Blog Archives
The Literary Hedgehog
The Literary Hedgehog takes readers on a heartwarming journey through a world that cleverly addresses stereotypes and social issues while instilling crucial life values. The story unfolds around Evie, a passionate poet, as she navigates the whimsical world of anthropomorphic animals, trying to find her place and voice. The story is imbued with lessons on kindness, acceptance, and the courage to stand up for oneself, creating a light yet thoughtful children’s book suitable for younger audiences.
What stands out immediately is the author’s ability to blend warmth with subtle yet important societal themes. The book’s protagonist, Evie, is charming and relatable, especially when she gathers her courage to submit her poetry to the City Magazine. When she speaks to Mr. Hedgehog, and he admits he nearly overlooked her work, there’s a relatable tension. This moment captures the unease many of us feel when sharing something deeply personal, making Evie’s eventual triumph feel genuine and earned. The authors make these small yet impactful scenes shine, demonstrating how even seemingly minor acts of bravery can make a big difference.
I loved the dynamic between Evie and Brayden. His support and encouragement during her moments of doubt felt genuine and uplifting. The illustrations are stunning and make the book a visual delight. Plus, the inclusion of Evie’s poems was a fantastic touch that added depth and made her journey feel even more personal.
The Literary Hedgehog is a feel-good picture book that doesn’t overcomplicate its message. It’s perfect for families looking to engage children with meaningful conversations about courage and kindness while enjoying a delightful story. If you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who loves a heartfelt tale, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Pages: 51 | ASIN : B0DJC91CQY
We All Can Do What We Love
The Poetry Mouse follows a little mouse who daydreams of being more than a homemaker and baker; she wishes to write poetry instead. What was the inspiration for your story?
Inspiration for The Poetry Mouse is found in that part in all of us where we want to follow our dreams but may have instead listened to society, others, or our own internal voice telling us we can’t. This is about following your passion and doing what you love.
I also want to mention this is coauthored with Derek R. King, and is what we both believe to be us collaborating with our strengths. Derek wrote the poetry featured in Evie’s journal pages and I a wrote a story around his poems creating the tale.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
That it’s never too late to follow your dreams, or as my father always said to me, if you don’t try then the answer to whether you can achieve it is always going to be a ‘no.’
Derek and I are classic examples of this as we both took the opportunity to write and create together and the result is a magnificent magical synergy shared.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?
For me, the line in the movie The Edge says it all, and I’m sure I’m paraphrasing here, but I recall it as “what one man (or person) can do another can do.” This is a reminder we all can achieve anything and everything; whatever we set our minds to. For Evie this means she can be a poet. She can change careers. She can do what she loves. We all can do what we love.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Well, for me personally, I’m in the final editing stage of ‘We Three: Search for Source,’ a supernatural novel with paranormal romance elements which is slated for publication in spring 2023.
As for my collaborations with my writing partner, Derek R. King, we are wrapping up a sequel to The Enchanted Faerie Realm with a focus on the winter fae, and a couple of our art-inspirational books are nearing completion as well. We have a couple dozen books underway and hope to release them in 2023.
Derek has a poetry book, More Red Rose in Verse, slated for January 2023 publication and several more solo projects for himself as well in 2023.
We both are excited to share more of our creations.
Julie Kusma Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon Author Page
Derek King Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website | Amazon Author Page
Being a mouse, she longs for the simplicity of nature. So, every day she sneaks past the woods and into the meadow where she writes her inspired words. She might even find encouragement from a friend to submit her poems.
This is Evie’s story of finding her authentic self, becoming brave enough to do what she loves, and ultimately sharing her gift with the world as The Poetry Mouse.
The Poetry Mouse
A little mouse named Evie lived in a quaint little town near the forest. This little mouse spent her days baking, mending clothes, and keeping her home neat and tidy. However, these things are not what gave her joy in life; instead, she did these things because that is what was expected of her. Evie’s real passion, which she spent hours daydreaming about, was writing poetry.
One day she heads off to the woods with her paper and pen in hand; she spots some rabbits and composes a poem about them there. From there, she writes more until she ends up at a bench talking with Brayden Fox. Now Brayden recognizes that Evie is talented and encourages her to think about what she really wants in life and focus on that, not on what other people think she should be doing with her time.
The Poetry Mouse, written by Derek R. King and Julie L. Kusma, is a beautifully written children’s story and collection of poetry intertwined together to create a whimsical book that children and adults can enjoy. The story of Evie the mouse is cute and adorable, with the watercolor images illustrating the pages. This is a story of self-discovery, breaking out of the mold that society says you must fit into. For children, it teaches them that they do not have to fit into stereotypical molds and that they can follow their passions in life and be happy. It encourages children to dream and take action to make those dreams come true.
