What Great News to wake up to this morning!
HUGE Congratulations to LindaAnn LoSchiavo for this well-deserved win!
Get your copy today: Cancer Courts My Mother https://www.prolificpulse.com/lindaannloschiavo
Defying expectations, a caregiver’s journey is told as a story of adultery.
In "Cancer Courts My Mother" by LindaAnn LoSchiavo, disease becomes a Casanova.
Book Awards:
Winner of . . . .
Award nomination: The Brew Awards, nominee, The Chrysalis BREW Project
Award nomination: CLMP’s Firecracker Award
In "Cancer Courts My Mother," a daughter becomes caregiver to her
abusive, soul-scorching mother, discovering that tending to the dying can unexpectedly
heal the living. In this intimate drama, cancer plays Casanova—a relentless suitor
determined to steal a mother from her family.
Essence: Defying expectations, a caregiver’s journey is told as a story of adultery.
In "Cancer Courts My Mother" by LindaAnn LoSchiavo, disease becomes a
Casanova.
Death ends a life but memories hang on.
Haiku Summary:
Cancer’s intrusions
cannot prevent lifelong wounds
from healing
Advanced Acclaim:
When an adult child becomes caretaker for a parent with cancer, family dynamics shift
profoundly. In “Cancer Courts My Mother,” LindaAnn LoSchiavo captures this complex
journey through poetry that balances tenderness with brutal honesty. She navigates
caregiving’s challenges with grace, inviting readers to witness the delicate interplay of
love and fear while portraying her mother as a fully realized, complex human being. The
journey isn’t pretty—sometimes the words are fierce—but this collection digs deep into
universal experiences of loss and care.
― Kellie Scott Reed, Poetry Editor, Roi Fainéant(USA)
In “Cancer Courts My Mother,” LindaAnn LoSchiavo chronicles an emotional journey
through varied poetic forms. She weaves a metaphor of nurturing plants back to life
while her mother finds remission, then faces cancer’s return. The collection reconciles
memories of a difficult mother with the current, vulnerable one—”Bad memories are
cadavers that refuse burial.” As both subject and narrator, LoSchiavo illuminates the
delicate balance between personal autonomy and familial duty.
― Karen Cline-Tardiff, poet and Editor-in-Chief of Gnashing Teeth Publishing
(USA)
Real and harried, purposeful and comprehensive, when understanding is sought and
reason is not always kind, “Cancer Courts My Mother” provides readers with great
measures of meaning.
― Matt Potter, Editor-in-Chief of Pure Slush Publishing (Australia) and
author of “Hamburgers and Berliners”
Remembering Remission Christmas
They’d bickered over her like two suitors:
Vitality, her birthright, who had known
My mother well before her married life,
And Cancer, who’d mapped out his own terrain,
Unravelled secret strands of resistance,
Until oncologists chased him away.
Remission Christmas reunited us,
Our joy like steam escaping after frost.
I shipped my gifts to Florida ahead:
Biscotti, pignola cookies, torrone
From Little Italy, fine leather goods,
And for her green thumb, a red amaryllis.
But Safety Harbor’s Gulf of Mexico,
Producing Christmastime’s Cancerian
Heat in December, had confused this bulb.
Amidst the presents and nativity,
Its empty cradle strewn with straw, green life
Ripped up gay mummy wrapping, and tore loose,
Unhampered by its ground like Lazarus
Unbound. My parents, unprepared for ghosts
Of miracles, became unnerved by sounds
Newborn right by their crèche, the fir tree’s base,
Invisible and inexplicable
Like faith. Or like remission. After Mass,
They found a determined amaryllis, force
Which sleeps but cannot die, that mother took to heart.
LindaAnn LoSchiavo
While you are waiting for your copy to arrive, enjoy this interview with the lovely LindaAnn LoSchiavo
We are pleased to announce that “Perihelion” by Roberta Batorsky is now ready for your bookshelf. Her debut poetry book, “Perihelion” is a poetry collection which has been carefully crafted, critiqued, and polished for the best of reading.
About “Perihelion”
This book uses powerful, colorful imagery and often humor, applied to everyday life situations, to delve deep into the realms of love, loss, childhood, memory, aging, relationships, partnership and friendship. The writer’s command of language, including colorful and strong vocabulary, will appeal to poetry readers of all stripes in its accuracy, insight and universality. Her critical insight and unsparing explorations of feelings will bring readers into her circle with recognition of the beauty of her words and the similarities with their own experiences. Her love for nature and ability to describe people’s lived experiences, mental problems, societal upheaval, relationship struggles, love for family, and deep love for, and familiarity with, literature will inspire all who pick up her book. Her style is a giving and loving one which will be meaningful to all readers.
Note the cover design by Kelli Jackson of KRynae Design Co. She really captured the meaning of the poem by the same name.
