Valentine's Cupid and True Love

You know Cupid. That naked, chubby, smiling cherub who shoots his magic arrows at unsuspecting men and women to make them fall in love. He is a busy little match-maker whose image appears on many Valentine's Day cards. Now, I do not believe in an actual Cupid any more than I believe in the reality of Greek gods, but I do believe in the genuineness of love. True love. Love that equates with service and sacrifices made over time. What is this kind of love? I'll let Derian answer that question for you as he answered it for Eena in the book, Eena, The Return of a Queen. I think he got it spot on.

“Love is so much more than an emotion. True love, Eena, is something that develops over time. It’s not the initial infatuation nor the shivers and butterflies that take your breath away when you’re first attracted to someone. Those things are nice, but they are barely the beginning of what could become true love."

She shook her head. “I don’t quite follow.”

The captain inched closer, fixing her with the sincerest of gazes. His hands cupped as if he were holding his very heart in them.

“True love is a developed and intense appreciation for someone. It’s that perfect awareness you’re finally whole when she’s with you, and that hollow incompleteness you suffer when she’s gone. True love takes time. It’s an earned comfort that tells you she’ll be right there beside you no matter what you do, not necessarily happy with your every action, but faithful to you just the same. Love is knowing someone so deeply, understanding her so completely, you can finish her thoughts without hesitation, confident in reading her face, her body, even her slightest gesture means something to you. Love is years of devotion, sacrifice, commitment, loyalty, trust, faith, and friendship all wrapped up as one. True love does more than cause your heart to flutter. It upholds your heart when the infatuation no longer makes it flutter.”

Life is Like a Lengthy Road Trip

 I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season. I know I did.

My husband and I traveled more over the holidays than we have traveled in ages, spending over two weeks driving and flying from destination to destination. The trip was necessary, occasionally fun, every so often difficult, but definitely worth it. During the last two weeks of December, 2023, we were able to attend one son’s college graduation at Brigham Young University-Idaho as well as participate in three separate Christmas celebrations with family members. 

The last leg of our trip found my husband and I coughing, sneezing, and wheezing due to illness—not a pleasant occurrence because the virus plagued us for over a week afterwards (we have reached the productive coughing stage.) The trip, however, was still absolutely worthwhile.

While driving from Oklahoma to Tennessee to reach our little two-bedroom apartment we presently reside in, I was telling my husband that I felt our trip was a mini model of life. The whole trip was too short in some ways, yet it felt exceptionally long in other ways. We were able to spend precious moments with family members—talking, relaxing, and celebrating. I felt appreciation for the relationships I have with family and friends. We caught up on personal news, feasted on delicious dinners, and hugged each other a lot. There were difficult and disappointing moments too. For instance, I got sick with food poisoning which put me down for a couple of days (an awful way to clean out your system.) My husband felt the onset of cold symptoms on Christmas day; I was right behind him two days later. Luckily, no one else caught the virus, so we managed not to share it. There were other good points and difficult points about the trip. The airports and flights were great. The driving conditions and roads were clear—exceptional conditions for winter months in the Pacific Northwest. There was too much driving overall: one trip from Salt Lake City, Utah to Rexburg, Idaho and then back; one trip from Salt Lake City, Utah to Central Washington and then back; and one trip from Oklahoma to Tennessee. That was about 2,700 miles driven! Not to mention the two plane rides. Yes, the traveling was tiring.

 

The interesting thing to me is how both good and unpleasant moments comprised the trip. We experienced the greatest days as well as miserable days. If I wanted, I could list an abundance of blessings we received, while on the other hand I could list an abundance of hard disappointments. That is why I say it was like a mini model of life. The trick was deciding where to concentrate our attention. If I focused on the food poisoning, the many hours of driving, the friends I was unable to visit, the small and uncomfortable beds, the amount of money spent, the coughing and sneezing on the drive home, etc.—it would be easy to argue that this was a really bad trip. But the thing is, it wasn’t! it was wonderful! Why? Because I focused on the chance to see my kids and my family, the warm hugs I gave and received, the delicious dinners we shared, the gifts we exchanged, the perfect weather we were blessed with for driving, the safe travels, the chance to see my mom and sisters and nieces and nephews, the opportunity to attend a Jazz basketball game, the quick recovery from illness, etc. It is all in what we choose to focus on. Good and bad exist in everything. How we view an event, a trip, a relationship, a lifetime depends on what aspects we choose to focus on. I am truly grateful to know that life honestly feels better when we focus on the good.

Yes, life is like a lengthy road trip, filled with great moments as well as unpleasant moments. It is our focus that determines whether our travels through this life are deemed positive or not. 

