For years, I had been incorporating facts into my fiction. They were the benchmark for me to build my stories on. The factual information in the fiction also helped me categorise my books correctly, e.g. in ancient and classical literature categories, which helped reach the Amazon best-seller ranking. Recently, The Children of the Sun, which I categorised as Indigenous, Historical and Fantasy, was another of my books ranked as a best-seller. I knew that it was mostly due to the facts I incorporated into the stories, making it a knowledge-based fiction. I knew my strength in telling stories was due to the facts I incorporated into them, and as I researched a topic, the story unfolded seamlessly. I realised that I was learning, educating, and entertaining all at the same time. Most of my stories are inspired by a 'higher hand. When I begin a story, words flow like a river. I then capitalised on the fact+fiction method of storytelling and came up with The Faction Revolution Module 1-3. I was fascinated by what I learned while researching and writing the faction way. There were so many key takeaways in the storytelling method that I realised how valuable they were to readers and writers alike. I am excited to announce that I have now published the module, and it is available to buy from The Faction Bookstore: https://shobanagomesbookstore.blogspot.com for USD0.99. I hope you get a copy. I'd love some feedback on the 15-page module. Thank you, and have a great weekend. Shobana

The nightwolves and shadows moved quietly. The forest creatures kept a watchful eye; when the wolves appeared, the winds howled, warning them of the grave danger approaching from the flesh-eating predators. “Quick, run and hide! The nightwolves are out hunting." The ground below rumbled as the animals ran helter-skelter. Oh, the animals rushed to escape the vile predators. Unfortunately, some were not lucky and got caught within seconds. Their screams broke the quiet of the night as they struggled to free themselves from the deadly wolves. However, in a swift strike, they were killed and devoured. The tall, dark shadows watched, delighting in the bloodied melee. The nightwolves were at their behest as they tore the poor animals apart. They left behind a trail of blood and a heavy stench of rotting flesh. The forest animals now lived in fear. The nightwolves grew in numbers and returned often to hunt for food. One morning, Tabby, the squirrel, ran to the King of the Jungle, Lion. He was worried sick about what was taking place. He ran between trees and foliage deep into the forest until he reached the waterfalls. He saw the lion resting on a rock nearby. Lush verdant vegetation created a magical facade around the waterfalls, while the sunlight danced on the waters trickling below. “What blissful haven!” Tabby was envious. His part of the forest had once been as blissful, but not anymore. The nightwolves prowled the area often and killed many of his friends. He had to find a way to eliminate their threat. The King of the Jungle sat up as the squirrel approached him. Tabby bowed in respect. The clouds shifted in the sky above, blocking out the sun. A sudden gloom overcame them. “Ah, Tabby! What brings you here? It's been a while,” the lion greeted cheerfully. He noticed Tabby's worried face. “What's the matter?” His voice echoed through the forest. Birds flew from nearby branches, eager to hear what Tabby had to say. A deer perked its ears. “It must be important,” it opined. “Your Highness, the nightwolves have been terrorising our part of the forest, killing the animals and coming back each night to hunt for more.” “The nightwolves and shadows?” Lion demanded to know in an angry tone. He thought for a moment. Tabby's habitat was once renowned for its peaceful ambience. A great sage had lived in the resplendent environment. When he died, his soul returned to live in his prized habitat. “Don't worry, Tabby,” the lion assured him, “The Enchantress will get rid of the nightwolves for us.” “The Enchantress?” Tabby asked, confused. He had never heard of her before. The Enchantress was the daughter of a deposed King whose reign ended abruptly when an avaricious King seized his throne. The old King had fled into the forest. There he fell in love with a liminal being—a beautiful spirit incarnate who lived among the will-o'-the-wisps. The Enchantress was their firstborn and possessed her mother's magical powers. Lion related how she had once destroyed a fire-breathing dragon. Her melodious voice made the feared creature fall in love with her, and, lovestruck, he met his fate when she shot him with an arrow between his eyes. “Hurry, let's not waste any time,” Lion said. “She will destroy the nightwolves for you.” Lion offered Tabby a ride on his back as they hurried there. The birds followed discreetly, gliding on graceful wings of flight. The Enchantress was sunbathing with the mermaids by the riverbank when they arrived. As the visitors approached, the mermaids disappeared deep into the river. Their tails created a mighty splash as they dived. “Ah, Your Highness. What brings you here this mid-morning? And who do you carry on your back?” the Enchantress greeted with good cheer. Tabby was speechless when he saw the Enchantress. Her incredulous beauty astounded him. “This is Tabby from the other side of the forest. The nightwolves are attacking his habitat every night. We need your help to stop them from killing all the animals there.” Lion replied. “The nightwolves are protected by the evil shadows,” the Enchantress informed quietly. “The moon will be out tonight; I will entice them with a song. Then, strike them dead as I did with the dragon.” As darkness fell over the forest that night, the moon appeared to gloss over the clouds. The Enchantress began her hypnotising melody. Hearing her, the nightwolves stopped in their tracks. “Who's that singing?” The wolves questioned. The shadows hurried ahead of them in search of the soulful voice. They saw a beautiful woman on a cloud of mist under the moonlight by the mermaid's stream. The magic of her voice enticed the wolves to fall in love. Filled with rage and jealousy, they began to fight over her until the entire pack lay dead at her feet. Tabby and his friends were finally freed of a deadly menace. The forest was at peace once again. The End.

A royal book of princely stories in Christmas Tales and Wishes. Only $0.99 on Kindle from the 1st to 5th of December. Don't miss out on reading the heartwarming stories, and a tribute in a poem. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLL8V73M

Countries that thrive often advocate autonomy. Autonomy allows the leaders and their people to live with choices - the choices to make the right decisions, the freedom to live them, and the will to be responsible for their actions. Begin with our children. Begin at home. Teach them the values that impart courage, love, friendship, and knowledge. Then, as the children grow, they become responsible adults. When there are responsible adults in this world, they will care for every human on the planet. Selfishness and greed have created much disrepute in this world. It is about time to change the world for the better. https://shobanasmusings.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-word-on-autonomy.html-shobana- The wonders and joys of Christmas are relived in Christmas Tales & Wishes. There's a story for everyone in this book; Mom, Dad, & Child. A Christmas Publication: Here's an excerpt. The lights on the pine trees surrounding our cottage sparkled as they lined the pathway, right up to the doorway to our house. They glittered and shone in the whitest of apparitions, though none of the decorations could outshine the sheer luminance of a jewelled sky above. The snow, crystallised as the jewels of the sky, fell to the ground in cascades of delicate movements. Every flake I caught in my gloved palms, melting as it disappeared, held me in awe. One by one, they dripped below, freezing upon the ground they touched. If you'd like a copy sent to you, please email me at shobanagomes@gmail.com, and I will get back with the cost and delivery date. Thank you. If you'd like your books reviewed at discounted rates, please check the link here, https://reviewservicebyshobana.blogspot.com and email me. Thank you. -shobana-

It was that time again To buy you flowers Though There's never a need for a special day a moment or an occasion to show you my love with a handful of flowers. I did have a thought though To fill the house with yellow roses A picture of you came to mind and I made it a garden. I know you would love the yellow roses and the scent of the roses sublime No other perfume will stray into the garden of roses. I can imagine the shine in your eyes I can imagine them filled with love I know that words will fail you But your smile will linger long in my mind to make me feel special. (For Jacky) -shobana-