A Lineage of Writers in the family?

Who Knows?

Yesterday, Marissa's article was published in the Herald. A lawyer by profession, she was adept in the craft of writing from a young age. At four, she used to write poems to me on little pieces of paper, and whenever I got back late from work, I'd know she missed me when I saw a paper on the kitchen table with "For Mummy, written in bold, and at the bottom, "I Love You, From Marissa." Brings back great memories! The bookshelves in the house have overflowed, we have given away boxes of books, and still, she comes back with two new books each month. I don't know where she gets the time to read, given her work schedule. She loves book fairs and the like. This time, she visited a charity home and wrote an article on it. Here's the article and a photo of her with my mum, one Christmas. Someday, I will tell you the story of how I drove all the way up north with both my girls in tow, one aged 5 and the other 3.

Have a good day. Don't forget to read my newest publication, detailed below, The Children of the Sun. You'll love the story. 

-shobana-

An article Marissa wrote was published in the Herald

Mum (when she was a lot better) with Marissa 

#spiritual historical fiction, #feminine power, #indigenous wisdom, #mystical journey, and #UK readers who love The Alchemist #StorytellerUK2025

The Children of the Sun is published as an #audiobook. Here's the link:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLF4PXWM #amazon #audible

🌞 The Children of the Sun — A Journey into Indigenous Fantasy and Forgotten Wisdom

In a world where ancient voices are revered and the forgotten truths are revealed, The Children of the Sun invites you to step into a realm where indigenous fantasy, spiritual resilience, and feminine power converge.

Since its release, this evocative tale has touched hearts across the globe—earning a spot on Amazon’s Best Sellers list in Indigenous Fantasy eBooks. Now, as the story continues to unfold, I invite you to be part of the journey.

Whether you're drawn to mythical storytelling, cultural heritage, or the healing power of ancestral wisdom, this book offers a tapestry of themes that resonate deeply in today’s world.

✨ Why Readers Love The Children of the Sun:

• Richly woven with indigenous mythology and spiritual themes

• Celebrates the strength and grace of feminine archetypes

• A lyrical narrative that bridges past and present

📖 Available now on Kindle —

#bestsellers #kindlebestsellers #Amazon #fantasy/myths #Sales #books #reviews #indigenous stories.

#StorytellerUK2025 #ancient #blogger #youtube #Australia #US #UK #France #Canada

Across the Globe, 'The Children of the Sun' is making waves.

Here's some extraordinary news to share with you. #The Children of the Sun by #Shobana Gomes is buzzing across the #Amazon #Bestsellers #World. Thank you for your precious support. The story, rooted in #ancient #wisdom and the #Indigenous spirit of #resilience and #strength, has reached:

• 🇺🇸 No.10 in the Amazon US market for Indigenous Fantasy eBooks

• 🇬🇧 No.7 in the Amazon UK market for Indigenous Fantasy eBooks

• •   No.36 in Indigenous History eBooks

• 🇨🇦 No.10 in the Amazon Canada market for Indigenous Fantasy eBooks

• 🇦🇺 No.6 in the Amazon Australia market Indigenous Fantasy eBooks

• 71 in Native American History (Kindle Store)
• 72 in Indigenous History eBooks

The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Every download, share, and word of praise has helped bring this story to life in ways I never imagined. I am truly grateful to you. My journey in writing has been nothing short of miraculous. So many hurdles to cross, they just spurred me on. I wasn't going to give up. Just like my life, which hung on a thread at times, I kept on writing. 

Your voice, my dear readers, matters. I hope that you read the book and feel something ancient, tender, and powerful resonate within you. Please leave a review on Amazon, as your words will help others to discover the story and keep the light burning. Pass on the #light.

With gratitude and mindfulness, Shobana Gomes, Author of The Children of the Sun.

#ShobanaGomes #storytelleruk2025 #historicalfiction #indigenousmyths #fantasy #ancienthistory #southamericanfolklore #buzzbooks #buzzword #newsletter #writingcommunity #blogger.

Buy The Children of the Sun on Amazon!

A captivating journey into the history, culture & the tale of two Inca women.

A Reflective Story:

Title: The Children of the Sun — Writing Through the Echoes of Inca Civilisation

When I began writing The Children of the Sun, I wasn’t just telling a story—I was listening. The Inca Empire, with its mystical connection to nature and the cosmos, took me through ancient rituals, forgotten myths, and the enduring strength of its women.

