A to Z Blog Challenge: N is for...

Nations of Peace book #10

Guardian of Dreams - a Lords of the High Council novel

SYNOPSIS

    At almost eleven centuries, Anoré D'Exelmante is the second oldest of the High Lords. Like his brothers, he has experienced nearly everything life and the universe have thrown at them. Yet beneath the weight of countless years, he carries a quiet longing for something he has never found: true love. Despite the close relationship with his brothers, Anoré feels the ache of solitude, and the need for connection. Unlike other human males, his mate has to have compatible abilities. As the guardian of higher mind abilities, like telepathy and telekinesis, he hadn't expected to find her so close to home.

    Allyson had struggled her whole life to live with her ability to sense others' thoughts and feelings. Constantly bombarded by what she couldn't control, it was her impending wedding that made her realise that her subconscious mind was her best defence against a life of unhappiness.

    Meeting the Lords of the High Council changed her life. Among their ranks, it was Anoré who stood out, his serenity and gentle insight resonating with Allyson in a way she had never experienced before. While the most powerful men in the universe welcomed her with warmth and respect, it was Anoré's presence that dissolved the loneliness that had always shadowed her. In his eyes, Allyson saw both acceptance and understanding, as if each unspoken thought bridged the gap between their worlds. For the first time, she felt her quiet, nerdy self seen and cherished by someone who truly understood her. The extraordinary bond that emerged between them uncovered a depth of happiness and belonging she had never imagined possible.

    Finding love with a High Lord revealed the secret of her abilities and drew out an old enemy, who seeks to use Allyson's gifts for his own ambition. He believes that corrupting her will unlock the power of an ancient prophecy, tipping the balance of the universe. He is determined to make her choose a dark path away from the faith that anchored her heart and soul.

    With her new family, she finds the courage to face that enemy, despite overwhelming odds. But she also learns that incredible challenges can be faced with faith, a commitment to relearn everything after a severe brain injury, and the love of a man with faith and commitment to duty to the Divine Trinity. As their connection deepens, both Allyson and Anoré must fight not only for each other but for the fate of the universe hanging in the balance.

The Guardian of Dreams will be available on 21 May 2026. Keep an eye out, because visitors to my blog will have a special pre-order discount code.

EXTRACT

Allyson didn't leave. Actually, she stopped the car and sat with her head in her hands. She was bone tired. Not work so much, although she had been busy of late, but it was the wedding, and she knew it. She had not been able to sleep for days now, and didn't need the little mirror in front of her to see the black circles around her eyes, which even makeup could no longer hide.

This was it, and she knew it. Knew that she couldn't marry Richard, no matter what her family said. No matter what her head told her. Her heart was not in it. In fact, she had come to the conclusion that she didn't care for Richard. Not as in not loving him, she couldn't care less as to what happened in his life or to him for that matter. It was a rather sobering thought, given that she had known him for two years before agreeing to the marriage.

This revelation was not so much of a surprise as she had perhaps wanted it to be, but somehow, her subconscious had been nagging her, and only now did she start to listen. Alone in the quiet of the breeze and the noise of the rough and tumble of the ocean below, her mind finally worked out what had been bothering her.

Aware that her family thought her talent something to be feared, hell, even though she thought it a curse, she had not used it to read him. But her unconscious mind did, and she didn't like what she found. Usually trying to respect others' privacy, she deliberately avoided reading him. Still, of course, telepathy was not always that easily switched off. Her subconscious mind wanted to know, and it got the information – even without her express permission.

Shaking her head, she lifted her eyes to the shadows around her. He had no real love for her either. Perhaps she had known this all along. Marrying into the family was a step forward in business, that's all. As a business adviser to her father, he would gain more influence once he was part of the family, and that was the most important thing. Her wishes and perceived happiness at present were just a means to that end. Something he did to win her family's affection.

Until now, she hadn't realised that it wasn't what she needed from a husband. Neither was she sure what it was, but her relationship with Richard didn't feel right. Probably never has, and she had just been too stubborn or cowardly to acknowledge that fact to herself. Wanting to please her parents was not the way to ensure her happiness in marriage. Damn, stupid coward that she was.

