Category: Female Poets

Gift Idea Books for Valentines Day

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Does your girlfriend or wife like to read?

If so, consider giving them a book – along with flowers and taking them out to dinner – for Valentine’s Day this year.

Here are some books published since 2020 you may buy for your girlfriend, wife, or self for Valentine’s Day.

The Push

The Push by Ashley Audrain: A novel that tells the story of a new mother struggling to bond with her baby and the dark secrets of love and obsession that threaten to tear her family apart.

There are over 36,000 ratings on Amazon with an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.  You can click on the below link to learn more about the book. There’s no obligation to buy. It only provides more detailed information and reviews.

The Vanishing Half

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett: this novel tells the story of twin sisters who grow up in a small, southern black community, and the choices which lead them to different lives and experiences. It’s a story that explores the concept of identity, race, and family.

Amazingly, this novel has over 98,000 ratings on Amazon with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. You can click on the below link to learn more about the book. There’s no obligation to buy. It only provides more detailed information and reviews.

The Four Winds

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah: a historical fiction novel that tells the story of a woman who must make a tough choice to save her family by leaving her Texas home during the Great Depression and start a new life in California. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and the unlikely friendships she forms along the way.

The Four Winds has over 129,000 ratings on Amazon with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. You can click on the below link to learn more about the book. There’s no obligation to buy. It only provides more detailed information and reviews.

The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race

The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson: It’s the story of Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner Jennifer Douda. The book  explores the revolutionary technology of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and its implications for the future of humanity. It focuses on the work of biochemist Jennifer Doudna, who co-invented the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool and has been at the forefront of research on its potential uses. It delves into the ethical, social, and scientific questions that arise from this powerful new technology and its potential to change the course of human evolution.

You can click on the below link to learn more about the book. There’s no obligation to buy. It only provides more detailed information and reviews.

The Sanatorium

The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse: Set in a remote Swiss sanatorium, this psychological thriller published in 2020 a detective as she investigates a murder that occurred in the snowy peaks which bury secrets and lies.

This is book one on the Detective Elin Warner Series. You can click on the below link to learn more about the book. There’s no obligation to buy. It only provides more detailed information and reviews.

The Code for Love and Heartbreak

The Code for Love and Heartbreak by Jillian Cantor: A contemporary fiction novel, published in 2020, the book tells a story of love, loss, and the unexpected connections which can change everything.  Emma is a math genius. She and her coding club co-president, George are tasked with brainstorming a new project. The project’s results?  The Code for Love is born. It’s a contemporary romcom retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma.

You can click on the below link to learn more about the book. There’s no obligation to buy. It only provides more detailed information and reviews.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

How To Select a Suitcase or Luggage

Posted in @jimmiekepler, American Poets, Authors, Baby Boomer Poets, Blessed, Blessing, Blog, Business, Businessperson, Christian Business, Christian Businessman, Christian Businessperson, Christian Businesswoman, Christian Living, Christian Poets, Christian Writers, Desires, Encouragement, Female Poets, Friends, Friendship, Happy, History, Hope, Inspirational, Inspire, J Kepler, J. Aaron Kepler, JA Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler EdD, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Joy, Life, Love, Male Poets, Memoir, Men Poets, Military, Military Brat, Motivation, My Testimony, North American Poets, Patience, Peace, Plans, Poet, Poet's Life, Poets, Refuge, Rest, Texas, Texas Poets, Travel, Travel Tuesdays, Trust, US Poets, Writer's Life, Writers, WritingLeave a comment

Packing a Suitcase is An Art

Who knew packing a suitcase was an art? Not me. 

Too often a man doesn’t realize or appreciate all his wife or significant other does for him. It took my wife dying for me to come to this realization. She always packed the bags for our vacations and for my business trips. She never complained that we were still using the same luggage we’d received as a wedding present all those years ago.

Old, outdated suitcases, a laundry basket, tote bags, and even grocery sacks jammed full of my belongings filled my car as I drove halfway across the United States to attend a writer’s conference.