Werewolves Howl, Phantoms Prowl

 

“The jack-o-lantern follows me with tapered, glowing eyes. His yellow teeth grin evilly. His cackle I despise. But I shall have the final laugh when Halloween is through. This pumpkin king I’ll split in half to make a pie for two.”  ― Richelle E. Goodrich, Slaying Dragons   Happy Halloween!      Whether you are a Halloween enthusiast or not, this is a lovely time of year to decorate the front porch with autumn colors and pumpkins. Carving a jack-o-lantern can be a rewarding treat as well. I love the glowing faces and the pumpkin seeds we scoop out to salt and dry. Another tradition for me is reading and writing Halloween poetry. Every fantasy creature we typically pair with the holiday can inspire fun verses. They may rhyme or not, either way is acceptable. Why not try your hand at creating a Halloween poem of your own? Be creative and share your poetry with others. I hope you enjoy the poems below that I wrote for Halloweens past.  The Tarishe Curse is a great Halloween read if you are looking for one. Find it in kindle, paperback, and hardcover formats on Amazon.com. SHORT SUMMARY: The full Tarishe moon never fails to herald the arrival of werewolves, drawn to the village like greedy dragons to golden treasure. Catherine, a huntress, faces them every year, but she soon finds that the real villains are unlike any she has ever met. Vengeance is the game. A Tarishe curse, the weapon of choice. What am I working on now?        With my latest book,   A Heart Made of Tissue Paper, now published and available for readers to enjoy, I have turned my attention to another book with original quotes, poems, and some short stories for every day of the year. This new book will be titled, Hope Evermore. Expect a release date in the spring of 2024.        I am also working on a new fantasy adventure that involves some Mayan mythology. There is no release date for this book yet, but I will tell you I am about 50% through the first draft of this manuscript. I love it so far!        Keep reading and reviewing those books!  _  _  ________________  _  _

How to Leave a Book Review on Amazon

Here is a question I am asked frequently: Is it a requirement to buy a book from Amazon to leave a rating and review for it on their website? 

The answer: No. Anyone can leave a book review on Amazon, even if you did not buy the book from them. Even if you did not buy the book at all! Of course, you should read the book before leaving a review; we want honest and fair responses. But once you have experienced the story, it is a simple process to leave a quick rating and review. 

Why take the time? Because you enjoyed the book. Because you appreciate the author. Because ratings and reviews help authors receive more visibility. As book ratings climb, the book's visibility climbs with it. And greater visibility means higher chances to sell more books. So, if you enjoy an author's work and want to do something to show it, this is a BIG and helpful way to promote their work to other readers. 

HOW TO LEAVE A BOOK REVIEW ON AMAZON (Made Simple)

Step One, Read the book. 

Buy it. Borrow it from a friend. Check it out from the library. Read it on Kindle. Listen to it on Audible. Let Alexa read it to you. I am sure there are other ways to experience the author's work, so choose one and take time to enjoy the story.

Step Two, Login to your Amazon account.

If you have an Amazon account, simply login. If you do not, it is an easy process. All you need is an email address, which will be your username, and then create your own password.

Step Three, Search for the book on Amazon by title, author, or both.

The easiest way to find my books on Amazon is to do a search by my author name, Richelle E. Goodrich. You can also search for the title of a book. For example, type in The Tarishe Curse, and that book along with similar titles will pop up. Click on the book or its title when you find it, and that will open a page dedicated specifically to the book.

Step Four, Scroll down to "Customer reviews."

Once you are on the Amazon page for the book you read, scroll down until you find the section titled "Customer reviews." It is located further down then you might expect, so do not give up if you do not see it right away. Yes, keep scrolling down the page. It is located on the left-hand side and has 1 to 5 star ratings right beneath it.

Step Five, Click on "Write a customer review."

Directly below the 1-to-5-star chart is a white button that reads "Write a customer review." Click on that button. A new window that allows you to leave a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 star rating should open. There is a line for you to give your review a title. For example, "Loved it," "Couldn't put it down," "Highly recommend this read," "Can't wait for the next book," or whatever comes to mind. After the title line, there is a box where you can type in a review. One or two sentences is fine unless you care to say more about the book. 

Please, be kind with your reviews. I would ask that if you did not like the book at all, refrain from leaving a review. These ratings and reviews are a huge tool that promotes a book or hurts its chances to sell.

Step Six, Click submit.

As soon as you finish typing out a review for the book, scroll down and hit the submit button. That's it! You did it! And chances are, you put a smile on an author's face. Thank you for that. 