Clutching her hands into fists, Allyson hit the controls in front of her. She had been so stupid, and yet, deep inside, she had always wanted someone to love. Someone who would be just hers, as she would be his. She was the oldest sister and the only one not yet married, so she was easily persuaded to believe that Richard was the one for her. Smart, like her, he fitted into the family structure, and everyone liked him.

She grimaced. What was not to like? He was handsome, charming, and intelligent. And that should have been her cue. She was plain, average-looking, geeky Allyson, who seldom dated and avoided social situations as far as possible. So, how could she ever have believed that this could work? Aside from a similar type of job, she just applied her talents in research and outside the family business, they had nothing in common. Not a single thing.

She enjoyed reading, learning new things, and helping her clients because they needed what she could offer, but only if they agreed to keep her name and work out of the public eye. She didn't like the publicity companies sometimes gave their advisers, feeling that she did what they paid her for. It was their dedication and implementation of her advice that led to their success.

Richard loved the attention, especially if his client made headlines. He loved the social gatherings, the parties, and the way people made an issue of him.

Leaving her own business was not an option, ever, so there was no way she could think that this marriage could work, even if only based on logic and reason. They would be in competition with each other, or at least their clients would be, and that could not be a good thing.

She groaned. She was just going to have to gather her courage to face Richard and the family. It felt like a conspiracy that she was about to reveal, with her as the bad guy. Two days before the wedding. Perfect. Just what she didn't need. Now everyone is going to think she had cold feet, or wedding jitters, or whatever they were going to call it.

She took a deep breath. This was not going to be easy at all.

Resigning herself to another long night, one filled with arguments and fraught with attempts at emotional blackmail, she reached for the control key of the car.

Nothing. Just her luck. She groaned again. It has been days since she last recharged the fuel cells. Mobile. No signal either. Oh well, then she would just have to get out and walk.

It was almost dark, and there wasn't enough light to move the car back into the sun to charge with the solar cells. Securing the car, she stood and wondered which way to go. Back to the main road seemed prudent, but it may also take longer that way since she would have to go the opposite direction to get home. Home was simply too far away and too risky on foot after dark.

She glanced back towards the ocean. Perhaps there was a footpath of some kind along the cliffs. She had spotted a house or two while sitting on the cliffs and only hoped that people actually lived there, not just used the houses for holidays or occasional visits. Nodding to herself, she pocketed her mobile and key and turned towards the water.

