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The Lost Brother: A Legend of Tara by Colm Hearne (Book Spotlight / Author Interview)

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Colm Hearne

1. Welcome, Colm Hearne. For those who might not be familiar with you, would you be a dear and tell the reader’s a little about yourself? How you got your start in the writing business?

(Colm): I live in Dublin, Ireland. I’ve been writing since I was a kid and always dreamed about becoming a published writer. I’ve two children’s fantasy books published so far. They’re called “A Legend of Tara: Fionn the Reviver” and “. I have many different ideas for books and stories.

 

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2. All writers fear the dreaded “block.” Please tell us how you handle it.

(Colm): Honestly, I’ve never had to deal with writer’s block because I never seem to run out of ideas. If I ever get an idea or inspiration for a book or a story, I make a note of it on my computer so I won’t forget about it. I’ve got hundreds of ideas, literally.

(KAM) That’s amazing! 

 

3. What’s your writing process like? Do you have a favorite snack or drink? Do you listen to music? Do you go old-school and write on paper, use a typewriter, or pen your thoughts on a computer? Do you have a particular writing outfit or location that inspires you the most?

(Colm): I write wherever I go. Whether it’s in a café or at home or somewhere quiet where I can do some writing. I usually handwrite my writing first, then type it up on my computer. I also like to have a cup of tea or coffee while I’m writing.

 

4. If you could have dinner with one author, alive or dead, who would that be and why?

(Colm): It would probably be Brian Jacques, author of the Redwall books. I’ve been a fan of his work since I was a kid, and he was a major influence on my writing of “Fionn the Reviver,” “The Lost Brother,” and even “The Legends of Tara” series. He was also a funny guy with a great sense of humour.

(KAM) I’ve never heard of them, so thank you for sharing their name with us!  

 

5. What or who inspired you to write?

(Colm): What inspired me were books by authors like Roald Dahl, C.S. Lewis, J.K. Rowling, Brian Jacques and J.R.R. Tolkien. When I read one of their books, I imagined myself being an amazing author like them and even coming up with my own fantasy world.

(KAM) I love Tolkien! 

 

6. If you could choose one book to go to the big screen, yours or otherwise, which book would you choose and whom would you love to see cast in the parts?

(Colm): If I had to choose, I would probably say the comic book script that I’m working on, “Skater”. Because I love superhero movies, and people have told me that when I read my comic book scripts like “Skater”, they can see them made into films. As to who would star in the film, I don’t really know. Maybe someone like Andrew Garfield because he was cool as Spider-Man.

(KAM) I would definitely watch your movie. Andrew was a fantastic Spider-Man, and I also love superhero movies! 

 

7. Would you please tell us about your current or upcoming release?

(Colm): Yes, I’m working on a few different projects. I’m working on a third and fourth book to “The Legends of Tara” series. I’ve also written a comic book script called “Skater” as I’m passionate about comics as well. I’m working on a few different comic book scripts. I also write short stories as well. One particular short story called “The Bad Word” I’m hoping to get published eventually. I’ve also written a chapter for a Christmas book called “The Missing Elf”. I seem to be always writing stories.

 

8. Where can we find your stories and is there a particular reading order?

(Colm): My two children’s fantasy books, “Fionn the Reviver” and “The Lost Brother”, are available on Amazon. They’re both part of a series, so I would start by reading “The Lost Brother” first, then read “Fionn the Reviver”.

 

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9. Would you please share how your present and future fans can contact you?

 (Colm): Yes, the best way to contact me would probably be my website https://colmhearneauthor.com/

Also, feel free to sign up to my mailing list if you want to hear news about my writing progress.

Subscribe to his Youtube channel!! 

 

10. Before we conclude this enlightening interview, do you have anything else you’d like to share? The stage is all yours.