What others have to say:
It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to Perihelion, the debut collection of poetry by Roberta Batorsky. Roberta’s poetry has taken the literary community by storm, her words will make you want to sit up and think, stir emotions, as she pulls you into her world. Her poetry reflects her interest in people, through lived experiences and the world of science. Each one is full of humour, pathos, and empathy. She is incredibly articulate and precise, reflecting her intellectual ability as an educator.
This collection has over one hundred poems; each one is a masterpiece in its own right, beautifully crafted to perfection. Each poem gives you an insight into her life and the lives of others, incredibly observant and full of wit, as you are transported to her world.
This book will appeal to readers of all ages and genders because it is relatable, to enchant, move and delight. Stand out poems include “American Standard or The Loo’s Lament,” “Social Dancing on Neptoon,” “Lost Lives Matter,” “Unstrung, for Richard,” “I Remember It,” “If I die first,” “Picking Apples in Stilettos,” “Bismillah,” “Autumn Finds Me,” “My Dis Connect,” “Drinking with Mom,” “Man to Man,” “The Walkers in the Rain,” and “Gasp.” This poignant book of poetry is an entertaining read, will make you laugh out loud, smile in places and shed a tear, extremely relatable and utterly brilliant, it will be a welcome addition to your bookshelf, a classic in the making.
Sarfraz Ahmed, Poet and Writer (UK)
Roberta Batorsky’s “Perihelion” carries rich layers of meaning in the context of poetic creativity. Like planets drawing close to the sun, the poet’s voice circles the most intense experiences of human life: mental health struggles (“Unit 4,” “New Year to Be Born”), grief (“Irreplaceable, for Mariana”, “Tremolo”), and love (“You Are All I Need”). These are moments of most excellent exposure, where both illumination and pain work together. It suggests that poetry itself becomes a perihelion. In this space, the poet dares to move nearest to the burning core of experience, and in doing so, offers illumination to the readers. In “Perihelion”, readers encounter humour, grief, survival, and renewal in equal measure. It is a collection that burns close, like its namesake, leaving the reader illuminated.
Munmun Samanta, Author of “Yellow Chrysanthemum”
Roberta Batorsky is a Biology teacher and freelance science writer. Her poetry reflects her interest in people, their lived experiences and science. She writes with empathy, knowledge and humor and has been published in Heron Clan, Fine Lines, NJ Bards, Delaware Valley Poets and other collections. This is her first book. She lives in NJ with her husband and has 2 children and 2 grandchildren.
We are excited to share this new release of Crabby Abby the Decorator Crab’s Big Heart!
Crabby Abby is a decorator crab who literally looks like a sparkly boutique on ten legs! Abby’s clothing choices are unusual but so is Abby. Decorator crabs use whatever materials are nearby to camouflage themselves from predators. Abby is not worried about her safety; she just wants to pile on all the clothing and accessories she can because she loves them all!
What Reviewers Say:
Crabby Abby the Decorator Crab’s Big Heart by Ellen Kolman is a colorful story about friendship, forgiveness and God’s love. When Abby the Crab starts a new school she struggles to fit in because she’s different and many of her classmates make fun of her. But there is one kind sea animal who comes alongside her and teaches Abby an important lesson from John 3:16 that helps her to forgive those who have hurt her. In the end, Abby shows kindness to her classmates even when it’s hard and she makes many new friends! This book delivers an important message that will make an eternal impact on young readers!
Karen Ferguson, author of the Questions for Kids series and Podcast Host of 5-Minute Parenting
This story was lovely. We enjoyed the different characters and how well you described them. We loved the journey Crabby Abby went on and the lovely message the book had – I personally loved the way it pointed to Jesus.
Kayley Bernhardt, Durban, South Africa
Mom of two girls ages 5 &; 7
I really liked this story! I liked how Abby had first day of school jitters, because it reminded me of my first day of school and how I was nervous. I also love how the characters are sea creatures, because those are my favorite animals. Lastly, I liked how Abby forgives Gabby by giving her a tiara. Friendship and forgiveness are a great thing.I rate this book 5 stars!
Logan Kish, Madison, Ohio
Age 11
Check out this interview with Ellen Kolman. We had a lot of fun!
About Ellen Kolman, Author:
Ohio native, Ellen Kolman is an award winning author driven by a passion to teach children the love of Jesus. She has been teaching and entertaining children in the church and Christian school settings for more than 35 years. Her young students inspired her to write stories to help them understand kindness, forgiveness, empathy, and friendship. Seeds of Sunshine, (2024 Firebird Book Award Winner), is her first published book. The vision for Ellen’s books is to provide Christian families with sweet engaging stories about sharing Jesus’ love and forgiveness with those around usEllen and her husband Andy have five adult children and three grandchildren. Learn more at EllenKolman.com
About Kaelen Felix, Illustrator:
Kaelen Felix is a children’s book illustrator, graphic artist, and poet from the Saint Louis, Missouri area, where she also currently resides as a freelancer who has been specializing in this field since 2018. Ms. Felix is a graduate of Memphis College of Art where she obtained her BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in Illustration and has been professionally creating children’s books for clients that can be seen on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop, Booktopia, Goodreads, Walmart, plus more. Learn ore at KaelenFelix.com
How would you like a Coloring Book with Crabby Abby? Here you go!