PS. It may take a day or two... or five before you see the review show up on the book's detail page. Amazon is not always fast about posting. Give them time. 

A Perfect Spooky Read

October is when I love to turn my attention to books and programs that include popular Hallows Eve characters like witches, werewolves, vampires, gargoyles, and the like. I personally steer clear of more gory and frightening stories. You know, the gruesome scenes that give you nightmares for ages to come. What I do enjoy are haunting tales―unpredictable and creative adventures that keep a person perched on the edge of suspense. If you enjoy the same, with a cast of Hallows Eve creatures in the mix, then this book with a vengeful curse may be just up your alley. The Tarishe Curse is perfect for putting a little spooky fun in your October.

KINDLE      PAPERBACK     HARDCOVER

SUMMARY:
"Vengeance is a monster of appetite, forever bloodthirsty and never filled." -Richelle E. Goodrich
Tarishe is a modest village surrounded by fortress walls meant to keep out one thing: werewolves. In truth, the wolves are scarcely bothersome and seldom seen excepting one night a year when a blood-red moon appears. This full Tarishe moon never fails to herald the arrival of an entire pack of hairy beasts, drawn to the village like greedy dragons to golden treasure.

It is difficult enough to protect a young family in this world of dangerous creatures, but such a feat proves near impossible when an old witch bent on vengeance casts a curse that manipulates both heart and mind. The battle for survival is not only with a sword but an internal struggle to love those the curse has targeted for hatred, and to hate the one who through evil enchantment manipulates her enemy’s affections. How long will it take to learn that the old monster, vengeance, is insatiable?

AMAZON REVIEWS:

Robert

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! What a bad guy!!! (really... wow!)

Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2023

Verified Purchase

From the very first chapter of this book I was hooked. There is always a bad guy, always a villain, but this villain, is by far the most twisted, hurtful, evil creature I have seen! Richelle Goodrich is often associated with poems of hope and promise. But from her mind came a twisted evil creature that isn't content to hurt her enemy, but rather wants to watch her emotionally twist in the wind for years on end.

Yes, it's about werewolves and vampires, but while they play a part, they certainly aren't the main focus. They are players in this book but, the apex is centered on what choice do you make when you are surrounded by nothing but bad choices. And that, is unfortunately, not so fictional a problem.

Good job Richelle Goodrich, this is a dark book, but a winner.

A. Starr

5.0 out of 5 stars Adventure Filled!

Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2023

Verified Purchase

I read the whole novel and have finished it. The last little bit was done by listening to Alexa. I enjoyed it very much, It’s adventure-filled, lots of suspense and mystery. The author does a good job with her characterizations. It does include humans, werewolves, witches, etc. but is not dark. It’s a love story and the difficult battle fought to overcome obstacles. I was moved with the emotions, suspense, struggles and determination of the primary characters.

Lisa J. South

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read!

Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2023

Verified Purchase

For those who love this "world" of werewolves and vampires, this story keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Dean Giles

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Gem of Suspense and Unfailing Love

Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2022

Verified Purchase

The premise of the story is unique. The queen of the werewolves is cursed to not only stay in human form, but have her memories repressed, then be armed with a sword that kills werewolves, and be deceived into fighting them. The book is well written with many plot twists and surprises.

Christie Block

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't miss this compelling read!

Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2023

I find many stories predictable; I often intuit the twists and endings long before the author's intentions. Not so with this creative plot. I found myself wildly pulled in two directions as I navigated the same confusion as our heroine. The author gives such a genuine voice to each character that you just have to surrender to the suspense and enjoy the ride.
Many vampire/werewolf stories turn me off with the gore, but this was a pleasant surprise!

Sam Neal

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely a buy

Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2023

This plot is so wonderfully twisting; I never knew what was going to happen next! The characters are so real with such palpable intentions that sometimes don’t pan out to perfect actions. The romance is Impeccable. So real and intense. Love love LOVED it!

Press Release for A Heart Made of Tissue Paper

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:

Richelle E. Goodrich
r_e_goodrich@yahoo.com
RichelleGoodrich.com

New Book Announcement: A Heart Made of Tissue Paper by Richelle E. Goodrich

(Book Release 08/14/2023) – Richelle E. Goodrich, a renowned author in poetic and inspirational writing, is thrilled to announce the recent release of her new book, A Heart Made of Tissue Paper, a heartfelt addition to the world of poetry. This anticipated book of contemporary poetry promises to charm readers with verses that are widely relatable and moving to the human heart.

About the Book:

A Heart Made of Tissue Paper is a collection of contemporary poetry that deals with compelling emotional experiences endured by every human heart. In each chapter, the author concentrates on one affective attribute—such as love, loathing, or laboring—and gives the reader a dozen original poems on various aspects of that attribute. It is poetry to feel and appreciate.

