Books by Sarnia

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Playalong for 4 Hand Piano School Scrolling Music Score

SUZUKI PODCAST

We are proud at the SUZUKI.SCHOOL to be forward thinkers who are trailblazing modern techniques and innovative performance strategies for a new wave of musicians around the world.

Elderescence Music School delivering a new program for modern musicians in a digital world and you can find all our programs for strings and piano on the links below.

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Oh Britain, of Weather Most Foul by The Quillmatic Bardinator #poem

Oh Britain, of Weather Most Foul

by The Quillmatic Bardinator

Sonnet for the British Weather

When lofty clouds do gather in the sky,

Where raindrops dance 'pon cobblestone,

The tempest’s fury whispers as she flies,

A symphony of gray, a weathered tone.

Yet in this misty veil a beauty lies,

The verdant hills adorned with dew-kissed green,

Where daffodils and primrose rise,

Their fragile petals in the breeze careen.

Oh, fickle sun, your warmth is but a tease,

For every ray is followed by a squall,

And chilly winds sweep through the ancient trees,

As if to test our spirits, one and all.

So let us raise our mugs of tea on high,

And toast to Britain’s ever-changing sky.

©Sarnia de la Maré FRSA Tale Teller Club 2024

www.taletellerclub.com

Elderescence is a space for the over 60s with guides and reviews for all things to improve our lives.

Elderescence Radio, a podcast for the over 60s

Love story podcasts

#60summers #over60 #matureliving #thirdage #mature #maturelifestyle #iservalan #taletellerclub #elderescence #elderescenceradio #elderescencetv

Carmilla, written by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu #sex #vampire #attraction #fiction

Carmilla, written by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, is an 1872 Gothic novella and one of the early works of vampire fiction. It predates Bram Stoker’s Dracula by 25 years¹. The story is narrated by a young woman who becomes the prey of a female vampire named Carmilla, later revealed to be Mircalla, Countess Karnstein. Carmilla is a prototypical example of the lesbian vampire, expressing romantic desires toward the protagonist. The novella is often anthologized and has been adapted into various films and other media ¹.

Here’s a brief summary of the plot:

The story is presented as part of the casebook of Dr. Hesselius, who is considered the first occult detective in literature.
The protagonist, Laura, begins her narrative with her childhood in a picturesque and solitary castle in Styria. She lives there with her wealthy English widower father, who has retired from service to the Austrian Empire.
When Laura was six years old, she had a vision of a beautiful visitor in her bedchamber. Although no wound was found, she claims to have been punctured in her breast. The household dismisses it as a dream, but security is increased.
Twelve years later, Laura and her father are admiring the sunset when her father shares a letter from his friend, General Spielsdorf. The General was supposed to visit with his niece, Bertha Rheinfeldt, but Bertha died under mysterious circumstances.
Unexpectedly, a carriage accident brings a girl of Laura’s age into their care. Her name is Carmilla. Both girls recognize each other from the “dream” they had when they were young ¹.

The haunting atmosphere, threads of eroticism, fear, and suspense make Carmilla a compelling and psychologically rich narrative. If you’re intrigued by vampire lore and Gothic tales, this novella is well worth exploring! 🌑🌹🦇

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GLOSSARY

Strata 1
Strata 2
Strata 3
Strata 4
Strata 5
Strata 6
Strata 7
Strata 8
Strata 9
Strata 10
Strata 11
Strata 12

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Art by Sarnia

“The Monk: A Romance” by Matthew Gregory Lewis, a Gothic Novel audiobook version and essay

The Monk

Let’s delve into the dark and captivating world of “The Monk: A Romance” by Matthew Gregory Lewis. This Gothic novel, published in 1796, weaves a tale of corruption, forbidden desires, and supernatural forces. Buckle up as we explore its twisted plot, memorable characters, and enduring impact.

