An Interview with Archmage Ysallithisandra from The Wolves of Vimar Series.

July 28, 2026 V.M.Sang Leave a comment

I decided to repost some of my earlier blog posts as there are new people who won’t have seen them. Here is the first one.

I apologise for being a day late with the interview with Archmage Yssalithisandra, but she was extremely busy with some new magic texts that have recently come to light and put the interview off for a day.

Me: Good morning, Archmage Yssalithisandra. I am glad you decided to meet me and answer afew questions that our readers would like toknow about.

Yssa: Please call me Yssa. Everyone does, you know. It is a pleasure to be interviewed by you.

Me: How is it that an elf is working in Hambara and not in Rindisillaron, the elven homeland?

Yssa: I came here because of the Mage Tower. There is no longer one in Rindissillaron, you know.

Me: I believe there was one once though. Why has it not been found or rebuilt?

Yssa: Mage towers are always built on special places where the mana is at its strongest. Places where it wells up rather like springs out of the ground. The whereabouts of the Mage Tower in Rindisillaron has long been forgotten, as is the case of the towers in most places in Khalram.

Me: Why has this occurred?

Yssa: It was after the Forbidding when they were deserted for several hundred years.

Me: The Forbidding?

Yssa: Yes. Two hundred or so years after the death of Sauvern, there was an uprising by a group of mages who thought that because they could weave the mana, they were superior to others and that they should be the rulers of all the lands in Khalram. There was another group who opposed them, of course and the result was a terrible war. The results were so devastating that when the rightful rulers were restored, the practice of magic was forbidden throughout the lands that make up Khalram. All books of magic were burned and the mage towers were, for the most part destroyed. All people who could do any magic were put to death too.

Me: So that is why you are researching the past. To find the lost spells. How long ago did the Forbidding occur?

Yssa: How long? Well it began about 600 years ago and lasted for about 3oo years. That means that it ended about 300 years ago.

Me: And in 300 years you still haven’t found all that was lost?

Yssa: Remember; there were no mages in the continent when it ended, nor any books. We had to start again from scratch.

Me: How is your work coming on?

Yssa: Oh, we’re beginning to make more progress and we keep finding books that had been hidden away by mages when they thought they would be executed. One such is the one Mabryl found and Carthinal brought to Hambara.

Me: Do you think that the mage towers will ever be re-built?

Yssa: That depends on whether or not we can find where the nodes were that they were built on. In the past there were said to have been mages who were able to detect these places, but we know of none at the moment. There are a few mages who can weave the mana without recourse to arcane language and hand gestures, but use just the power of thought, and it is possible that some of these could do so as they are much more sensitive to magic. We have yet to find any though, so at the moment it’s just a hypothesis.

Me: You met Carthinal when he came to take his tests. What did you think of him?

Yssa: (blushing slightly) He is a very charismatic young man. He is also a very talented mage. I oversaw his practical test, as you probably know, and was most impressed.

Me: Is it true that you had a relationship with him while he was in Hasmbara?

Yssa: (looking down at her hands.) Yes. It was brief, and then he left to do the job that the Duke set him. I don’t know when he’ll be back, but I don’t expect him to want to continue with me.

Me: Do you think you will ever go back to Rindissillaron?

Yssa: Probably not. I do go to visit my parents as often as I can. Mother says it’s not often enough of course. She misses me, I think. I have no brothers and sisters, so I’m her little lost lamb. She means well, but she does fuss.

Me: Thank you for giving up your precious time, Archmage.

Yssa: Yssa!

Me: Sorry, Yssa. I am sure our readers will be interested in the history that you have told us about, and good luck with the research.

Yssa: Thank you. It was a pleasure talking to you. Grillon’s blessings on your readers.

Carthinal met Yssa when he went to the Mage Tower in Hambara to complete his apprenticeship as a mage. They had a brief affair before Carthinal went on the quest to find Sauvern’s Sword.

Later Yssa became more important in Carthinal’s life and appears in several of the books in the series.

If you would like to know more about Yssa and Carthinal, you can read about them in The Wolf Pack, Book 1 of The Wolves of Vimar series.

The ebook version ofThe Wolf Pack is free.

Click on the book title to buy, or on the book’s image in the side bar to go to your favourite online store.

There are also some prequels where you can find out a bit more about the characters in the books.

fruit, health, nature, plants

The Terrible Effects of Avocados

July 21, 2026 V.M.Sang Leave a comment

I was just reading about avocado growing, and how it is having a terrible effect on the world. Deforestation, crime, causing droughts by water use etc.

But you can read it for yourself by following this link!

Do you eat avocados? Will the information in this stop or reduce your consumption?

