Bruised Melodies: A Quotes/ Poetry Collection

Synopsis:

"No, I am not an artist

But sometimes, art spills through me

Sometimes, when it's all too much

I become a pained artist at that time."

Inside this book, you'll find a reflection of my life, experiences, thoughts, and feelings, captured through poems/quotes written during a challenging period in 2023.

These poems are infused with honest and heartfelt emotions, offering a glimpse into the magic of life as I have lived it.

They explore themes of love, heartbreak, mental health, and many other aspects of life.

Thank you for choosing this poetry collection. I hope you find something relatable and meaningful within these pages.

Link

My debut poetry book, There is Light: Poems about Mental Health is available now!

I have something to tell you. I self-published my first book! Wow. I did it, younger Lucy, I did it.

  

My debut is called There is Light: Poems about Mental Health

From book blogger and poet, Lucy DeRose, comes her debut book, There is Light.

A series of poems about mental health, anxiety, self-care, social media and what's important in life. Honest thoughts and feelings from someone who has dealt with depression, anxiety and OCD. Lucy tries to end each poem with a positive note, focusing on the hope and help that is out there. Because, no matter how dark things seem, there is light.

These are poems that I have written over the years during different periods and I am just so grateful that I get to share these and I am so happy that this is my debut. 

My book is

0.99 on Kindle

Free on Kindle Unlimited

3.99 in paperback

Please do let me know if you pick this up and I would really appreciate any reviews. This is a short book but one that means so much to me. Feel free to pick it up and read a poem or two as and when needed. I really hope that you find some comfort and feel less alone.

Buy There is Light: Poems about Mental Health here

Add it on Goodreads!

Thank you for everything,

Lucy

Poetry Books to Read

This post contains affiliate links

People write poetry about so many subjects using varying techniques. There's always something you can get out of reading a poem. Here are some poetry books to check out!

Watercolors: A Selection of Poetry

A hand-selected anthology of 15 favorite poems from author Dorian J. Sinnott's collection over the last decade. This selection includes: Greed, Bereavement of Winter, Frost, Winter Born, Wolf and Lamb, His Muse, Amnesiac, Ghost in the Machine (Flowers for the Dead Man), Calypso, Marionette, Interstellar, The Astronomer, Sunsets, Burying the Ghost, Symposium, Star-Crossed, White Memory, and Moonbeams.

Black Girl Magic

Rachael DK invites us into her world as a multicultural Black writer and cancer survivor, examining the truths and fictions we tell ourselves and others as we teeter on the tightrope between meaning of life and mortality, guilt and redemption, fear and courage, hope and change. In this latest poetry collection she shares new and old poetry based upon the emotional and physical pains she journaled throughout her life. It's about Black life, an appreciation of it, and our power to transform it. Anyone can read Black Girl Magic in Poetry to gain respect for one another's journeys, honor our anger and heartbreak as humans, and unleash our truest dreams.

Love Lake

5 Indie Books to Read #4

This post contains affiliate links

Something that I am working hard on is promoting books by self-published and small press authors. Amazing books that tend not to be given as much credit as they deserve. This series is where I showcase 5 books by indie authors. Some of the books will be written by my Ko-Fi members who receive ongoing priority promotion from me. See my indie books page for more books. Check these books out!

Black Girl Magic

Rachael DK invites us into her world as a multicultural Black writer and cancer survivor, examining the truths and fictions we tell ourselves and others as we teeter on the tightrope between meaning of life and mortality, guilt and redemption, fear and courage, hope and change. In this latest poetry collection she shares new and old poetry based upon the emotional and physical pains she journaled throughout her life. It's about Black life, an appreciation of it, and our power to transform it. Anyone can read Black Girl Magic in Poetry to gain respect for one another's journeys, honor our anger and heartbreak as humans, and unleash our truest dreams.

Free on Kindle Unlimited!

Treasures and Trinkets: A Dragon's Brood Tale (The Dragon's Brood Cycle)

Before she was a prisoner in Marianne's crystal mines or just another face among the multitudes in the city of Seven Skies, Maddy had a different name and everything she could want—governesses, gowns, and gold to fill her pockets. And though she wasn't the son her father had wanted, it was inevitable that one day she would inherit his title.

But Maddy's predictable world is turned upside down when an extraordinary servant girl challenges everything she's ever known; there's a wider world beyond the comfortable confines of her castle, full of wonder and magic, and Maddy finds that the one thing she doesn't have is the only thing she really needs.

