Lmst

Meanwhile in #bracknell #berkshire
An evening of #spokenword for #poets #storytellers and more

#openmic so bring your #story or #poem to the Newtown Pipin and share with you fellow #writers

New #blog! A little love letter to Java, and why I still recommend it in 2025.

3 reasons I love #Java

https://harrywinser.com/posts/3-reasons-why-i-love-java/

#AmWritting #Blogging #WebDev #Programming

Join @dreadingslam for Bards in a Bar for some friendly, #poetry related chat and socialising. This month’s topic is Writers Block and how we can overcome this. We’re meeting in the Siren Tap Room on Friar Street at 2pm today. All welcome.
#amwritting #rdguk

This sat at 19:00 is a #BookLaunch at RISC building in London Street, #RdgUK

#poetry #berkshire #amwritting

Next week is Book Face Chapter 15 - 14 Sept 11:00 to 16:00 at The Rising Sun #Arts Centre RG1 2ST
The show will be opened by a #poem written and read by Dreading #slam regular Eric Fairman
#WritingCommmunity #RdgUK #amwritting

Next Dreading #slam in 7 days’ time at Rising sun #arts RG1 2ST (Sun Aug 4 19:30)
• #open mic #poetry contest
• Audience – watch for #free
• Poet noncompetitive any poem up to 3 mins
• Quickfire #poem max 5 lines on holiday
• Host. The Legend That is Richard Stephenson

#openmic #Rdg #amwritting

Next Dreading #slam in 8 days’ time Rising Sun Arts Centre Rg1 2ST (Sun Aug 4 19:30)
• Audience – Turn up #freeentry
• Judges find out on Sun
• #open mic #poetry contest
• Poet noncompetitive any poem up to 3 mins
• Quickfire #poem upt 5 lines on holiday
• Host. The Legend That is Richard Stephenson

#openmic #Rdg #amwritting

Congratulations to Dreading #Slamhost, the Legend that is Richard Stephenson for being published in the May issue of #Caversham Bridge newspaper

#amwritting #localnews #poetry #Berkshire

When #poetrymonth and #NaPoWriMo come to an end there will still be #poetry and #spokenword in #Rdg #Berkshire

Good thing Monday is a bank holiday after the busy weekend.

#amwritting #poetrylovers

As ever a warm welcome and friendly chat at at #poetry in the park, or is it Park #Poets? Tutu's Ethiopian Table in Palmer Park. #ReadingUK #Berkshire
Next poetry in the Park (or is it Park Poets) is 11AM Sat May 18th

If you wish to join the Dreading Slam table for the #openmic at the same venue please let me know by April 30th in comments below
#poetrycircle #community #amwritting

Congratulations to current Dreading Grand Slam champion Fiona Dgnan for third prize in the Teignmouth #Poetry Festival competition.#amwritting #poetryslam

Congratulations to current Dreading grand slam champion Fi Dignan who has won the Farnham Flash Fiction 500 competition, with two other pieces shortlisted.
https://www.flashfiction500.com/
#amwritting #fiction #microfiction

There are almost two weeks left before we'll be closing submissions for the 2024 Forward Prizes for #Poetry.

#Poets, submit your work NOW to the best single poem performed category!
This is the ONLY category of the Forward Prizes for which we accept submissions directly from poets. We'd love to see your videos.

You can check out our guidelines here:

https://www.forwardartsfoundation.org/forward-prizes-for-poetry/entry-guidance/

#spokenword #poetryprizes #performancepoetry
#amwritting

What binds us, also make us whole

I closed my eyes, the fragments of reality and fantasy swirling in my mind. The memory of those piercing blue eyes haunted me, tugging me between mystic fantasies and harsh realities. The scent of burnt sweet perfume lingered, mingling with freezing scents, sending chills down my spine. Was it all related? Was this what death meant? I didn’t want to wake, but I did.

Gradually, I became aware of the stiffness in my neck, the hard surface beneath my back. I sensed movement, the silence broken only by the faint hum of a car. Slowly, reluctantly, I opened my eyes to the darkness of the van’s interior. The pounding headache threatened to overwhelm me as memories flooded back—the Elvan mountain, the fight with demons, the betrayal of Raphael.

I blinked, my head pounding as I struggled to make sense of it all. And then, his eyes met mine—dark and mysterious, unlike any I had ever seen. William Blackwyll, the man from my dreams. His sinful stare left me undone, heat rising in my soul. I tore my gaze away, focusing instead on the familiar green eyes of my brother, Calub.

Liam took a step back, giving me space. He had held me earlier, his concern evident as we navigated the aftermath of our ordeal. As I looked around, I felt a surge of gratitude for their presence—Kole, Jullie, and Liam—all drained, yet still standing by my side.

But Liam’s worry weighed heavily on me. My body lacked the energy to heal itself, and without the Tahore, I knew I wouldn’t survive. I felt his gaze on me, his longing palpable. He was captivated by me, his thoughts racing as he struggled to contain his desire.

I shifted uncomfortably, the heat rising in my cheeks as Jullie hugged me. Liam remained silent, his gaze fixed on me. I tried to ignore the intensity of his stare, focusing instead on Jullie’s words. My fever was too high, my emotions like wildfire.

I forced myself to sit up, trying to push aside the overwhelming sensations that threatened to consume me. Liam’s presence was a comfort, but also a distraction. I needed to focus, to find the strength to survive. And as I looked into his eyes, I knew that I couldn’t let myself be consumed by desire—not now, not when my life was hanging in the balance.

