Choose a website to browse: BUSINESS, ART, or BOOKS/ LITERATURE. It's quick and easy.

Create an account to share your creations and discover personalized content. Share your artwork and literature, and establish business profiles. Compose articles, publish press releases, and organize events.

Already registered?

Explore Art Classes

Join Our Art Classes and Explore New Techniques & Topics

Join Today

Articles

Seraphel - Shadows of Malevolence

In the enigmatic realm of Seraphel, where darkness whispers and malevolence thrives, a haunting tale of supernatural intrigue unfolds. "Seraphel - Shadows of Malevolence" invites readers into a world shrouded in mystery and teeming with secrets waiting to be unraveled. Journey alongside Evelyn "Evee" Blackthorn and Gabriel Wolfe, two seasoned hunters, as they step into the chilling embrace of Oakwood Manor, a mansion steeped in ghostly apparitions and spectral whispers. With each turn of the page, the presence of Seraphel, an ancient and sinister entity, grows stronger, its shadowy tendrils reaching out to ensnare the unsuspecting.

From the eerie beginnings of their investigation in "The Haunting of Oakwood Manor," Evee and Gabriel are thrust into a spine-tingling journey that takes them deep into the heart of the supernatural. Unexplained shadows dance along the walls in "Unexplained Shadows," while their first encounter with Seraphel sends shivers down their spines in "The First Encounter." As they uncover the dark origins of Seraphel in "Investigating Seraphel's Origins," Evee and Gabriel delve into forgotten rituals and legends, unearthing long-forgotten truths that could hold the key to Seraphel's malevolence.

As Seraphel's power intensifies, the battle against the shadows becomes a race against time. "The Dark Ascendance" reveals the depth of Seraphel's influence, while "Seraphel's Sinister Influence" showcases its ability to manipulate and control the unsuspecting. With each passing chapter, the stakes rise, and Evee and Gabriel must confront their own inner turmoil and fears in "The Inner Inferno." The clash of elements and the embodiment of darkness in "The Clash of Elements" presents our protagonists with a formidable adversary, testing their resolve and pushing them to their limits.

Throughout their perilous journey, Evee and Gabriel's bond strengthens, and they gather allies to aid them in their battle against Seraphel. Together, they must face "The Phoenix's Sacrifice" and make decisions that will shape their destiny. As the shadows dissipate and the final battle looms, "Flames Rekindled" symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, as Evee and Gabriel emerge from the crucible of their trials forever changed, ready to face new challenges and protect the world from the encroaching malevolence that threatens to consume it.

"Seraphel - Shadows of Malevolence" is a captivating tale of supernatural suspense, blending elements of horror, mystery, and redemption. With vivid descriptions, immersive world-building, and characters who grapple with their own inner demons, this first installment sets the stage for an unforgettable series that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages, yearning to uncover the secrets hidden within the shadows of Seraphel.

Amazon.com: Seraphel - Shadows of Malevolence eBook : Gould, Matthew: Kindle Store 

Love and the amazing ways to show the beheld feelings

Love and Hate, the distance between the two (in time and in between two separate worlds or ideas of perfect hubs - to disturb or not to disturb? (to which level?), and the closeness between the two, the thin line drawn (always by Bugs Bunny) and the pieces of the puzzle called The World to unify a broken concept and make of it the representation of what palpably is with life implying death, at times even asking for it... or longing for an end. So, it must be my life the one longing for... my end? Wow! What a hero I have become!

But who am I saving and is it for the best? Do I like it? And if the answer is "Yes" then to which extent? Would I love it as myself? 

Yes! You've got it! This is about Persephone!


Persephone, queen of the Underworld, the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, the goddess of harvest and fertility. She was also called Kore, meaning "maiden" and grew up to be a lovely girl attracting the attention of many gods. It is widely spread that Demeter had a sickening obsessed love for her daughter, thus keeping all men away from Kore. 


But suitors couldn't be kept away forever and, as Persephone grew up to be a charming young lady, Hades, the god of the Underworld, a middle-aged man living in the dark - after being refused the hand in marriage of Persephone - decided to take the girl to his kingdom. One day, while the girl was playing with her friends in the field, picking flowers, she stopped to pick the most enchanting narcissus she had ever seen when the earth cleaved open beneath her. Through the gap Hades himself came out on his chariot with black horses and grabbed the maiden before she could alert her friends. He then took her to his kingdom, the Underworld where he was planning to keep her forever as his bride-to-be and Queen of the Dead. 


