“The butterfly is a flying flower.
The flower is a tethered butterfly.” ~ Ponce Denis
I have butterflies in my stomach, might I be metamorphosing into a flower, do you
think? On the Eve of launch of In The Shadow of Rainbows, it feels like falling in love.
Hey, partners, tomorrow is July 15th for me. What will you be doing?
Advance Reviews (6-30)
Editor Ingrid wrote: “Selma has been lighting up the blogosphere with news of her
forthcoming poetry collection! Here is a selection of comments from the advance
reviews we have received so far”
“Selma is a beautifully altruistic soul who sees rainbows through her tears. As Selma
says, “I’m confident that one poem in this book will take your hand, reunite you with
your echo and take you home…” She lives near the sea and writes about both nature’s
beauty and humanity’s brokenness. Be ready for Selma’s poetry to play with your
thoughts and discover your heart hiding in the shadows!”
— Lynn Wielenga, madhatterpoetry.com
“In The Shadow of Rainbows” is a delightful and profoundly thoughtful collection of
poems. Selma Martin’s inner light radiates from every sparkling page. Her colorful
word choices enrich her writing. From scientific references to literary allusions, from
international slang to quaint, archaic expressions, words flow harmoniously in the
poems.
Throughout the book, you will find exquisite imagery. Inspiration comes from nature:
ocean, sky, sunlight, moonlight, stars, flora, fauna, and, of course, shadows and
rainbows…”In The Shadow of Rainbows” is surely one of Selma Martin’s most loving
gifts to the world!”
— Cheryl Batavia, gulfcoastpoet.com
“First, I will say that your words don’t speak to me! They SCREAM at me! My emotions
ran in circles in my head … giggling like a child to a river of tears streaming down my
cheeks, where I could see my own rainbows. Oh, how I could have used this book while
I was recuperating from my heart transplant. The pictures you paint with your words are
those of a fine artist. The pictures painted in my head were realistic, black and white …..
at times in a misty fog as the words flowed to the next line. Beautiful, simply beautiful.“
— DAP, My2ndHeartBeat
“I was taken by the shape of ‘Ebb and Flow’ and the way it made me breathe it. I like
the idea of making a day last longer, and the end of the day “bearing nuances / of
untrammeled virtues, in tones / of splendidly tinged life lessons”. This resonates with
me, as does the final phrase, “the waltz of each hour.”
‘Krakow Nights’ is a poem that stirred my senses, with the windows fogged over with
steam and the “in smells of anise, cinnamon, and cumin”. I love the personal touches
of the boys home from school “lugging bags that deform their small bodies” and the
way “the excitement in their voices / bounces off whitewashed kitchen walls”. It
reminds me of why I love the autumn too.”
— Kim M. Russell, writinginnorthnorfolk.com
“Selma is an extraordinary storyteller, for she is able to make you immerse yourself into
the character she created, even if it is a simple narrator of a poem she wrote. And so,
when Selma shared the news of her debut book, I was not surprised at all, for it would
be such a shame if someone so talented and skillful would not be given the chance to
bring to the world her masterpieces.
Okay, so let me share my top 2 favorite poems from Selma’s collection. The first is
“When Death Comes”; the Second is, “Let Go”: …so noble of Selma to include this. She
thinks of everyone suffering, and she sends them a prayer through this poem. I could go
on for more (I have my top 10), but I don’t want to be a spoiler. Reading the manuscript
was like getting to know (more) myself too.”
— Michelle Ayon Navajas– michnavs Poetry by Mich
“Selma; a poet extraordinaire who has such a tender heart that it’s love for nature spills
out in her poetry with every poem she writes. Her kindness shines through her soft
words and tender phrases when she addresses her fellow human beings. A poetry book
that will restore your faith in human kindness and love.
— Sadje, Keep it alive
In the week leading up to the launch, Editor Ingrid shared:
Quotes from the latest reviews (07-08):
“Selma Martin’s debut poetry collection transmutes misery into mesmerizing beauty.
Not only is each poem masterful in form, it is lined with spiritual truth much like a
golden-lined cloud shimmering in the brilliance of a rainbow after a storm.”
— Barbara Harris Leonhard, editor, MasticadoresUSA
“I encourage you to enjoy In the Shadow of Rainbows as it weaves its lyrical prose and
skillful imagery and invites you to search for your one poem within its pages time and
time again.”
— Layla Todd, Nin Chronicles
“A wonderful debut collection of Soul-felt poetry.”
— Harmony Kent, Goodreads/HarmonyKent.co.uk
“If you enjoy surrounding yourself with powerful imagery, glimpses of life and nature,
and slices of everyday life, then do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this collection
of poetry. It’s wonderful!”
