voice some more and moved closer to the policewoman. “The fire got to her before the smoke. She burned to death. It was a gruesome sight.” He turned to Emily who was staring in their direction. “I’m sorry, kid.” He gestured goodbye to the officer and hurried away.

The policewoman wrapped her arms around her body. Her breaths were shallow and rapid. “I’m so sorry, Emily. The firemen did everything they could, but––”

“I know!” Emily interrupted her. “I heard everything the fireman said, even when he whispered.”

The police officer stared at the little girl with eyes glistening with pity, but her expression quickly turned to shock.

A grin spread slowly across Emily’s face, moving all her freckles.

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After the first death

there is no other, you see.

Fire is complete

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“Too many logs can squelch a fire. Flames need room to breathe.”

~Vashti Q

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Singe and Deep are this week’s prompt words chosen by Ronovan Hester of Ronovan Writes.

Ron hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge every Monday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your haiku poem. He is an author and poet and also does author interviews and much more on his blog. Be sure to check it out. Read Ron’s Haiku Prompt Challenge Guidelines for more information.

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Enjoy your day and stay warm!

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Keeping Up With The Quiroz-es

Hi everyone! A warm welcome to my blog.

I know December is a very busy month for many people but for me and my family it is downright cray-cray! We have lots of out-of-town guests. My niece Vanessa and her husband Luigi are here all the way from the island of Japan, my youngest sister, Kathy is down from NYC and my nephew Josh and niece Natasha are down from college (Tennessee).

The entire family gets together several times during the holiday season for several festivities. This year we’re having a “Gingerbread House Decorating Pajama Party & Cocoa Bar” at my house on the 23rd. The 24th is a huge party day in the Spanish culture, so there’s a big party at my brother’s house and then another big Christmas celebration at my cousin Alan’s house on the 25th! We also have events scheduled for the 31st and New Year’s Day. Oh, and as if that wasn’t enough, there are six birthdays to celebrate during the month as well, including my mom’s birthday on the 24th. To say the month of December is a hectic month for me and my family is an understatement.

That being said, and there is a point to all of this––he, he. I will be unplugging (well, almost) until after the new year. I may show up sporadically around Twitter, Instagram and Facebook but for the most part, I won’t be the busy little bee that I normally am, until after the holidays. To be honest, I’m exhausted already with all the preparations and the festivities haven’t even begun.

I wish you all a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season.

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But––if you do have a list and you checked it twice and realized you forgot someone, don’t fret! It isn’t too late to give the gift of a good book. 😉 ♥

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♥ As a Christmas gift to all my followers and friends, “The Fall of Lilith” will be marked down to 99¢ on December 24th, 2017. (One Day Only) ♥

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Haiku Friday – Flare & Steam

Happy Friday, everyone! Welcome!

I hope you are all doing well. It’s a beautiful day here in south Florida, although it’s still a bit chilly and by chilly I mean 70º F––yep, definitely sock weather. 😉

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I’m sharing a section from Chapter 16 from my novel, The Fall of Lilith today. The angel Fornues was a follower of Lilith and Satan and he too was cast out of heaven (Floraison). Fornues was one of the largest and strongest angels yet was easily led by the others, especially Lilith. When he fell to Earth he was transformed and could no longer speak but he had the ability to communicate with his mind. This is his account of his fall from grace.

Oh, one more thing. The language in which I wrote this book is a combination of early modern and contemporary English. If you’ve read any of Shakespeare’s works, seen movies like The Gladiator or The Other Boleyn Girl, then you may perceive what I did. 

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Chapter 16

FORNUES’ CURSE

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I have learned much from Satan’s account of his fall,” Lilith said. “Perhaps we should all tell our stories. It may prove enlightening.”

“That is a great idea.” Samael puffed himself up to tell his story next.

Gadreel glared at him, still hurt by his display of jealousy earlier. “It is a wonderful idea. Dagon, perhaps you should give your account next. I am certain we are all curious to learn how you came to be transformed into a merman.”

Samael muttered under his breath.

Dagon smiled at her. “I think it may be more interesting if Fornues told his story first.”

Samael frowned and huffed.

“Indeed, I am rather curious about how Fornues entered this world and how he came to be as he is,” Lilith said.

“How can the monster tell his story when he cannot break words?” Samael said in a sarcastic tone.

“He is not a monster!” Gadreel frowned and her hands squeezed into fists. “He is our friend and he can communicate to us in our minds as he has done since we came together.” She rolled her eyes at him and turned to Dagon again, touching her hair.

“Shall we move closer to shore, Satan?” Lilith asked.

Fornues interjected, “There is no need, for I can hear all your words clearly—even yours, Samael.” He dropped the last three words to a grumble.