Hassle and major pain describes unloading the car each evening as I checked into my hotel. The only benefit from my packing was all the steps I walked as I made four or five trips from my car to the room each night. At the conference center, I repeated the scene as I carried my baggage to the room.

To my horror, once in the room I couldn’t find simple things like pain medication or even my socks without rifling through a suitcase, bag, tote, and even plastic sack. I promised myself I would never repeat this nightmare.

I asked the counsel of a couple of experienced traveller friends. With their help, I learned how to get the right bags and how to organize them for a trip. The cross-country trip a few years ago was the first of many. I’ve traveled to a resort out of the country, taken a couple of cruises, and made a few trips across the USA. I’ve learned the right suitcases and bags are important.

How To Select a Suitcase or Luggage

Size and Weight: 

  • One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a suitcase for traveling is the size and weight of the suitcase.
  • Airline weight restrictions vary, but most airlines have a weight limit of 50 pounds for checked baggage, so it’s important to choose a suitcase that is lightweight and easy to maneuver.
  • I have one bag to carry-on, one for my computer, and then I check a larger bag.
  • If you have more bags, you’ll get charged extra baggage fees.
  • You should opt for a carryon luggage as large as 22 (length) x 14 (width) x 9 (height) inches.
  • A checked bag no larger than 62” (the total linear dimensions of length + width + height), including wheels and handle, which is standard for most US airlines.

Durability: 

  • I lost a wheel on a large suitcase on my first trip. It made moving the item almost impossible.
  • I learned that cheaper isn’t better.
  • It’s important to choose a durable suitcase that can withstand the rigors of travel.
  • Search for suitcases made from strong materials like polycarbonate or ballistic nylon, which are less likely to get damaged during transit.

Organization: 

  • Packing a suitcase can be a hassle, so it’s important to choose one with organizational features like compartments and pockets to help keep everything in its place.
  • I’ll write a follow-up article on how to pack your suitcase.

Wheel and Handle: 

  • Remember my lost wheel? It made moving the large bag a hassle.
  • I failed to consider the mobility of my suitcase.
  • Considering mobility is important.
  • Look for four-wheeled suitcases as they are more stable, easier to move and you can pull it beside you instead of carrying it.
  • Also, telescoping handles for easy carrying.

Security: 

  • Make sure that the suitcase has a secure lock, so that your belongings will stay safe while in transit.
  • Make sure you know your lock combinations as security check points may want to inspect the bag’s contents.

Water Resistance: 

  • A visit to a place with a high chance of rain or humidity requires special consideration.
  • You’ll want to choose a suitcase that is made from water-resistant materials to help keep your belongings dry.
  • This helped on a cruise – tour I took to Alaska.
  • My luggage sat in the pouring rain at Whittier, Alaska, for a half-hour when being transferred from the ship to the train.

Brand Reputation: 

  • It’s a good idea to choose a suitcase from a reputable brand that has a track record of producing high-quality and durable products.
  • Ask your friends who travel what they recommend.

Overall, these are the most important aspects that you need to keep in mind when choosing a suitcase for your travel. It will depend on your specific travel needs and budget to decide which one is the best for you.

Once you have your bags and suitcase. You’ll need to pack them Next, I’ll share one great way to pack and organize your suitcase and bags.

Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate. If you purchase using the links in the article I receive a small commission.

Glimpsing Glory

Posted in @jimmiekepler, American Poets, Baby Boomer Poets, Blog, Book Reviews, Christian Poets, Female Poets, God, J Kepler, J. Aaron Kepler, JA Kepler, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler EdD, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, North American Poets, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Prayers, US Poets, Women Poets, Writer's Life, Writers, WritingLeave a comment

Glimpsing Glory

With Glimpsing Glory: Poems of Living & Dying, Praying & Playing, Belonging & Longing, Catherine Lawton delivers luminous, Christian spiritual walk poetry that blends the daily journey with God and the beauty and glory of God’s created world. Broken in topical areas of relating, relating, communing, trusting, living, dying, praying and word-playing, we walk through experiencing “Water Under a Bridge,” seeing the sky above and the forest in “Nature,” and experience Maine “Together on an Island.”

