Elemental by Tosha Michellle

Published on by Tosha MichelleLeave a comment

The rip current consumes me.

Dragging me under in a rage,

I struggle against the tide.

Battling the demons of a water drenched mind.

Caught in a vortex of time,

Sun and dry land mock me.

I refuse to be destroyed by the elements.

My arms reach out to the trees.

Their branches sway toward me

But it’s not enough.

In desperation I turn to the earth.

The substance of life,

Hatred and failure taunt me.

With bloody hands and bruise knuckles.

I dig through a wasteland of hopelessness.

Wondering why God has forsaken me.

As the ground beneath continues to break,

I’m free falling into the labyrinth of chaos,

And underworld of isolation,

Night falls.

I lift my head to cry out.

Suddenly overcome by the beauty and magnitude of the stars.

I’m consumed by the will to live and be…

The struggle only amplifies my resolve.

Solace and hope are elemental.

An alive in me.

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The Escape of Malcolm Poe by Allison Burnett (Book review)

Published on by Tosha MichelleLeave a comment

It had been ages since a novel kept me up all night, glued to the pages, marveling at a witty turn of phrase. Reading The Escape of Malcolm Poe s akin to devouring a spicy gourmet feast of a meal, enticingly good but surprisingly acerbic Allison Burnett paints a colorful yet dark picture of what it means to turn 50. Satirical to his core, Burnett is the God of smartasses and, paradoxically, the king of tender and lyrical prose. He brandishes a sword in one hand at each introduction to a new character while carrying roses in the other. At first you find the protagonist to be an arrogant, self-absorbed little twit, but by the end you discover a tender heart beating wildly under a guise of burlesque. Malcolm Poe is as endearing as he is infuriating. This novel is a visceral lesson in the drudgery, angst and the harrowing emotional transition that often comes with mid-life, a comedy and a tragedy, a book in which Burnett crafted a portrait so real that I sometime forgot I was reading a work of fiction. The Escape of Malcolm Poe is an experiment in literary innovation, flawless prose and delicious angst.

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Nothing

Published on by Tosha MichelleLeave a comment

 

  •  Nothing

    by Tosha Michelle.
    Narcissism is the new black.
    Self absorption the latest trend.
    Shallow and superficial
    Walk down a runway of banality.
    While it’s “All About Me” plays in the background.
    Accessorized by a callous disregard.
    Dressed up in a pretty package.
    With nothing underneath.
    Hollow and empty
    A model of vapidness.
    The latest in fashion is only skin deep.    Maybe..one day…unselfishness and humanity will be in vogue again.
    Until then, did you see the latest picture of me?
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Lost

Published on by Tosha MichelleLeave a comment

Lost in an endless wasteland of insipidness.

Not knowing who to trust.

Groping around in the darkness.

Seeking light and renewal.

Lost with no direction.

With no compass to guide me.

Lost in my thoughts,

A labyrinth of confusion

Lost in the past, with an uncertain future

What will be my path?

Lost in worry, endless drifting.

With so many decisions still left to be made.

Lost yet not forgotten

Hope‘s flame still burns.

Knowing somehow, someday, the tables will turn.

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Blog Tour: Exposure by Jennifer and Morgan Locklear

Published on by James Dennard1 Comment

Exposure_Cover_FINAL

SUMMARY​

Publicist Shaunna Noble is no stranger to the ego-filled dysfunction of Hollywood’s elite, but is she ready for her two biggest clients to turn into her worst nightmare?

Kyle Petersen and Michelle Cooper are Hollywood royalty, everyone’s favorite celebrity couple, but while on location filming their new summer blockbuster, Kyle ambushes his wife with divorce papers and orders Shaunna to destroy Michelle in the media. Unwilling to comply, Shaunna spectacularly and publicly quits her job, humiliating Kyle in the process.

David Quinn, a struggling actor cast alongside the A-listers, is caught in the crossfire. When pictures surface of David and Michelle out on the town, media and fans rush to crown them Hollywood’s new hot couple. Kyle explodes, tensions boil over, and everyone’s lives and careers are thrown into jeopardy.

So what’s a publicist to do? Especially when Shaunna finds herself falling in love with the sexy and talented David. Can she put out fires on the set while keeping the flames burning in the bedroom?

Love, lies and passion. What happens when the naked truth is exposed?

Bio​

Morgan and Jennifer Locklear met in 1989 as teenagers and became high school sweethearts. They have been married since 1995 and live in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States with their two children, a son and daughter.

Although both enjoyed creative writing in their youth, they have only been working as a writing team since 2010. Since then they have created a dozen full-length and short stories together.

Jennifer has been employed in fundraising and development for a non-profit organization since 2000. She also enjoys participating in charitable activities, both locally and online. In her (limited) free time she is an avid reader.

Morgan has been employed in the hospitality industry since 1998. He has been active in the local performing arts community since childhood with many acting and directing credits to his name. He is also a musician and songwriter and has recorded 6 albums.