Interestingly enough, at the surface, the disappearance of Persephone remains unnoticed by her idle friends. However, Helios and Zeus do witness the incident. Nevertheless, they prefer to remain silent about it for reasons of wisdom and the need for peace and tranquillity. Distraught and heartbroken, Demeter wandered the earth seeking her daughter. Hecate, the goddess of wilderness and childbirth had mercy on this desperate mother and advised her to go and seek the help of Helios. The all-seeing sun god, when he saw Demeter crying and begging for help felt very sorry for her and revealed to her that Persephone had been kidnapped by Hades. Helios suggested that it was not such a bad thing for Persephone to be the wife of Hades and queen of the Underworld. However, Demeter was furious at this insult and decided that Hades, who had only dead people for company, was not the right husband for her daughter. This fury of Demeter started out a great fight, the woman threatening that she would never again make the earth fertile and every single body on the planet would die. 


At this threat, Zeus decided that Persephone would spend half of the months in a year with her husband in the Underworld and the other half of the year with her mother in Olympus. None of the two opponents got pleased with this arrangement but they had to accept it. During the six months that Persephone spent in the Underworld, her mother was sad and did not need to deal with harvest - according to the ancient Greeks, these were the months of Autumn and Winter; when the land is fertile and gives crops, though, was when Persephone was allowed to come to the surface and so she did, living with her mother. Demeter then would shine from happiness and the land would become fertile and fruitful again all due to their happiness. Now, these would be, of course, the remaining months of Spring and Summer. 

The myth, among other purposed ideas, was to explain the change of seasons and the eternal cycle of Nature's death and rebirth. Of course, as a vegetation goddess, Persephone in fact as well as Demeter, were the central figures of the Elensinian Mysteries which promised the initiated happy afterlife. 


Although the origins of her cult are uncertain, the agricultural ancient communities celebrated Persephatta in the month of Anthesterians in Athens whilst the city of Epizephyrian Loceris, in modern Calabria (Southern Italy) the cult of Persephone is moved around the idea of her being the goddess of marriage and childbirth (an inherited earned gift from Hecate, perhaps?) The sources of inspiration have this myth explained and reinvented in many expressive and sometimes clever forms. Nevertheless, for the natural mythological data in this article and the tradition of perpetuating the popular legends as close to the original story as we know them the source remained a traditional one. 

It is good to point out, though, that Persephone, was and is still known under many names with various historical variants including Persephassa, Persephatta or Periphona, in Latin being rendered as Prosepina, also identified by the Romans as the Italic goddess Libera who was conflated with Prosepina. The Homeric form of her name is Persephoneia whilst the people keep knowing her as Kore. 

Now, leaving the debate of her name behind for perhaps the richer in meaningful resources symbol linked to her existence as a legend or a mythological creature if not an archetypal character: what's with the pomegranate? And where is all that pomegranate thing or story we got all so crazy and hooked up with by artists or with artists and writers, if with no magicians or sorcerers involvement whatsoever!? 


Well, a more succulent side of the myth tells us that Persephone cried and cried and over-cried to Hades about being separated from her mother, refusing to eat anything that was being brought to her. Hades insisted to find ways to please her, so, he brought her many fruit and foods until he attracted her with a pomegranate. At the sight of the exotic enchanting fruit - one some speculate she had never seen before whilst others hold as her favourite fruit -she splits the fruit into two halves and picks six seeds she eats from it. This act takes her immediately back to her mother where they embrace and have a wonderful cheerful time together. But, after only six months, Persephone is paid a visit from the Underworld, is summoned to return to her husband and explained the reasons - she had eaten six seeds of the pomegranate which entitled her to see her mother for six months in the year only. When the time comes Persephone does say goodbye to her mother and returns to Hade's kingdom remaining the queen of the dead forever. 