The second half of this marvelous book is Evie the mouse’s poetry. Placed on the pages in the illustrations of her journal, it adds to the feeling that the little mouse is composing and sharing a part of her dream with readers. Each poem written about nature is filled with passion and wonder. The poem about the owl gliding through the night sky was my favorite. I can envision the downy feathers as they glide to the earth as the Owl moves across the moon’s silhouette. The poetry is organic, drawing the reader into a moment in time. They will glimpse nature in its pure form for that one breath of time. It is not often such simple poetry that can have the power to make you stop and visualize a single moment that, had it been mentioned any other way, would have been mundane. King and Kusma take the ordinary and transform it into breathtaking.
The Poetry Mouse is an astonishing children’s poetry book that will bring joy and wonder to children reading the story and looking at the beautiful artwork. Adults will find a more profound message in the story, one of following your dreams and stopping to appreciate the simple things in life. This storybook is one that readers will want to own and keep on the shelf for years to come.
Pages: 55 | ASIN : B0B69FGYMR
I Write What I Feel
Twelve Red Roses in Verse is a collection of poems that explore deep unconditional love along with the significance of the rose. What inspires you to write poetry?
I write what I feel at the time of writing. Sometimes those pieces are beautiful love poems, like Twelve Red Roses in Verse, and my collaboration with Julie Kusma “Amore”, other times inspired by nature like Natyre Boy which you reviewed and Poetry Mouse, or driven by darker themes such as Noir, which you also reviewed or Darker Half Volume 13, another collaboration with Julie Kusma.
What are some literary devices that you find yourself using often?
Most often I use literary devices without realizing it, as I think most folks do. I like my poetry to be little narratives or vignettes of feelings or scenes. In writing those narratives, I love using enjambment, introducing line breaks to force the read in the manner the rhythm of the piece is written, almost like a performance delivery style to some extent. Sometimes I repeat words or phrases for effect, and I do love alliteration to create soft flowing or tension depending on the piece I’m writing.
My favorite poem from this collection is ‘Energy Flow’. Is there one poem that stands out to you from this collection?
There are many that stand out for me, each associated with a specific memory, moment in time. A favourite of mine is “Your Sweet Song.” I love its simplicity, yet conveys deep emotion and contentment to me.
Do you have plans to write and publish more works of poetry?
Yes, I have a couple of upcoming solo project releases. The final part of my trilogy, beginning with Noir, followed by Natyre Boy, is scheduled for release 7th October, that volumes is titled the Elegy and is available for pre-order now. Later this year, I will be releasing Urban, a collection of gritty cityscape poetry. And due to popular demand, there will be a second volume of love poetry, a companion to Twelve Red Roses in Verse, in January of next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon | Twitter | Website
From the first poem to the last, you will learn the meaning behind each rose and bouquet of roses given to the love of your life. Then, as you travel along with the love affair of the rose and its lovers, you’ll learn what it’s like to yearn, to need, to want; and finally to become entwined with your one true soulmate.
The roses in this book symbolize the growth that people endure while seeking companionship throughout their lives. While one rose means one thing, ten roses mean another. In the end, what matters is how we show our love and the significance of the rose in the banquet of emotions as we become entwined, unconditionally, Forevermore.
Twelve Red Roses in Verse
Twelve Red Roses in Verse, by Derek R. King, is a collection of poems with love as the common thread. True, deep unconditional love is celebrated and explored through each poem, along with the significance of the rose. Each poem is proceeded with a roman numeral drawn in roses and a short line stating the significance of the number of roses. Many themes run through these poems that relate to love allowing the reader to become emotionally connected to these poems.
Author Derek King celebrates passionate love throughout each poem, as well as the significance of a single rose. The accumulation of roses throughout the poems signified the growth of a couple’s relationship and the different stages you go through as a couple.
Throughout the fifty poems in this collection, readers will experience the ups and downs of relationships. From the exciting new relationship stage to being comfortable and growing with one another. Each poem expressed different emotions that people go through in a relationship until they reach unconditional love for each other. This sentimental book is overflowing with all the deep emotions that love can bring, which can sometimes be overwhelming as readers take in King’s deep and meaningful words.
The one poem that really struck me was Seasons. It is the last poem in this collection and beautifully sums up love. The challenges of life as it constantly changes, the different stages of our lives, and holding onto that love through it all are presented in these twenty-two lines. My favorite line is “And all the stars in between / to share my life with you / my only dream.” There are so many meaningful lines like this throughout the collection. Readers will be able to find a connection in this collection somewhere along the path that King takes them.
Twelve Red Roses is a heartwarming collection of poetry that will stir emotions and give readers something deep to think about. Whether you are single or in a relationship, this beautiful collection will make readers want to celebrate love in all its stages.