Overview and Context

Title: The Monk: A Romance
Author: Matthew Gregory Lewis
Genre: Gothic novel
Publication Date: 1796

Plot Summary

“The Monk” has two intertwined plotlines that keep readers on the edge of their seats:

Ambrosio’s Downfall:
- Ambrosio, a celebrated monk in Madrid, is the central character. Abandoned at an abbey as an infant, he grows up to be virtuous and revered.
- His closest friend, Rosario, reveals her true identity as Matilda, a woman who disguised herself to be near Ambrosio.
- Matilda nurses Ambrosio back to health after a serpent bite, and their relationship takes a dark turn. She tempts him into forbidden desires, leading to a secret affair.
- When Ambrosio becomes infatuated with the virtuous maiden Antonia, Matilda offers him a sinister solution: witchcraft.
- The consequences of Ambrosio’s choices spiral into murder, lust, and damnation.
Raymond and Agnes:
- The subplot follows the romance between Raymond and the nun Agnes.
- Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of Ambrosio’s downfall, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

Themes and Elements

Gothic Horror: “The Monk” epitomizes the Gothic genre, emphasizing horror, suspense, and the supernatural.
Forbidden Desires: Ambrosio’s inner struggle with desire, lust, and temptation drives the plot.
Intriguing Characters:
- Ambrosio: Initially virtuous, he succumbs to darkness.
- Matilda: The enigmatic temptress who leads Ambrosio astray.
- Antonia: The innocent maiden caught in the web of intrigue.
Witchcraft and the Occult: Matilda’s involvement with Lucifer and her use of magic add an eerie dimension.
Moral Decay: The novel explores the corruption of virtue and the consequences of sinful choices.

Legacy and Adaptations

Influence: “The Monk” left an indelible mark on Gothic literature. Its scandalous plot and vivid characters inspired countless imitations.
Stage and Screen: The novel has been adapted for theater and film, capturing its dark allure.

Conclusion

“The Monk: A Romance” remains a haunting and influential work. Lewis’s ability to blend horror, passion, and the supernatural ensures its place in literary history. So, dear reader, immerse yourself in this twisted tale—it’s a journey you won’t soon forget.

References:

Betrayal Protocol Shorts and Text adult literature series by Sarnia de la Maré FRSA #spies #love #betrayal

Betrayal Protocol

Part 1

Under Cover

Tara Jones was the pride and joy of her seemingly ordinary parents. They lived in a beige house with beige art and had spent their careers as rather beige civil servants.

A string of good public schools had strategically set Tara’s path in life.

She had excelled as a student and attended Cambridge University, rather more to please others than for any personal ambition. But Tara had become a modern woman with an independent and assertive mind determined to set her own path in life. It remained inevitable that she would be head hunted by the secret services due to her pedigree and a tip off from one of her tutors that she could be useful for the security of Great Britain.

(2)

Even as a young teenager Tara had known the ins and outs of MI5 and MI6, whilst never really knowing her parents’ true involvement as spies.

Secrecy had been drummed into her as a toddler. ‘We do not speak of our work roles outside the home,’ father had regularly stipulated.

But Tara had been in her cosy desk job for far too long and was itching to get out into the field.

It was imminent. There had been a nod from her superiors at Scotland Yard that there was something coming up.

Tara woke with a spring in her step. She had been made aware that someone from Thames House was arriving and her interview had been booked in for this morning.

‘Oh Taz, don’t go yet, suck my dick babe!’

James was good looking, that was undeniable. But he worked in the city as a lawyer and did too much coke on Fridays when he and his lawyer mates would pleasure themselves over gin, feasting in self satisfaction and case law.

(3)

Tara’s friends referred to him as TAT, a rather derogatory acronyms for ‘the arrogant twat.’

‘Not today James.’ Tara winked and touched her pussy, meowing with a grin.

Today I have a very important interview with somebody from Thames House as I am about to be elevated to a very important person!’

James considered a wank but thought better of it. He was punching above his weight with Tara and she was, in his mind, ‘the one’. He was already twenty-eight and his mother had started those awful hints that mothers without grandchildren give.