The pomegranate myth had many sides and facets. A different one, in fact, explains the will and power of the gods involved earlier in this presentation the one telling us of the desperate tries of Demeter, the mother, to get her daughter out of the hands of Hades, Hecate's and Helios'  mercy and goodwill, the wrath of the mother and the need to make peace invoked by Zeus. So, Zeus, here, does decide that Persephone must get back to the surface as the crops start being affected by Demeter's state of mind so Hades, knowing that the girl has to eat something from the Underworld in order to remain attached to it forever tries to tempt her with many exotic foods. But, the girl refuses and at a god's council, she is promised, out of the goodness and good-will of her husband, Hades, some time to spend with her mother, in Olympus. She is instructed or guided to have only six seeds of the pomegranate and so she listens and eats only six seeds being immediately taken back to her mother. Spring and Summer fly, though, away and the girl must obey and return to her destiny and husband in the world of the dead. A slightly different version still speaks of Hades' struggle to convince Persephone to eat something and the sign given to the gods when Persephone chooses to eat six seeds - it must mean that she needs to spend half of the time in a year to the surface and half of it in the shadow. 


Artists and poets around the world have speculated and have drawn inspiration from this myth. Enchanted by the story and the mysteries coming with it, they came up with their own thinking details and adornments or with their pragmatical or not quite-so variations of the story, either embellishing it or aggravating things, making it more or less different from the archetype, closer or a lot more distant from the legend's meaning and the typology of this character. Nevertheless, the legend leaves space for many interpretations and speculation, and just like many writers and thinkers of Athens and Greece have exploited the potential of this myth, others launched themselves into making assumptions, making discoveries and even changing the whole story turning it into something else.  The dark fantasy literature and sub-genre is the one that in present days exploits with thirst the myth, remixing it with many other folk legends around the globe and coming up with interesting time shifts, launches in extraordinary and never seen before adventures, and jumping to unexpected conclusions with spectacular novel endings.


This journey of the quest for meaning and the symbolism carried with the fruit had me not only hungry but also a little intrigued and very curious. I wanted to know more. Did I want to understand why a pomegranate? Now, what's with it? What does it symbolizes and why? 


Interestingly enough, this fruit is native from Iran to the Himalayans, in northern India. It has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region of Asia, Africa and Europe. The fruit is a powerful one, full of vitamins, very nutritious, containing even the good fat our body needs, proteins, dietary fibres and minerals. It doesn't lack carbohydrates and is indicated in a few affections, being one of the very happy to help you with a few health problems gift of nature. Due to its rich water content and Vitamin C, the fruit helps against dehydration. It was also used and is very effective in cicatrizing internal little wounds as well as external wounds.  One can find in 100 g of pomegranate arils 78 g of water, the entire body of arils being responsible for offering 346KJ (83 kcal) of energy. The fruit is seen as a life-giver or a redeemer of life if you like, a rejuvenating wonder fruit. Its skin is also said to be used in producing carpet paints and I am not sure that it wouldn't work for the industry of other textile and non-textile paints. Worth giving it a thought in research.


The Ancient Egyptians regarded the pomegranate as a symbol of prosperity and ambition. According to one of the oldest medical writings from 150 BC, Ebers Papyrus, the Egyptians were using pomegranate for the treatment of tapeworm and other infections. Due to its powers to bring the dead back to life and life back into the human but also following the influence of Persephone's myth, this fruit has been recognised as a symbol of fertility, rejuvenation and health. It is also seen as a symbol of death, and who can blame it for being also a killer when, in order to give life you have to kill and, in order to come back to life you have to die for the world you're living in. 


The association of this fruit in Greek mythology is with Aphrodite and Hera, two powerful goddesses who were both known for their beauty and were associated with love, marriage and childbirth, each in their own particular character traces. It was also named Malum Granatum, which means "grainy apple" and was used in beauty treatments, skin disorders and digestive disorders over the centuries of The Ancient Mediterranean world. Modern research revealed that pomegranates are helping against heart conditions, diabetes and cancer. Several publications and articles were dedicated to offering more details about the health benefits of this miraculous gift of the Himalayas. 

