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A bit belated, but I edited a multi-genre anthology themed around tomatoes back in 2016 called Tomato Slices. I tend to run out of steam once the book is finished, so I haven't done a good job getting the word out, which is a disservice to the talented contributors.
Tomato Slices Cover
"First cultivated by the Aztecs, once feared and later embraced by Europeans, the tomato has an intriguing legacy, and now the mythic fruit-vegetable has inspired a creative collection of short pieces. Tomato Slices is a veritable chopped salad of short stories, essays, poems, recipes, and artwork. These tasty pieces are grown from nearly fifty creative minds and harvested from seven countries."
The book transitions from down to earth stories about gardening to increasingly more fantastic stories. As the editor I tried to sequence everything to have the same emotional highs and lows as a novel, even though aside from the theme the stories are disconnected.
In the literary world, there are a few individuals who possess the ability to captivate readers with their words, both as authors and as editors. Niladri Shekhar Mitra is one such talented individual who has made a significant impact in the realm of literature. With a diverse range of accomplishments under his belt, Mitra has not only penned six successful books but also served as an experienced editor for numerous titles. Additionally, he has ventured into entrepreneurship, dedicating himself to helping fellow authors publish and promote their works. Let's delve into the world of Niladri Shekhar Mitra and explore his remarkable contributions to the literary landscape.
Niladri Shekhar Mitra has demonstrated his versatility as an author through a wide array of literary works. His bestselling psychological thriller, "Letters of Nine," showcases his ability to weave intricate plots and create compelling characters that keep readers engrossed until the very last page. The book has received critical acclaim for its engaging narrative and masterful storytelling. Niladri's talent is not limited to a single genre. He has also delved into the realm of poetry, with collections such as "Songs of Dusk & Moonshine" that have touched the hearts of many readers. Through his poignant verses, Niladri brings forth a sense of emotion, allowing readers to connect with his words on a deep and personal level.
Exploring the realms of science fiction and the supernatural, Niladri has also ventured into short story writing with his collection, "Beyond The Grey Line." The book combines elements of science fiction and the supernatural, creating an enthralling and imaginative reading experience for fans of these genres. In addition to his achievements as an author, Niladri Shekhar Mitra has also made significant contributions as an experienced book editor. With a vast portfolio of over 26 titles, he has honed his editorial skills, helping authors refine their manuscripts and bring out the best in their work. His keen eye for detail and strong understanding of storytelling techniques have made him a sought-after editor in the publishing industry. As an editor, Niladri understands the importance of maintaining the author's unique voice while ensuring the manuscript is polished and ready for publication. His collaborative approach and insightful feedback have earned him the trust and respect of authors he has worked with over the years. Niladri's dedication to his craft and commitment to excellence are evident in the quality of the books he has edited.
Niladri Shekhar Mitra's passion for literature extends beyond his personal creative pursuits. He has also embraced entrepreneurship with a focus on assisting authors in publishing and promoting their books. Niladri’s venture aims to empower authors by providing them with the tools and resources they need to navigate the complex world of publishing successfully.
Through his entrepreneurial endeavors, Mitra has established The Creative Circle that offers aspiring authors guidance, from manuscript editing and formatting to cover design and marketing options. By leveraging his expertise and industry knowledge, he helps authors navigate the often daunting process of getting their work published and reaching a wider audience.
Niladri Shekhar Mitra's journey in the world of literature is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. As an accomplished author, experienced book editor, and passionate entrepreneur, Niladri has made a significant impact on the literary landscape. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres, his skillful editing, and his commitment to supporting fellow authors exemplify his multifaceted expertise.
With six successful books to his name, including the bestselling psychological thriller "Letters of Nine," and his valuable contributions as an editor and entrepreneur, Niladri continues to inspire and influence aspiring writers. Reach out to him at nilshekhar10@gmail.com or contact@thecreativecircleofficial.com
Leon Rhise was a proud commanding naval officer, until one mistake cost the lives of his entire crew. He returns home full of shame and anger at himself. Instead of finding refuge in familiar surroundings, Leon is disgusted to learn his sister is about to enter into an arranged marriage to a much older man with whom she is not in love. Then, he and his father argue about the future of the family business. His father disowns and banishes his youngest son. Leon leaves with no destination, little food, and hardly any funds.