Set in the Andes, the novel follows Martha and Mary, sisters bound by blood and destiny. Their world is shaped by sacred mountains, grazing llamas, and the quiet power of the Apus, the mountain spirits. But when tragedy strikes, their journey becomes one of transformation—guided by ancestral memory and spiritual resilience.

This book is my tribute to indigenous cultures and the feminine spirit that endures through time. I wanted readers to feel the pulse of a civilisation that still breathes beneath the stones, to see the divine in the everyday, and to remember that stories are how we keep the light alive.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to read The Children of the Sun. I am happy to share that my book has reached No.10 in Amazon's best-sellers for indigenous fantasy ebook.

Thank you, and Happy Reading.

The Children of the Sun: The Incas of Ancient Peru

#Amazon #Indigenous stories #Fantasy #South Americal Folklore #StorytellerUK2025 #IncaEmpire #blogger #ShobanaGomes #Myths #Historical Fiction

Here's the trailer for your kind viewing.

Please like, share and subscribe to the channel.

THANK YOU.

#YouTube #Video

Buy *The Children of the Sun* on Amazon

Buy the Book: The Children of the Sun by Shobana Gomes – Available on Amazon

The Children of the Sun - Kindle Edition

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJWXDLRP

Kindle Edition / Kindle Unlimited / Paperback Edition

Read the Sample

The Children of the Sun

The towering boulders on the mountains were sacred. The Incas constructed temples and prayed to their deities there.

On the mountain slopes of the Andean mountains, the Incas reared llamas and alpacas. The shepherds ate their meat, drank the milk, and used the fur to weave clothes. Llamas were also used as sacrificial offerings. As such, the Llamas were integral to the Inca way of life, contributing to their economy, culture, and religious practices.

The high pastures and green valleys of the Andes are described as a pristine, majestic landscape - nature's wondrous gift to the world. It was home to the Incas, protected by the Apus, powerful mountain spirits. These spirits safeguard Inca land.

Within this sacredness live two beautiful Inca women, Martha and Mary, the "Children of the Sun." One day, a powerful storm killed their parents while they were watching over their flock. Read the amazing sequences that unfold thereafter in a world of juxtaposition.

Truly a Must-Read.

One day, before sunrise, Martha jumped up and made haste.

She had a dream that some good news awaited us on the mountain. She woke me up with such

urgency that it worried me. 

“I heard our mother’s voice in a dream, Mary. She said something strange, and I cannot wait to go

up to the mountain.” I tried to cover my ears since my sleep was still heavy, but Martha kept

nudging me, so I sat up when I heard her say, “Mary! Wake up, quick. Come, let’s go up to the

mountain. Mama calls us.”

-excerpt-

Read about the fascinating Incas, two women who were descendants of the Sun God, Inti, the Children of the Sun, and the enchanting Andean Highlands, the lake, and more. You'll love the story. Happy Reading. If you do read the book, please write a review. I'd love to know what you think - shobana

Buy the Book: The Children of the Sun by Shobana Gomes – Available on Amazon

The Adobe Houses of the Incas

An excerpt from "The Children of the Sun."

They built structures that blended with the natural world. Their adobe houses were uniquely constructed with stone and had thatched roofs. These thatched roofs were thickly constructed with ichu grass, a native Andean grass. The roofs sloped to effectively shed rain and provide insulation against the cold Andean climate. When it rained, the sound of the raindrops on the roof soothed and nourished senses. The adobe was durable enough to endure natural disasters, so the Incas slept peacefully, unconcerned that a storm could cause any harm. 

I stared at my sister fondly. Martha possessed the rare beauty of the Inca women. Endowed with beautifully browned skin, an oval-shaped face, and lovely brown eyes, she was small in stature. Her eyes matched the colour of her skin. Her long, black hair fell to her waist, which she braided with coloured beads, just as the other Inca women did.

The Andean mountains in the distance adorned our nation. 

This is my book cover. Do you like it?

My book is almost complete. And will be on Amazon in a day or two.

I hope you get to read about the intriguing ways of the Inca people.

I have incorporated factual accounts while writing this story.

Most of my stories are written that way, so it becomes a learning experience for me as well.

I looked up Google AI for the term used in writing fiction by incorporating non-fiction elements, and here's what came up:

The blending of fiction and non-fiction is often called faction.

This term is a portmanteau of "fact" and "fiction", referring to narratives that are based on real events, people, or historical periods but incorporate fictionalised elements, such as invented dialogue, characters, or scenarios, to enhance the storytelling.