‘I’ll make breakfast,’ he shouted as he watched Tara in the shower trying to get his designer boxers over the biggest member in West London.

Other books by the author Sarnia de la Mare

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How to write a great romance story with Sarnia de la Mare #writer #howto #shortstorywriter

Crafting a compelling short romance story involves a delicate balance of elements. Here’s a simple formula to guide you:

Character Introduction:
- Main Character (MC): Introduce your protagonist. What makes them unique? What do they desire?
- Love Interest (LI): Present the person who will capture the MC’s heart. What draws them together?
Conflict and Tension:
- Obstacle: Create a challenge or conflict that keeps the MC and LI apart. It could be external (e.g., societal norms, distance) or internal (e.g., fear, past trauma).
- Desire vs. Obstacle: Highlight the tension between what the characters want (each other) and what stands in their way.
Development and Connection:
- Shared Moments: Show the MC and LI interacting. Use dialogue, gestures, and shared experiences to build their connection.
- Growth: Allow the characters to evolve. Maybe the MC learns to trust again, or the LI overcomes their commitment issues.
Climax and Resolution:
- Turning Point: Bring the MC and LI face-to-face with their feelings. This could be a confession, a kiss, or a pivotal moment.
- Resolution: Resolve the conflict. Will they be together? Or will circumstances keep them apart?
- Emotional Impact: Leave readers with a satisfying emotional payoff. It doesn’t have to be a “happily ever after,” but it should feel fulfilling.

Remember, brevity is key in a short story. Every word counts, so choose them wisely. Happy writing! 📝❤️

Learn more

Donald Trump, Thy Stage Is Set by the Quillmatic Bardinator #comedy #AI #voicegenerator

Donald Trump, Thy Stage is Set by the Quillmatic Bardinator

Verily, the stage is set for a grand affair,

Where once a ruler stood, now stands a man

Donald Trump, whose fate hangs in the air,

His deeds and words, a tempest in the span.

The court, a theater of justice and strife,

Where lawyers spar with eloquence and guile,

Their arguments like daggers, seeking life,

Or perhaps, the fall of one who wore power’s smile.

He pleads not guilty, as the charges mount,

Conspiracy, obstruction, and the right to vote,

A tapestry of felonies, a tangled fount,

Where truth and falsehood in a dance remote.

Yet, like a king who once held scepter high,

Trump faces judgment—will he soar or die?

Why Crime? #writing #author

Crime writing has become a phenomenon, captivating readers across the globe. Let’s delve into the reasons behind its immense popularity:

Thrilling Escapism:Crime novels offer an escape from the mundane and predictable. Readers can immerse themselves in suspenseful plots, intriguing mysteries, and high-stakes investigations.
The thrill of solving crimes alongside detectives or amateur sleuths provides a sense of adventure and excitement.

Guaranteed Suspense and Action:Crime fiction promises suspense and action like no other genre. Whether it’s a classic whodunit or a gritty thriller, readers know they’ll be on the edge of their seats.
Unlike some literary novels, crime stories rarely meander; they propel forward with urgency.

Justice Prevails:In a chaotic world, crime novels restore a semblance of order. Evil is punished, and justice prevails.
Readers find comfort in the resolution of cases, knowing that wrongs will be righted—even if reality doesn’t always follow suit.

Human Psychology and Morality:Crime writing delves into the human psyche, exploring motives, secrets, and hidden desires.
It raises moral questions: What drives someone to commit murder? How do characters grapple with guilt or redemption?

Fear and Empathy:True crime, in particular, taps into primal emotions. Fear, fascination, and empathy drive our interest in real-life criminal cases.
We’re drawn to the darker aspects of humanity, seeking understanding and connection.

Schadenfreude and Curiosity:Schadenfreude—the pleasure derived from others’ misfortune—plays a role. We’re curious about the darker side of life, even if we’d never act on it.
Crime writing allows us to explore forbidden territories safely.