— Yvette M Calleiro
More recently:
“Prepare to be transported into a realm where dreams, emotions, and the wonders of
the natural world intertwine. Allow the words to wash over you, evoking a sense of
wonder, a sprinkle of whimsy, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty that
surrounds us all.”
— Sarah Gribble, International Bestselling Author of Surviving Death sarah-gribble.com
“Selma draws the reader into the shadows through her sense of wonder. She delves into
the natural world, creating vivid images and leaves one contemplating life.”
— Heather, Sgeoil
“…the colorful word choices enriched her writings even more. At times it made me
pause a while, I love the dedication she put into this book; while reading it, you won’t
even be aware of how and when waterworks appear in your eyes.
The poems are very much relatable, and through them, you will discover your heart
hiding in the shadow.” — Daphny, The introvert writer
Featured Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay
Thanks so much for reading, dear ones; I wish you miracles.
- Day 27: NaPoWriMo 2024–Opt Out of An American Sonnet - April 27, 2024
- Day 26: NaPoWriMo 2024 Alliteration, Consonance, Assonance - April 26, 2024
- Reblog: “Snap-beans in a Wooden Bowl”(c) 2024 by Michael L. Utley - April 26, 2024
I see it’s already #1 on Amazon, so exciting!! 👏👏
🙏 I’m so excited about it what’s happening. So glad you’re here with me, Tricia. Xo
Yes, cheering you on! 📣
❤️ 💗 💕
How wonderful- I can see why you have butterflies
Butterflies 🦋 many!!
Thanks, Beth. Xoxo
Sending you all the love Selma..i am so thrilled…❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for being here, dearest Mich. xo
Happy almost release day, Selma 🙂 I will be sure to post my review xo
Tremendously happy you’re here, my friend. 🙇🏽♀️ thanks from my happy place. Xo
Such an exciting time for you dear Selma! Cheers! 😘🥂🥰
Cheers 🥂 Kym. The day is here. You’re a significant part of this. Thanks a million from my happy place. Xoxoxoxo 🥧
👏🏼💐👏🏼 Congratulations my friend. Glad I could contribute a small part. Bask in your celebration! 🥳🎈🎉 Cheers Selma! 🥂🍾🍸
It’s coffee for me right now. 😂 ☕️ but my heart is exploding.
📕 >>It’s O-Fish-All<< 📕 Thanks for all you are. Xoxo
Oh no Selma…not the “O-Fish-All?” You are too hilarious! 🤣😝😂
Really such a existing time for you my dear friend. Sending all readers Love Selma cheers 🎉🥂
So happy to have you in my side dear Raj. I am blessed. Thank you. 🥂 👏🏽 🙇🏽♀️
I’am not writer I’am reader but I’am always your side. I wish you always success.
You are the best reader, supporter and friend, dear Raj. And I couldn’t be here without you. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. xoxo
May be too!, Selma. Your book published today, now you happy & relaxed
It did. Published in my Time Zone of Asia.
But now I have to wait for my friends on the other side of the world to wake up to July 15th.
I will relax after that.
Thanks for being here with me the whole time. So happy to have a friend like you. Xoxo 💃🏼 🥂
This is awesome, Selma, a wonderful pre-launch. Wish you the best.
Sooo appreciative. Thanks for these words. Xoxo
Congratulations Selma. The big day is here.
It is here indeed. And I’m so happy it went this smooth. Thanks for being here with me, dear Sadje. What a tremendous month I’ve had. You’ve been with me through it all. 🙇🏽♀️ ❤️ thanks 🙏
I’m so happy for you dear friend. All the best for the future too. 🎈🎈🎈
Yes. Here’s to the future. 🥂
Congratulations! Dreams do come true with persistence, practice, and passion–and you possess all three. My review is waiting in the wings for Amazon’s magic moment, but a longer post will soon appear on my website. Breathe!
We all celebrate for and with you. xoxo
Oh Amiga.
You held my hand throughout. 🥹
You motivated me 🙇🏽♀️
Bestie of mine, I couldn’t have done this without you.
Thank you 🙏
🥂 💃🏼 🥂
I want to share this with you, partner.
#findyourpoem
https://youtu.be/yQgRJbNwAIg
Congratulations, Selma, on all of these perceptive and well-deserved reviews! The big day is finally here 🎉
I was alerted there were THREE reviews. Wow 🤩 for real! 👏🏽
So exciting and such amazing reviews Selma. You did it and the world is smiling with you. Enjoy the ride💗
The world smiles with us. Yes, Cindy. What a memorable year this will be. XoXo