But the symbolism of this fruit doesn't stop here. Given its many seeds, the pomegranate is seen as a fertility fruit. In the Quran, pomegranates grow in the Garden of Paradise and are referred to on multiple occasions as God's good creations. It was also believed to be found in the Garden of Eden and Ancient Iranian Christianity also leaves open the subject of it being the real forbidden fruit rather than the apple. The people of Iran also celebrate the victory of light over darkness by eating pomegranates. In the Egyptians' eyes, this fruit was a symbol of prosperity and ambition and in the Armenian culture, this fruit is held as a symbol of fertility, abundance, and marriage. In Ancient Armenia, a bride was given a pomegranate fruit which she threw against a wall; the scattered pomegranate seeds ensured the bride's future children. The pomegranate also has an important role in Jewish tradition - it's said that one fruit must have 613 seeds which represent the 613 commandments of the Torah. In Ancient Israel pomegranates were brought to Moses to demonstrate the fertility of the "promised land" and the Book of Exodus describes the me'il (the robe of the ephod) worn by the Hebrew high priest as having pomegranates embroidered in the hem. The fruit is even mentioned in the Songs of Solomon six times containing a particular quote.  The tradition is to consume them on Rosh Hashana because the pomegranate symbolizes fruitfulness. They also symbolize a mystical experience in the Jewish mystical tradition, or kabbalah, with the typical reference being to enter the "garden of pomegranates" or pardes rimonim. Azerbaijan made the fruit its symbol by dedicating to it a Festival named Goychay Pomegranate Festival. The Pomegranate was also depicted on the official logo of the 2015 European Games held in Azerbaijan. 


In the European Christian motifs, this fruit makes a sensation. A fourth-century floor mosaic from Hinton St Mary, Dorset, now in the British Museum, the bust of Christ and the chi-rho are flanked by pomegranates but this is not the only place where pomegranates are encountered. They are often woven into the fabric of vestments and liturgical hangings or wrought in metalwork. They figure in many religious paintings such as the ones representing it in the hands of the Virgin Mary or the infant Jesus. When broken and bursting open, the fruit is a symbol of the fullness of Jesus' suffering and resurrection. In Eastern Orthodox Church, pomegranate seeds may be used in kollyva, a dish prepared for memorial services - this symbolizes the sweetness of the heavenly kingdom and the Greeks make similar offerings when they commemorate their dead; their kollyva is as well a dish made of boiling wheat mixed with sugar and decorated with pomegranate. In modern times, when somebody buys a new home, it is conventional for a house guest to bring as a first gift a pomegranate, which is placed under the ikonostasi (home altar) of the house: a symbol of abundance, fertility and good luck. It is also said that Solomon had his coronet designed based on the pomegranate's calyx. 


In China, this fruit was introduced during the Han Dynasty and was considered an emblem of fertility and numerous progeny, the Chinese character describing it meaning seeds and offspring at the same time. In Kurdish culture, the pomegranate is accepted as a symbol of abundance and a sacred fruit of ancient Kurdish religions, used as well in Kurdish carpets as a symbol. It is also the case of India to be considered a symbol of prosperity and fertility, in Indian culture being associated with the earth goddess, Bhoomidevi and Lord Ganesha, the one fond of the many-seeds fruit. 


This fruit was so popular, appreciated and loved that there was even money imprinted with this symbol. The Ancient Greek city of Side (which is the name for pomegranate in the local language) used a coin that had a crested Corinthian helmeted bust of Athena on it with a pomegranate fruit on the other side. Pretty wise, don't you think? And clever, I'd add. By the way, Side was in Pamphylia, a former region on the southern Mediterranean coast of Asia Minor, today's Antalya province of Turkey.  


The fruit of the dead, as it was known in Ancient Greek mythology, is believed to have sprung from the blood of Adonis. So, it must also stand for potency and beauty, if not power, right? Maybe that is why Persephone gave it a try! Clever girl! But let us return to the closer-to-us days and look into the more recent studies on pomegranate.


Right. So it seems that according to Carl A.P. Ruck and Blaise Daniel Staples, one a professor of Classica Studies and "an authority on the ecstatic rituals of the god Dionysus", the other a classical mythologist, the chambered pomegranate is also a surrogate for the poppy's narcotic capsule. The two co-authored The World of Classical Mythology: Gods and Goddesses, Heroines and Heroes, a textbook which became a standard in the field of Classical Studies and Mythology. In the book The Road to Eleusis: Unveiling the Secret of the Mysteries, Blaise Daniel Staples claims that there was a psycho-active ingredient in the secret kykeion potion used in the Eleusinian Mysteries.