˜ ˜ ˜

~~~

For the Letter O we will talk about feeling overwhelmed. Join the conversation and share your thoughts. Thank you for visiting today. Until tomorrow!

🇿🇦💜 Linzé

A to Z Blog Challenge: M is for...

 Monochrome

The word monochrome is mostly associated with black and white art or photography, but it doesn't have to be. Monochrome means single colour, so it can even be red or blue. Check out this YouTube video by LiazDaydream for cute paintings done with green ink.

My husband has done some amazing monochrome photography and I think that is where the concept originates: those old black and white films.

I had a look through my art to share monochrome art of my own, but other than black and white drawings, I couldn't find any. Not recent work anyway. I do love using a single colour so I am using my own post as inspiration to do some more monochrome art. Perhaps for the #100tinytreasures?

Until tomorrow!

🇿🇦💜Linzé

A to Z Blog Challenge: L is for...

 Laboratory

   With all the posts I have done so far, I have focused on my creative and blogging endeavours. Today my post is about my engineering work.

   I work in a test laboratory as a senior safety certification engineer. I, and two younger engineers, test and certify high-tech equipment against international safety standards, before the products are submitted to the regulators for approval to sell. I also test industrial and specialised equipment for safety, and am systematically training my younger colleagues to do the same work.

   Working in a laboratory environment suits my personality. The work requires extreme focus, every job is different, and I mostly work by myself. All three of us do, but we do consult each other when challenging products or tests need to be figured out.

  Yes, I love my job. And I love that the work we do contributes to the economy of the country. I also have my own business where I assist companies to comply to the requirements for export. But that is a whole different story! 😉

Until tomorrow!

🇿🇦💜 Linzé

A to Z Blog Challenge: K is for...

 Keeping a record

 

Do you have a problem remembering what you achieved during the course of the year? Or do you need to read multiple pages in a journal, search through many folders to remind yourself what you had created? I have had to until I got tired of that effort. My single new year's resolution for 2026? Find a way to make my end-of-year reflection easier.

  I have many blank sketchbooks and dug through my stash to find one which I thought would be suitable. It has 86 pages, is suitable for drawing and a light water application, so I can do whatever I feel would work for this idea. So far I have done just that. The layout is still evolving, but one page per month will make my end-of-year reflection a process of reflection, instead of a process of searching and wondering.

  Want to learn more about how the process is working for me? I explained it in more detail on my Substack, to keep this post short.

Until tomorrow!

🇿🇦💜 Linzé

CreativeLife update: art, the novel, and that pesky geyser problem

Hey there creative friend!

Our pesky geyser problem has finally been fixed, and I have started work on repairing the ceiling in my studio. It's mostly scraping off the flaking paint, and then repainting it. Most of the water damage was inside the cupboard, which made it awkward for someone who doesn't like ladders, to reach. But I managed.

Of course, I could ask Hubs, but it's my studio and I like painting walls and ceilings, which he certainly doesn't. And if you don't like something, you either postpone it, or you do a crap job. Since a crap job was not an option, it meant that I had to do it.

Reorganising is still a challenge. Since I want to move some furniture around, it is taking time with unpacking and moving and storing stuff again. Also a good time to get rid of things. I have already put aside a lot of pencils, and other materials, but they are still in the house. I want to put everything up on a website maybe in two or three batches to sell. I thought of donating everything, but advertising it might interest someone who actually needs a few things and don't live in my area. I will share where and when everything is available.

At least now I can get into my studio and work on some larger panels again. The tiny watercolours are still fun, but the big brushes are calling and those are the most fun to play with.

My 10th novel's editing is going well. The final edit is in progress, then it needs to be proofread and formatted for publication. The cover still needs some work, but I will have a chat with Hubs since he is my cover guy. This means I could actually make the new May deadline! Woohoo!

The A to Z blog challenge is underway if you want to have a look at the other kind of stuff I am up to in April. The next post is tomorrow.

Until next time!

🇿🇦💜 Linzé

A to Z Blog Challenge: J is for...

Art Journal

or Lifebook in my case

I have been a fan of Tamara Laporte's lifebook for years. A private space for thoughts, often covered up by a painting. This year our art group is back on doing a monthly lifebook entry as part of our creative practice.

Sharing is optional to the members of the group. I would sometimes share my painting, collage, or drawing but the private stuff would either be covered up at that point, or simply done after.

