Skylark, The Dragon Lady is an epic, immersive tale that features fantasy world-building and dynamic characters striving against fate’s machinations.

Raised by seafaring pirates, Belladonna Skylark has never known her family. But she’s about to discover her destiny—a binding prophecy that makes her want to run and hide.

Pirate Captain Starlene was the one person Belladonna considered a parent—or, at least, a surrogate caregiver—on the Zodiac, which makes the captain’s death all the more painful. The loss of Starlene thrusts Belladonna’s life into the changing winds of leadership as she takes over command of the pirate ship. But her new role as captain is only the first of many changes that turn her world upside-down.

Not only is she rushed into learning the ways of a true pirate captain, Belladonna then finds herself tied to a prophecy she must fulfill, and not without numerous tests to her strength and character.

As Belladonna and her crew search for the hidden Isla del Dragon, Cornelius Blackfoot lurks in the shadows, and creatures Belladonna has never known begin to surface, ones that both compel and aggravate her journey.

Facing a destiny she cannot change, a betrayal by someone dear, and the stirrings of love pulling her away, it’s clear that none of this was made to be easy—especially as Belladonna’s heart grows black and bitter. But her desire to shirk the prophecy’s call could spell catastrophe for more than just herself, making the cost of cowardice too heavy to bear.

Saturday, August 4th from 1pm to 3pm Dog Eared Books has the absolute pleasure of hosting and author talk and signing featuring Pamela M. Covington.  Pamela is a motivational speaker, author and advocate.  On Saturday the 4th, she will be sharing readings and speaking about her book, A Day at the Fare: One Woman’s Welfare Passage.  Pamela will be available for Q.A. and her book will be available for purchase.

A Day at the Fare describes the author’s own personal struggles and obstacles she overcame.  She is a more talented writer than I am, so I will let Pamela say it best:

“Imagine.

You’re living a good life in a grand old house with your family, looking out from your veranda onto a beautiful park and delighting in the smell of flowers in the air — until fall arrives and you’re beholding a multicolored canopy of foliage.

But by winter you’re stealing toilet tissue from a restaurant restroom and wondering what you’re going to do with your first welfare check that won’t even pay for the ghetto apartment you and your children are now calling home.

The reality is we’re all only living one or two misfortunes away from losing people or things we’re depending upon, and if and when that happens, you could easily find yourself enduring A Day at the Fare.

What would you be willing to do to survive its grim circumstances?”

Now Pamela is on a mission to empower others.  As a professional speaker she is focused on topics like motivation, self-esteem, literacy, education, and welfare independence.  She offers speaking presentations and workshops for non-profits, colleges and businesses.  She is again in Washington D.C. addressing congress members and staff to advocate for people who require public assistance.  She is a poverty and literacy advocate.

Find out more about Pamela M. Covington at www.pamelamcovington.com.  Find her on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

“Elaine Fletcher Chapman is the author of a volume of poems, Hunger for Salt. She worked on staff at The Bennington Writing Seminars, Bennington College for 18 years where she also received her MFA. She founded The Writer’s Studio in 2005. She teaches poetry & nonfiction and organizes Poetry Readings and Writing Retreats. She writes nonfiction as well as poetry. www.elainefletcherchapman.com“

Elaine offered a workshop on journal writing.  All available slots for her workshop were filled, and participants enjoyed their evening or writing. Below was what her course offered:

“Why keep a journal? This one evening workshop will explore the many reasons for keeping a journal. We will discuss what is needed to begin and maintain a journal or notebook. Come for encouragement, inspiration and discovery.”

Our next event with The Writer’s Studio will be “An Evening With Haiku.” Tuesday, July 17, 2018 Elaine will review form and craft of Haiku.  Enjoy readings of ancient and modern Haiku and share your Haiku with the group.  Materials to write and send your Haiku out into the world will be provided.  Please bring the addresses of several friends to mail out your Haiku!

If you are interested in reserving your spot in this workshop please contact Elaine at elaine.fletcherchapman@gmail.com or by phone at 757-650-8735.  The cost to register is $45.

Everyone who came out had a great afternoon of fun and good conversation.  If you missed the event, we have a few of Mrs. Hudgins travel mysteries available to purchase.  You can read more about her and her books here https://mariahudgins.com/

We are very excited about our next author event. On Saturday June, 9th from 6pm to 8pm we will host J.D. Cunegan.  Part murder mystery, part super hero, part sci-fi, J.D. writes in a new breakout genre!  You will not want to miss hearing about the latest addition in his Jill Andersen series, or other fantasy adventures he has written.  Visit his fan page here https://jdcuneganbooks.com/ and check out his work before you meet him next Saturday!