Harman Mysteries
Kick Your Shoes Off, Put Your Feet Up, and Enjoy a Good Mystery
Authors from Around the World |
Keenan Dietiker |
Featured Author Biography : |
Keenan Dietiker is an extraordinary young man. He graduated High School this year, paints, and writes poetry. His hobbies include video games, solitaire, chess, camping, and hiking. In harmony with his interest in art, he also collects Indian rugs, dream catchers, and other artifacts. Of course, he isn’t the only young man to lay claim to such accomplishments and interests, so what makes him extraordinary? Because he managed these things against incredible odds. His saga began when he contracted encephalitis, a swelling of the brain, at the age of six and spent two months in intensive care followed by four months in rehab. He lost most of his motor skills and did not speak for two years. Keenan could have used his illness as an excuse to retreat into a sea of self-pity but instead struggled to regain his life. In 1999, his family moved to Twain Harte, He had been expressing himself through art for years, first using colored pencils, then adding water colors, acrylics, and oils. But when he entered eighth grade, he discovered a new method of self-expression and communication. His English teacher, Mr. Jim Micheletti, introduced the class to poetry. Every parent can easily imagine the deep joy Jill and Eric Dietiker felt when they discovered their oldest son had much to say. Keenan referred to poetry as a “huge gift.” “It felt like I was speaking from the spirit inside of me.” Creating each poem is a labor of love. It begins by his giving Kim key words on a subject. She then makes suggestions, sometimes reading from a Thesaurus. He signals when he likes a word and gradually the poem is structured. A number of his works of art and poems have been lovingly compiled by his father into a 56-page book, Voices of the Soul, which Keenan self-published and presented as his Senior Project. However, his life took another turn when, in his Junior year, Mr. Micheletti, who now teaches High School, posted a picture of an African child on the classroom wall. Keenan was shocked by what he saw. "I wanted to lend a hand to those in Africa who have no living space," he said. He is following his heart by donating all the proceeds from the sale of his book to the Living Compassion's Africa Vulnerable Children Project. Voices of the Soul sells for $20.00. Please visit his Web site, http://poetforpeace.com for more information on Keenan, his book, and how to order it. |
Bird's Broken Wings by Keenan Dietiker |
Voices of the Soul |
Featured Author Photo |
The wings of a bird, Fragile and tattered. Although it cannot fly, It gives off a simple sigh. Wishing, wishing that he could fly, Through the massive open sky. Heartfelt pain and agony, Tears fall from heartbroken eyes. Resting, resting his broken wings. In his nest a sad song he sings. Waiting, waiting for the day, To fly without a care away. Time to spread your wings and fly. Leave your broken wings behind. Soar through the air with the greatest of ease, Over rocky mountains and above the sailing seas. |
All proceeds are being donated to Living Compassion's Africa Vulnerable Children Project. |
Announcements |
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D.B. Pacini is a songwriter/vocalist, poet, and the author of two novels, Emma's Love Letters, and The Loose End of the Rainbow, as well as numerous short stories. It was Vincent Van Gogh's dream to create a community of creative artists who would encourage and support one another. In that spirit D.B. Pacini and others have come together as a community of artists who wish to join in mutual support. Some offer free/discounted services to other community members. These services will be listed by the artists. Currently, they are alphabetically adding names to this list. The section will soon include interviews, helpful tips, showcases, etc. If you are interested in joining this community please visit A Starry Night Productions and click on the link for Starry Night Creative Artists Community. www.astarrynightproductions.com Membership is free. D.B. Pacini: csgogh@yahoo.com |
One of the characters in Origin is modeled after Kana, Roger's furry friend pictured above. |
About the Author and "Origin" |
Roger Hydes was born in Burton-on-Trent, England in January, 1952. He now resides with his wife, son, and daughter in Bedfordshire, near Luton. He has had a life-long interest in almost anything in the universe. Sleep always came with great difficulty for him, so he would amuse himself by retreating into his own world, "Planet Roger." There he could relax and unleash his imagination. Over the course of many years, The Heritage Files were created. One day, while playing a computer game, the question of writing a book based on his nightly thoughts sprang into his mind. He took up the challenge and was rewarded with two wonderful results: He no longer has trouble falling asleep and the world now has a terrific science fiction book entitled Origin, the first of The Heritage Files series. Origin John Barnes is just a normal guy who takes his pet dog out for a walk on his fiftieth birthday. Together they find something that leads him to discover the true history of mankind—and its destiny. His life changes forever, in many ways, as do the lives of Earth's entire population as they are drawn inexorably into a battle for survival that spans not only this galaxy, but beyond. Fighting an evil and mreciless enemy, Earth has but one ally, an ally with more humanity than her creators could have wished for—or has she? |