I choose a theme for us, since it can be difficult to choose a reference (or idea) when one's private thoughts are not always conducive to artistic expression.

This past March, the theme was Growth. Each member of the group could interpret the theme in any way they wanted, but it also gives some guidance for personal reflection. To be honest, I don't write in my Lifebook, because I have a journal and don't need a theme or a reminder to use it. It has been a practice of more than 40 years for me, so the art is just another opportunity for some fun.

>>> My March Lifebook interpretation of the theme, done with acrylic brush markers and metallic gel pens.

Until tomorrow for a CreativeLife update post. The A to Z challenge resumes on Monday.

🇿🇦💜Linzé

A to Z Blog Challenge: I is for...

In the Dollhouse We All Wait

by Amanda M. Blake - a book feature

Buy link: AMAZON

Synopsis

An extreme horror novel of privilege, cruelty, and survival—splatterpunk at its most unflinching.

“In the dollhouse, if you don’t play with Annie…she plays with you.”

Sam Frain thinks she’s found the perfect a live-in nanny position in a sprawling mansion owned by one of the wealthiest families in the country.

The job seems simple: Take care of Annie Lange.

Annie may look like a grown woman, but she lives inside a world built for a little girl—frilly dresses, scripted games, rigid rules, and what seems like every doll in the world.

As Sam learns the true nature of Annie’s games, she’s forced into a waking nightmare of psychological domination, grotesque excess, and carefully curated cruelty. In this gilded cage where money erases morality, survival means choosing whether to resist—or become part of the performance.

Blending the social unease of The Nanny Diaries with the ruthless brutality of Hostel II, In the Dollhouse We All Wait is a harrowing work of extreme horror that explores power, complicity, and the terrifying truth that the rich really are different.

Buy link: AMAZON

Excerpt

The gown on the mannequin in front of Sam enthralled her: gold brocade that wouldn’t have been out of place in Elizabethan costume, although this gown had more modern lines. The thread looked like it had been spun from real gold. For all Sam knew, it had been. Seed pearls of different sizes had been sewn to the bodice in an elaborate pattern, like lace from the irritation of gastropods. At the décolletage, there was even a diamond brooch—probably real, because why wouldn’t it be?

The mannequins came to a complete stop, skirts rustling like woods in a light wind. Sam stepped closer to the display case to get a better look at the details, the elaborate collar framing red ringlets and ‘Queen of Hearts’-painted lips and eyelids. Sam wondered if Annie had made the pearl headdress, too.

The quality of mannequin in the Dream House exceeded that of any boutique or department store. Most places deliberately tried to make mannequins look more stylized to keep them from entering the realm of uncanny. Either these mannequins had already been uncannily human or Annie had made them so to better display the quality of her gowns, similar to what she’d done with the altered Barbies.
Sam took another step closer. She didn’t want to leave prints on such beautiful art displays, but she wanted a closer look at that diamond brooch to figure out how real it was, how it caught the light…

The mannequin blinked.

Sam jerked back, just as another waltz started. She didn’t know the name of this one, and she barely heard it as the turntables spun the mannequins once more. She struggled to follow, trying to see if she’d seen what she thought she’d seen. A trick of light, maybe from the turntable starting, or maybe Sam herself had blinked, or maybe there’d been one of those stealth power surges that made her wonder if she or the lights had dimmed. 

Sam ran around the spinning turntable, daring herself not to blink if she could help it. Maybe it was just her panic and disorientation in basement sunlight, but it seemed like the mannequin’s face was sadder, brows low over the dark eyes. Was that a tear running down the mannequin’s face, or had the tear always been there, or was it just another trick of the light?

About the Author

A mass of tentacles and rose vines masquerading as a person, Amanda M. Blake is the author of horror titles IN THE DOLLHOUSE WE ALL WAIT, QUESTION NOT MY SALT, and DEEP DOWN, dark poetry collection DEAD ENDS, and the Thorns fairy tale mash-up series.

Alt-historical plague novel MASQUE releases in 2027 through Quill & Crow.

For more, visit amandamblake.com.

A to Z Blog Challenge: H is for...

The 100 day project

and 100 Tiny Treasures

The 2026 edition of #the100dayproject started on 22 February. Today is the 47th day since the start of the challenge, and by some miracle I have been keeping up a daily creative practice.

Last year I spent more of the time writing, but so far I have only used two days to write, and not draw or paint. This does not mean that I haven't written during the other days, I have. I do have a book to finish, so writing (and editing) is necessary so I won't miss the new publication deadline in May.