We commune with God as nature, which He created sings back to God day and night in “The Stars Sing.” We hunger for the first taste of fresh strawberries in “Spring Time.” I particularly enjoyed how a backyard bird sees Christmas in “What Is Coming to Our World?”

You’ll find yourself drawn much closer to God and His mercy through poems like “In The Morning,” which remind you that his mercy comes. “High School Class Reunion” will have you climbing into the memories of your mind thinking back to your similar experiences. I love how many of the poems unapologetically point to and honor God, of which “Glory” is an example.

You’ll find your heartstring pulled in “Bedside Vigils,” where I was reminded of the birth of my three children, being with my parents, and later my wife at their passing into eternity and their entry into heaven. Memories reminded me of my experience of “stroking the pale cheek.”

So many of the poems provided moments of prayer for me. “Love Song of The King” spoke to me. The line “The Singer because he is Song” had me remember the late Calvin Miller’s Singer Trilogy. The section on prayer demonstrated a long, intimate walk with the Father by our author Catherine Lawton.

I also loved “Coulda, Woulda, and Shoulda,” as it reminds us that “God loves you all the time.” I loved the poem so much I read it at a recent open-mic night at my local bookstore.”

Catherine Lawton has written a stunning poetry collection that will have you returning time and time to dip into her mastery and the majesty of her word magic. You’ll again share time with God and His creation as you recall and navigate through life’s journey with the author as your guide.

You can purchase the book at Glimpsing Glory: Poems of Living & Dying, Praying & Playing, Belonging & Longing.

Meet the Poets: Sylvia Plath

Posted in @jimmiekepler, American Poets, Blog, Female Poets, J Kepler, J. Aaron Kepler, JA Kepler, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler EdD, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Meet the Poets, North American Poets, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, US Poets, Women PoetsLeave a comment

 

Poet Sylvia Plath’s grave at St.Thomas’ Churchyard, Heptonstall, Yorkshire, England, UK

Sylvia Plath
1982 Pulitzer Prize Poetry

“Mad Girl’s Love Song”

I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead;
I lift my lids and all is born again.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

The stars go waltzing out in blue and red,
And arbitrary blackness gallops in:
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.

I dreamed that you bewitched me into bed
And sung me moon-struck, kissed me quite insane.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

God topples from the sky, hell’s fires fade:
Exit seraphim and Satan’s men:
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.

I fancied you’d return the way you said,
But I grow old and I forget your name.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)

I should have loved a thunderbird instead;
At least when spring comes they roar back again.
I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead.
(I think I made you up inside my head.)”

by Sylvia Plath
Source of Poem: Hello & Poetry

Smith College and Newnham College, Cambridge

Sylvia Plath (October 27, 1932 – February 11, 1963) was an American poet, novelist and short-story writer. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she studied at Smith College and Newnham College, Cambridge before receiving acclaim as a professional poet and writer. She married fellow poet Ted Hughes in 1956 and they lived together first in the United States and then England, having two children together: Frieda and Nicholas. Following a long struggle with depression and a marital separation, Plath committed suicide in 1963. Controversy continues to surround the events of her life and death, as well as her writing and legacy.

The Colossus and Other Poems and Ariel

Plath is credited with advancing the genre of confessional poetry and is best known for her two published collections: The Colossus and Other Poems and Ariel.

Won Pulitzer Prize Posthumously

In 1982, she became the first poet to win a Pulitzer Prize posthumously, for The Collected Poems. She also wrote The Bell Jar, a semi-autobiographical novel published shortly before her death.