​


Cover Reveal: The Raven by Sylvain Reynard

Published on by James DennardLeave a comment

From the author of the Gabriel’s Inferno saga, Sylvain Reyanard comes a new trilogy “The Raven” a paranormal romance that will make you fall in love with Reynard’s writing all over again. We at La Literati are proud to be part of the cover reveal for this amazing new series.

And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted—nevermore!

-Edgar Allen Poe

 

Cover Reveal
The Raven by Sylvain Reynard
May 27, 2014

The Raven 
by Sylvain Reynard
 
Blurb: 
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel Series comes a dark, sensual tale of romance in a city shrouded in mystery…
Raven Wood spends her days at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery restoring fine works of Renaissance art. But an innocent walk home after an evening with friends changes her life forever. When she intervenes in the senseless beating of a homeless man, his attackers turn on her, dragging her into an alley. Raven is only semi-conscious when their assault is interrupted by a cacophony of growls followed by her attacker’s screams. Mercifully, she blacks out, but not before catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure who whispers to her…
Cassita vulneratus.
When Raven awakes, she is inexplicably changed. She returns to the Uffizi, but no one recognizes her and more disturbingly, she discovers that she’s been absent an entire week. With no recollection of the events leading up to her disappearance, Raven also learns that her absence coincides with one of the largest robberies in Uffizi history – the theft of a set of priceless Botticelli illustrations. When the baffled police force identifies her as its prime suspect, Raven is desperate to clear her name. She seeks out one of Florence’s wealthiest and elusive men in an attempt to uncover the truth about her disappearance. Their encounter leads Raven to a dark underworld whose inhabitants kill to keep their secrets…
Release Date:
Early 2015
About the Author
I’m interested in the way literature can help us explore aspects of the human condition – particularly suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption. My favourite stories are those in which a character takes a journey, either a physical journey to a new and exciting place, or a personal journey in which he or she learns something about himself/herself.
I’m also interested in how aesthetic elements such as art, architecture, and music can be used to tell a story or to illuminate the traits of a particular character. In my writing, I combine all of these elements with the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of goodness.
I try to use my platform as an author to raise awareness about the following charities: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, WorldVision, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and Covenant House. For more information, see my Twitter account.
You can find Sylvain at
         

 

Twenty Questions with New York Times Best Selling Author- Sylvain Reynard

Published on by Tosha Michelle4 Comments

Sylvain Reynard, author of the Gabriel’s Inferno Trilogy and the upcoming paranormal romance The Raven, was kind enough to answers twenty random questions, posed by yours truly. In addition to being a good sport, an amazing author and a friend to humanity, Reynard has a stellar sense of humor. Check it out. And, be sure to check him out at. http://www.sylvainreynard.com/

1. If you were going to write an article about yourself, what would the headline be?

Anonymous Author Writes Article About Anonymity.

2. Describe your current mood using a color?

Amber.

3. What’s the theme song of your life?

The Long and Winding Road by the Beatles.

4. Do you take selfies? If so, care to share? 😉

I don’t. I have been known to photobomb, however.

5. Favorite sound. Least favorite sound?

Laughter.
My alarm clock.

6. What’s your favorite SR quote?

“Kindness is never wasted.”

7. What was the last film you saw?

Noah.

8. Do you sing in the shower?

Badly.

9. If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?

I wish I were more patient.

10. Can you impersonate anyone famous?

I’m really good at impersonating anonymous authors, especially at parties.

11. Describe your dream sandwich.

There’s a sandwich shop in England called Prêt a Manger. https://www.pret.com

I enjoy almost all their sandwiches and could eat their daily. Their Ham & Cheese Baguette is my favourite.

12. What’s your favorite smell/scent?

I like the smell of coffee and oranges.

13. What was your first car?

A horse and buggy, actually.

14. How old were you were you discovered your love for writing?

I can’t remember, but I was writing with crayons…

15. If you could be any fictional character, who would you be? Why?

I’d like to be an elf from the woodland realm, as described by Tolkien.
http://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Woodland_Realm

16. Innie or outie?

Pardon?

17. Clowns. Creepy or cool?

Not really a fan of clowns …

18. What your favorite poem?

“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost

19. Do you prefer ponytails or pigtails?

(Sigh)

20. Tell us about your upcoming novel?

Thank you.

I’m writing “The Raven,” which is the first in a new series. It’s a paranormal love story set in Florence, Italy, and it will feature a cameo with the Professor. It’s possible other characters from The Gabriel Series will also appear …

Here’s the description:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Gabriel Series comes a dark, sensual tale of romance in a city shrouded in mystery…

Raven Wood spends her days at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery restoring fine works of Renaissance art. But an innocent walk home after an evening with friends changes her life forever. When she intervenes in the senseless beating of a homeless man, his attackers turn on her, dragging her into an alley. Raven is only semi-conscious when their assault is interrupted by a cacophony of growls followed by her attacker’s screams. Mercifully, she blacks out, but not before catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure who whispers to her …

Cassita vulneratus.

