Multifarious Dimensions of Meh: A Poetry Collection by Eric Montgomery

Poetry Book Review

Title: Multifarious Dimensions of Meh
Author:  Eric Montgomery
Publisher: Independent
Released: February 8, 2023
Pages: 50
AISN: B0BVBD6JVH
Stars: 4.0

The title and cover of this new poetry chapbook, Multifarious Dimensions of Meh: A Poetry Collection by Eric Montgomery, are terrific! Montgomery should be proud of his courage in putting his work in the public eye for his first chapbook publication, and he shows promise as a poet. While it’s true that poetry can take almost any form, I think some of these poems could be expanded upon to add more depth, but many also stand stark and sharp as they are, exploding with a “Boom!” to break the silence. And they are meant to be read aloud.

Montgomery’s work covers themes of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other life experiences, many of which we can all relate to. Numerous titles are one-word, which I like, and his poems are short, as they were initially written to be shared on Twitter. Some of my favourites are “Numb,” “Pillows,” “Boom!,” “Nowhere,” “Ghost,” “Forgotten,” “Pounce,” “Must,” “Bokeh,” “Change,” “Little Slice,” “Focus,” and “Shake.” I read this book twice and let his words wash over me. The poems were even more satisfying the second time.

With tens of thousands of poetry books to choose from on Amazon, it’s often hard to decide which one to read, but Multifarious Dimensions of Meh is a quick read that will leave you feeling empathy and respect for its author.

Montgomery expresses his creativity not only through writing but also photography and hosts a spoken word poetry podcast, Poetry is Not Dead. In addition, you can subscribe to his Very Short Story posts for #vss365, a tweet-sized writing prompt based on a specific daily word at Mister Eric (mrericmontgomery.com) or follow him on Twitter at @ImMisterEric.

Cover Reveal and Editor’s Review of Lord and King by Bestselling Author, P.L. Stuart

Cover Reveal and Editor’s Review

I am so excited about this book!

Last night, on Blaise Ancona’s Under the Radar SFF Podcast, Blaise went live with an interview with fantasy fiction author and my friend, P.L. Stuart, in which they reviewed Stuart’s books A Drowned Kingdom and The Last of the Atalanteans and they revealed the cover of Stuart’s latest book in the series, Lord and King.

This is not a traditional reader’s ARC review because I am proud to say I was the editor of this book, the third in The Drowned Kingdom Saga by the insanely talented bestselling author, P.L. Stuart. As a fan of the first two books in the series, I couldn’t wait to read the third, Lord and King, and when Stuart asked me to be his editor, I almost cried for joy and gratitude for the opportunity. I have never had so much fun as an editor, and Stuart made my job easy because he’s a brilliant writer.

I may be biased, but I am a fan of this man’s phenomenal storytelling, first and foremost. He is a master and has created one of the most compelling, multifaceted fictional characters ever in the vainglorious Othrun, King of Eastrealm. If you love medieval literature, a fully realized unique world, a complex protagonist, challenging, exciting antagonists, realistic battle scenes, mystery, magic, and fabulous love scenes, Stuart’s books are for you! And I was waiting for that fabulous love scene! Lord and King does not disappoint.

Lord and King is a thrilling page-turner that will keep your pulse pounding and your heart in your throat. The unexpected tragedies Othrun must face, as well as the addition of Queen Undala, who could potentially be the most formidable adversary Othrun has faced to date, make for what I think is the most exciting book in the series so far. And this fan cannot wait to find out what happens next!

Author’s Synopsis of Lord and King

Finally, Lord and King of Eastrealm, Othrun, aims to restore the glory of his drowned homeland, Atalantyx. But dangerous warlords are determined to stop Othrun from rising to further power.

Furthermore, Eastrealm’s ruler must confront internal forces that could tear his new kingdom apart. Embattled Othrun is also devastated by personal tragedy. His belief in his Single God, and his ambiguous guiding spirit, has never been more tenuous.

To fight his enemies, Othrun needs more than faith or his formidable knights. He needs a mage on his side. Is the conniving Queen Lysi, with her divided loyalties and her own designs for Othrun, the ally he needs? Or, are there other mages who can help the beleaguered young king, who he can trust?

And, Lysi is not the only formidable queen Othrun must contend with. An inexorable power, tied to ancient founders of Eltnish civilization, is coming. A legendary ruler, the likes of whom has not been seen for centuries, plans to reclaim what’s owed to her.

She is named, Undala.

Fear for Othrun and anyone else who dares stand in her way.

Othrun is clever, bold, resourceful. Yet, kingship comes with many challenges, including facing the cunning, powerful, vengeful enemies surrounding him, marking him for death. Will Othrun’s reign end on the battlefield, in blood, before it’s barely begun?