It's important to distinguish "faction" from creative non-fiction. While creative non-fiction also uses literary techniques to tell true stories, it is generally held to a higher standard of factual accuracy. In creative non-fiction, the story, characters, and events are all true, but presented with a narrative flair. Faction, on the other hand, intentionally blurs the line, allowing for more imaginative embellishment on a factual basis.

Other related terms or concepts include:

• Non-fiction novel: This term is often used interchangeably with "nonfiction" and gained prominence with works like Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood."

• Historical fiction: While historical fiction is fiction set in the past, it often draws heavily on historical facts, but the primary focus is on the fictional narrative. Faction typically puts more emphasis on the factual underpinnings.

• Docudrama: A term often used for film or television, it refers to dramatic presentations of real events.

Happy Reading. 

-shobana-

A New Review:

I had a lovely review on my new book, Saint Anne, the Mother of Mary. Her feast day is on Saturday, 26/07. She is a great intercessor for women and the patron saint of Grandparents. In her old age, she conceived a child, and pregnant women pray to her for miracles. Healing. And blessings. Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FHHJHK6J / Read the Sample/ Free to read on KU/ Kindle Edition.

Top reviews from other countries

• 

  Fran W

  5.0 out of 5 stars Good Spiritual Prayerbook for Women

  Reviewed in Canada on July 18, 2025

  Verified Purchase

  I am a faithful catholic christian, and I learned a lot from this book by following the footsteps of Saint Anne and the way she prayed to God for her special intention to have her baby. This is a concise prayer book, but it contains a powerful prayer that can be implemented in our daily lives to help us achieve anything we desire as human beings. In this book, it is clear that Saint Anne is a patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, pregnant women, and all other caregivers. She is a model of faith, love, care, perseverance, and inspiration to Catholic Christians who encounter hardship, difficulties, and face trials and tribulations, reminding them to believe and trust in God, who makes all things work and everything possible. Thank you to the author.

The Powerful Sun is a God

The sun is the symbol of life, power, and divinity. 

From ancient Egypt’s Ra to ancient Indian texts like the Vedas, where Surya, the sun god, is depicted as a god who dispels darkness and evil, the sun has been revered.

In Albania, we place great importance on and refer to the sun as Diell-i. 

The sun is the giver of life, health and energy. At sunrise, we light fires to honour the sun and believe the ritual drives away evil spirits.

The Sol Invictus (the Unconquered Sun) influenced early Christian traditions, including the celebration of Christmas. 

The festival of Sol Invictus is celebrated on December 25, coinciding with the winter solstice when daylight begins to increase. Early Christians believed Christ to be the true light or the light of the world, much like the winter solstice, which is meant to light the world after darkness. Christ is depicted with a halo or nimbus resembling the sun’s rays, reinforcing his divine nature and association with light.

Hence, the sun was the light over evil in every culture and tradition.

An excerpt from From Skopje to India. An Albanian makes her way from Skopje to India. She learns the customs and ways of a diverse culture and population there. In 1929, when British rule was coming to an end, people were suspicious of foreigners entering the country, and Majaorie faced an enormous task of proving that she was not a threat.

My stories often highlight how the sun plays a significant part in the lives of ordinary people. In the Children of the Sun, Martha and Mary are Inca women who revere the Sun God, Inti. Don't miss reading the book, and look out for the Publication Date.

“It’s something strange, Mary. Remember the boulders that crashed and killed Papa and Mama? Underneath lies water, and it overflows. In the dream, Mama said to dig where the water springs forth from to unveil a lake.”

Martha’s dream left me baffled.

Other News:

I have tons of books to sell, and am beginning to consolidate them. You can bid for the books and pay through my PayPal account if you want. I will deliver them to you. (Courier charges apply if outside Subang Jaya.)

Right now, I will start with these books:

Authored by me:

Another Place to Call Home

A Christmas Duet

The Healing Riverbeds

How to Rise Above Ridicule

(To find out more, please email me at shobanagomes@gmail.com)

Authored by Others:

Chicken Soup for the College Soul 

I want to teach children:

The Children of the Sun

The start of July, despite my illness, has led me to write two stories. I wake up early, sometimes as early as 3 AM, to review, read, and write. I feel blessed when writing. I forget the pain and the constant headaches. When I begin a story, I have to complete it as soon as I can. Just as when I open a new book to read, I have to finish it the same day. Do you feel the same way, too? It takes your mind off any malady when you focus on something you love doing.

Thus, I wrote about the Children of the Sun. Also, since I have tons of readers from South America reading my blog, I wanted to write something unique about a country from the Americas. It was a delightful experience, and their civilisation is an intriguing one.