Feel free to share this, and link back to this site.

short story

A Disturbing Story from Beetley Pete

July 15, 2026 V.M.Sang 6 Comments

I’m trying to get back into blogging after a hiatus. I thought I’d post this story.

It’s rather disturbing, but I think it should be read by as many people as possible. This kind of thing has happened before, and I can see the distinct possibility of it happening again. That worries me.

Some people might say that this is only fiction, but beware! Fiction can become fact.

Here’s the link to Pete’s post: A Fine New Career.

Pete has an interesting blog. He posts fiction in serials, but also pictures, snippets about his life in Norfolk, and funnies. It’s well worth a look at some of his other posts while you’re there.

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A New Book to Read!

July 2, 2026 V.M.Sang Leave a comment

Stories For Humans – Bletherings

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Not in a good place.

June 11, 2026 V.M.Sang 16 Comments

I’m back from my holiday, but am now, as the title says, not in a good place. I have lost my enthusiasm for writing and haven’t done any for weeks. I hope this passes.

Personal things have raised their heads, too. I don’t want to go into them, but they are affecting how I feel about things.

I can’t bring myself to write my regular blog post at the moment, but I will still visit and comment on your posts. I may even reblog some if that’s OK.

I hope things will get back to normal soon.

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A Little Holiday

May 6, 2026 V.M.Sang 4 Comments

You may have (or not) noticed I’ve not posted this week. I’m trying to finish a story and it’s taking me forever. It’s supposed to be a short story, but it’s getting too long.

I’m going on holiday at the end of this month, too. It includes the first week in June, so I’m going to take a break from blogging until I get back. Then I can hopefully finish the story and get on with my historical novel.

I will, however, read your posts!

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Review of Alone by Anna Michelle Page

April 22, 2026 V.M.Sang 3 Comments

Overview.

This was an exciting read. It had me turning the pages anxiously wanting to know what happened next.

Story.

London is a spy. She works for the CIA and has been sent to Korea with a special mission–to destroy a particular weapon that the North Koreans have been developing.

But London is a damaged young woman after abuse, and has decided that being alone is safe. She has no fear of dying, and in fact looks forward to it and fully expects to die on one of her missions.

Then she meets the Commander. He is a South Korean, leading a small group of men, who are devoted to him. He observes how she handles a persistent soldier from the US army who is pestering her, and becomes fascinated with her.

London tries to reject the offered friendship of the Commander, but he is understanding of her problems, although he doesn’t know any details. He gently tries to get her to trust him, much like winning the trust of a frightened deer.

She, in spite of not wanting to like him, finds herself being drawn to him in a way she finds unsettling.

But her mission is dangerous, and she expects not to survive it. She has not reckoned with the Commander, though. He manages to extricate her, but she has to go into hiding as she is pursued by an assassin after her mission to destroy the weapon.

Blurb

Alone Trained to survive. Destined to be alone. Until him.

London moves through the world as a ghost—unseen, unstoppable, untraceable. Trained for precision, she leaves no loose ends. But the military town of Cheondochon, South Korea changes everything.

Posing as a saloon girl at the Whiskey River, she hides in plain sight, where deception is her greatest weapon—until the Commander crosses her path.

He sees through her disguise, sensing the predator beneath the surface. Their connection is undeniable, dangerous—an attraction that threatens to dismantle her mission and expose the secrets she has buried deep.

Then the operation unravels.

A brutal attack by a DPRK assassin after she takes out a secret super engine, forces her to confront a past she thought was dead. Killing the man who once controlled her should have been justice—but instead, it shatters everything. Her mind fractures, her memories slip away, and the Commander makes an impossible choice. Hidden among monks in Japan, she rebuilds, heals, remembers.

Now, in England, she waits—not as an assassin, not as an agent, but as a woman. Waiting. Hoping. Longing for the day the Commander finds her. When he does, can London face the one mission that ever truly mattered – love?

Characters

London. This is not her real name, as we learn later in the book. She is a hard woman, made so by her difficult past. She is dangerous, clever and a killer for the CIA. She slips in and out of places unseen, if she so wishes. She knows she is safest when she is working alone. In spite of being a hard character, I found myself liking her.

The Commander. London realises this man is her equal in combat skills, sneaking, bushcraft and spying. She hopes they won’t be pitted against each other and that his death isn’t what she is required to accomplish.

On his part, the Commander hopes the same thing. He quickly realises that she has been badly damaged by her past and wants to help her.

In spite of being a tough soldier, he is kind and sympathetic, coaxing her from her skewed view of the world.

I liked him a lot.

Joe. Joe is also working for the CIA and is the man who organises London’s missions. Unknown to her, Joe is in love with London.

Claire is also a CIA agent, posing as an American woman running an American bar. She dislikes London, partly because of Joe’s infatuation.

Writing.