The Truth About Change and Awakening: A Memoir

With wisdom and humor, Rachael DK invites us into her world as a writer and survivor, examining the truths and fictions we tell ourselves and others as we teeter on the tightrope between meaning and mortality, guilt and redemption, fear and courage, hope and change. The emotional and physical pains she journaled throughout her life are ultimately revealed to the reader. Her memoir offers a deeply personal yet universal tour of our hearts and minds and providing the rarest of gifts: a boldly revealing portrait of what it means to be human. So many of the author's struggles as a two time suicide attempt survivor, breast cancer survivor, chronic illness sufferer—though rare when combined, are a reflection that helps readers see things in a new light, and rediscover simple pleasures and everyday joy. It is the story of how any of us can begin to trust ourselves enough to set boundaries, make peace with our bodies, honor our heartbreak, and unleash our truest dreams so that we finally look at ourselves and say: There I am, the real me.

Free on Kindle Unlimited!

5 Indie Books to Read #2

This post contains affiliate links

Something that I am working hard on at the moment is promoting books by self-published and small press authors. Amazing books that tend not to be given as much credit as they deserve. This series is where I showcase 5 books by indie authors. Some of the books will be written by my Ko-Fi members who receive ongoing priority promotion from me. See part 1 for more indie books. Check these books out!

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – except for Harold Trapp. With sales numbers plummeting, he and his company rush plans to create the perfect Christmas gift: the Hans and Heidi dolls. But with a tight deadline hanging over their heads, stress is a frequent visitor. As are the two cats that mysteriously appear on his doorstep. But there’s something sinister hiding behind their sweet and furry demeanor. And the town of Oakridge comes to know it well.When the Christmas lights shine and the snow falls heavy, something awakens. Something dark and ancient. Cold. And with it, unspeakable terrors are born. From legends of old black trains to holiday satyrs and straw goats of yore, the winter wind lurks in the deepest of shadows. Hungry for flesh. Waiting for the darkness to return.The spirit of the season is far more than Harold Trapp bargained for.

Into the Uncanny: 12 Tales of Terror

In every corner, something dark and unsettling lurks in the shadows. Waiting. From mysterious murderers to ancient forest spirits, the world of horror never strays far from home. Dorian J. Sinnott brings the shadows and what hides within closer in 12 original chilling tales. Open up, turn the page, and take a step into the darkness, into the unknown, and into the uncanny.

Indie Showcase #6 Poetry Books

This post contains affiliate links

Writers work really hard, pouring all of themselves into creating their passion projects and achieving their dreams. One thing that I want to do is to help authors to reach a wider audience and make more sales. Something very important for all authors, is receiving reviews. Reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, Waterstones and other shop websites help authors to find even more readers. Sometimes authors will run deals such as offering their book for free or for a cheaper price so that readers can access their books and review them for others to find. In these indie showcase posts I am going to share some of these books. Please check out any books that you are interested in and leave reviews online! See other indie showcase posts on my book lists page.

Check out these poetry books by self-published/small press writers!

The Beauty in Breathing: a collection of poetry

The Beauty in Breathing is a collection of poetry about loneliness, pain, hope, love, growth, healing, and trying to see more beauty in the world and in ourselves. It’s about a journey towards a better life.

Purple Sky Vol.1 : Talking to the moon

There are times where we all feel blue and other times where we're so happy we see the vie en rose. The sky of our life is full of these colors, and together they make a beautiful purple sky. "Talking to the moon", the first volume of the Purple Sky series, is a collection a poems related to themes such as grief, heartbreak and how to grow from them, hope for a better future, and love. So much love, for ourselves, and for others.Take on the first step of this dreamy journey; you won't be the same once you're done reading.

Collected Quirks: 2005 - 2020

The collected published works of poet and writer Sam Rose from 2005 to 2020.

The collection begins with her first published poem, printed in an anthology of love poems at the age of 17, and rounds off with more recent musings about the joys of cheese.

Between lighter reads, Sam Rose navigates early adulthood through the lens of cancer survivorship, with much of the poetry and prose featured tackling themes around illness and trauma, as well as nature.

An offering of hope and compassion for cancer 

survivors, caregivers and medical professionals alike.

Empowerthy

"I tease the knots out of my hair
like they’re the ones in my stomach,
remembering with each stroke
an easier existence."

Empowerthy is a collection of poems about being a cancer survivor and living with Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition which makes people more likely to develop certain cancers in their lifetime.

The poems are written to empower and empathise with readers – whether you are a cancer survivor, previvor, or simply a survivor of this world so far.

Linear

Linear is a poetic story of recovery. It's triumphant, it's raw, and it's real. Linear shows both the bad days and good days in the mind of someone with mental illness. It is poetically and painfully beautiful, because after all, healing isn't linear.