About the Author:

Richelle E. Goodrich has been writing poetry, short stories, and young adult novels since her debut in April 2012. In her twenties, she graduated from Eastern Washington University with bachelor’s degrees in liberal studies and Natural Science / Mathematics Education, but she has always had a strong love of the arts. Along with writing original stories and poetry, Richelle sketches, paints, plays some piano and guitar, has acted in theatrical plays, keeps a running blog site, and authors a periodic newsletter. Her quotes have been published in numerous places including the Oxford Philosophy Being Human course book, in eight separate Chicken Soup for the Soul books, in a Revlon magazine ad campaign, and on a television episode of Alone (season 7 episode 3.) Her previous works include Smile Anyway, Making Wishes, Slaying Dragons, Being Bold, The Tarishe Curse, and a six-book series referred to as the Harrowbethian Saga.

Key Features of A Heart Made of Tissue Paper:

• The theme of the book is grappling with heartfelt encounters of both harsh and sweet experiences in life.
• There are seven chapters, each concentrating on a specific emotional experience.
• This book includes drawings created by the author.

Availability:

A Heart Made of Tissue Paper is available for purchase at online bookstores like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s, Bookshop, Thriftbooks, The Ripped Bodice, Alibris, Valore, The Strand, and RichelleGoodrich.com.

Book Details:

·       Title: A Heart Made of Tissue Paper

·       Author: Richelle E. Goodrich

·       Genre: Poetry

·       Publisher: Independently published

·       Publication Date: August 14^th, 2023

·       Price: $4.95 Kindle, $12.95 Paperback, $19.95 Hardcover

 

About the Launch:

September and October book giveaways on LibraryThing.com. No book signings are scheduled at this time.

 

Author Interviews and Media Inquiries:

Contact Richelle E. Goodrich for media inquiries, interview requests, and review copies at r_e_goodrich@yahoo.com.

Connect with Richelle E. Goodrich:

·      Website: https://www.RichelleGoodrich.com

·       Author Blog: https://regoodrichnews.blogspot.com/

·       Twitter: @REGoodrich

·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichelleEGoodrich

·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richellegoodrich/

·       Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/regoodrich/

·       Email: r_e_goodrich@yahoo.com

 

Richelle E. Goodrich Bio:

Richelle E. Goodrich was born in Ogden, Utah on September 16th, 1968, but she grew up in Central Washington with her mother and father, Arlene and Lanny Starr, and three younger siblings, Gary, Stefanie, and Angie. Richelle graduated from Moses Lake High School with honors in 1987. Following graduation, she attended the local community college for two years and earned an AA from Big Bend Community College in 1989. After moving to Cheney, WA. Richelle attended Eastern Washington University where she graduated magna cum laude with a BA in liberal studies. A couple years following, she returned to finish a BAEd at Eastern Washington University and graduated summa cum laude with a major in Natural Science and a minor in Mathematics.

It was not until six years after her three boys were born that she considered writing a novel. In 2007, Richelle attempted to write a story she had daydreamed about as a young woman. It took her two years to complete that goal, and she eventually titled the book, Eena, The Dawn and Rescue. This debut novel was Richelle’s first published literary accomplishment, published through RoseDog Books in April 2012. Since then, Richelle has published thirteen additional books: Smile Anyway, Making Wishes, Slaying Dragons, Being Bold, The Tarishe Curse, a six-book series referred to as the Harrowbethian Saga, and A Heart Made of Tissue Paper. Her works can be found on many online bookstores like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s, Bookshop, Thriftbooks, The Ripped Bodice, Alibris, Valore, The Strand, and RichelleGoodrich.com.

Besides writing poetry and novels, Richelle enjoys drawing and painting. She proudly designs her own book covers and illustrations. Her other talents include playing the piano and strumming the guitar. She participated in drama and theatre during high school and college where she performed in several theatrical plays. She maintains a running blog site as well as a periodic newsletter that keeps her readers informed about upcoming book releases and other related news.

Richelle’s book quotes have been published in numerous places including the Oxford Philosophy Being Human course book, in eight separate Chicken Soup for the Soul books, in a Revlon magazine ad campaign, and on a television episode of Alone (season 7 episode 3.) She is quoted daily on worldwide media sites, in newspapers, in works of art, and in many published books. She is well-known for her inspiring and profound life quotes.

For media inquiries, review copies, or interview requests, please contact the author, Richelle E. Goodrich, at r_e_goodrich@yahoo.com.

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