 (Colm): Two things I’d like to say: if anyone buys or reads one of my books, I’d really appreciate it if you could leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads because getting reviews is tough. So the more reviews, the better. Second, to anyone aspiring to become a writer like me, I would say: first of all, keep writing, and don’t be afraid to show your work to anyone. And if you experience setbacks or disappointments, whether it’s writing, publishing or marketing, don’t be discouraged and don’t give up; keep going. Even J.K. Rowling experienced rejection several times when she was trying to publish “Harry Potter”, and she went on to become one of the best-selling authors of all time. Hope you found this helpful, and thank you for having me.

 

I hope you enjoyed my interview with Colm Hearne If you have any questions or comments for the author, by all means, leave them a message below. Thank you in advance for your visit! 

 

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Miriam and Naomi: A Christmas Story by Peggy Dudarchik (Book Review)

A young girl from Nazareth named Miriam and her best friend, a goat named Naomi, become traveling companions to the village carpenter, Joseph, and his pregnant wife, Mary, as they travel to Bethlehem. The daughter of the soon-to-be parents’ neighbors, Miriam is a kind and generous girl who takes great care of her beloved goat and is always thinking of others, and she is excited for the adventure of helping Mary.

On the long and difficult journey, Miriam shows many kindnesses to Mary, often sacrificing her own comfort to make sure the expectant woman is cared for. Her benevolence does not go unnoticed when, on the day Mary gives birth, the girl is praised by an angel who arrives to welcome Jesus, the baby who will grow up to share his love and compassion with the world.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.


Each year, during Christmastime, people celebrate and retell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Mary, a virgin and soon-to-be mother, and her husband Joseph leave Nazareth and travel to Bethlehem, where they take shelter in a stable because the inn is full. There, Mary gave birth to Jesus and was soon afterward visited by three wise men. Miriam and Naomi: A Christmas Story is a lovely story that has some elements from the famed traditional tale, but adds unique elements such as the inclusion of a young girl, Miriam, and her goat, Naomi. In this rendition, Joseph and Mary take Miriam and Naomi with them to Bethlehem to be “counted.” They were to be Mary’s aides. Miriam’s mom worried for her young child taking this trip, but the child’s father had a dream that their child should go. Many religious individuals make life choices based on dreams or visions, so Miriam’s father foreseeing his daughter’s trip was religiously plausible. She might be young, but she and her goat proved very helpful on the journey, especially when they reached their destination: Bethlehem.

No wise men followed a bright star, leading them to the manager. However, the stars led Joseph, Mary, and Miriam to the outskirts of the city. In this story, the travelers also found no available rooms, so, like the famous religious tale, the innkeeper said they could stay in the stables. In this story, the innkeeper offered to send his sister to assist with the delivery. A beautiful baby was born and placed in a manager, where a biblical visitor visited them. Again, not a wiseman.

The illustrations in Miriam and Naomi: A Christmas Story are truly captivating. Each scene is a visual masterpiece, making readers feel like they are walking alongside the characters through the Jordan River Valley and across the rocky terrain or staring down at the city lights. The city lights were a lovely touch, bringing so much life to the scene. The newborn baby and its visitor, bathed in glowing light, were also quite lovely.

Amazon’s suggested reading age for Miriam and Naomi: A Christmas Story is 3-8 years. While some words (ex., Micah’s prophecy, Ephrathah, and roused) might need explaining to preschoolers, kids of all ages can love the illustrations. Naomi, the helpful goat, was adorable and quite the show stealer!

Share the joy of the birth of Jesus Christ with your family or class this holiday season! Show how one small child and her beloved goat took great care of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Encourage your kids and class to lend a helping hand to others.

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 

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Meet the Author

Children’s author Peggy Dudarchik has always loved to write but it was a spiritual retreat that inspired her to write her debut picture book. Miriam and Naomi: A Christmas Story is a unique telling of the well-known journey of Mary and Joseph as they traveled to Bethlehem where Jesus was born.