That night, and angel named Rohiel speaks to Leon. Leon wakes up thinking the encounter must have been a dream. He continues along the path not knowing where he is headed.
Eventually, he meets a group of travelers. They become friends and allow Leon to join them on their journey. Toward the end of their journey, the pack must win the ultimate battle: defeating an army of skeletons. The skeletons represent elements of our shameful past that we must now face. The battle is arduous but vital.
Celena Janton takes readers to England in the 1530s with Arabella Benjamin for a journey filled with knights in shining armor, romance, and political upheaval.
Arabella, the daughter of Melissa Benjamin, finds herself courted by Sir Lancelot and his squire Robbie, who is later knighted, shortly after being transported to 16th-century England. Eventually, she must decide between a man she lathes and a man Through Sir Lancelot, Arabella secures a placement with a wealthy family that becomes impressed with her charming personality and culinary skills.
However, the greatest, and most difficult, journey is that of faith.
Arabella has also brought her religious convictions, which are unconventional for that time, and her knowledge of history, which includes the fate of Queen Anne Boleyn. She is adamant about her beliefs in the relationship between mankind and God and readily foreshadows the execution of Queen Anne Boleyn. Unfortunately, some people deem her a heretic and attempt to punish her. Arabella soon finds herself trapped with no means of escape. Only God can save her. Yet, she remains steadfast in her religious beliefs.
The Storyteller is a fascinating tale about the importance of trusting God, regardless of the intensity of adversity, for He rewards the faithful, and finding true love.
A piercing scream shattered the reverie of a bride-to-be. Instantly, Melissa Berington left the swans in the Thames River and the cherry tree blossoms to follow the horrific sound across the lush grounds of Bringewood Manor, all the way up to her bedroom, where she finds a young woman about to give birth. The year is 1743. To end the curse haunting her family and threatening her marriage, Melissa must revisit the past.
The story continued with a wedding ceremony at Bringewood Manor, which at the time is owned by the d’Windesleys. Lord Rickert d’Windesley found himself instantly attracted to Melissa, but the feelings were not mutual-at first. She recalled that her fiancé Tom had told her Lord d’Windesley was wicked. Nevertheless, Melissa convinced herself that knowing this stranger will help her uncover the dark secrets of the estate she inherited.
Miraculously, God introduced Melissa to American preacher Jonathan Edwards when she accepted an invitation from Lady Julianne d’Windesley, the sister of Lord d’Windesley, to attend his sermon. Melissa was mesmerized by his words, as if Preacher Edwards spoke directly to her. She was even more taken upon realizing that God answered her prayers for help.
Thank you very much for reading my writing tips and book reviews! I am glad you liked the reviews. If you have not read the tips, they are available at my LiveJournal, Goodreads, and FaceBook pages. I hope the tips benefit you.
Princess Eunice is an intelligent, determined, and caring young lady. Yet, she doubts she can fulfill her royal duties as well as her late mother Queen Constance. Being taken advantage of by men further convinces the young royal to withdraw from society. Her reclusiveness seems permanent until she met Juwell, an artist, while volunteering at a local orphanage. The two are instantly taken with each other, and their friendship quickly develops into romance. She invites him to have supper with her family, and he invites her to a festival in his village. By spending time with each other, they discover common interests: a belief in God, dancing, and the ability to easily associate with others of different social rank.
Their love seems perfect until Princess Eunice, following the advice of her sister Princess Laurel, attempts to confirm how Juwell feels about her. Moreover, she is brave enough to satisfy her curiosity. Though Juwell has been frank about his past, he resists revealing a secret that could destroy their relationship. Ultimately, their future as a couple depends on who has the strongest willpower, and whether they can be honest with each other.
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott, Anchor Books. New York. 1995, 150.
“I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me and said that they loved knowing the word for what they’d always referred to as the wire thing. Okay, the truth is I can...tell you how many people: three. But three people who seemed genuinely pleased to have found out something they’d wondered about. Okay. Let’s be honest. Two people and my mother. Not that my mother is not a real person.