Expected publication April 30, 2023

Meet Gary Benoit, Author of A Call for Service: Overcoming Adversity through Resilience

First-Time Authors

In his new memoir, A Call for Service: Overcoming Adversity through Resilience, former Edmonton police officer Gary Benoit shared his strategies for overcoming PTSD and Occupational Stress Injuries. He authored the book to provide all active and retired frontline personnel and their families with the tools and guidance needed to reduce stress, strengthen relationships, build resiliency, and achieve work-life balance. It will also give readers a foundation to improve their physical, emotional, and mental health.

I am proud to be the editor of this superb book produced by Publish and Promote!

Gary Benoit is also the co-founder of Benoit Wellness Consulting (BWC), an Edmonton-based social enterprise that launched the Front-Line Resiliency Project (FLRP) to support frontline families by improving their mental health and building resilience.

A CALL FOR SERVICE gives readers a unique view and subsequent insight into the lives of frontline workers.

Declining mental health is fast becoming one of the most debilitating concerns for society, and building and maintaining resilience is necessary for every human on the planet. But unfortunately, mental health concerns and PTSD or Occupational Stress Injuries continue to climb among frontline workers.

A Call for Service: Overcoming Adversity through Resilience provides actionable steps for developing resilience for those working the front line. It aims to assist readers with understanding that they are not alone in their struggles with mental health and that there is hope to heal. In addition, The Front-Line Resiliency Project helps to provide alternative ideas to those seeking a better life to live their desired life. Cultivating resilience is a daily practice; anyone can build and maintain it. By sharing his story and the situations he had to overcome, Gary Benoit hopes readers can draw similarities and take that first step on a journey of healing.

WHAT FRONTLINE PERSONNEL ARE SAYING:

“First responders are faced with dramatic and emotional calls throughout their careers, which affect their mental health like no other in society. Often, we compartmentalize to try and cope with the effects. Gary provides deep personal insight into how devastating these calls affect your mind, body and spirit.

Any first responder reading his story will immediately recognize and reflect on their own personal demons in their career. Thankfully, Gary was able to overcome his own personal battles and provide reflection, self-awareness, and healing. A Call for Service will help you understand and acquire perspective to realize healing can occur and you’re not alone.”

Michael Elliott
President – Edmonton Police Association
Director – Canadian Police Association

“A Call for Service is an exceptional book giving us a rare view and subsequent insight into the lives of all of our frontline workers. While clearly based on the trials and struggles from a police perspective, I can absolutely relate to the stories and struggles in this book as a Firefighter Paramedic. For the everyday person, it shows the concept of what it is like to put your life on the line every day you go to work and its real perspective. The humanity and empathy shown for people in all kinds of states is incredible. This book reminded me that we all have our own struggles and our own journey. It also gives options to start your own journey in building resiliency and overcoming any personal demons you may have. A great read!“

Matthew Wood
Firefighter/Paramedic
Mindset coach/speaker

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Meet Sean Robinson, Author of Going Dry: My Path to Overcoming Habitual Drinking

First-Time Authors

Last year, I had the pleasure of editing author Sean Robinson’s first book, Going Dry: My Path to Overcoming Habitual Drinking, for Publish and Promote.

Sean is a trailblazer when it comes to being vulnerable and authentic, as page one of his book is his personal journal entry—sharing the dark space he was in during the pandemic and realizing something had to give. So Sean decided to ‘go dry’ for thirty days, which has translated into years.

Despite growing up in a home where drinking was a normal part of life and being surrounded by constant social pressure to drink, Sean surprised himself and those around him.

Do you want to take a break from alcohol easily and safely? Reading Going Dry will inspire you and change the way you look at drinking.

When COVID-19 shut down Canada and countries worldwide, Sean Robinson experienced a dark year. His drinking habit was one constant he could continue in an otherwise pandemic-disrupted routine. But at the beginning of 2021, he decided to make a change.

In Going Dry: My Path to Overcoming Habitual Drinking, Sean tells his story of choosing, one day and one month at a time, to carve a new lifestyle for himself. Despite growing up in a home where drinking was a normal part of life and being surrounded by constant social pressure to drink, Sean surprised himself and those around him. His story provides inspiration and strategies for eliminating bad habits and replacing them with a more positive outlook and approach to life. Going Dry is a testament that anyone can change, and it’s worth the effort.

Praise for Going Dry:

“When I ordered and received this book, I couldn’t put it down. I’m not a drinker, but I could relate to all of it; we all have obstacles to hurdle.
I felt all his emotions and energy that this author put into words. His vulnerability of friendships, family, and the struggle he has gone through to find his inner self, but with such a positive outlook and determination. I have decided to take his challenge and apply it to my own struggles. I will keep the book close and highlight areas of encouragement for those moments of need.” ~ Dustin Wilson

“I loved the way Sean shared his story in such an honest way. He made his story so relatable for anyone who has tried to create new habits and struggled in the process. This book has inspired me to create healthier habits in my own life, and I think it will do the same for anyone who reads it!” ~ Allyson Tufts

GET YOUR COPY TODAY ON AMAZON!