And then I decided to do #100tinytreasures. These are tiny paintings and the perfect solution for days where I have to focus on the book. The tiny treasures is not a challenge but a quest (alias the inventor, Leslie Stroz) to make 100 tiny paintings in a year. So not everyday, but often enough to keep the creative interest, and a perfect solution for the 100 day project too.

And just so you know: I don't count the A to Z challenge blog posts towards the 100 day project. And on that note here are a few of those tiny paintings.

Until tomorrow!

🇿🇦💜 Linzé

A to Z Blog Challenge: G is for...

Graphite

The most basic of all art mediums, the humble drawing pencil remains a favourite.

A friend asked me last night which graphite pencils I like to draw with, and I had to think for a moment. While I usually reach for my trusty 2H first, I have been drawing with a 5H pencil as well. And this choice is the result of the paper I am drawing on.

The 5H pencil just seemed be the best choice for drawing on Canson Sandgrain paper. We have an oil based material project for April, and I chose oil pastels. The harder pencils don't smudge easily, so the oil pastel won't get dirty because I smudge the first layer of the painting with my fingers. I love Sandgrain paper, although I know many artists don't because of its abrasive surface.

But here is another oil pastel I did on Sandgrain paper - it is based on an acrylic painting tutorial by Michelle the Painter on YouTube.

Until tomorrow!

🇿🇦💜 Linzé

A to Z Blog Challenge: F is for...

 Friends

Doing art with friends, is one of the best ways to stay creative. You don't have to paint or draw the same thing; just sharing the process can be great fun and inspiring.

It is one of my favourite things to look forward every week: spending two hours with friends painting or drawing. Since we all decided to take part in Leslie Stroz's 100 tiny paintings in a year, the meetings have become even more fun.

We have a private group, where we share our paintings and support each other, and share ideas to keep going since this is a longer project than what we would normally do.

Tiny painting No 2. 7x7cm - ink and wash

Until tomorrow!

🇿🇦💜 Linzé

A to Z Blog Challenge: E is for...

Experiment

Staying creative is not always easy, and experimenting is often a good idea to keep the creative juices flowing. But not all experiments are successful, as many scientists will attest.

But when it comes to making art, who doesn't love making a mess? So I did. And while the outcome is not a masterpiece, I did like the process: I combined two ideas from two different ladies on YouTube.

I am sharing both my attempts, and will definitely try it again. The crayons for the background didn't work so well, but I will try with artist grade crayons or paint next time.

Until tomorrow!

💜🇿🇦 Linzé

  

A to Z Blog Challenge: D is for...

Drawing

Drawing or sketching? I like both, but drawing is a more time intensive activity. Sketching can be done while waiting for your coffee at your favourite coffee shop. Ofter called urban sketching it can be a quick record of a time or place, whereas a drawing usually requires more time, more attention, and can be a work of art when it is done.

`White ink drawing

Both are fun, and serve to satisfy the urge to create something. So, when I have a bit of time, I like to do a drawing with lots of details and might even add colour with watercolours or coloured pens or pencils.

Sketching on the go? Why not? It is excellent practice to capture a moment (or moments) and takes almost no time on a busy day...just long enough to get a cup of your favourite brew.

There is no post tomorrow, so I will see you again on Monday!

🇿🇦💜 Linzé

A to Z Blog Challenge: C is for...

Challenge

Today's post is closer to the theme I chose for the Blog Challenge this month. I have written posts about this before, but this year, I am taking it to a higher level. I am talking about taking part in multiple creative challenges.

This month I am taking part in the following challenges...at the same time! I am worried about not keeping up, but I have to say, it is not as difficult as I thought, once I decided on a plan.

1. The A to Z blog challenge

2. The 100day Project - it started on 22 February

3. Inktober52 - a weekly challenge for the whole year

And I have a novel to edit before it can be published. Not an online challenge like the others, but this book is late, so it needs to get done to get my writing back on schedule for 2026.

Since my weekdays have pretty much the same schedule everyday, I don't sit down to plan time to do this or create that. but multiple challenges made it necessary to plan - at least a bit.

You would think that I don't have to do everything, and you would be right, but I love all of these, so I am pretty much committed. 😏 

Until tomorrow!

🇿🇦💜 Linzé

A to Z Blog Challenge: B is for...

Sketchbook 😉

Sketchbook practice is one of my favourite activities. There is no pressure to produce anything and there are no limits on what you can do or try.

I have several sketchbooks going, but now try to finish one, before starting a new one. With the ones I have currently going, I try to stick to a single (or a primary) medium per sketchbook.

When I do a mixed media page, one medium will dominate the exercise.