The Children of the Sun

The story concerns the Incas of Peru. What an enlightening experience it was researching the Andean Highlands and the people of the Americas. I noted how they were steeped in mythical beliefs and wrote a story based on that. The Incas are a dominant race, and their intelligence is awe-inspiring. The story is based on two sisters, the children of the sun, since the Incas worshipped the sun god, Inti.

Martha and Mary in Children of the Sun

Martha and I were Inca women. The history of the Inca Kingdom was as colourful as the skies that rose above the Andean Highlands.

The Incas dominated Peru and its ancient kingdom. Incas are descendants of the Sun God, Inti, and are known as the Children of the Sun.

A brave warrior born in the 15th century, and a true worshipper of Inti, transformed the Inca kingdom by conquering lands in the Americas and turning it into the largest Tawantinsuyu (Inca Empire). 

His name was Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, and due to his  powerful rule and courage, he was known as the "Earth-Shaker" or "Reverser of the World."  

Emperor Sapa Inca, a divine descendant of Inti, wielded total authority over the Inca Empire, which is renowned for its beliefs and values. The religious and administrative heart of the Empire was meticulously planned and adorned with impressive stone architecture.

Martha and I belonged to an Ayllu, a principally clan-like community of families that shared common ancestry and land. Our parents bred llamas and Alpacas up on the mountains.

According to Inca mythology, Inti sent the Children of the Sun to Earth to bring order and civilisation to humanity. Two Children of the Sun, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, emerged from Lake Titicaca and travelled north to establish a city. When they reached Cusco, Inti gave Manco Capac a golden rod. The rod sank easily into the ground and marked the founding of Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire.

 Soon to be published on Amazon. Watch out for the date of publication. You will love the story woven around the mythical beliefs of the Incas. 

The Adventures of Tiny Star, a children's story, will be out soon, too. 

Saint Anne, the Mother of Mary, is published. July 26th is her feast day, so I am paying tribute to her. It's on Kindle / Free to Read on Kindle Unlimited. Read the Sample/Get your copy here.

Other News:

I have tons of books to sell, and am beginning to consolidate them. You can bid for the books and pay through my PayPal account if you want. I will deliver them to you. (Courier charges apply if outside Subang Jaya.)

Right now, I will start with these books:

Authored by me:

Another Place to Call Home

A Christmas Duet

The Healing Riverbeds

How to Rise Above Ridicule

(to find out more, please email me at shobanagomes@gmail.com)

Authored by Others:

Chicken Soup for the College Soul 

I want to teach children:

When Bookshelves Overflow

What do you do when your bookshelves are full and bursting at the seams?

I must confess that there are some that I have never read fully on my shelves, always thinking that I will find time on one of the days. However, it is easier said than done.

Then, yesterday, I thought of selling some of them. I looked them over and they were in good condition!

Interestingly, I found a book titled True Singapore GHOST stories. Volume 11.

Selling price: RM29.00  

Here's the link to make a payment: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/C8QK8GSHN7P7L

The Idea of Perfection by Kate Grenville is an excellent book to read. (Winner of the Orange Prize for Fiction 2001)

Selling price: RM19,00 

Please make payment here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7TFFH9HDELAPE

Here are some of the paperback copies of the books I published for sale:

Another Place to Call Home: Selling Price: RM25.00

Read how Aruna, who moved from India to Malaysia to marry, learned the local customs and found love in a man she hardly knew. Vivid descriptions of life in Malaysia in 1959 will make you fall in love with the country's people, landscape and food. Discounted by RM5.00. Only 3 copies left, so hurry, get yours.

Please make payment here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ESLGSVXBC3YUE

A Christmas Duet: Selling Price: RM24.90

A tale of obsession and unspoken love. A Must-read.

Please make payment here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/E6WLGP9V5JUYW

To get the books delivered to you, please email shobanagomes@gmail.com with proof of purchase, address details, or any other questions you might have. Thank you.

Just this summer:

Online lessons can be arranged.

Children learn faster through storytelling.

A new children's book is on the way:

Here's a sneak preview of what's inside. I'll reveal the cover later. Get or gift a copy to a child.

The Adventures of Tiny Star

Trapped within Earth’s Crust

One cool summer night, a tiny star drifted away from the constellation. The star missed a cloud, slipped, and tumbled down to Earth. 

“Whoa, stop, stop,” he shouted as he tried to halt his fall to the ground. He shut his eyes tightly as he saw the ground rushing up towards him. It was a frightening sight. The Earth was jagged at its edges, offering no soft landing. 

“Oh, no,” he shouted and screamed as he struggled to steady himself and rise to where the other stars were aligned and shone brightly.