Nice to know that the name pomegranate derives from the medieval Latin Pomum meaning apple and granatum meaning seeded with the possibility of the term to be stemming from the old French word for the fruit, pomme-grenade, as the pomegranate was known in early English as "apple of Granada". Apparently, the term survives today only on heraldic blazons. But garnet derives from Old French, you'd say, and granatum used a different meaning of the term such as "of dark red colour". Well, the modern French term for pomegranate solves disputes and everything in a very military fashion: "Shut up or I'll kill you" sounds like the way the French would have done it in Ancient times, keeping their Celtic bottoms safe and away from the enemy, throwing a grenade or two at the enemy and sending them away. "Oh, off they go! Look at them! Such a short visit!" "Now let us pay a visit to our friends oop on the little island!" "Take a couple of wine-apples to them, like the Romans do, you know, they moved to a new home!?" "Are ye goin' tae Dublin? I have a friend there! He's a scientist. Can you give him this box from me?" "Sure, what's in it?" "Cochineals! Don't open it! They'll eat oop yer fruit there and cause you some injuries as well!" "Yuch! You keep it, mate!" 


As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the Eleusinian Mysteries are echoed by many thinkers and writers.  We can identify, thus, references and allusive expressions if not versions of the myth and teachings in The Myth of Er in Plato's Republic or moments and pictures in Shakespeare's The Tempest where imagery from alchemy and hermeticism draw on the Mysteries, the play's central masque sequence celebrating the greek myth by using the Roman deities names for the characters involved. But, this is not all of it. Terms and interpretations were borrowed by Carl Gustav Jung himself for his reframing of psychoanalytic treatment and they were used as a source of metaphors to initiate rituals of spiritual initiation and rebirth. To hint even more at the pomegranate symbol use-make in art and literature, we have the Poena Damni trilogy by Dimitris Lyacos, who, in his second book focuses on the return of the dead and the pomegranate is remembered as a symbol indicating the residence of the dead in the underworld and their periodical return to the world of the living. Now, to conclude in musical tones, Eleusis, the symphonic poem created by Octavio Vazquez treats the Eleusinian Mysteries with add-ons of Western esoteric traditions. 


Love and Hate! Figuring out how things can turn great... And there I find a little story from the Side region in Ancient Greece, and this one is about a girl named Side (which means pomegranate) who killed herself on her mother's grave in order to avoid suffering rape at the hands of her own father Ictinus. Boy, that Cinderella we know had such great reasons to cry over missing the ball and not meeting the prince and everything at her mother's tomb! Nevertheless, Side's blood transformed into a pomegranate tree. And voilà! some greater mysteries starting to get revealed, the symbolism of the great mythological facts turned upside down and a rough reality pointed out as "the spotted side of the legend". 


So, with which side of the myth and legends and the stories built all around them would you rather choose to live? Which one do you prefer and why? And what is better, in your opinion, and in which case - silence or truth? Reality or mischief? A lie or two or some nice dosage of creativity...? Which one is better? Which side comforts one best and where would you rather position yourself, if you had to be in some kind of a participant's shoes for a while? I will let you explore and think about the answers you can come up with while I'll send myself back into the editing-creating-editing world where there's loads of research, study and exploration by means of learning to do. 


Enjoy your reading times as much as your living times and have some happy socio-active pomegranate celebrations!




Revenge of Zeeka Five-book Series

Revenge of Zeeka five book series is a futuristic horror mystery thriller series about zombies and their clever Mastermind Zeeka.
.A zika virus outbreak is the start of the island's troubles.
Twenty years later terror stalks the mystic island of Gosh.
It’s the year 2036, and it’s a high-tech world.
Dr. Raynor Sharpe had a vision of zombie-like men with small heads walking on the beach. Was he dreaming or was it a reality?
The woman he secretly loves, Janet Jones, is engaged to another man and is sleeping in the next room.
Why is she there?
Reviewers have compared this futuristic series to Frankenstein, Twilight Zone, and Shakespeare’s plays; and some have said it is movie material.
This series written by Brenda Mohammed is a must-read

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078MP1YC5

Press Releases

Kilpack Receives Second BookFest Award

By W.D. Kilpack III

The BookFest announced the winners of the recent BookFest Awards competition at their semiannual virtual event on April 1, 2023. Receiving a BookFest Award in the Epic Fantasy category was Utah author W.D. Kilpack III for his novel, Order of Light: Book Two of New Blood.