This example gives the impression Lamott is having a casual conversation rather than an instructional session. Addressing the reader with dialogue that exudes genuine attitude builds an interpersonal connection between the protagonist and the reader.
Cassandra Wolf wrote Celtic Warriors, a Christian historical fiction/romance novella, which can be purchased at:
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is an invaluable tool for maintain a flow of creativity. Among other things, Cameron advises readers to, in the morning, write a three page statement about what bothers them.
This exercise helped me in multiple aspects of my life. Though my circumstances did not change, my problems do not bother me as much.
As for creativity, I did not lock for material. Plus, the matters could be foundations for other fictional stories.
Cassandra Wolf wrote Celtic Warriors, a Christian historical fiction/romance novella, which can be purchased at:
Opal Whilstead is cheerful with others and regularly participates in charitable endeavors with the ladies of society. But she worries about spending her life as a spinster. Commander Exemplar Governor Staid Alexander has preoccupied himself with watching his children grow up and his oldest son get married, along with his official duties. But he still grieves over the loss of his wife Queen Constance.
Neither expects their loneliness to end.
One evening, a chance encounter unearths their repressed feelings. One day, Opal is invited to accompany Staid during his tour of the military. As they get to know each other more, Staid begins to think he can start a new chapter in his life. Meanwhile, Opal keeps discouraging herself from hoping for more than friendship with him. Toward the end of the tour, Opal and Staid realize they have found more than a companion in each other.
However, not everyone approves of the relationship between Opal and Staid. The greatest threat to their romance is the bitterness, jealousy, and resentment from those who disapprove of having a commoner enter the exclusive circle of nobility.
Melissa Benjamin never knew her parents or about her family history. Her grandmother who raised her never spoke of the past. However, a high school genealogy assignment piqued her interested in her past, changing her life forever. At first, she was more interested preoccupied with finishing her last year of high school well enough to attend college and her crush Tom Berrington, who seemed equally interested in her. Their bond starts to deepen while Tom helps Melissa learn more about her family history. Then, he disappears. Though heartbroken, Melissa invests more time into discovering her family history. She becomes intrigued with the bravery of one of her ancestors Katharina and her parents and becomes entangled in tales of deceit, unrequited love, and courage that have haunted her family for generations. Eventually, Melissa learns she is heiress to a large estate. However, the same evil force that destroyed her parents has a grasp on the young heiress. Melissa must uncover this evil force to free herself before she becomes the next victim.
Rather than execute him, the Communist Party places Count Alexander Ilyich Rostov under house arrest in the lavish Metropol Hotel indefinitely. From his bedroom window, Rostov watches the deterioration of his beloved Russia. Citizens wait in long bread lines for rations to take to their apartments, which look plain on the outside and were constructed in an identical fashion. Meanwhile members of the Communist Party savor different dishes in unlimited portions inside the hotel while discussing the next manifesto. Eventually, like everyone else, is Rostov called comrade, rather than by his title. He is made a waiter in the main restaurant hotel. He is moved to smaller quarters. Still, he tolerates his circumstances.
Additionally, Rostov represents the importance the past in shaping the future. Colonel Glebnikov, an officer of the Party, recruits Rostov to use his experiences in Western Europe to understand Western culture and help the Soviet Union dominate the world. Thus, as eagerly as the Communist Party changed the names of major cities and confiscated private property to erase the past, the Party relies on the final relic of imperial Russia to advance a totalitarian agenda, which could be why the Party kept him alive. The Party could thrive alone, despite the propaganda proclaiming an all-powerful Soviet Union.
God thrusts us toward our destinies in unexpected ways. However, the uncertainty of those unfamiliar circumstances can deepen our trust in Him. For Annie Wood, that thrust came during a trip to America.
Ambition swells inside of Annie. At a young age, she left her family farm to serve an aristocratic family, hoping to eventually become a lady’s maid. That dream ended, when during a trip to America, the upper maids took credit for her embroidery skills and deliberately got her in trouble. Annie had dreamed of becoming a lady’s maid for the Kidds when she left her family to enter service. That betrayal was one of a series of ruthlessness Annie decided to no longer tolerate. She resolves to create a better life for herself instead of letting others determine her future. As a result, Annie and her American friends dared to leave their employers and ventured into the bustling City of New York without shelter or employment. But the excitement wanes when she is betrayed by other maids of the family she serves. Annie fulfills her goal of becoming a shop clerk at Macy’s, where she realizes her talents and finds romance.
