Writing and Poetry

The dilemma

dairsik

My book series is complete, and I am working on a book of poetry. I always thought I would be a poet, but now that I got side-tracked with fiction, I find I like it. I want to publish some of my poems and then possibly some historical fiction.

The dilemma is: Should I put together several chapbooks or one or two larger themed poetry collections? I have several themes. Faith based poems, awareness poems, seasonal and weather poems, life, lessons, beauty. Where to begin?

I find I will read chapbook poems in one sitting and rarely go back to them. I am more likely to return to the more book type collections. One author with several themes in one book. Not a large volume, but more than a chapbook.

I would love to hear from readers. What is your favorite type of poetry and preferred book style? I am considering doing a couple of volumes with several sections.

Here is one for Autumn. Tell me what you think.

Photo by Abraham Braun on Pexels.co

Autumn

The colors are of
Earth not sky
No soft pinks
 But
Vibrant earthy hues
Orange, brown red
Yellow spun
In golden highlights

These colors are
What remains
Rushing through 
Veins of grasse
Of trees
 
Celebrating
Victory over
Drought, Flood
Thriving
Through Heat, 
Winds disease 
Pestilence

Surviving they
Wave their
Colors 
Jubilant
Proud as 
They prepare
For retreat
To mother earth

The colors are of
Earth not sky
A final splash
On the canvas
OF
Life
Until it begins
  Again
















		


			
		
	






	
	

		Writing and Poetry
Direction
	


	

							

			 dairsik		
		
		

			

Wow! Retirement is something else. So far because of Covid a lot of my goals are on the back burner. I have done a lot in the house. Painting, re-organizing, cleaning out but have a lot more to get rid of. I hate feeling like I don’t have an income. I love having time to catch up on some reading and writing. 





Which brings us to the consequences. I set up an office for myself and disregarded the fact that my new desk was higher than the old one. Tennis elbow in both arms is the result, and an impinged shoulder. Not life threatening obviously but a wake-up call that I have changed how I use my arms and I am getting older. Hopefully, a cushion to raise my seat and a little physical therapy will alleviate this and I can get on with what I want to accomplish.





My poetry book is coming along, but most of the poems need some editing and re-thinking. Rarely a poem is perfect with the first writing. We can always make them better. We would all like to believe that God just puts the pen in our hand and writes for us, but writing well is an art. Writing is both a gift and a learning process.





Today I hear the Covid risk is returning and masks might be mandated in public places again. I thought about auditing some classes but will wait it out. Normal is still a very illusive thing. 





I would love to hear from some of you about your choice of a poetry collection. Do you like them to be more of a chapbook or larger collection? The very mention of poetry strikes fear in the hearts of many when we remember the rhyming and meter lessons from high school. Fortunately, there are all kinds of poetic devices and many are rich in visual and relatable words that won’t leave you wondering what you should take from it. My poems are straightforward and not rife with underlying meaning. 





If you have a preference, please comment! I would love to hear from you.






		


			
		
	






	
	

		Writing and Poetry
Blessings
	


	

							

			 dairsik		
		
		

			

                  





A blessing came my way today





A patchwork trophy to display





I did nothing to earn the gift





But it gave my heart a welcome lift





A gift given with no thought of return





A selfless act that all could learn





To share freely what we can





No agenda or self-serving plan





To see a need, feel a pull





Giving to others when life is full





A touch, a coin, a simple word





Only the joy of giving is heard





Yes, a blessing came my way today





Not an item for display





I’ll find someone with true need





And with joy I’ll plant a seed










I wanted to share this today because we never know where or when a blessing is going to come our way.  Today I was sitting in my shop and saw a friend that had recently purchased my book series come in the door. She reached out and handed me an envelope. It contained a note that was a blessing to me. This is a short version of her message.





Deb





Just finished the third book and I hope there is a 4th in the series. You have a beautiful gift of writing and each book was read in one day. I felt drawn into the stories and they were a joy to read. 





God Bless you and thank you for sharing with us.





This is better than a check. This validates my writing and my purpose. Today you are my blessing.






		


			
		
	






	
	

		Writing and Poetry
Seasons Greetings
	


	

							

			 dairsik		
		
		

			

I’m excited to introduce a new offer for the Holidays. When you buy the Heroes series as a bundle it will be a straight $25.00.  No tax or shipping for the rest of December and all of January! You can go to my web site dairsik.com and click the book tab. Scroll down to the series bundle and viola’ , you can get all three books+all of the swag for only $25.00!





Check it out and have a blessed and safe holiday! 





Doesn’t it look great under the tree?






		


			
		
	






	
	

		Writing and Poetry
Reviews that really Matter
	


	

							

			 dairsik		
		
		

			

Yeah. That’s what I said. Reviews that really matter. We get reviews from friends and family but the ones that  make our hearts soar are the ones that come from readers! A librarian from my hometown sent me an email about student reviews of Heroes by Design. I love it. I wish I would hear this more.