Order of Light is the second of the eight-book New Blood Saga, which centers around Natharr, the Guardian of Maarihk. He is one of a long line of protectors dating back to the Firstborn Age, before the Aa Conquest. Natharr's is an ancient role, rooted in his Firstblood, giving him Sight to see what is yet to be. Natharr stands guard over all men, Aa or Firstborn, Seeing what will come to pass, deciding what is unavoidable and what is not. In Order of Light, Natharr emerges from hiding to find that the Guardian of Maarihk has been condemned as anathema, and his very existence relegated to legend. He resumes his ancient responsibilities as Mankind's protector and joins with a mysterious Firstborn companion, Ellis the Elder. They journey into the snow reaches of Biraald, where his Sight promises he will find those who secretly adhere to the ways of the Olde Gods. Despite Biraaldi bloodlines showing their Firstborn heritage more clearly than even in Maarihk itself, the two nations have never enjoyed peace. It has been far worse since the rise of Brandt the Usurper to Maarihk's throne. Natharr and Ellis must navigate the threats not only against the Firstborn, but the Maarihkish, as they seek out the sympathizers he Saw who are brave enough to resist Maarihk's tyranny. Only then can the damage be repaired from when Natharr chose personal happiness with Darshelle and the young crown prince over his weighty responsibilities as Guardian of Maarihk.


The BookFest Awards honors authors who create outstanding works of fiction and nonfiction. The BookFest's dedication to honoring authors is rooted in the belief in the transformative power of literature and a desire to support and celebrate those who create it.

The BookFest Founder Desiree Duffy said, "It is important to recognize authors for the role they play in creating and sharing stories that entertain, educate, and inspire readers. Books transport us to new worlds, broaden perspectives, and foster empathy. As the Founder of The BookFest, I believe that by saluting authors and their literary achievements we elevate the importance of literature in our society."

This is the fourth award Kilpack has received for Order of Light. The other three include the 2022 Firebird Book Award; a runner-up finish in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy category of the Online Book Club's 2021 Book of the Year Competition; and being named a Top Pick by BooksShelf.com. Kilpack said, "Being selected as a winner of The BookFest Awards is incredibly humbling. I am very honored and grateful to be recognized for the hard work and grueling late-night hours that went into creating Order of Light. I hope that other writers seeing this will be inspired to pursue their own literary passions. As I've told so many other members of the literary community: we're all in this together."


According to RedHeadedBookLover.com, Order of Light is "a brilliant followup to an amazing first book ... One of the most well-written and well-developed stories I have ever come across ... A poignant, sensational, and captivating novel that will take [you] on a turbulent-but-fantastic journey full of ups and downs and shocks and thrills galore! Order of Light is compelling thanks to the enthralling moments as well as the unpredictable nature of the book that will have you turning the pages with haste from beginning to end ... The reader is taken on an exceptional journey that is continuously evolving and changing ...Order of Lightis a remarkable, fascinating, and addictive read with a unique premise as well as the excellent literature ... A phenomenal novel that captivated me ... W.D. Kilpack III is an incredibly talented author who clearly knows how to write unique-but-engaging stories ... What I loved the most about Kilpack's writing is his remarkable descriptions because they genuinely amazed me! Order of Light is a marvelous, stellar, and supreme book that will entertain, delight readers from start to finish!"


According to Sinister Soup podcast co-founder, Clay Vermulm, "Bill [Kilpack] is a wonderful man who works extremely hard on his craft. Kilpack delivers a stunning blow to the belief that Indie-Fantasy is worth any less that its salt [with] well-crafted epic[s] with unique plot mechanisms, well-developed and believable characters, and a world grounded in the visceral and the real."