With her new friends, Annie pursues her new ambition of becoming a shop clerk at Macy’s. While establishing her career, she discovers her talent for fashion design. Along the way, she meets Sean Culver, who helps her understand that God connects people and puts one in certain situations for a reason. Her landlord Edna Holmquist teaches Annie about the power of prayer. Her relationship with God deepens as she witnesses how quickly He answers her prayers. Annie is uncertain that a Supreme Being who can make magic exists. Sean becomes more than her lover; he becomes her spiritual coach. Anchored in her renewed faith, Annie becomes more attune to His directions, allowing her to develop a trustworthy inner circle and venture into new opportunities.
The Pattern Artist is an inspiring novel that uses characters in plausible situations who develop spiritually and emotionally. They teach about the power of prayer and how adversity can be advantageous as one learns whom to trust and relies more on God.
The “white-blood disease” is ravaging Victorian England. Thus far, the disease is incurable. However, brothers Dr. Magnus Rand and chemist Hamilton Rand will stop at nothing to find a cure. In their insanity, they purchase three young siblings Charlie, Maggie, and Mike to use as subjects for a risky experiment that could advance medical treatment or commit them to the gallows for murder. Nurse Hester Monk happens upon their inhumane trial while treating one of the brothers’ patients. She is even more appalled to discover that Charlie, Maggie, and Mike are dying from the brothers’ obsession. Before Hester can expose the Rands, Magnus and Hamilton kidnap and hold her hostage. William Monk, her husband and commander of the Thames River Police, frantically searches London for Hester. Their investigation leads them to a hastily constructed cemetery for victims of the Rands’ clinical trials. Monk and his team must find Hester before she becomes the next victim.
Filled with suspense, Corridors of the Night takes readers through a graphic novel about two men obsessed with finding a cure whether for their benefit or for the benefit of society. As in her other novels, Perry explores psychological triggers behind human behavior to create multi-faceted characters while still reminding readers of the difference between right and wrong.
Cassandra Wolf wrote Celtic Warriors, a Christian historical fiction/romance novella, which can be purchased at:
We hit the library doing 85 miles an hour. "Our miles," she whispered, the thick smell of exhaust on her breath. She had already repaired everything. One fender, one tire, one dashboard lightbulb replaced and we were good to go again. We let the windshield remain shattered so the wind could ride shotgun.
Curse came out the front door and hissed at us through a mouthful of maggots. "What in the living fuck are you two doing?" Her finger pointed at us like a snake ready to strike.
"Sorry babe," I said, shifting into reverse. I tried to sound cool and swaggery, but my voice couldn't hide the sincerity of my apology. "I'm 39 years old and I forgot how to handle a muscle car. And oh boy, this lady got THICC muscles."
Curse struck her snakefinger like a match against the crumbling brick and lit a Kool. I reflected that all of the ladies in my life, the truly beloved, smoke in one way or another. "T.H.I.C.C.," she pondered, "Try helping immobilized creatures communicate."
"Thanks for the advice," I shouted, peeling rubber out of the library parking lot. I worried about what I had done to the library, but the worry dissolved when I saw Curse in the rearview mirror. She had already repaired everything.
And we were off again. We cruised among the green, the thick green, where the older dogs gather around the fire hydrants wagging tails and swapping tales of escaping squirrels and misspent puppyhoods. We drove slow, because I've seen a Staffordshire Terrier get hit by a bad driver once. His skull split and green goo came out. I never want to see that kind of green again.
"Hey there, big guy," barked the Old Timer, "Ya got any steaks?" She pulled to a stop and I got out, holding a bagful of something wet and red. "C'mon, Old Timer. I thought you were some hippy-dippy nature worshipper now."
Old Timer coughed and scratched his ear with an arthritic back leg. "Boy, Mother Nature eats meat and drinks blood by the toiletbowlfull. Now you gonna be generous with those tenderloins, or do I gotta give you a grand tour of my last remaining teeth?" The other dogs looked at me. I can't always read dog faces. Were they suspicious? Anxious? Or just hungry? I tossed the bag to the pack, and as one, they bore down upon it like a wounded zebra in the Serengeti.