The Many Personalities of Me

** content warning. This book discusses mature themes such as mental health, suicide, self harm, and depression. Comprised of poems hand chosen by the author, The Many Personalities of Me tells a story of struggle, triumph, heartache and above all perseverance. Stories and poems based on first hand experience from my every day life living with mental illness.

Warm Cinnamon Rolls on Sunday Morning

No matter how much money there was, there was always something baking at Laura S. Tarasoff's childhood home. Concoctions from flour, sugar and butter went a long way to filling their home with wondrous aromas that relieved the stress of life.The simple pleasures of joy and hope found in the small, still moments, can be found throughout Warm Cinnamon Rolls on Sunday Morning. Laura S. Tarasoff reaches out a hand of friendship and welcomes the reader to find connection with a familiar memory. She hopes that you find here a poem that touches the heart and stirs the spirit in the still small way to lift the reader up and find their way to a path of light and hope.

The Cuddle Puddle: A Picture and Poetry Book

The Cuddle Puddle contains a collection of kitten photographs and poetry that is perfect for the entire family. Many of the kittens featured were once part of a rescue and now have loving forever homes. We hope you find them a cute as we do.

The Dream is Free but the Hustle is Sold Separately: A collection of poems and thoughts

A collection of poetry and thoughts.

Organic eMotions: Poetry for hUmaNITY

The inspiring poems are an introspective portrayal of deeper feelings of melancholy, confusion, hope, self-love, healing, wholeness, and empowerment. The verses capture both the transient and the prevailing emotions through a vulnerable lens, using a powerful and electrifying nuanced artistic expression. A rejuvenating, poignant, lyrical reflection of trauma liberation during humanity's evolution.

Ananda: Poetry for the Soul

Ananda, the bliss within, is an inspirational poetic sonata for the evolution of the Soul. With harmonic verses, each healing poem provides therapeutic, meditative, and transformative reading for self mastery. A handbook for the wellbeing of the Soul, with messages of hope and transcendence imbues each page and highlights the interconnectedness of humanity. “When we operate from the space of heart-centered consciousness, every Soul becomes our mirror and our teacher. We are all connected within this web of radiant life force energy called Love.” —Lali A. Love

Thank you to my Ko-Fi members!~

Jill Horton- check out her children's book! Amazon.com - Amazon.co.uk

Izzy Matias- check out her YA contemporary book and one of her blog posts!

Guest Post: Depression Nest by Rachael Hawksworth

Depression Nest

It may not seem like much but today I cleaned my room.
Days like these dont come too often
Even if I didnt wake up till noon,
I still cleaned my room.

Life gets heavy sometimes
Depression weighs you down,
And no matter how much you want a clean, welcoming space
Motivation isnt easily found

Today I cleaned my room
Iv been meaning to do it for a while now
I swear Im not lazy, just down

Most days I feel happy
Some days I feel overcome
Other days arnt great at all
But the worst are when I'm numb

Not happy,
Not sad,
Not excited,
Not even bad…

While this might sound ideal,
life doesnt feel real
and its absolutely no way live…
…not able to feel.

Thats when I let myself go
Self care isnt a priority
Iv lost myself and I dont know…
How do I get back to ‘’normality’’

My personal space is neglected
Before I know it Im living in a mess
It may seem weird from the outside
But theres something comforting about my Depression nest

A small part of the world
Which is mine alone
Safe, messy, mine
In my nest, unknown.

To the outside world
I seem put together
Organised, confident, happy
Little do they know, I'm untethered.

But today, I cleaned my room.
To most, this had no meaning.
Something normal, a part of life
But for me, its healing.

Rachael is a lifestyle, travel and self-care blogger at https://rachaelhawksworth.com/. You can also follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

April/May Goals

Aru Shah and the End of Time

Hello! I have been spending a lot of time blogging and working on social media in relation to this. I love doing this but in between I am spending a lot of time just scrolling through social media and I am not getting other things done that I want to do. So here is a list of my goals to achieve over the next month or so:

Read

I really want to finish more books a week and I have been experiencing a reading slump in April! So my goal is to try to read even more. I need to actively make sure that I am fitting in reading time where possible because I love reading and there are so many more books that I want to read! My 48 hours of no internet is this weekend (28^th-29^th April) so I am hoping that will help kickstart some more reading (this is for Cancer Research UK and you can donate here).

Art

I have always wanted to be good at art and over the years I have experimented with different arts and crafts. Earlier this year I was lucky enough to obtain a drawing tablet to draw digitally and I have so far made a couple of drawings that I am proud of but I would like to try fitting in regular drawing time to practice and improve.