Complex Characters:From brilliant detectives to flawed criminals, crime novels introduce multifaceted characters.
We’re intrigued by their complexities, flaws, and personal struggles.

Social Commentary:Crime fiction often reflects societal issues—corruption, inequality, power dynamics.
By examining crime, authors shed light on broader themes and provoke thought.

Addictive Series and Franchises:Iconic detectives like Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and Lisbeth Salander have become cultural icons.
TV adaptations, podcasts, and movies extend the genre’s reach.

Community and Conversation:Crime enthusiasts form communities—book clubs, online forums, and conventions.
Discussing theories, dissecting clues, and sharing recommendations create a sense of camaraderie.

In summary, crime writing satisfies our hunger for suspense, justice, and exploration of the human psyche. Whether we’re solving fictional mysteries or following true-crime cases, this genre continues to captivate and intrigue. 🕵️‍♂️📚

Sources:1 The Guardian
2 Wonder
3 Beemgee

Learn more
1amazon.com

New Shoes and Virginity Lost by the Marchioness of Dorchester 1650 #livepoetry #lust #love #passion

New Shoes and Virginity Lost by
Marchioness of Dorchester (circa 1650)

One day, twas June as I recall
A hue of morning dew
clung to my very form,
with all its secrets anew,
The virgin in me hovered,
though to her I felt distain
I wanted more than I dare say
Dear reader, I longed for play.

A gentleman,
Bold in his doublet and hose,
Caught sight of mine shoe,
So shapely and new.
His strengthening ardor rose,
I saw his longing face
So showed some lace
A shocking
Stocking!
With all its promise of pleasure.
Perhaps,
a new,
adventure.

Entranced by mine ankle so delicate and rare,
His eyes,
like bees to nectar,
lingered there.
I, demure and coy, feigned innocence well,
Yet mischief danced within his spell.

With a subtle lift of skirts, I did reveal
A glimpse calf, for passion's steal.

The gentleman's breath hitched,
pulse quickened pace,
As if Cupid himself had aimed true with ardor's grace.
He longed to touch that ankle.
Oh to kiss its curve,
To unravel the mystery it did preserve.
And so the virgin, her so doomed,
As the gent, up knee and calf then went
To a place I remember,
So divine

A place of plunder unconfined.

©2024 Sarnia de la maré FRSA

https://author.amazon.com/profile

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Donald Trump by The Quillmatic Bardinator, A Poem for the Modern Age by the wannabe Shakespeare

A Sonnet for Donald Trump by the Quillmatic Bardinator

Upon the grand stage power's tempests brew,

A man of gold and bluster takes his stand,

His words, a whirlwind, sweep across the land,

Donald Trump with voice anew.

His towered pride, a monument to self,

A gilded throne, where ego reigns supreme,

He tweets, he boasts, he spins a fevered dream,

While truth and reason falter, lose their wealth.

In echoes of the past, we find his kin,

Julius Caesar, craving godlike sway,

And Richard III, whose twisted path unfolds.

Macbeth, with hunger for dominion's sin,

And Lear, whose kingdom crumbles day by day,

This, a tragic tale of power writ in gold.

Donald Trump illustration for Quillmatic Bardinator

Shall I compare thee to a Dating App, Sonnet by Quillmatic Bardinator™

A Sonnet for the Digital Heart

Shall I compare thee to a dating app?

Thou art more swiping and more algorithmic.

Rough profiles oft shake the lonely heart,

And lonely hearts find love in digital seas.

Sometimes, too hot the Tinder flame doth burn,

And often is the Bumble match unreturned,

And yet, thy legs doth open wide,

Revealing glimpses of love’s sweet surprise.

But softly now! What light through Grindr window breaks?

It is heaven, and Cupid is the take.

Arise, fair swipers, and let us chat away,

For love awaits in pixels and emoji.

So long as profiles last and phones remain,

This modern sonnet shall sing love’s refrain.