There are two exceptions: an A5 landscape sketchbook that I use to plan paintings, and an A4 landscape sketchbook for the challenges of an online art group that I belong to.

A few of my current sketchbooks: water-based marker, gouache, ink and watercolour,
and collage.

Until tomorrow!

🇿🇦💜 Linzé

A to Z Blog Challenge: A is for...

Acrylic markers

A favourite medium that recently came on the art scene. I like them because they aer easy to use, and work well acrylic paints, or on paper with water colours.

Versatile and a quick option that doesn't require any preparation to use - aside from shaking the brush pen, depending on the brand you are using.

Acrylic brush marker on an acrylic painted background - a tiny canvas painting made for the 100DayProject.

Until tomorrow!

🇿🇦💜 Linzé

CreativeLife update: the100dayproject, and a few more life issues 🤦🏼‍♀️

Hey there creative friend!

I really wished I could tell you that my studio is back in working order, and that I am painting to my heart's content. But as you probably guessed...it hasn't happened yet. How long can it possibly take for the insurance to make a decision? Let me tell you...one month! Yup, it took my husband many hours on the phone and many emails, and getting the complaints department involved. Then more phone calls...yes, even they had to be chased. What a freaking mess!

Acrylic marker on tiny canvas

But I am happy to report that we have the plumbers coming out tomorrow, to install the new geyser and fix the old pipes and stuff. Finally!

It is going to be a long day. Hubs decided to work from home, so that I can go to the lab to work. While I have to finish a report, and prepare for the next test, I already have another job going and I need to go in to finish the tests.

That's how life works for the self-employed 😉 So it's a good thing that I like the work.

You can see a few of my 100dayproject paintings, which I am managing to keep with. I am also writing a novel, and editing another. The editing is going well, and after I consolidate this edit, I have to work through it one final time before the manuscript will be made ready for publication. I am thinking early May. The next goal is to ask my husband to do the cover for me. I know what I want, but I need a Photoshop expert like him, to make it look the way I want.

Watercolour

Acrylic marker - colouring page

My next challenge is getting my car serviced, another expense although this one was planned for. I had to have my driver's license renewed as well, and now I am just waiting to hear from the authorities when it's ready for collection. I was nervous about the process, which we have to do every 5 years, but they were very professional and got the process done super quick.

I enrolled in the A-to-Z blog challenge starting on Wednesday, if you want to check it out. It is a daily post around a theme of my choice.

An if that wasn't enough, I also joined the #100tinytreasures quest. This is not a daily painting, but still making 100 paintings, albeit tiny ones, in one year does require some serious planning and commitment. They are fun though and I have done three already. But more about that next time.

Until next time!

🇿🇦💜 Linzé

BOOK FEATURE: Beautiful, Once by Mia Dalia

 SYNOPSIS

From acclaimed author Mia Dalia comes a propulsive, character-driven horror novel that’s a chilling blend of high-tech utopia, isolation, and catastrophic consequences.

When a controversial tech billionaire retreats from society, he constructs a private island designed to be the ultimate controlled experiment: a hand-selected population, sustainable systems, and a flawless model for humanity’s future. A paradise engineered to perfection.

But perfection breeds boredom.

Seeking recognition—and perhaps validation—he sends a message into the cosmos, broadcasting The Island’s triumph to the universe. One day, he gets a reply… and all hell breaks loose.)

Within hours, the community fractures. Neighbors turn on neighbors. A savage, insatiable hunger spreads. Civilization unravels.

Told through three gripping perspectives—the billionaire’s loyal assistant, an island mechanic, and a visiting investigative reporter—Beautiful, Once explores survival, psychological collapse, unchecked ambition, and the terrifying consequences of playing god.

Set in a near-future island enclave, this intense dystopian horror novel will appeal to fans of isolated community thrillers, outbreak fiction, and cinematically propulsive, speculative survival stories in the vein of The Island and The Crazies.

When paradise falls, who gets to live?

BUY LINKS  https://geni.us/BeautifulOnce

EXCERPT

Olivia pushed on, but she could see her words failing, falling to the ground like weakly shot arrows.

She had to go with the ace up her sleeve: violating the institution’s policy.

“I’ve brought someone here to see you.”

No reaction. But did Olivia see a flicker of interest?

The dog had no tag, no name. He was found along with the person, both survivors of the same ordeal. The dog was in much better shape, and after a brief recuperation, seemed strong and lively. He was staying with one of the people who found him, likely to be permanently adopted if the person he’d been found with continued to show no signs of recovery.