When Raven awakes, she is inexplicably changed. She returns to the Uffizi, but no one recognizes her and more disturbingly, she discovers that she’s been absent an entire week. With no recollection of the events leading up to her disappearance, Raven also learns that her absence coincides with one of the largest robberies in Uffizi history – the theft of a set of priceless Botticelli illustrations. When the baffled police force identifies her as its prime suspect, Raven is desperate to clear her name. She seeks out one of Florence’s wealthiest and elusive men in an attempt to uncover the truth about her disappearance. Their encounter leads Raven to a dark underworld whose inhabitants kill to keep their secrets …

I have a cover design and a release date for “The Raven,” but we haven’t announced them yet. Look for an announcement soon.

Thanks again Tosha for inviting me to join you and your readers.
It’s a pleasure,
SR

Allison, Andy and David. “It’s feel like a coming of age”

Published on by Tosha Michelle1 Comment

Shameless plugs. I’ve been informed there will be candy. Three books to add to your shelf or Kindle( but not kindle)

Undiscovered Gyrl
by THE Allison Burnett

Synopsis-

“Beautiful, wild, funny, and lost, Katie Kampenfelt is taking a year off before college to find her passion. Ambitious in her own way, Katie intends to do more than just smoke weed with her boyfriend, Rory, and work at the bookstore. She plans to seduce Dan, a thirty-two-year-old film professor.

Katie chronicles her adventures in an anonymous blog, telling strangers her innermost desires, shames, and thrills. But when Dan stops taking her calls, when her alcoholic father suffers a terrible fall, and when she finds herself drawn into a dangerous new relationship, Katie’s fearless narrative begins to crack, and dark pieces of her past emerge.

Sexually frank, often heartbreaking, and bursting with devilish humor, Undiscovered Gyrl is an extraordinarily accomplished novel of identity, voyeurism, and deceit.”

Allison Burnet knows how to a craft a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. His gift for storytelling and for getting into the mind of a 17 year old girl is remarkable and a bit eerie. You’ll be moved by her depth, her struggles and desire to be loved. You will feel her very being. You will relate to Katie. Hell, you could be Katie. This book will sing to you a heartbreaking, bluesy melody that will linger and wrap around your soul.

Undiscovered Gyrl is not just a voyeuristic look into the mind of a troubled teen. It is a haunting, cautionary tale that will leave you disturbed and changed. It’s about connections and the need to be love. Engrossing, moving, full of angst and humor. Burnett’s language is lyrical and economical. His imagination and creativity knows no bounds. The end of the book is risky, bold, and brave much like it’s heroine and the message she imparts.

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2. Electroboy-A Memoir of Mania
by Andy Behrman (Starbucks addict, Abba dancing, tuna eating, man of the people)

Synopsis-

“Electroboy is an emotionally frenzied memoir that reveals with kaleidoscopic intensity the terrifying world of manic depression. For years Andy Behrman hid his raging mania behind a larger-than-life personality. He sought a high wherever he could find one and changed jobs the way some people change outfits: filmmaker, PR agent, art dealer, stripper-whatever made him feel like a cartoon character, invincible and bright. Misdiagnosed by psychiatrists and psychotherapists for years, his condition exacted a terrible price: out-of-control euphoric highs and tornadolike rages of depression that put his life in jeopardy.”

A mind you won’t forget, a narrative that will linger. A Trifecta of sex, drugs and a bi-polar brain. This book is a stand out in the mental health genre. Andy is a stand out in life. Read the book. Feel the chaos. Be changed.

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Children of the Canyon
by David Kukoff

Synopsis-

“Children of the Canyon tells the story of David, a boy growing up in LA’s fabled Laurel Canyon neighborhood as the 1960s counterculture is coming to an end. David’s record producer father works with the reclusive former leader of a surf music band on an album that promises to elevate the legacies of both men to immortal status. His distant, peripatetic mother rides the waves of activism and feminism in and out of David’s life. The elusive Topanga, named for the city’s last remaining Eden, whom David meets on the beach the night of his parents’ separation continues to elude his futile attempts to reconnect with her throughout the decade. Through David’s eyes, we bear witness to the fallout from the California Dream’s malfunction: the ruined families, failed revolutionaries, curdled musical idealism, and, ultimately, the rise of the conservatism that put the country on its present path.”

COTC is a coming of age book that even J.D. Salinger would endorse. It will speak to the child you were. It’s relatable, real and moving. The themes of abandonment, love, the fragility and resiliency of the human spirit will resonate.

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Get lost in a book today..

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.so, I can have my candy tomorrow.

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Letting Go

Published on by Tosha Michelle1 Comment

Letting Go

Autumn leaves falling off tall stately trees.
Dancing embers in transition, falling
Creating dust like gold full of somber wonders.
The tree has learned the art of letting go.
It is not afraid to stand alone, its branches bare.
It knows and accepts life’s rhythm;
Birds leaving their nest,
Flying away into abstract blue,
Singing their haunting freedom song, like
Psalms of divine inspiration,
They too know the art of letting go.
The tide effortlessly rolling out to sea,
As it caresses the ocean one last time, with its
Crashing waves kissing the sand
Leaving only its foam and
A majestic roar in their wake, as
Nature takes her course,
Mother Earth teaches us the art of letting go.

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