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Some stories are revealed slowly — piece by piece. I’ve created a small interactive puzzle using one of my book covers. It only takes a few minutes to complete. See if you can put it together. 👉 Play the puzzle here. Once solved, the image may look familiar. Longlisted Author - 2025 Book Viral Millennium Award

If you only read one book this year, it probably shouldn’t be mine! Not because I doubt what I’ve written — but because the books that matter don’t arrive because they’re promoted. They arrive because something in the reader is ready. They unsettle. They resist tidy answers. They leave a mark. Those are the kinds of stories I’m interested in writing. I don’t write “easy” books. Not because I want to be difficult — but because life, history, and truth rarely wrap themselves up neatly. The questions that drive my work are simple, but uncomfortable: What happens when the truth arrives too late to change anything — but still refuses to stay silent? What happens when corrupt leaders come to power, and there is no one — and no power — to constrain them? What happens when a country on the edge tries to improve its future, only to find the future is as bad as, or worse than, the past? Those questions became three novels. Each stands alone. They can be read in any order. None asks to be rushed. One is set in rural South Australia and follows the long shadow of a single night and a single decision. It’s a story about responsibility — moral, professional, human — and how consequences echo long after the moment has passed. Another moves across continents and decades, tracing the collapse of a country and the personal reckonings left behind. It’s about loyalty, silence, and the fantasy of believing history happens to other people. The third is quieter, but no less confronting — a story about what happens when attempts to amend historical wrongs are made in a vacuum, with no clear end point. These books aren’t written to flatter the reader. Some people won’t like them. That’s fine. They’re written for readers who don’t mind pausing, re-reading, or sitting with discomfort a little longer than feels polite. A fourth book is coming later this year. It asks different questions, but it comes from the same place — a world where decisions are made quietly, and consequences are rarely clean. So if you only read one book this year, choose carefully. Choose something that doesn’t hurry you. Choose something that lingers. Choose something that leaves a trace. And if one of mine does that — then it found you at the right time. If you want to find out more about me and my books, click here .