“Apologies, Fornues, I meant no harm.” Samael shrugged.

“Go on, Fornues, reveal your story in our minds,” Satan said.

“I looked down from the edge of Floraison and saw the dark, icy waters of a vast frozen sea,” Fornues began. “Every fiber of my body trembled in fear of the unknown. As I plunged toward Earth, I thought of only doom. I was void of hope. If there was a future to be had at all, I saw only blackness.” Fornues became more and more emotional as he unintentionally transferred the feelings and experiences he described to the other angels. They suffered the despair and physical agony he communicated. “I crashed through solid ice into freezing waters. The pain that swathed me was indescribable. I did not believe I could survive. I suffered a million sharp spears stabbing me simultaneously over my entire body, again and again. I wailed in despair, for who could hear me?”

So real was his description in their minds that the others howled in pain, as though their bodies were crashing through the congealed surface of the frigid sea. Gadreel’s limp body lay sprawled on the ground, as if damaged and immersed in freezing water. Dagon hollered as the excruciating pain of freezing body tissues gripped him.

“I struggled as ice water filled my lungs paralyzing them,” Fornues continued. “I flapped my wings, flailed my arms, and thrashed my legs. It seemed the more I struggled, the faster I sank. I experienced crushing pressure, blows to my abdomen, and small explosions in my eyes. I longed for the light above me whose distance grew further out of my reach.”

Lilith screamed and writhed in agony as her body underwent cold, piercing jabs. Satan tried to assist her, but he, too, suffered the physical torments Fornues described. Samael convulsed as he experienced drowning in the frozen waters.

“I began to undergo a massive transformation, which began with my wings growing heavy. They began to tingle and blister as the freezing water destroyed underlying tissues. My wings congealed and became as ice. They became so painful I wanted to rip them off. My body grew and expanded in every direction. All the while, I shrieked and groaned, believing my body was being torn apart.”

Satan howled, clutching and tugging at his wings, for the pain they yielded was unbearable.

Fornues stopped communicating. His friends moaned, contorted, and juddered on the ground. “What is happening?” he asked.

“You have drawn us into your rendering, and we have suffered all you have described thus far,” Lilith said, breathless and wincing.

Fornues realized for the first time that he had the ability to project his feelings and physical torments onto others if he did not control his emotions. “Apologies. I was not aware I had such capacity. Perhaps I should not render my account.”

“Nonsense!” Dagon winced as he rubbed his chest and arms. “Simply control your projected feelings. We have all been through much suffering, but this is in our past. Tell us what happened to you, knowing in your heart that you have already overcome all you described and are the better for it.”

Samael threw his hands in the air. “He shall be the death of us all.”

Dagon and Gadreel glowered at him.

“What say you, my prince?” Lilith directed her sight on Satan.

“Pay no mind to Samael and continue your story, but heed Dagon’s counsel and project your feelings inward and not at us,” Satan said.

Samael clenched his jaw and lowered his head.

Fornues continued his story. “I no longer possessed the form of an angel, but had become the monster you see now. My wings were gone. I do not know why, but I mourn my wings the most. I realized I could no longer break words. When I opened my mouth to cry out for help, the sound I produced was a terrible shrill. I continued uttering the jarring sounds as I struggled in the frozen waters, hoping one of my friends would hear my call and somehow recognize it was I. My metamorphosis caused me intense pain, and I was afraid.”

Dagon hung his head.

“I was aware I was all alone and cursed,” Fornues continued. “I struggled against the changes, but only caused myself more pain and suffering. Still, I panicked and lamented, ‘Please, someone help me! I am all alone and in so much trouble.’ I hoped against hope that one of my allies would hear me and come to my rescue.”

“That was uncharacteristically optimistic of you, Fornues,” Lilith said, mocking him.

“His optimism served him and us well since we were able to find each other because of his hopeful cries,” Gadreel said. “Dagon, please tell us your story. I am certain––”

“What of Beelzebub?” Lilith glanced at Gadreel with a sneering smirk. “Does anyone know what became of him?”

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Fornues

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Pitiful angel

Led astray by one of pause

to suffer and burn

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In a dark world without laws

Here was no peace––no escape

(Flare – Burn) & (Steam – Led astray)

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Flare and Steam are this week’s prompt words chosen by Ronovan Hester of Ronovan Writes.

Ron hosts a challenge that anyone could participate in called Ronovan Writes Weekly Haiku Poetry Prompt Challenge every Monday, and you have until Sunday to create a post featuring your haiku poem. He is an author and poet and also does author interviews and much more on his blog. Be sure to check it out. Read Ron’s Haiku Prompt Challenge Guidelines for more information.

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