22.11.21

BLOGTOUR, BOOK REVIEW - An Anthology Of Poetry and Prose by The Newport Writers

 

                                                                     BOOK SYNOPSIS

Welcome to our first anthology. 

Since the group started, it has always been Tony’s vision to put together a collection of stories and poems penned by our members. Please proceed with caution – these short stories and poems will introduce you to the alternative side of Newport : ghostly grandparents, a displaced porpoise, a little bit of Welshness, two philosophical security guards , a child whose food plays music, the awesome side of autism, a woman who made teddy bears in a concentration camp, and much more. Take a whirlwind tour through bereavement, love, regret and parenthood. Laugh and defy fate as you run the gamut of life’s experiences – seen through the eyes of a bunch of writers who celebrate their individuality. You will meet a diverse group of people who enjoy what they do and want to share it with you. We invite you to sit back with a cuppa or maybe something stronger, relax and enjoy what promises to be a whirlwind ride.


This captivating book consists of a collection of forty eight poems and stories whose plots cover a wide range of relatable life experiences, issues, emotions and interactions. There was a story or poem that would suit every reader no matter what genre you enjoy reading and the eclectic cast of realistic characters were vivid and well rounded. I experienced a wide range of conflicting emotions as I read this book,there was times when the words conjured up memories of my youth, times when I laughed and a couple of times when the words pulled at my heart strings and caused me to have a lump n my throat. My favourites were Writer's Anonymous, Night Time Companion, A Poem For You, A Thousand Words, Ghost In The Machine, Welcome To All Souls Park, Anti Social Media, The Future's Bright, Chrysalis, The Camp, Yellow, Grandma's Farewell, My Couch Holiday, The Phoenix, Free For All and Words

 A enjoyable, entertaining read that is perfect for curling up with in your favourite reading chair and losing yourself on a cold, damp autumn evening and a perfect book to gift to someone on Christmas day.

Sounds Like Murder - A short murder mystery with a musical theme and a plot that had a touch of obsession and a sprinkling of romance.

Writers Anonymous - When are a writer,it is always advisable to write inspirational thoughts that pop into your head before you forget them. But if you happen to be in a room with other writers sometimes the search for paper and a pen can descend into violence.

Night Time Companion - It's a sad fact of reality that there are certain members of society who are quick to pass judgement on those who have been less fortunate in life but fortunately there is also people who have kind hearts and caring and compassionate demenours.

This City - Why do privileged people view judgment of others as their born right?
Why is there this sense in the dark that everything is worse than in the light? 

The One - Have you met the one? Do you remember the day that you met the special persons in your life?

The Visit - A emotionally charged prose about family and grief.

A Poem For You - I thought this poem was very touching, moving and relatable to people like me who have days when they feel worthless, unwanted and unlovable.

Brave Soldier - A moving and emotionally charged dedicated to a dying soldier.

Shall We Climb - Will Sam leave the world below behind and embark on a new adventure?

Through The Gate - A Poem about memories and the passage of time.

A Thousand Words - A flash fiction with a sprinkling of the Supernatural.

Bass Drums And Trumpets For Tea - If you heard musical instruments inside your head wherever you looked at food, which instruments would your favourite foods represent? 

Ghost In The Machine - It is advisable not to try calling Ghostbusters from this phone.

Home - Is occasionally where the heart is.


Rhythms In The Air - The moral of this story was, never jump to conclusions because appearances can very often be deceptive.

Storm - Very often you can be woefully unprepared for the incoming storm.

Welcome To All Souls - I loved the sound of this park where rules were made to be broken. Where can I purchase a ticket??? I would love to go there for a family day out.

When You Know, You Know - Some people just simply have the gift which allows them to read other's thoughts like a open book.

Leave Or Remain - Jane finally made the life changing decision that was right for her.

Open All Hours - Hopefully Lekhana's life was about to change for the better.

A Lovely Girl - What does the future and fate have in store for Hanny?


Anti-social Social Media - Just another faceless coward of a bully who was hiding behind the internet and getting their egos boasted by other faceless bullies.

If Pam Ayres Visited Newport - I loved Pam Ayres very often hilarious poems when I was younger. As I read this humorous ode to Newport, I could hear her reading along with me inside my head.

The Futures Bright - A short poem about the modern day obsession with mobile phones and some people's almost obsessive desire for the latest upgrade.

Chrysalis - For me, the wording of this poem brought to mind Homely Girl which is one of my favourite songs by UB40

First Christmas Without you - The so called festive season can be a time of mixed emotions for many people.

Into The Blue - As the old saying goes, the eyes are supposed to be the window into a person's soul.

The Baby - A story about the conflicting emotions  and feelings that can be evoked after a woman gives birth.

The Camp - The heart breaking story of a mother who is struggling to protect her children from the governor's around them after the family are transported to Terezin concentration camp. The terror that they and the other persecuted individuals lived with on a daily basis was portrayed in hard hitting detail. The horrific suffering, persecution and execution of many millions of innocent souls should never be forgotten. This is A very moving, emotionally charged story that left me with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.

The port - A ode to Newport.

The Wedding Ring - A wedding ring can symbolise different things and feelings to different people.

Yellow - A tale of cowardice, bravery and survival.

Fly Past - The answer to your questions can never be found at the bottom of a bottle.

Grandma's Farewell - A sad story with a heart warming haunting conclusion.

Him - Severe trauma can have long lasting and devastating effects on a individuals confidence and mental health.

Out Of His Depth - A dinner date for two, or is it three.

Home & Life In The Port - Two shorts about the public and hidden sides of Newport.

My Coach holiday - A Poem about the joys of holidaying abroad.

Elysium & You Can't Fight Nature - Two idea to the unpredictable forces of nature

The Phoenix - A short for to the stunningly beautiful mythical bird.

South Cymru - This one is dedicated to the author's birthplace and home.

Free For All - I loved this story in which security guards Bert and Sid had a day that they could definitely say was a change from the usual tedium and boredom.

Oasis - A short ode to love.

Shadows - The shade was not very happy until it realised that others were in the same situation which made it a shade happier.

Words - There can be instances when the tongue can inflict more pain than the sharpest knife or flashing blade. And once the words are uttered, they can never be reclaimed.

                                                                   AUTHOR BIO


We are a diverse group from south Wales with over 20 members, covering a broad age range and a variety of styles within the sphere of writing. We include poets, novelists, writers of flash fiction and short stories, plays and film scripts. We published an anthology in February 2020 entitled Newport Writers – An anthology of poetry and prose. Available from Amazon in paperback and for Kindle. We met on Zoom during the pandemic, but have now found a venue in central Newport where we can get together with plenty of space for social distancing. We hold an Open Mic night once a month at popular Newport coffee shop Horton’s, and in the summer of 2021 we participated in several spoken word events. Some members of our group are available to read and offer critique, and we have a proofreader among our membership. 

Email us at newportwritersgroup@ gmail.com.
Facebook: Newportwritersgroup 
Twitter: @NewportWriters

PUBLICATION DATE: 7th November 2021 

PURCHASE LINK.....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Newport-Writers-anthology-poetry-prose/dp/B09L4Z8FKG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Newport+writers&qid=1637605197&s=books&sr=1-1




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