My Writing Journey
The Heroes by Design series would make an excellent addition to your middle-grade child’s Easter basket. The series takes three friends through 7th, 8th, and 9th grades. They experience bullying, loss, and friendship. With a bit of angelic intervention, they become closer in faith and life.
Sunshine in the Weeds is perfect for that special adult who needs a lift or a trip down memory lane. The poems resonate with love, faith, and nature, intertwining.
I am normally not political, and I try to find the sanity in what our politicians are doing, but it seems we are flailing in the sea of ideals and being told we are not adept enough to save ourselves. I do not write in favor of any political party. I write as an American.
We The People
The idea of freedom is an age-old ideal. Much like Socialism, it is a shining promise without reality. No one is ever truly free. We all answer to someone or something.
We gain independence through compromise. You give something else to earn the prize you want. It’s just the way of the world. Nothing comes without a price.
America is the ideal of freedom, but are we truly free? We are taxed and constricted by rules and laws. We have responsibilities and expectations to live up to.
So, is freedom just smoke? Just the mist that dissipates in the dawn?
In the early days of lawless settlement and unrestricted activity, growth and development only happened if you were the guy with the largest amount of land and ownership of the town. The richest man was king until someone with more power pushed him out and became the new land baron.
History teaches us that we need structure. That man without an outline and laws cannot flourish. This lesson was learned in blood and sweat. No man is great on his own, and if he is given too much power, it is his ruin.
Biblically, Solomon was the wisest man in history. Yet he let his passion control his wisdom in his old age.
Man is meant to collaborate and work together. One man given too much power leads to corruption. That is why in America, we have a Constitution. We have laws to guard against any one-man taking control of our country. The people of this country have the responsibility to ensure that the Constitution is upheld and followed and not bent to the interpretation of those who seek to be rulers rather than overseers of our freedom.
A failed democracy begins with a flawed democracy. It is chipped away within by weakening the rule of law and blocking media access. An authoritarian uses seemingly legal mechanisms for anti-democratic ends. They conceal anti-democratic practices under the mask of law.
Let us be a nation with eyes wide open. Let no man take our constitutional rights from us. Whether Democrat, Republican, or Independent, no single man should be allowed to destroy this country that God has given us the privilege of being a part of.
We the people are America! Every great nation has fallen when man has made themselves more important than the law and the people. Our politicians work for us! They are our employees. We cannot let them take away our rights and our liberty. No one man owns us. We do not work for Washington. They work for us. We the People.
Ashes to ashes
Dust to dust This season Reflection Repentance Remembrance Rejoicing Resurrection Reflect on your life Repent your shortcomings Remember Christ's forty-days Rejoice in the promise Resurrection Victory over death No fear No suffering His perfect gift Eternal life
Sunshine in the Weeds has something for everyone!
This collection has been called relatable, heartwarming, and finding the divine in life’s smallest moments!
A perfect gift for that hard to buy for person on your list.
It is available in hardcover, ( color graphics) or softcover.
Go to http://www.dairsik.com. and select PURCHASE,
to get free shipping and tax through January 2025.
I am excited to share that I entered the Readers’ Favorite Contest.
A review is included in the entry and I have received a 5 Star rating.
Books are judged on Appearance, Plot, Development, Marketability, and Overall opinion.
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite
Treat yourself to a poetry collection that will refresh your mind and
spirit with D.A. Irsik’s Sunshine In The Weeds. “Forever a Memory”
is a reflective poem about friendship and cherishing a bond with
someone that has lasted a lifetime through memories. “A Life Lived
Well” is an inspirational poem with a few valuable lessons on life.
The narrator likens themself to a cheerleader, content to support,
applaud, and celebrate from afar as their loved ones walk the path
of greatness. “The Woman That I Am” delves into the many roles a
woman plays in life. A mother marvels at the woman her beloved
daughter becomes in “Time Let Her Grow.” “The Healing Heart”
reminds us that no matter how difficult circumstances may seem,
time finds a way to mend all wounds.
Divided into six parts, Sunshine In The Weeds ushers in a ray of
light to remind readers of the many things to be grateful for in this
life. D.A. Irsik’s poetry is invigorating, observing aspects of life and
the world around us that impact a person in myriad ways. These
poems deal with themes of childhood, family, love, motherhood,
nature, faith, writing, and more. Irsik uses simple words, but her
poetry has a lot of depth as the universal themes evoke powerful
emotions and feelings in the reader. There’s also a nostalgic feel to
these poems, especially the ones in the first part, which I think
many readers will appreciate and be able to relate to. I found this
collection to be very heartfelt, compassionate, and inspirational. For
poetry aficionados, this one is a must-read
Obviously, some writers write as a career, but before that … before it was a job, it was a passion. A writer has an innate desire to put words on paper; for those who write not expecting our ship to come in, it is for moments when we are told that our writing inspired them, made them think, or blessed them.
I am sharing a few comments with you that every writer needs to hear … words that inspire us to keep writing. Your words let us know we can make a difference or make someone feel something real.
Following are comments written to or spoken to me. These comments encourage me to keep writing.
“I took Sunshine in the Weeds to my deck this morning and smiled, laughed, and cried into my coffee. So many emotions because Debbie’s words are so good.”
“Started your book this morning and I can hardly put it down! Soo many of these resonate with me. Right now, ,”What Do You Want? Is where I am in my life.”
“Thanks for sending me your book. I am sorry I missed your stop at the library. I am inspired by your words and ordered one for my daughter, and daughter-in-law for Christmas.”
Then today I forgot my purse and had to go back to retrieve it from the chair in the local coffee shop. A gentleman who had recently lost his lovely wife told me that a friend purchased Sunshine in the Weeds as a gift for his wife during her illness. She finished it and felt that it was a blessing.
These words lift my heart and encourage me to write. We love to hear from our readers. We want to make a difference.
Stay tuned for Christmas deals and updates on the novel collaboration I am working on with Hazel Hart!
Happy Fall
It has been a lot of running around, but every stop and reading has been worth it! I have re-ordered both hard and softcover books and waiting for the second softcover order to arrive before booking fall readings.
I am blessed with supportive friends and family who have helped to make each event successful.
Jetmore Public Library
Hays Public Library with John Irsik and Michele Flax
Hays Public Library
Michele Flax Hostess
Frank Carlson Library
Concordia, Ks.
We had a great time and met terrific people!
So…the book is out and I have posted several times and shared the launch video. I have done a radio show and Instagram posts and I am doing a short book tour out west next week.
Telling others to buy your book and talking about yourself is hard. You have to put yourself out there and hope people don’t get tired of hearing about you and your book.
Every writer wants to be heard. We want you to love our words and feel a connection. The only way we know if that happens is if you tell us. The only way we can reach others is if you share your impressions, likes and dislikes on Amazon and Goodreads and social media. You do not have to purchase from Amazon to review there or on Goodreads.
So there it is. If you have purchased Sunshine in the Weeds, or have been gifted one, I would like your reviews! You are important to me and I want others to find my book.
Thanks for your support, and keep reading!
Deb
D. A. irsik: Author
Life Moments 