I slightly parted my lips with satisfaction, the certainty of our survival no longer in question. The lingering uncertainty had dissolved, leaving me grounded, yet with a burning anticipation simmering within me, like melted wax waiting to be unleashed. Placing my hand on my brother’s leg, I uttered to him, “We made it,” a grin spreading across my face as the words sounded foreign to my own ears. “We’re alive, right?”

Calub’s eyes reflected appreciation, overcoming his guilt as he acknowledged his sister’s abilities. Despite his earlier doubts, he now recognized her prowess. “Thanks to the mighty Liam, but you were amazing yourself. You really kicked ass, sis.”

Interrupting him, Liam’s tone was stern, perhaps tinged with frustration or concern. “You shouldn’t have been there in the first place. It was reckless, and now my energy is depleted. If Raphael attacks now, it won’t end well.”

Feeling the throbbing in my head intensify, I pushed my legs up and settled next to my brother on the chair. “I need a painkiller. My head feels like it’s going to explode.”

Liam’s gaze bore into me, his eyes black and intense. I could feel his emotions stirring within me, emotions I wasn’t prepared to confront at that moment. Despite the chaos of the mountain, I struggled to find the right words to say to him. Sitting next to him, the desire to be closer to him was undeniable, but I had to maintain composure. As I glanced at his lips, memories of our dreams flooded my mind, igniting a rush of heat and longing within me. Blinking rapidly, I felt a flush spread across my face as I placed my hands on my cheeks, realizing they were just as warm as my thoughts.

Refocusing on Liam, I realized my brother was speaking, but I was lost in the intensity of Liam’s gaze. Unconsciously, I found myself inhaling deeply through my mouth, caught off guard by my own actions. Jullie’s throat clearing snapped me out of my reverie, bringing me back to the present moment.

Ignoring the throbbing in my head, I found myself lost in the sensation of his lips against mine, a fantasy playing out in my mind. “What?” I was stunned, my gaze darting to Calub so quickly that my face flushed with embarrassment.

“I can take your headache away, but…” His voice trailed off, and I avoided looking at him, scratching my neck nervously. Oh, he was absolutely gorgeous, tapping his index finger on his lips. I needed to pull myself together, to say something. “Painkillers?” I blurted out, clearing my throat.

His lips quirked up into a grin, but the car stopped, and he remained silent. My head was pounding, and Liam could help, but he seemed to be making things difficult. After five minutes of silence, frustration boiled within me. “Are you going to stop damn looking at me and help or WHAT?”

Before he could respond, Liam intervened. “No need.” His hand reached out and cupped the nape of my neck, and for a fleeting moment, I thought he might kiss me. But he didn’t. Instead, he looked down, and I wondered if I had hurt him. Closing my eyes, I welcomed the sensation of his rough, callused hands massaging my neck, easing the pain. I couldn’t help but moan in relief as he released his grip and sat back.

“Thank you,” I murmured, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over me.

“Well, you should,” Liam replied, his gaze promising something more. Anticipation fluttered within me.

“I will collect my thanks later,” I chuckled, leaning back. This man was sure to lead me to the brink of what I could only imagine.

From the back, Kole’s voice cut through the tension. “Lighten up, brother. If you hadn’t yet again tried to play hero, there would have been no need for Clare to come chasing after you in the first place.”

“I wasn’t chasing after him,” I blurted out, feeling the need to clarify.

Liam turned his head to face the window, his voice rising with rage. “They will have to answer for this when all is said and done,” he declared, his eyes churning with fury. “The penalty for any Lightwatcher who breaks the peace treaty without permission from the Advisors is death or imprisonment. I will have to have a chat with them.”

As their voices trailed off, I watched them exchange uneasy glances. Feeling left out, I noticed something startling. “Where are Phillip, Tash, and Alexa?” I inquired, my concern growing.

Calub turned to look at me briefly before retrieving his cell phone from under his leg. “They’ve gone to get Mom to meet us. Alexa’s at Kole’s place by now,” he explained.

Turning my gaze to Jullie, I pressed for more information. “Why? What’s wrong?”

Amidst the others’ shouting, I pushed my way to the front passenger seat, settling in next to Kole. I noticed a huge grin spread across his face, something I found unusual. “I couldn’t hear you,” I said, puzzled. “What’s with the happy face?”

He laughed heartily, a whimsical smirk playing on his lips. “Look at yourself in the mirror, love.”

Confused, I glanced at the rearview mirror, only to discover the reason behind Kole’s grin. Staring back at me was a reflection I hardly recognized—a newfound sense of strength and determination glimmered in my eyes, a stark contrast to the uncertainty that had plagued me before. It was then that I realized that despite the challenges ahead, I was ready to face them head-on.

It’s a small short story, since I am currently busy with another book, but the point of this, is sometimes a wrongness in your life can end up becoming something so much more than we anticipate. It can change us in a way and help us to grow. Not all paths are meant to be treaded on light feet, some of them have to be swam. Enjoy. Tomorrow join me for my book review. I will be reviewing the fourth wing.

https://shanrk.co/2024/02/09/shortstorythursdays/

#Free #Amazon #Amwritting #Author #Authorofinstagram #Authors #Authorsblog #Blog #Blogger #Bookseries #Ebook

Congratulations to both Lousia Guise of #Caversham #writer as well as Dreading #Slam and #ParkPoet Pamski for being selected for #PoetryCorner by #Reading Today and Wokingham Today
#amwritting #localnewspaper #rdg

Busy poetry weekend coming up with
Poets_Cafe southstreetarts on 20:00Friday 13th
#parkPoet @EthiopianTable 11:00 on Saturday 14th
And #openmic from 17:00 @TheGrumpyGoat

#spokenword #amwritting #ReadingUK