Ms Page has given us a page turner. After the first few pages, I was gripped by the story, thanks to the excellent way the characters were portrayed, and the pace of the action. There were also a few quiet moments that were well written, showing the softer side of these tough people.

The grammar was good, and there were few, if any, typos.

Just one factual error that didn’t spoil it for me, and wouldn’t be noticed by most people. Ipswich, UK, isn’t a seaside town! Not far away, though.

An enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good adventure story.

I give it 5*

My ranking of books.

In order to get a particular number of stars, it is not necessary to meet all the criteria. This is a guide only.

5* Exceptional. Wonderful story. Setting well drawn, and characters believable–not perfect, but with flaws. Will keep you up all night. No typos or grammatical errors.

4* A thoroughly enjoyable read. Great and original story. Believable setting and characters. Very few grammatical errors or typos.

3* I enjoyed it. Good story. Characters need some development. Some typos or grammatical errors.

2* Not for me. Story not very strong. Unbelievable and flat characters. Setting not clearly defined. Many typos or grammatical errors.

1* I hated it. Story almost non-existent. Setting poor. Possibly couldn’t finish it.

announcement, Blog Tour, book release, book reviews, Poetry

Day 2 of the WordCrafter “Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons” Book Blog Tour – Jean-Jacques Fournier and Colleen Chesebro

April 21, 2026 V.M.Sang 37 Comments

Welcome to Day 2 of the WordCrafter Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons Book Blog Tour, where we’re sending off the sixth volume of the Poetry Treasures anthology series, Seasons.

Each volume of this poetry anthology series features the work of the talented poets, spotlighted as guests on Robbie Cheadle’s blog series, “Treasuring Poetry”, from the previous year. Seasons’ poets were guests in 2025.

For this tour, you’ll meet two poets at each stop, with fun facts about them and reviews of their work. Some of the contributors also share guest posts or poetry readings. Today, we’re introducing Jean-Jacques Fournier and Colleen Chesebro.

And we’re giving away three digital copies of the anthology in our Giveaway. Each comment earns a chance to win, so be sure to give a shout out and let us know you were there.

Giveaway

We’re giving away three digital copies of Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons.

Follow the tour and leave a comment at each stop for additional entries.
Winners are selected in a random drawing following the tour.

Tour Schedule
Mon. – Cindy Georgakas (Reading) & Kevin Morris – Poetry by Mich, Hotel by Masticadores, Masticadores Phillipines
Tues. – Jean-Jacques Fournier (Reading) & Colleen Chesebro (Reading) – Dragons Rule OK
Wed. – Freya Pickard & V.M. Sang (Reading) – JoyNealKidney.com
Thurs. – Joy Neal Kidney & Yvette Prior – Roberta Writes
Fri. – Michelle Ayon Navajas (Guest Post & Reading) & Marsha Ingrao (Guest Post & Reading) – Prior House
Sat. – Nolcha Fox & Robbie Cheadle – Writing to be Read

Introducing Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons

Picture caption: Cover of Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons

Blurb
Open the cover
and you will discover
Poetry Treasures
from the guests on
Robbie Cheadle’s 2025
“Treasuring Poetry”
blog series
on Writing to be Read.

Join poets Robbie Cheadle, Cindy Georgakas, Freya Pickard, V.M. Sang, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Marsha Ingrao, Nolcha Fox, Joy Neal Kidney, Kevin Morris, Jean-Jacques Fournier, Melissa Lemay, Yvette Prior, and special guest, Colleen Chesbro share their personal seasons of poetry.

Purchase link
https://books2read.com/PT6Seasons

Meet Jean-Jacques Fournier

Jean-Jacques Fournier is a native of Montréal, in the province of Québec, Canada. He continued his studies while in the Canadian Navy and travelling substantially over the world. He started writing in earnest while living in California in the early eighties. In the process of reinventing himself numerous times, his penchant for the language of poetry seemed best suited, for him to express his emotions and life experiences. He then spent several years pursuing his writing in the south of France, during which time he published his first three books. He has long since moved back to Canada and is presently living in the Eastern Townships of Québec. He has published twenty-one books of poetry to date.

Jean-Jacques Fournier’s blog is Poetry on a canapé

Picture caption: Author photograph of Jean-Jacques Fournier

Fun Facts about Jean-Jacques Fournier

He’s always loved France, had moved to France, married a French woman, who in the end pulls him back to Canada.

Because he was constantly on the move, he was never truly interested in animals but now, he is surrounded by two indoor cats, as well as birds, racoons, deer, chipmunks, coyotes, foxes who all inhabit the garden.

He loves dancing since he was young and now, basically still young considering years passed, he continues dancing but mostly with the words.