Author and screenwriter Jeff Bailey said that Kilpack "is an active author of novels, TV screenwriter, producer, and partner in a movie production company. I consider him to be one of the new breed of fast rising influencers in the publishing, television, and movie industries."

Kilpack is an award-winning and critically acclaimed internationally published writer, with works appearing in print, online, radio and television, starting with his first publication credit at the age of nine, when he wrote an award-winning poem. As an adult, he has been editor and/or publisher of 19 news and literary publications, both online and in print, with circulations as high as 770,000. He is an accomplished cook and has cooked nearly every type of food on a grill. He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Westminster College of Salt Lake City. As an undergrad, he double-majored in communication and philosophy, while completing the Honors Program. As a graduate student, he earned a master of professional communication with a writing emphasis. He was also a high-performing athlete, qualifying for international competition in Greco-Roman wrestling. He is a communication professor and a nationally recognized wrestling coach. He is happily married to his high-school sweetheart and is father to five children, as well as helping to raise five step-children. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he continues to live, coach and teach. For more information go to www.Kilpack.net.


The BookFest is the leader in virtual literary events and produces vital conversations on the world's stage for those who love to read, and those who love to write. It launched May 2020 at a time when lockdown forced many live events to be cancelled. Free to attend, the biannual event happens in the spring and fall, and streams panel discussions, conversations, and live interactive sessions. As an award winner, The BookFest has recognitions from the Webby Awards with a nomination in 2021, a gold award from the Muse Creative Awards in 2020, and a silver award from the w3 Awards in 2020. The BookFest features an array of literary speakers, experts, and authors, which has included Mitch Albom; Kevin J. Anderson; Angela Bole; Mark Coker; Robert G. Diforio; Cheryl Willis Hudson; Wade Hudson; Sarah Kendzior; Jonathan Maberry; Lisa Morton; Karla Olson; James Rollins; Connie Schultz; Michael Shermer; Mark K. Shriver; Danny Trejo; Helene Wecker; Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, and many others. The BookFest is presented by Books That Make You and produced by Black Château Enterprises. The BookFest is a registered trademark of Desireé Duffy, who is the founder of all three. For more information, visit The BookFest.com.

Press Release for Book Award from Readers' Favorite

By Brenda Mohammed


For immediate release:

Readers' Favorite recognizes "I Am Cancer Free" by Mrs. Brenda C Mohammed in its annual international book award contest, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1494845040.

The Readers' Favorite International Book Award Contest featured thousands of contestants from over a dozen countries, ranging from new independent authors to NYT best-sellers and celebrities.

Readers' Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the "Best Websites for Authors" and "Honoring Excellence" awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

We receive thousands of entries from all over the world. Because of these large submission numbers, we are able to break down our contest into 140+ genres, and each genre is judged separately, ensuring that books only compete against books of their same genre for a fairer and more accurate competition. We receive submissions from independent authors, small publishers, and publishing giants such as Random House, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, with contestants that range from the first-time, self-published author to New York Times bestsellers like J.A. Jance, James Rollins, and #1 best-selling author Daniel Silva, as well as celebrity authors like Jim Carrey (Bruce Almighty), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), and Eriq La Salle (E.R., Coming to America).

"When the right books are picked as winners we pay attention. We will be spreading the word about Readers' Favorite." --Karen A., Editor for Penguin Random House

Readers' Favorite is proud to announce that "I Am Cancer Free" by Mrs. Brenda C Mohammed won the Bronze Medal in the Non-Fiction - Health - Fitness category.

You can learn more about Mrs. Brenda C Mohammed and "I Am Cancer Free" at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/i-am-cancer-free where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.

Readers' Favorite LLC
Media Relations
Louisville, KY 40202
800-RF-REVIEW
support@readersfavorite.com
https://readersfavorite.com

Press Release from Readers; Favorite

By Brenda Mohammed

For immediate release:

Author's new book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers' Favorite announces the review of the Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing book "How to Write for Success" by Brenda Mohammed, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1977903339.