"Now listen," I said in my best Dog Trainer voice, "you all need to share those, and-"
Old Timer grinned a bloody grin, two yellowed teeth in the front. "No, no big guy. We don't 'share'. We S.H.A.R.E. Ya dig?" I pondered, then said, "Only for bones, friend."
"Good boy", he replied.
We laughed and ate together until nightfall. Then, we howled.
Behind us, in the forest, an engine revved, and a pair of headlights came on like twin moons hunting together in the deep jungle.
People say love is blind and makes one do crazy things. In fact, Ambrose Ashley warned his younger cousin Philip, “See what a moment of passion can bring upon a fellow.” Alas, Ambrose and, later, Philip failed to heed his warning.
Ambrose married a widowed Rachel Sangalletti. Philip resented Rachel for stealing every ounce of attention he had received from the man who raised him. Furthermore, the marriage kept Ambrose far away in Italy. Suddenly, Ambrose died from a sudden illness, leaving Philip as his sole heir.
Before long, Rachel pays her cousin a visit. No one knows much about Rachel, but her presence ignites suspicion among the residents of Cornwall. They suspect she not the grieving widow but, instead, a greedy, cold-hearted woman. Despite warnings from his closest connections, Philip is enthralled by Rachel and gives up everything he owns for her love. Eventually, Philip realizes he might have made a fatal error and tries to redeem himself before all is lost.
Beginning with Chapter One, readers are lured into a mysterious, somber atmosphere that foreshadows the end. Then, the plethora of imagery gives readers a taste of the English and Italian countrysides. Ironically, the isolated, frigid English countryside is warm in that its residents are close-knit; whereas, the warm, colorful Italian countryside is oppressive and filled with questionable characters. The attraction to this tale continues when passion ignites and sound judgement is cast aside as a foolish heir embarks on his first romantic foray.
The Innkeeper is an inspiring story of brave women who overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to provide for themselves. Jane Bell, in particular, relies on God to save the inn she assumed after her husband past away.
The story starts one year after Mr. Bell died. Jane is reluctant to oversee the inn for which she never cared much. Besides, she felt unqualified, never having operated a business. Eventually, the reality of having nowhere else to live convinces Jane to keep her livelihood. As Jane becomes comfortable in her new role, she is shocked to learn that a 15,000-pound loan taken against the inn is due. She is even more disturbed to learn that her late husband borrowed the money, and that the inn is not generating income. Meanwhile, her mother-in-law Thora moves into the inn. Both women must overlook their differences and work together to save the inn, as other unpleasant surprises threaten to defeat them. But, gathering much-needed support from their staff and connections also proves difficult.
Looking up, I see a bright light. After many years millennia in the dark, the sight is a glorious one. The whiteness fills my vision, and I can see my surroundings once more. It is not a pretty sight, however. Bodies of humans and animals alike litter the ground where I stand. At the edge of the light, there is more darkness. I wonder what lies in it. I shake my head to clear my thoughts and try to focus on the scene in front of me. Right. The light. Above me, where there once was solid bedrock, there is a hole. It is a small hole, but it's very powerful. After all, if one hole forms, more holes might start forming. And eventually, if I'm even still alive by then, there will be an enormous hole, big enough to fill the whole cavern with light, but more importantly, big enough for me to escape. I've been in this cave for a long while, and I've certainly shrunk in size. The hole doesn't need to be very big, just big enough to fit a small person like myself. When I escape, I will reunite with my dear brother, if he is still alive. He's a smart man, he's probably been able to survive this long. We'll find a place to live in peace for all eternity, just him and me and all the light of the sun to guide us. But, fantasizing about the future doesn't do me any good. For now, I'll wait ever so patiently for the bedrock to deteriorate.
I'm currently writing a military dystopia, with themes of restricted freedom and violence. If you want to check it out, it's here.
Summary: War is raging in the 22nd century, and military leaders occupy government positions. Gunn is a PoW, with a twisted history, whose life takes a dangerous turn when the daughter of his nemesis makes an appearence.
busy
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