Today’s spotlight is on author Tonya Cartmell! Tonya has 3 books published to date, 12 Days of Rescue, Pa’s Hockey Sweater, and Second-Hand Witch, and is a co-writer on Moxy Makes a Difference, with more stories from her being published in 2023. We can’t wait for her upcoming books! Here’s where you can order her current titles and learn more about her : Amazon.ca : Tonya Cartmell
Visit her website at http://www.tonyacartmell.ca
Today’s blog post features author, K.G. Watson. Ken is the author of a large number of books in our collection, and there’s no sign of him slowing down! He writes everything from historical fiction (Duty’s Son, Duty’s Daughter, Duty’s Dad) to non-fiction (Acts of Remembrance, a first-hand account of WW2 through the lived experience of a young girl in Holland during the war) and has written books that centre around real-life challenges such as ageing, homelessness, and the endurance of the human spirit (To Give and Receive with Grace, Life Supports, Stitch in Time etc.) You can find all of his titles on Amazon! Not only is Ken a published author many times over, he’s also an accomplished Opera Chorus singer, blacksmith, and genealogist. Ken has even narrated his own book, Duty’s Son, which will be available on Audible Audiobooks through Amazon soon! Check out his info below:
It’s ALL about Texas today! Let’s check out some really cool facts before we get to today’s writing prompt. Texas’ name comes from a Caddo Indian word, “teycha,” which translates to friends or allies. This name was given by the native people who lived here before the Spanish conquest. The land of this native American tribe was transcribed by an early Spanish explorer as “tejas,” and eventually made its way to the name we know today. Still today, Texas’ motto is “Friendship,” truly embodying the Southern hospitality the state is known for.
Dr. Pepper was invented in Waco in 1885 and began selling all across the country in 1904. Even today, the top-secret recipe is split in half and stored at 2 different Dallas banks.
Johnson Space Center in Houston is the site of Mission Control for all NASA flights into space. For more than 50 years, the country’s leading training, research, and flight control programs have been conducted here
Texas is a leading domestic producer of several products, like oil, natural gas, cotton, and wind power. This state alone accounts for 40% of the nation’s oil production and 25% of the natural gas production. Some of Texas’ other top exports include sheep, horses, citrus, pecans, and corn. Of course, to keep up with all that production, you need lots of land. With yet another #1 title, Texas has the most farms in the US–nearly 250,000!
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport covers 27 square miles of land (that’s larger than Manhattan), with 5 terminals and 191 gates. Even better, it’s the largest carbon-neutral airport in the world (and the first in North America)! (source: roamingtheusa.com)
Texas is known as the cowboy capital of the world. Many Texan ranches brand commercial cattle so that they can be identified. Since we’re in Texas, I thought it would be fitting to use this photo prompt for the creative writing exercise of the day! I’d like you to use the photo below to write a 2,000-word story in the third person narrative (he/she they/them), and I’d like you to put a Western spin on it; I’m talking cow folks in the old west, horseback, covered wagons and cattle drives, survival of the fittest. Use your imagination! For the opportunity to have your story featured on our blog, send us your work to pandapublishing8@gmail.com. Your story should be submitted before January 25, 2023, at 5 pm EST. Can’t wait to read what you’ve written! Check out some of our online writing courses here: Virtual Courses, Classes, and Workshops – Pandamonium Publishing House
You may remember that last week we put out a photo writing prompt that asked writers to send in their stories in the mystery genre. I’m thrilled to say that we received a ton of submissions and have picked a winner! Thank you to S.P. Taylor for your submission of The Bait. Authors, If you’d like to brush up on your writing skills, check out some of our courses and classes here: Virtual Courses, Classes, and Workshops – Pandamonium Publishing House. I hope you enjoy S.P. Taylor’s story as much as I did! Stay tuned for more prompts and opportunities to submit your stories.
The Bait by S.P. Taylor
In any other circumstance, I would fancy my surroundings as romantic. In hindsight, I realize, hiding behind an ancient crumbled estate at twilight whilst the fog steals across the remainder of the pale blue sky, this may not be the best spot for a rendezvous. Especially given that a murderer was likely on my tail, not a lover.
Birdie Quinn, how in the devil have you ended up here? I asked myself. My heart beat heavily against my chest. Small gulps of breath escaped my lips.
Bait, I reminded myself. If my suspensions were accurate, he’s following me. My plan feeling risky now.
A soft bird cried to my left. An Eastern whip-poor-will. I was comforted in knowing Thomas was somewhere here. Frightened that I may have put both of us in danger.
I heard footsteps approaching. In my seated position, I leaned deeper into the cold rock, aware that I was literally a sitting duck. An owl hoot, then silence. Something was gravely wrong.
“Amusing that you, an invalid, thought you could catch me. Did you figure me for a fool?” I heard his voice seconds before his face appeared inches from mine.
“No, you’ve averted the best,” I answered boldly, my body riveting.
“For days, I’ve watched you. Who could have imagined such eyes? How spectacular. I promise to leave them alone. As for the rest of you…” he didn’t finish.
Trembling, I thought of Tom. Myself. What have I done?
“I’ll give you to the count of ten to run and hide.” His laugh was diabolical. I could not move, and he knew this.
He pounced, his fingers clutching my throat. If eyes were the window to one’s soul, then I was sure my last breath would be at the hands of the devil.
“Do you hear that?” He whispered. “A crow sings. Bad luck, my dear”.
My heart leapt. Could it be? My throat was desperate for words.
“What’s that?” He mocked, loosening his grip.
“No, a raven. A bad omen for you, to be sure. For me, the opposite,” I managed.
A violent thrust, and I was free. Tom’s familiar shape in front of me, a raw gash to his forehead. The blood, red and hardened.
“Turn yourself in,” I ordered. Overcome with relief.
A gun materialized instantly, the gleam of its barrel shining against the darkening sky.
“Do I look frightened?” He taunted.
“No, but you should be.” I countered.
Within an instant, the authorities had us surrounded, their expert hands all trained to fire at the murderer.
Detective Civille was not difficult to spot as the sea of officers parted, and he emerged.
“Miss Quinn, how many times must I tell you to keep your curiosity at bay.”
“What the devil took you so long?”
Our eyes locked. Mine with gratitude. His? Perhaps relief? I didn’t think about it long before Tom lifted me into his arms and did as he had done so often in the past, giving me legs to safety.
Today’s spotlight is on author Gloria J. White and her book, Something More Important. Read more about Gloria below and order your copy of Something More Important today! Recommended reading ages 4-7, themes include patience, understanding, and family.
Order here: Something More Important – Pandamonium Publishing House
Order here: Something More Important: White, Gloria Joyce, Ulrich, Kelly: 9781989506448: Books – Amazon.ca
Writing prompts are an excellent way to break through writer’s block, stir up creativity, and try something new! For today’s prompt, I’d like you to write a 500-word story in the mystery genre using the first-person narrative. That means using I, me, and mine when telling the story from your point of view. Remember to develop your setting and character(s). Feel free to send me your story at pandapublishing8@gmail.com for the chance to have your story featured on our blog and to check out our creative writing classes, courses, and workshops Virtual Courses, Classes, and Workshops – Pandamonium Publishing House.
