Toddle Poddle™ especially created for families #bedtimestories #books #poems

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Babes in Blood by Sarnia de la Maré FRSA #warpoem #antiwar #poetry

 The Angry Men 

So proud and strong

Upon the Backs of 

Of the Weakened throng

Let Mothers wash

Their babes in blood

As the men will roar

For the chosen good

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

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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 media¹.

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 young¹.

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

 

 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:

1. 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.

2. 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:

1. Wikipedia: The Monk
2. Goodreads: The Monk
3. LibriVox: The Monk
4. Amazon: The Monk: A Romance
5. Project Gutenberg: The Monk

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.

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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:

1. 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?

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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! 📝❤️

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