Pages: 110 | ASIN : B09NT4YC5N
We Are All Perfectly Imperfect
Honey: Words to Heal & Mend is a captivating book filled with healing messages and images. What was the inspiration for creating this book?
That’s an interesting question. Julie shared with me the philosophy of Wabi Sabi along with the artform of Kintsugi and a number of her Instagram posts inspired by this. I was so taken by Julie’s love for those things I was inspired to write my poem, Kintsugi, which is published on Julie’s website.
The artwork that was chosen for this book is compelling and soothing. What was the process like choosing the images and lines that were included?
We always create based on our intuition, what feels right, and we knew we wanted gold to reflect the art of Kintsugi. However, Kintsugi is about fixing material things and we’ve taken that concept along with our inspirational quotes about healing and mending and applied Kintsugi to the human soul.
What is one thing you would like readers to take away from experiencing this book?
That we are whole, we are all perfectly imperfect.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Amore: The Lighter Half Volume 2, releases May 5, 2022
The Enchanted Faerie Realm, releases June 9, 2022
Our Planets: Moons, Myths, and More, slated for this Summer.
Jaggy Little Babies, slated for this Fall.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
Honey
Honey: Words to Heal & Mend by Derek R. King & Julie L. Kusma is more than a book; it’s an experience. “Honey words” refers to inspirational, healing words that soothe and heal the soul. It’s a literary journey where the author brings you along through a clear motivational path of cognitive thoughts and worries, letting go of the negative and embracing ideas of joy and peace along the way.
As you turn each page of the book, you’ll find extraordinary artwork and visuals accompanying uplifting phrases and thoughts. Instead of leafing through each page or section of the book, you’ll find yourself dwelling on one, maybe two inspiring quotes or poetic prose at a time. It’s a beautifully illustrated coffee-table book that draws a sense of wonder and self-reflection in a more positive, engaging way.
One of the most motivational aspects of Derek R. King & Julie L. Kusma’s book is the overall theme, which is centered around the poem by Derek R. King, entitled “Kintsugi.” A portion of this poem is included in this inspiring book. Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken objects with gold, highlights and celebrates imperfection as a form of beauty. The power of this theme is in how we embrace and accept personal flaws and find the strength in these characteristics instead of viewing them as weaknesses.
This collection of stunning images and thought-provoking prose is the ideal gift. It’s a beautiful flow of motivational and healing words to create a sense of peace through meditation. Honey: Words to Heal & Mend allows you to slow down and absorb words and phrases of love and inspiration, which is an excellent way to hold onto the moment, relax, and reflect.
Honey: Words to Heal & Mend is a well-curated collection of striking images, art, and poetic prose to soothe your mind, soul, and body. This unique, beautifully arranged book proves the power of words and their inspiration can provide healing to those in need.
Pages: 84 | ASIN: B09L56G5MT
Noir
![Noir: [Or, When the Night Comes] by [Derek R. King]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41zGgYVSrbL.jpg)
Noir is the French word for “dark,” and in his first poetry book, Derek R. King takes us on a chilling and deeply emotional journey through the different forms of darkness. Using the French term as a metaphor for the less desirable but unavoidable elements of life, King paints a picture of what it feels like to be plagued by these entities. He explores the depths of depression, loneliness, grief, heartbreak, and despair.
King communicates his themes using a mixture of verve and solemnity. This combination strikes several emotional chords and ensures his words reverberate in your mind long after hearing them. It’s the sort of feeling you want to get from poems that touch on the aspects of life that are shrouded in darkness. This feeling helps us acknowledge that these dark elements exist. And instead of running from them or repressing them, we challenge them.
The beauty of King’s work also lies in the simplicity with which he writes. His words are not only vivid and piercing; they are also easy to grasp. King obviously paid attention to Hemingway’s reply to Faulkner’s criticism: “poor Faulkner, does he really think big emotions come from big words?”
Apart from King’s apt choice of words, he applies thoughtful figurative expressions that add color to his dark themed poems. He brings the concepts to life by pulling the emotions out of the dark corners of the mind and into the light where they can be properly felt and understood.
The authenticity with which King writes is also worth mentioning. He supplies an honest appraisal of the emotions which lurk in the crevices of our hearts. He’s raw, direct, and brutally candid, as he makes us feel what we feel but cannot acknowledge. There’s a dark side. It’s not pretty, but it exists, and King isn’t afraid to point it out.
I believe King’s book helps us come to terms with several unpleasant emotions. His work is an interesting read if you want to take a deep dive into the sea of self-awareness that few venture into.
Pages: 154 | ASIN: B08HSKJLGX
LITERARY TITAN 