For more information about Sylvia Plath: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvia_Plath

Photo Source: Photo Used Under a Creative Commons 2.0 License from the Photographer

Writer’s Groups: What to Look For and Costs

Posted in @jimmiekepler, American Poets, Authors, Blog, Business, Businessperson, Encouragement, Female Poets, History, Inspirational, Inspire, J Kepler, J. Aaron Kepler, JA Kepler, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler EdD, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Male Poets, Memoir, Men Poets, Motivation, North American Poets, Patience, Peace, Plans, Poet, Poet's Life, Poets, Refuge, Rest, Southern Poets, Texas Poets, US Poets, Women Poets, Writer's Life, Writers, WritingLeave a comment

Tonight I got off work at 6:00 PM. I drove through twenty-five miles of rush hour traffic to get to my writer’s workshop. Dinner was missed to attend the meeting. While the meeting started exactly at 7:00 PM, it was 7:20 before I arrived at the meeting.

People have a variety of viewpoints when it comes to belonging to a writer’s workshop. Some authors like Dean Koontz abhor them. Many writers cannot stand them. Some say they will cause you to quit writing or destroy your writing style. Other’s say they couldn’t write without them.

I belong to the DFW Writer’s Workshop. The group has been around since 1977. Over the years members have had over 300 traditionally published books. The workshop also sponsors an annual writer’s conference (DFWCon). The group charges $100 per year to be a member. That is only $2.00 a week.

I had published over two dozen magazine articles before joining the group. I credit the group with keeping me motivated and moving to completing my first novel. The group caused me to look at my writing at a level I didn’t know existed. I provided encouragement in seeing fellow members get published.

Here are some thoughts on selecting, joining, and attending a writers group.

1. Does the writer’s workshop have  in writing clearly defined goals?

  • Does the group know where it is going?
  • Does it meet regularly?

2. Does the group start on time and stay on mission?

  • My group starts on time. It begins with a large group session.
  • We recognize guests, ask them what they write, and how they found out about the workshop.
  • We next ask for rejection followed by asking for submissions.
  • We then ask about acceptances.
  • After the large group session we break into small critique groups where member read and get critiqued.
  • The reading is generally about 10 minutes and the critique about 5 minutes.
  • We have a monitor for the group who times and moderates the reading/critique.

3. Does the group have an interest in your type of writing or is it just a niche group?

  • Is it a first amendment group allowing freedom of expression?
  • Does it require you to filter your writing through the scope of the group? For example, you would not want to attend a Christian writer’s group if you write erotica.

4. Are there any rules for people whose work is being criticized to follow?

  • Again, this is essential.
  • People get very defensive when others are telling them what they did wrong.
  • Their first impulse is to be defensive.
  • The critique-ee needs to have rules to follow.
  • We have them listen with no response or rebuttal.
  • You need to listen to what people have to say about your writing and learn from it.

5. Does the group allow you time to network and develop relationships with others in the group?

  • Do the group members like each other?
  • Are they happy to see you and urge you to take part?
  • Does the group assimilate new members?
  • Does everyone get to read?
  • If the group members spend more time telling you how great they are or what they hope to do instead of staying on schedule and mission, find a different group.

6. Should I pay to attend a writer’s group?

  • Most writer’s groups in the USA are free and run by volunteers. Fee based groups are also common.
  • One of the most expensive writer’s groups in the USA is the The Original Los Angeles Writers Group™. The cost for new members is $475 a year while returning members get a break at $450. The is about $9.00 per week.
  • The Kansas City Writer’s Critique Group meets in ten week sessions with each session costing $65.00 ($5.50 per week).
  • I mentioned before the DFW Writer Group at $100 per year ($2 per week).
  • The Burlington Vermont Writer’s Group cost $12.00 per month.
  • I have attended pay and free groups. Most pay groups are very polished, professional, stay on task honoring the attendee’s time by starting and stopping on time plus having a set break. They are connected to educational institutions or a legal nonprofits with a constitution by-laws and elected leadership from the paid membership that manage / lead the group. They are not social in nature and have had an evaluation element. The leader in the pay group many ties receives your writing assignment in advance. They check your style, grammar, transitions, etc. as a proofreader / outside editor. They may lead you in structured activities within the group as well. Most paid groups last only 60 to 120 minutes with 90 minutes being the average. Again, select the group to meet your need.