The Book Viral Millennium Award is a prestigious annual recognition. It celebrates books that demonstrate exceptional storytelling, originality, and impact. To be long listed means Zachary’s Cry stood out among hundreds of submissions from around the world. This award seeks to highlight works that resonate deeply with readers and contribute meaningfully to contemporary literature. While Zachary’s Cry did not progress to the short list or ultimately win the award, being long listed is nonetheless something I am extremely proud of. This is particularly significant as this is only my third self-published book. Books that reach the long list are evaluated by a panel of judges. They assess narrative strength, character development, and the emotional connection a story creates. For Zachary’s Cry to be included, it had to meet high standards of quality and relevance. How Zachary’s Cry Earned This Recognition* When I wrote Zachary’s Cry , my aim was to tell a story that explores resilience, hope, and the power of human connection. The book follows Zachary’s journey through profound challenges that test both his spirit and the relationships around him. Many readers have shared how the story encouraged them to face their own struggles with greater courage and compassion. Several factors contributed to the book’s recognition: Authentic storytelling: The narrative is based on a true story and grounded in real emotions and lived experiences, which many readers find deeply relatable. Strong character arcs: Zachary and the supporting characters develop in ways that feel genuine and earned. Engaging prose: The writing balances vivid description with clear, accessible language. Reader feedback: Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations helped the book gain momentum. Together, these elements made Zachary’s Cry a strong contender for the Millennium Award. What Being Long Listed Means for Readers and Supporters For those who have already read and supported Zachary’s Cry , this long listing is very much a shared achievement. It affirms the connection between the story and its readers. Those who found meaning in Zachary’s journey can take pride in knowing that the book is gaining wider recognition. If you haven’t yet read Zachary’s Cry , this moment offers a good opportunity to discover the story. Being long listed signals that the book offers a thoughtful and emotionally resonant reading experience. How This Recognition Shapes the Future of Zachary’s Cry Awards and nominations can open doors in many ways: Increased visibility: Award recognition helps new readers discover the book. Broader distribution: Bookstores and libraries are often more inclined to stock recognized titles. Adaptation opportunities: Recognition can attract interest from filmmakers or other media producers. Author growth: Experiences like this encourage me to keep refining my craft and pursuing new stories. This milestone represents an important step towards reaching a wider audience and continuing to create meaningful work. How You Can Support Zachary’s Cry Your support has been vital so far, and it continues to make a real difference in an increasingly crowded self-published marketplace. If you would like to help further, here are a few simple ways you can do so: Share your thoughts about Zachary’s Cry with friends or book clubs. Leave an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, or your preferred bookstore platform. Share news of the long listing on your social media channels. Consider gifting the book to someone who might appreciate its message. Every action helps build momentum and introduces the story to new readers. Other Long Listed Authors The image below shows the other books that were long listed, those that progressed to the short list, and the eventual winner — The Shadow Earl by Stella Riley. I feel both honored and humbled to be included among such accomplished writers. The Impact of Awards on Literature Awards like the Book Viral Millennium Award play a significant role in the literary world. They not only recognize individual authors but also elevate the entire genre. When a book receives such accolades, it can inspire other writers. It encourages them to pursue their passions and share their stories. Moreover, awards can create a ripple effect. They can lead to increased sales, more media coverage, and greater interest from publishers. This can ultimately benefit the entire literary community. Readers are more likely to explore new authors and genres when they see titles that have been recognized for their excellence. The Journey of Writing and Publishing Writing a book is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Each author has a unique story to tell. For me, the process of writing Zachary’s Cry was both rewarding and daunting. I poured my heart into every page, aiming to create a narrative that would resonate with readers. Self-publishing adds another layer to this journey. It requires not only writing skills but also marketing and business acumen. Authors must navigate the complexities of distribution, promotion, and reader engagement. The long listing for Zachary’s Cry validates the effort and dedication that goes into self-publishing. The Role of Readers in an Author's Success Readers play a crucial role in an author’s journey. Their feedback, support, and enthusiasm can make all the difference. When readers connect with a story, they help spread the word. This organic growth is invaluable in the world of self-publishing. Engaging with readers is essential. Authors should strive to create a community around their work. This can be done through social media, book clubs, and events. Building relationships with readers fosters loyalty and encourages them to share their experiences with others. Conclusion: Celebrating Literary Achievements In conclusion, the recognition of Zachary’s Cry as a long-listed title for the Book Viral Millennium Award is a significant milestone. It reflects the hard work and dedication that went into creating this story. For readers and supporters, this achievement is a shared celebration. It highlights the power of storytelling and the connections we build through literature. As I continue my journey as an author, I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received. I look forward to sharing more stories that inspire and resonate with readers. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

I hope these words of encouragement in the video clip below will strike a chord with you this year . Words of encouragement for 2026

As the year draws to a close, I’m pleased to share a milestone that has been quietly taking shape behind the scenes. My memoir, An Ordinary Life in Extraordinary Times , has now reached a major turning point — the manuscript is complete and the first full edit is done. The project has been about nine months in the making, though its momentum grew significantly following the unexpected and tragic death of my youngest brother, Peter, in June 2025. His passing stirred many memories and reflections, giving me a renewed sense of purpose to capture — while I still could — the stories, experiences, and lessons that have shaped my life across seven decades. Writing this memoir has taken me from my early years in Rhodesia to the present day in Australia, revisiting the people and places that marked each chapter of an eventful journey. It has been absorbing, nostalgic, and at times deeply emotional. Early in the new year, I’ll begin the final edit, polish the layout, and design the cover before preparing the book for release on Amazon KDP. My aim is to have it published on or before 6th February 2026 , and I’m genuinely looking forward to sharing it with you. I’ll post further updates as the process unfolds, including a sneak peek at the cover once it’s ready.