Enjoy the fun of coloring the characters from Crabby Abby, the Decorator Crab. A lovely companion or standalone book, this coloring and activity book offers opportunotes to encourage imagination and creativity. There are several pages with characters from the Crabby Abby story plus challenges to draw and color the characters. Have fun with your child and become their coloring companion. You can even read Crabby Abby the Decorator Crab’s Big Heart while children color. What great family fun!
By now, you surely want to get copies of this sweet book and companion coloring book…
Here’s the link to get yours! And, take a gander at the discount when you buy direct.
An Honest Review From Munmun “Sam” Samanta:
“You’ve Got it All Wrong” by Ken Tomaro.
“I cleaned the apartment today,
changed the lightbulb in the refrigerator
and made stew from the leftover lamb my sister didn’t eat
I’m tired, it’s cold and dark here
and I am afraid of what’s out there
beyond the glass of the balcony door
beyond the neighbor who yells at his wife,
and kids, and brother
I’m afraid I’ll never find
what it is I don’t even know I’m looking for
or maybe I’m afraid
I won’t be able to change those things that need it…”
This is Ken Tomaro, so easy yet so profound.
Ken Tomaro’s collection “You’ve Got it All Wrong” explores nostalgia, loss, and the absurdities of existence through poignant, reflective poems. It is a collection of poetry that resists lyric ornament in favour of blunt realism, irony, and dark humour. Written in a conversational style, these poems traverse memory, absurdity, faith, mortality, and working-class identity.
The first poem, “I remember the distinct aroma,” begins with the scent of Polish doughnuts, using this family memory to reflect on the passing of time, the loss of childhood innocence, and fleeting moments that cannot be reclaimed.
“I was robbed” is a fierce monologue where Tomaro likens life to a thief: it brandishes a gun, steals sanity, dreams, and certainty, yet he refuses to yield.
“Playing God” conjures the fantasy of manipulating fate, depicted through cars on a highway—miniature models in the mind’s grip. “Summer of ‘89” is a lyrical meditation on teenage nights at Lake Erie.
“Life is very much a horror movie” is a standout poem that likens office life to an unending nightmare.
“If I believed in God” and “The big God damn bang” both question religious belief, exposing the flaws Tomaro perceives in the idea of a universe created by an indifferent force. In contrast, “Chickens” injects humour with its absurd image of chickens wandering a city road, disrupting the poet’s brooding thoughts.
“We all carry anger.”
A compassionate poem speaking to grief, persistence, and the will to keep breathing. “Make it stop” is among the darkest, most unflinching poems:
“word of warning –
It’s not a happy ending.”
“Breathworks” is a brief yet powerful poem that reminds us that trauma begins at birth. “Bad genes” is a satiric poem wrapped in humour and rage. Tomaro’s bluntness, “fuck all of you!” is cathartic. “Rosemarie” is a deeply nostalgic and tender poem that evokes memories of childhood winters, fireplaces, and Christmas music from 1976.
“Sometimes a dog’s butthole” leans into shock value, but its humour reveals genuine affection for Cleveland, using the city’s quirks—potholes, pierogies, grey winters—to illustrate imperfect love.
“A glittering shitshow of smash-faced adults” distils Tomaro’s outlook: absurdity, bluntness, and unyielding truth. The poem confronts adolescence, broken towns, and fragmented adulthood.
“Beyond the Glass” is one of the most vulnerable poems by Tomaro. It captures the threads of loneliness, seasonal depression, and the fear of the unknown that linger in the human heart. The “cold and dark” beyond the balcony glass becomes a metaphor for uncertainty and existential dread. “Well, hello” is the closing poem. It is structured around the word “well,” and ties together themes of health, survival, and cautious hope.
Tomaro writes with honesty and sharp wit, never sugarcoating his words. His poetry speaks to those who want the truth, humour that doesn’t hold back, and a clear-eyed look at life. “You’ve Got It All Wrong” reminds us that being human means living with contradictions and sometimes finding reasons to laugh anyway.
“You’ve Got It All Wrong” isn’t for readers who want romance or flowery language. Tomaro’s poems are stripped down, gritty, and often hit hard. He writes about life’s odd moments, the pull of memory, and the humour that helps us get by. This is poetry about surviving with honesty and wit, not by escaping reality. Fans of Charles Bukowski, Diane Seuss, John Prine, or anyone ready to face life’s absurdities with a grin must grab a copy:
“and it’s time for your annual wellness check/ to make sure you and your doctor/ remember each other’s faces.”
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Daydreaming and then, maybe, writing a poem about it. And that's my life.
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