His screams pierced the ears of the animals and startled the night birds. 

The owls hooted, flapped their wide wings and looked around with their big, round eyes.  “Hoot, hoot, ” “What’s that?” They trembled. “And at this unearthly hour, too!” the foxes yawned. In the distance, a lone wolf howled. His voice echoed through the forest, shaking the leaves on the trees. One by one, they dropped to the ground.

The forest grew silent at the unexpected intrusion.

The Simplest Antidote

---

The Magic of a Simple Walk

---

Feeling overwhelmed with what's happening around you? Is your to-do list getting longer each day? Are you drowning in digital distractions, maybe? 

The simplest antidote is taking a walk. A walk in the park. A stroll to take in another view, or another surrounding.

Think about it. The fresh air shifts your perspective, and you breathe better. Listening to the rhythmic crunch of leaves underfoot, or the distant hum of traffic, the chirping of birds – these everyday sounds can be therapeutic. Your eyes take in new things, or things you have missed for a while: the carvings on a tree bark, the vibrant colours of the garden, the way sunlight filters through the leaves on the branches.

A simple walk re-energises your mind and body; it resets your mind. It allows your thoughts to drift and gives you the space to think, align your thoughts, and often spark new ideas for a project. There's no need for a destination or a goal; the journey will benefit you tremendously. So the next time you're stuck, lace up your shoes and step outdoors. You might be surprised by the clarity and calm you find by just taking a walk.

-shobana-

Here's Sunset Silhouette for your kind viewing; Please don't forget to subscribe to my channel. Have a great week ahead.

Thank you for watching.

Shadow & Light Painters of the Dutch Golden Age

I came across The Dutch Golden Age and The Baroque Movement while reading up on the 17th-century Renaissance - a fascinating era that gave rise to my book, An Author of the Past. The Renaissance was a revolutionary era inspired by aristocracy, style, literature and artistic creations.

The Dutch Golden Age also occurred in the 17th century, between 1588 and 1672. It was an era of immense economic, political, scientific, and cultural flourishing in the Netherlands.

The art produced in the Dutch Golden Age is often called Dutch Baroque. It has distinct characteristics set apart from the mainstream, Catholic-influenced Baroque that flourished in Italy, Spain, and Flanders (Southern Netherlands, which remained Catholic).

The Baroque movement began in the early 17th century, Rome, as a response to the Protestant Reformation by the Catholic Church. From there, it spread across Europe.

The Baroque movement was a dominant style of art, architecture, music, and other arts that flourished in Europe from the early 17th century until the mid-18th century, and was the first visual style to have a significant global impact through European colonial initiatives, mainly, Light and Shadow (Chiaroscuro & Tenebrism), a crucial tool for creating drama and modeling forms. The art created strong contrasts between brightly lit areas with deep shadows, and showcased dramatic spotlights on figures or elements (from dark backgrounds), producing an illusionistic effect where light sources are seen to come from the artwork itself or an unseen divine source.

Interestingly, the term "Baroque" is derived from the Portuguese "barocco," meaning "irregular pearl or stone," and used to describe something "bizarre" or "overly extravagant." 

Baroque art is renowned for its intense emotional expression, often depicting moments of heightened drama, passion, and tension. Artists' endeavours to evoke awe, wonder, and profound feelings in the viewer. Unlike the more static compositions of the Renaissance, Baroque art emphasises movement.

Figures are often depicted in motion, with swirling drapery, expressive gestures, and dynamic compositions that create a sense of energy and vitality.

Here's a self-portrait of Rembrandt in shadow and light interplay.

Rembrandt van Rijn was a Dutch Golden Age painter, master of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), known for psychologically insightful portraits, self-portraits, and biblical scenes, influencing art for centuries.

-shobana-

Small Step, Big Impact, Better Writer is published as an audiobook, free on Audible Plus, free to read on Kindle Unlimited, and published on Kindle.

https://amzn.to/3T3HlEA

Small Steps, Big Impact, Better Writer" offers a clear and accessible approach to mastering two crucial 

writing skills - Your Emotional Quotient (EQ) and the use of Vivid Imagery & Descriptions 

to enhance storytelling.

This ebook is designed to provide you with actionable techniques and a deeper understanding of how to 

connect with your readers on both an intellectual and emotional level.

What’s Inside this EBook: ● Introduction 

1. Let’s Write with Heart 

2. The Influence of Vivid Imagery & Descriptions 

3. In Conclusion, Questionnaire. Writing Tips with Illustrations.