Zachary’s Cry  is a compelling medical–legal drama novel  set in rural South Australia, exploring themes of medical ethics, legal accountability, and the quiet heroism found in everyday lives. This emotionally rich story will resonate with readers who enjoy legal drama fiction , novels about medical dilemmas , or character-driven works reminiscent of Jodi Picoult  and Ian McEwan . Some stories stay with you long after you’ve closed the book. Zachary’s Cry  is one of them — rooted in human frailty, moral complexity, and the extraordinary resilience of a child who was never meant to survive. A Birth Hidden in Fear: The Catalyst for a Medical–Legal Drama In a farmhouse bathroom in rural South Australia, a young woman gives birth alone — terrified, traumatised, and desperate to hide the truth of her earlier sexual assault. Her actions set off a chain of events that will echo for decades. Dr Clive Cloete — newly arrived from Zimbabwe and unfamiliar with small-town dynamics — follows medical protocol when refused entry to the bathroom. That moment, and the tragic outcome that follows, will haunt him for years. A Child Who Defied the Odds Critically injured and placed into State care, the baby is given a name — Zachary  — and a future no one expected. Through sheer perseverance and the unwavering devotion of his foster parents, Anne and Ian Prince-Smith, Zachary grows into a boy whose innocence and courage touch everyone around him. Their daily sacrifices, love, and endurance form the emotional heart of the novel. Truth, Blame, and Justice in a Medical–Legal Case As Zachary’s story unfolds, long-buried secrets resurface. Misjudgements come under renewed scrutiny, and a claim of medical negligence threatens reputations, livelihoods, and long-held beliefs. The looming court case raises difficult, urgent questions: Can truth really be discerned years after the event? Who is responsible when several people failed? What does justice look like when truth is tangled in fear and shame? And how do we honour a life that began in tragedy but grew into something remarkable? Why Zachary’s Cry  Is a Standout Medical–Legal Drama Novel Set against the real pressures of rural medicine — isolation, limited resources, and the weight placed on a single doctor during emergencies — Zachary’s Cry  offers a nuanced and emotionally resonant journey. Above all, it is Zachary’s story: one of survival, love, and the quiet strength that emerges from even the darkest beginnings. Critics agree that readers who enjoyed My Sister’s Keeper , The Children Act , or other novels that blend ethics, emotion, and legal tension will find Zachary’s Cry  an unforgettable read. About the Author Michael Chalk  is a Zimbabwean-born Australian novelist whose work blends emotional depth with medical, legal, and historical authenticity. His novels — including The Unravelling  and A Moment of Madness  — explore moral complexity through compelling, character-driven storytelling grounded in real-world experience.

Understanding the Debate on Abortion In today’s Western world, the debate around abortion is often framed as a woman’s right to choose. This is a deeply sensitive and personal issue, and rightly so. Yet, what often goes unspoken is another question: what about the rights of the unborn child? In my novel Zachary’s Cry , this implied question sits at the very heart of the story. Alice Lennox, a frightened young woman, saw abortion as her only way out. When that failed, she gave birth alone in a locked farmhouse bathroom. The child — premature, fragile, and critically injured — was never meant to survive. And yet, against all odds, Zachary clung to life. The Fragility of Life His survival forces us to pause. What if Zachary had never been given that chance? Would his story — of hardship, resilience, love, ultimate victory, and the quiet heroism of those who cared for him — simply have ended before it began? Readers should remember that Zachary’s Cry is inspired by true events. While the characters and details are fictionalized, the core of the story reflects a real-life tragedy that unfolded in South Australia. A Different Time Of course, times were different then. In the early 1990s, when Zachary’s Cry is set, abortion access in Australia was far more restricted. It was clouded by fear, secrecy, and stigma. For Alice, that meant limited options, reliance on informal advice, and ultimately a desperate attempt to conceal her pregnancy and its outcome. Some would argue that if abortion had been more freely available then — as it generally is today — Alice could have sought safe, legal medical care. That, in turn, might have spared Zachary his traumatic birth and lifelong disabilities. The Value of Life Others would say that Zachary’s very survival, against every odd, shows the profound value of a life that was “never meant to matter.” Without him, the story would have ended before it began — and the love, sacrifice, and resilience of those who cared for him would never have been revealed. These are not easy questions. They remain deeply personal and controversial. But perhaps what Zachary’s Cry invites us to consider is this: in the end, every choice has consequences, and every life — however fragile — leaves its mark. The Emotional Impact of Choices The emotional weight of choices surrounding abortion cannot be understated. Each decision carries a burden of potential outcomes. In Alice's case, her choice led to a life filled with challenges but also moments of profound love and connection. This narrative invites readers to reflect on the complexities of choice. It challenges us to think about the implications of our decisions, not just for ourselves but for others as well. The Role of Society Society plays a significant role in shaping the discourse around abortion. Cultural norms, legal frameworks, and public opinion all influence how individuals perceive their options. In Alice's time, societal stigma made it difficult for her to seek help. Today, while access has improved, stigma still lingers. We must ask ourselves: how can we create a more supportive environment for those facing similar dilemmas? How can we ensure that every individual feels empowered to make informed choices without fear of judgment? Conclusion: Every Life Matters In conclusion, Zachary’s Cry serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding abortion. It encourages us to consider the rights of the unborn child while also acknowledging the struggles of women like Alice. Ultimately, the narrative underscores a vital truth: every choice has consequences, and every life — however fragile — leaves its mark.