On the spiritual retreat Peggy was asked to visualize Mary and Joseph on the ninety-mile journey to Bethlehem. This was the spark that led Peggy to research what that ten-day trip would have looked like for the parents of Jesus based on the geography and archaeology of Israel at that time, how families lived, and the architecture and clothing. These accuracies are integrated into Peggy’s story about a young girl, Miriam, and her beloved goat, Naomi, who assisted the parents-to-be during their trek.

Peggy believes a great book is one about good people who are faced with a challenge and overcome obstacles to achieve a goal. She hopes her young readers come away from her story with an appreciation for this difficult historical journey and a love of the characters and reading that stays with them long after the book is closed.

When she isn’t writing, Peggy enjoys reading, cooking, and entertaining friends and family. Her love of children’s books was stoked after her now adult son was born, with countless trips to the library and a bedtime reading ritual bringing them both a joy that she later carried into her own writing. Peggy’s picture book experience has been a family affair, with valuable input coming from her husband, son, and daughter-in-law. She lives in Manlius, New York, with her husband and their crazy Cairn Terrier, Izzy.

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Mordokai Searches for Strawberries by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Review)

Mordokai and Friends go searching for strawberries in the wilderness of Planet Venesha and encounter danger during their search.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Mordokai is back; this time, he’s searching for strawberries on his home planet, Venesha. Venesha is a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, from the purple mountains and lush green countryside to the colorful variety of trees and flowers. The animals and people inhabiting the wonderland are bursting with color and possess unique physical and magical traits. 

Mordokai discovered that his hair would change color depending on his mood and, over time, developed telepathic powers. Mordokai could also sense danger, which would be handy in any world. 

We all have food cravings, and Mordokai’s mind and stomach are hungering for wild strawberries. Since the journey to his desired fruit is dangerous, he’s requested three friends to come along: Naiya, Shia, and Ketab. Anytime you go on a trip, it’s good practice to pack the essentials! Making a checklist helps! Before the group set off, they reviewed what each had brought. Rope. Snacks. Emergency blanket. Water tablets for purifying water. Tools. First aid ointment. I initially thought each item might prove invaluable at some point in their journey; my gut instinct was wrong. The group’s list opens doors for discussing what else kids think the travelers should’ve brought or what they take with them on a camping trip, a hike, or a vacation. 

The four friends faced dense vegetation, buzzing insects, and bizarre-looking animals. The three-eyed, multi-colored mountain lion is one of them! Luckily, the lion turned tail and ran off. 

Naiya, Shia, Ketab, and Mordokai’s adventurous trip ended with them sharing multiple sacks of sweet, ripe strawberries among the villagers. Mordokai was wise and planted some berries in his garden for a future fruit pie. 

Mordokai Searches For Strawberries teaches children several valuable lessons. First, avoid wild animals. If you should stumble upon one, follow Mordokai’s example: be loud and back away slowly. Second, be supportive of your friends and help me if you can. Third, while sharing is caring, always ask an adult for permission to share food. I don’t know if food allergies exist on Venesha, but they do on Earth. Fourth, make sure you have all your supplies before heading on a trip. 

While the story was sweet, I wish we could’ve seen Mordokai’s power in play. His coloring-changing hair is supposed to alert him to danger, yet it didn’t when the group encountered the lion. It was a significant missed opportunity. 

Mordokai Searches For Strawberries was an okay read. The illustrations were top-notch, but the story needed to include what made the characters special: their unique magical powers. I still recommend the story to children 4-10, but I suggest Mordokai’s next adventure show us his powers at work. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤

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Meet the Authors

Lamar:  I am a Navy Veteran who has traveled the world, met wonderful people and have enjoyed the culture, diversity and cuisines from around the world. I enjoy making up stories with my daughter to pass time and love to smoke ribs, brisket and any other meat or fish that I think would taste good.

I love hunting and fishing and believe in passing on lessons learned down to the younger generation. My motto is reach for the stars and see where it takes you.

 

Liana:  Second grade student who enjoys playing with friends, going to KidZania & Disneyland, learning at school and spending time with my mom and dad.  I love the zoo, learning about nature which my dad alw

 

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