This is the original wording from the librarian.





            Librarians review many books, and all types of books, from children’s picture books and young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller. I often share my thoughts in the weekly library news, but I seldom have the chance to feature a guest review, especially one written by local students.





            Authored by former Jetmore resident, Debra Schwartz Irsik, “Heroes by Design,” was featured at a book signing at the library last year. During her visit, Debra was also a guest speaker for our local Youth Group. The following review of “Heroes by Design” was written by sisters, Bailee and Blaire. 






            “Heroes by Design – author D. A. Irsik – is a realistic Christian fiction book for teens.  Sela, Zach, and Emily are best friends and they are in middle school.  Emily lost her mother and her faith with it.  Sela meets her guardian angel while she tries to help Emily through her loss.
            We liked this book because it made us feel like we need to help those who are going through hard times and to be a blessing to others!”  – Bailee and Blaire






            Taylor, Blaire and Bailee’s cousin, is also reading, “Heroes by Design.” Even with weeks of limited library access, the cousins still checked out several books each from the library over the summer. All three girls are active in library programs and visit the library year-round.  Thank you, girls, for taking the time to write this review. 
            There are two more books in the “Heroes by Design” series: book two is “Hero’s Journey” and book three, “Hero’s Purpose” is set to be released this year.                               





I want to give a shout out to Bailee, Blair and Taylor. Thanks for reading my book and a special thanks to Bailee and Blair for the review! I have sent a complimentary copy of Hero’s Purpose to the library and one to your Grandmother to share with you. This last book takes The friends to High School and the challenges of being actively engaged in their futures. I hope you enjoy!

		


			
		
	






	
	

		Writing and Poetry
Hero’s Purpose is finally ready to launch. It is live on Amazon and Barnes and Noble and I will be doing an Ad Campaign on Amazon soon.
	


	

							

			 dairsik		
		
		

			

It will appear on my WordPress site as well. If you want a signed copy and swag (character bookmarks and zipper pulls), you will need to order it here. dairsik.com





I have enjoyed the journey and will miss my characters. Stay tuned for information about book bundles and opportunities for gift bundles for the holidays.





I hope to put together a book of poetry soon and also will be working on an idea for a novella.





For I know the Plans I have for You Jeremiah 29:11






		


			
		
	






	
	

		Writing and Poetry
Patience
	


	

							

			 dairsik		
		
		

			

Yes, again. I am feeling a little frustrated as my scheduled release date on Ingram is July 17th. but I have yet to receive the Proof copy. The books that are offered on Amazon and other outlets will be the proof copy. I have e-mailed and called Ingram and they assure me I can change the release date but it will not change. 





Five books have been pre-ordered so far and they were ordered through other sources than me personally so those people will get an un-edited copy of  “Hero’s Purpose.” I checked and re-checked the manuscript so I am hoping errors will be minimal.





I will do a launch party on Facebook and several posts before the actual book is ready so watch for it and order after that time to assure the best quality in your book. 





In the meantime, remember to review Heroes by Design and Hero’s Journey on Amazon and Goodreads! I’m sure that God’s timing is better than mine and I have to remind myself to be patient. God Bless.

		


			
		
	






	
	

		Writing and Poetry
BitterSweet
	


	

							

			 dairsik		
		
		

			

My third book of the Heroes by Design series, Hero’s Purpose will soon be published. I am waiting for the proof copy.





It is a bittersweet moment. I have come to love my characters and it is hard to let them go but also exciting to see where my writing journey will take me next. I hope to have a poetry book published by this time next year. I feel like Sela, is in a good place and her friends and she will make a difference.





The Covid 19 pandemic has made all of us take stock. We have realized that less is more. The things we thought were so important were not so important. We can do more and live with less. Time is our most important asset and using it to bond with family. Money and status are important but not as essential as our world makes them seem. 





We have have begun to clean out our unnecessary, material possessions and accumulated things that have no real value. Taken stock of our personal journey and possibly found our path to be off course. 





The pandemic has been frightening, and heartbreaking for those who lost loved ones but helped others to re-evaluate their place in their journey. It is my hope that all of us find a way to use this to choose to cherish each other and our world. To get rid of ingrained prejudices and bias. To truly embrace each other and our world the way God intends.





  

		


			
		
	






	
	

		Writing and Poetry
Hero’s Purpose
	


	

							

			 dairsik		
		
		

			

Friends, I am excited to let you know that I am rounding the final curve on the, “Heroes,” journey. I am awaiting a beta review and an editorial review. The formatting is in process and Hero’s Purpose will soon be ready for publication. It is like sending your child out into the world after nurturing and watching them grow. I finished the trailer and would like to share it with you now.








Watch for Hero’s Purpose





Coming Soon