http://ninawardwrites.com/blogBLOG RSSMon, 23 Mar 2020 20:09:25 GMTMon, 23 Mar 2020 20:09:25 GMThttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/looking-for-the-past-back-homeI enjoyed most of the stories in Looking for the Path Back Home.  Author, David Ader flashes back to days of old in this collection of delightful short stories. Sprinkled in each story are different realms of life in the past, some humorous, (I found myself laughing out loud at times) some deep in meaning, and some just tell a good story. Many of the stories brought sweet memories as I read. I also learned a bit about other cultures and eras. Ader’s style of writing is comfortable, personal,Wed, 22 Dec 2021 02:54:44http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/looking-for-the-past-back-homehttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/sea-stacks-by-j-l-hagen-book-reviewSea Stacks, The Collected Stories of J.L. HagenI totally enjoyed all the stories in Sea Stacks. It’s not uncommon for at least one story in a collection to be bad or even mediocre, but not within these pages. J. L. Hagen is a crafty, ingenious writer, and storyteller.Each story stands alone and is set in or near a fictional town in Michigan, named Loyale,  Hagen captures the culture of some Michiganders and exposes the beauty of Michigan terrain.Because of the clever and witty verbiageFri, 02 Apr 2021 01:15:09http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/sea-stacks-by-j-l-hagen-book-reviewhttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/balcony-of-fog-book-reviewSet in post-nuclear America, two lovers escape to another realm in the universe as some hidden truths emerge and others remain a mystery. Author, Rich Shapero takes the reader on a journey through a colorful complex world. Although the characters seemed bland and simple to me, their souls were not.While reading, my imagination went into high gear picturing the intricate descriptions of the cloud world but, I felt there were repeated descriptions and the story soon grew boring.Occasionally, ISun, 27 Dec 2020 18:59:51http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/balcony-of-fog-book-reviewhttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/cut-that-wordCut THAT word out!We use the word THAT when we speak, but it is usually unnecessary in the written word. Here are some examples:I understand that you don't want to travel. I understand you don't want to travel.I heard that you want a birthday party.   I heard you want a birthday party.Tighten your sentences by getting rid of unnecessary words.Tue, 01 Dec 2020 22:58:31http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/cut-that-wordhttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/egg-nog-dancingI'm working on my gratitude journal: hmmm, Halloween - naaa, election season - ho-hum, Blue Moon- yes wonderful - but cosmically outside of my parameters, so many wonderful joys, how to choose just one.Got it. I am grateful that it is eggnog season again. Growing up south of the equator, eggnog was a mythical drink in Christmas stories set amidst snow blanketing the scenery on chocolate boxes and Christmas cards. Reindeer in snow up to their ankles, glittery snow-dusted pine cones, little RedWed, 04 Nov 2020 00:38:30http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/egg-nog-dancinghttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/best-gluten-free-flourStaying on a gluten-free plan does not have to be difficult. If you keep certain staples in the kitchen, like baking flour,  you will find it easy to create simple healthy, and tasty foods. I've been gluten-free for twelve years. Yes, I miss certain foods. But each year, I try to transform two or three foods to gluten-free. Many times, the gluten-free dish is better than the non-gluten-free!  Here's the best gluten-free baking flour I have found. TIPS for baking Gluten-FreeI usually bake withTue, 11 Aug 2020 18:54:49http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/best-gluten-free-flourhttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/the-line-of-blood-by-jana-marcusLINE OF BLOOD, Jana Marcus        Published July 6th 2020 by 7 Angels PressI totally enjoyed this mystery/memoir and could not put the book down.Each chapter brings new clues and historical info on the crime in New York City. I found myself trying to put the pieces together as I journeyed through the pages as if I was another character in the scenes.The author's style of writing is eloquent and clear. Love her style! The characters in this fascinating story of family and crime areThu, 23 Jul 2020 20:47:17http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/the-line-of-blood-by-jana-marcushttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/the-monster-at-the-end-of-this-bookThe MONSTER at the End of this Book This is still one of my favorite kids' books. I think I enjoy reading it as much as kids love hearing it and turning the pages. It starts out with a favorite loveable Monster, Grover who begs the reader to not open the book. He warns that there is a furry blue monster at the end of it! Each time the page turns there is a sense of excitement and fun fear. I actually collect copies of this book to give out to children everywhere.This is a fun book to read,Wed, 22 Apr 2020 19:05:39http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/the-monster-at-the-end-of-this-bookhttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/minor-apocalypse-c-don-ross-ll-guest-bloggerMinor ApocalypseIt’s only about 35 degrees outside, but the sun is bright and warm on this March Michigan day. I sit by the fire pit, burning several lifetimes of memories because I can’t bring myself to throw old photos and baby books in the trash. Seems disrespectful somehow.I can hear Bill on his property behind me, running his front loader as he cleans up years of construction waste left by the previous owner.Down the road someone is running their chainsaw, probably cleaning up someMon, 23 Mar 2020 20:09:25http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/minor-apocalypse-c-don-ross-ll-guest-bloggerhttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/book-review-the-tuscan-childThe Tuscan Child, by Rhys BowenI enjoyed this book, but it took a few chapters to want to turn the pages. The chapters switch between two eras, so it took me a while to keep track of who, what, and where. This is a story about a father and daughter’s family history. There are secrets, betrayal, love, and regrets. The first character is Hugo Langley, a pilot who was shot down in the latter part of WW2 in the region of Tuscany. The second character’s story takes place in the 1970s. Joanna, theFri, 31 Jan 2020 02:59:40http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/book-review-the-tuscan-childhttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/a-cup-of-comfort-for-writers-book-reviewA Cup of Comfort for Writers, Edited by Colleen Sell           It's difficult for most writers to stay motivated and keep encouraged in their writing dreams and aspirations.        