The dog, nicknamed Spark by one of the rescuers—aspirationally at first but now living up to it—came in tentatively, his eyes on the person in the chair. He didn’t approach and instead stayed by the door. Slowly, softly he began to growl, pawing at the floor.

“Spark, come on,” said the orderly under his breath. “Behave.”

Olivia watched the face of the person across from her. Watched their head turn toward the dog—an eerily robotic motion.

The dog barked sharply. It served as a slap, a bucket of ice water in the face. Suddenly, the survivor’s eyes sprung wide open, animating with something Olivia couldn’t quite read. It sent a stirring of alarm dragging a nail down her spine.

When those eyes locked on hers, Olivia thought she could see the flames flickering there. But surely, that was merely a trick of the light, only the sun pouring through the uncurtained window.

“There you are,” Olivia said gently. “How are you? How do you feel?”

The person opened their mouth, licked their lips, and closed it again, as if they had forgotten how to speak.

Finally, in a voice rusted out from disuse they croaked a single word: “Hungry.” Then, suddenly, with alarming speed and agility, the survivor lunged across the table at Olivia.

The dog began barking in earnest.

“Hungry,” the terrible voice repeated so closely to Olivia’s ear so that she felt the fiery heat of it. And then the feeding began.

BUY LINKS  https://geni.us/BeautifulOnce

About the author

Mia Dalia is an internationally published, Crime Writers’ Association–nominated author of all things fantastic, thrilling, frightening, and strange. Her short fiction appears widely online and in print anthologies and magazines, and has been featured in multiple narrative podcasts. 

Mia's stories were selected as one of Tales to Terrify’s Top Ten Stories of 2023 and shortlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association’s 2024 Dagger Award. Her work has been acclaimed by Library Journal, which “highly recommended it for gothic fiction readers and fans of Shirley Jackson,” praised by Kirkus Reviews for its “imaginative directness reminiscent of Stephen King,” and lauded by Booklist for its “beautifully detailed characters and a subtle slide into dread.” 

Mia is the author of the novels Estate Sale, Haven, and Beautiful, Once, novellas Alakazam, Tell Me a Story, Discordant, Arrokoth, and Do You Know the Muffin Man? and collection Smile So Red and Other Tales of Madness. 

Mia Dalia is represented by the John Jarrold Literary Agency.

Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing— Where Stories Come Alive!

Find Mia online:

https://daliaverse.wixsite.com/author
https://linktr.ee/daliaverse

CreativeLife update: the100dayproject, the A to Z blog challenge, and a near studio disaster

 Hey there creative friends!

  As I write this post, February is about to expire and a new month with new challenges and creative projects is almost here. Since I paint on wooden panels, they need a bit of TLC before I can start painting. I started the process a few minutes ago on three new panels.

  I bought 12 of them because they were a good price, and when inspiration strikes, I can't wait to start. For now there will be 3, but there could be more. I painted two panels in this style a while back, they were sold, and I loved the process, so I thought why not paint a few more?

  I already did a few sketches, and there are definitely ideas that make my fingers itch. I like it when that happens! 😁

  The original idea for the project was on the list of projects I made for my art group this year, but once it became time to send them the reference (not to copy though) the muse struck...and a series was born.

˜ ˜ ˜ The100dayproject - a few of my daily collages and paintings below ˜ ˜ ˜ 

    The plan was to start the first painting this week, but that was until I noticed the ceiling in my studio. It was wet around the closet where I store my solvents, and my completed paintings. To say that I had a light panic is an understatement.

   I removed all the paintings as fast as I could - I put them in the living room, along with my largest easel. I also had to move the finished sketchbooks stored on a shelf. Inspection of the inside of the cupboard made the news worse. The ceiling and the wood inside was wet.

 

   

My paintings are okay, although one sketchbook was damp, but fortunately sustained no real damage.

   I packed the cupboard with dehydrating things, and it looks like it will be dry in another day or so. I will fix the ceiling once the geyser has been repaired or replaced. We don't know yet what the insurance will decide.  It's a huge frustration and I hope it will be resolved soon.

When I logged in to start writing this post, I saw posts about the annual blog challenge coming in April. I don't know how many years I have been taking part, and this year will be no exception.

Blogging every day is hard work, but with advance notice, I can definitely make it work by preparing at least ten posts ahead of time.

It will overlap with the 100day project, and two more challenges that I have enrolled in, so planning ahead is necessary. 

My A-to-Z Blog challenge theme for 2026

And my studio is back to normal. 🙏

Until next time!

💜🇿🇦 Linzé

PS: Keep an eye out, if you love horror fiction, there is another exciting book launch coming the 20th!