Readers' Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the "Best Websites for Authors" and "Honoring Excellence" awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

"Reviewed By Darin Godby for Readers' Favorite

Author Brenda Mohammed gives the reader valuable nuggets of truth to use within their own writing career in How To Write For Success. There is a brief introduction listing the various books the author has written and her ability to encompass different types of literature. The purpose of this book is to show readers that the author has a passion to help other readers fulfill their lifelong dream of writing their own book. I really appreciated the personal stories on how the author writes her own material and how important research is, even before one begins to write. She also lists several Facebook groups she has joined to help promote both her material and herself as an author.

One of the best statements I appreciated within this book is: “A book description is your sales pages. It will sell your book. Make sure it is engaging and can turn a browse into a buy.” This is great and valuable information for a writer to understand. There is also listed the importance of copyrighting the material, getting an ISBN number, etc. Whoever gets the ISBN number is considered the publisher. The author has the choice of getting their own or letting the publisher get it for them. Pre-orders are very important to an author. Creating excitement before the book is even printed is huge. There are also many listed things that one can do following publication. Branding yourself is also very important. People must know about you and your material, how to find it and consider reading it. I really enjoyed all the links provided in the e-book, allowing the reader to go to various publishers, writing aids, Facebook groups, etc. This is an asset to any writer at any level, given the detailed information, but for the beginner it is a must-have!"

You can learn more about Brenda Mohammed and "How to Write for Success" at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/how-to-write-for-success where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.

Readers' Favorite LLC
Media Relations
Louisville, KY 40202
800-RF-REVIEW
support@readersfavorite.com
https://readersfavorite.com

Artist Interviews

Events

Meet the Author-S.L. Wilton "Queen of Crows"

Meet the Author!
Dive into Worlds Unseen with S. L. Wilton!
S. L. Wilton - Fantasy Author - will be visiting Studio Moonfall, 5031 7th Avenue on June 9th from 4pm to 7pm
Check out his book, Queen of Crows:
An ousted young queen struggles to regain her throne in a world of dangerous creatures.
Sophia Pendergast's quest is complicated by deep-rooted misogyny embedded in her culture and religion. Her lover, a dashing young knight, offers her a life in obscure comfort, but she refuses to abandon her people to the usurper's whims. To retake her throne and set prophecy on its path, she must embrace a long-denied secret and discover a prophecy's hidden meaning.
In S. L. Wilton's Queen of Crows, we discover simple truths may not exactly be simple.
Get a look at the book before his visit at https://amzn.to/45EV9uk
S. L. Wilton is a retired non-commissioned officer from the U. S. Army. He lives in rural central Wisconsin with his wife, Karen and their chihuahua, Willie. When not writing, he enjoys riding Indian motorcycles, building scale models, and sport fishing.
Follow S. L. Wilton’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067446326663

2023 BPUSA Gathering Conference

We come together as Bereaved Parents of the USA to provide a safe space where grieving families can connect, share our stories, and learn to rebuild our lives. We attend meetings whenever we can and for as long as we find helpful. We share our fears, confusion, anger, guilt, frustrations, emptiness, and feelings of hopelessness, knowing these emotions will be met with compassion and understanding. As we support, comfort and encourage one another, we offer hope and healing. As we confront the deaths of our loved ones, our shared grief brings us to a common ground that transcends differences, building mutual understanding across the boundaries of culture, race, faith, values, abilities, and lifestyle.

Together we celebrate the lives of our children, siblings, and grandchildren, sharing the joys and the heartbreaks as well as the love that will never fade. Together, strengthened by the bonds we create, we offer what we have learned from one another to every bereaved family, no matter how recent or long ago the death.

We are the Bereaved Parents of the USA. We welcome you.

Our Newsletter

Give your inbox some love from artists worldwide, art news, artist interviews, the art of the week & more. Don’t worry. We don’t spam

åpenbok

We promote artwork, whether it's paintings, sculptures, fine art, drawings, or illustrations, on our website åpen bok (Open Book). We build an online presence or an online portfolio to showcase your artwork. Participate in art fairs and exhibitions: Look for local art fairs and exhibitions to participate in. It's an excellent way to get your artwork in front of a new audience, meet potential buyers, and network with other artists. Attend art-related events like art talks, gallery openings, and auctions. It's a great way to meet people in the art community and potentially make connections with buyers. We offer art classes online by our artist members. You can find various courses covering various art forms, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital art. www.apenbok(dot)com