A Cup of Comfort for Writers offers up a gulp of inspiration in each of the over fifty stories from authors who write in different genres and come from different levels in their writing journey.       Writers work in seclusion most of the day. Reading A Cup of Comfort made me feel like I wasn't alone. With almostFri, 29 Nov 2019 22:28:01http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/a-cup-of-comfort-for-writers-book-reviewhttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/the-search-for-the-missing-eyeThe Search for the Missing Eye - a real-life incident told to me by a massage therapist. An excerpt from a book project, working title, Things They Never Taught in Massage School; A Troubleshooting Guide for Massage Therapists.This was the longest scalp massage probably ever performed. At least it felt that way. My client was an elderly woman with tightly permed curls in a short hair-style. She was lying on her stomach, becoming more and more relaxed as I massaged the scalp. Then itThu, 24 Oct 2019 02:36:36http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/the-search-for-the-missing-eyehttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/can-t-depend-on-nobody-nothing-bluesWhen you can't depend on the train                                                                                               to get you where you're going on time,When you can't rely on friends or family,                        When you're feeling like everyone and all things let you down,                                     Grab a chocolate bar.                                 Always dependable to satisfy and soothe away troubles.                                       KeepThu, 08 Aug 2019 01:13:00http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/can-t-depend-on-nobody-nothing-blueshttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/book-review-a-star-in-the-night-by-jennifer-gladen-and-kc-sniderI enjoyed reading this delightful Christmas tale to my 6-year-old niece in July. This story can be read year-long. I chose this book for her because I wanted her to read how kids can find joy in giving any time of the year.  I wanted her to know that she could be like the main character, David and experience the joy of Christmas.The bright illustrations are detailed just enough for little ones. My niece checked out the facial expressions and clothes of the characters and was prompted toSun, 14 Jul 2019 01:36:05http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/book-review-a-star-in-the-night-by-jennifer-gladen-and-kc-sniderhttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/this-is-moreFriends come and go in the chapters of your life.But how amazing to have that friend who is more.The one who lingers on each page,Watches in the background, orShares the premise of your story.A colossal gift, this friend in your life.Like a treasured classic novel you can't put downOr throw away. Ever.This is your friend for life.This is more.Sat, 08 Jun 2019 18:33:18http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/this-is-morehttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/writerTo my writing Sista's and Brothers   Writer, your words are potent. Whether you are a published author or write for enjoyment-your words have a purpose. Will you deny your God-given talent and keep those words within; words about to explode from your soul? Or will you release to the universe for someone to be entertained or healed or guided?Sometimes I debate with myself and ask why am I writing? Who is listening? Then, I remember.One day, a woman in my apartment complex came across myFri, 21 Jun 2019 02:30:46http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/writerhttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/book-review-harry-moon-ending-easter-by-mark-andrew-poeHarry Moon: Ending Easter by Mark Andrew Poe Christina Weidman (Artist)If a friend did not share with me that it took her a few chapters to get into the book, I would have stopped reading by the third chapter. I'm glad I kept on reading. I was hooked and got what the book was about. At first, it was difficult to understand the setting and the characters and decipher the language of Harry Moon's world.I chose to see the battle between good and evil as the spiritual parallel to God andFri, 15 Feb 2019 17:59:14http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/book-review-harry-moon-ending-easter-by-mark-andrew-poehttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/bulaBula! Wishing you all health and happiness as I lift my kava cup to you at the beginning of this new year.  For those of you who have never experienced a Kava Bar/Lounge or been to the Fiji  Islands where you were welcomed with the traditional ceremonial greeting, bula means Life - a blessing of health and happiness.Kava. Life. They have a lot in common. Kava tastes nasty until you acquire the taste. Life can be nasty until you learn how to cope, be grateful and enjoy.Kava makes your mouthMon, 21 Jan 2019 01:05:57http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/bulahttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/you-ready-for-some-footballFor once in my life, I want to play Life like a Wide Receiver- catch the football (Life) without fumbling or getting tackled and swiftly bring it to the goal (Survival)!  With all the Titanic plays I've had to survive in my life, I'm certainly qualified!Addiction, my 3-year-old son kidnapped, and cancer to name a few.   These were some of the most difficult plays for which I am grateful. Without these irritating, laborious situations, I would not be who I am.  There is strength in weakness.Sun, 01 Sep 2019 15:40:07http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/you-ready-for-some-footballhttp://ninawardwrites.com/blog/book-review-patient-zero-by-jonathan-mayberryThis fast-paced thrilling, terrifying book had me yelling aloud at the characters and emitting short bursts of screams from scenes that evoked fear or disgust. Poetic sentences weaved into strong dialogue and plot made me fall in love with the author's writing style. Patient Zero is the first in the series. I enjoyed the main character, Joe Ledger's sense of almost sick humor. This hero and his crew are assigned to take down terrorists and stop a Bio-weapon from turning people into zombiesFri, 07 Dec 2018 04:39:26http://ninawardwrites.com/blog/book-review-patient-zero-by-jonathan-mayberry