Poetry Reading: “I the Bumble Bee – in bombinate flight”https://youtu.be/ETprgKugzfM

A review of Poetry in Brief – a blissful silence – (review by author Paulette Mahurin)

Picture caption: Cover of Poetry in Brief – a blissful silence – by Jean-Jacques Fournier

From the lovely cover of “Poetry in Brief – a blissful silence” designed by Marianne Dessis and the book’s various represented artists like Paul Klee included on the pages of this special book of poetry to all the words depicting the human experience, I am stunned by masterful poetry. This is a special book of poetry and author Jean-Jacques Fournier has a great gift in his usage of words. A minimalist, he writes vast emotions that run deep and strong of all that it is to be alive. Each and every poem, unique in its message, draws the reader into thoughts and emotions. Way too many to enumerate on. This was an enticingly enjoyable book right down to the last poem: “Ye May Not Hear-past silent fear” with its beautiful artwork by Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis – Silene, which was my favorite. Kudos to the author for this lovely achievement.

Purchase Poetry in Brief – a blissful silence – from Lulu here: https://www.lulu.com/shop/jean-jacques-fournier/poetry-in-brief-a-blissful-silence-/ebook/product-9vppw2.html?srsltid=AfmBOooRgWPVvjnWCRJTOlOhMUNgzKa7UNzAFgbFECsxQhkepWVd1d_T&page=1&pageSize=4

And from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/Poetry-Brief-Forever-After/dp/B0GT7CJ29R

Meet Colleen Chesebro

Colleen M. Chesebro hails from the heartland of the Midwestern United States. After graduating, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, launching a lifelong journey of self-exploration. Following a successful career in accounting, Colleen returned to her creative roots, reigniting her love for poetry. Today, she enjoys crafting poetry, flash fiction, and both creative and nonfiction work.
In addition to her poetry books, Colleen has contributed to numerous anthologies featuring short stories, flash fiction, and poetry.
She actively supports her writing community on tankatuesday.com, by hosting a community syllabic poetry challenge called Tanka Tuesday, and by co-editing the Sunflower Tanka Anthology with Robbie Cheadle. This annual syllabic poetry anthology celebrates tanka, tanka prose, and other experimental tanka forms.
Residing in her dream home in mid-Michigan, Colleen enjoys the beauty of the Great Lakes with her husband and their two (unicorn) cats, Chloe and Sophie.
You can find her at Tanka Tuesday on http://www.tankatuesday.com.

Picture caption: Author photograph of Colleen Chesebro

Fun Facts about Colleen Chesebro

When I served in the USAF, I lived in England for several years.

I crochet old-fashioned doilies with thread.

I’m taking a class in Jungian psychology and dream tending.

Poetry Reading: “The Fight for Spring” (Haibun)
https://youtube.com/shorts/KMhNk_dNFNU?feature=share

A review of Sunflower Tanka: A 2025 Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka compiled by Colleen Chesebro and Robbie Cheadle (Amazon review)

Picture caption: Cover of Sunflower Tanka: A 2025 Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka compiled by Colleen Chesebro and Robbie Cheadle

Sunflower Tanka 2025 anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose and Experimental Tanka begins with an introduction and a short explanation of the different forms of poetry included in this collection: Tanka, Tanka Prose, Bussokuseki, (a new form for me to try,) Rensaku, Experimental Tanka, Garland Tanka, Tanka Puente, and Taiga!

The topic is dreams. And what dreams they are for poets to indulge their creative juices in! Resulting in such a range of marvellous interpretations.

You’ll find poems from a wide variety of international poets to connect with. There are 54 poets in the 2025 anthology!

It is lovingly compiled by the contributing editors, Robbie Cheadle and Colleen Chesebro with a short analysis of their favourite poems at the end.

It’s a delightful collection and a great introduction to new poets to enjoy as well as old favourites to return to again.

I bought a paperback copy. What a treat.

Purchase Sunflower Tanka: A 2025 Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/Sunflower-Tanka-Anthology-Prose-Experimental/dp/B0G51RKG61

Wrap-Up

That wraps up Day 2 of the WordCrafter Poetry Treasures 6: Seasons. Join us again tomorrow over at JoyNealKidney.com, where we’ll be meeting Freya Pickard and V.M. Sang.

Book your WordCrafter Book Blog Tour today!

announcement, Blog Tour, book release, Poetry

Trailer for Poetry Book

April 13, 2026 V.M.Sang 18 Comments

I am delighted to say that at the end of this month, an anthology of poetry will be released. It’s called Poetry Treasures 6. Seasons, and, I’m excited to say, some of my poetry is featured.

Here is a link to a video trailer: https://youtube.com/shorts/NUxIn1dcghg

Do pop over and have a look.

There’s also a blog tour happening next week. Wednesday’s visit will feature me! and includes a link to me reading one of my poems.