The Dark Anniversary of a Civilian Tragedy Sunday, 3rd September 2025 marked the 47th anniversary of one of the darkest moments of the Rhodesian Bush War — the shooting down of Air Rhodesia Flight RH825, a civilian Viscount aircraft, by ZIPRA guerrillas. Wars are, by their very nature, cruel and inhuman. Innocent people are caught in the crossfire, and suffering is widespread. However, there are moments in history when acts of violence cross a line so shocking that they demand unambiguous condemnation from the world. The destruction of Flight RH825, a civilian aircraft, was such an event. The Aftermath of the Attack The tragedy did not end with the missile strike that brought the plane down. Of the 56 people on board, 18 initially survived the crash. Yet, 10 of these men, women, and children were subsequently shot or bayoneted to death at the crash site by the same group of guerrillas — or by a sister band allied with them. This was a crime of deliberate and calculated evil. History teaches us a sobering lesson here. When atrocities are met with silence, the perpetrators are emboldened. Without loud and global condemnation, those who commit such acts conclude that the world’s attention will quickly shift to newer events, leaving their crimes forgotten. This silence, whether deliberate or through indifference, becomes complicity. The Role of External Forces The hand behind the violence must also be remembered. As with so many proxy wars of the Cold War era, Moscow was the puppet master. The missile used was a Soviet-supplied surface-to-air missile (SAM), and ZAPU guerrillas had been trained by Russian operatives in how to fire it. We do not know if Soviet personnel were present at the launch site, but the hand of Moscow was undeniable. Just as in 1978, we see the same disregard for human life and the rules-based order playing out today — in Ukraine, where Russia once again pursues its goals through terror and violence. Lessons from the Past The lesson is clear. Appeasement of such regimes and their leaders does not bring peace; it only invites further and greater aggression. To preserve the values of a just and rules-based world, the international community must remain vigilant, outspoken, and unyielding in the face of atrocities. This incident is also remembered in my book The Unravelling , which explores the complexities and tragedies of that era. I have also produced a video tribute, Deafening Silence, which you can view here: Deafening Silence . Honouring the Victims On this anniversary, may we honour the memory of those who perished on Air Rhodesia Flight RH825. And may we never allow their story to be forgotten. Soviet-supplied weapon held by a nationalist guerrilla during the 1970s conflict in Rhodesia. The Importance of Remembrance Remembering such tragedies is crucial. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of war. Each name on that passenger list represents a life cut short. We must ensure that their stories are told and their memories cherished. The Impact of Silence Silence in the face of such atrocities can lead to a dangerous precedent. It can embolden those who commit violence, leading to further acts of aggression. The international community must speak out against these injustices. Only then can we hope to prevent future tragedies. A Call to Action As we reflect on the events surrounding Air Rhodesia Flight RH825, let us commit to being vigilant. We must advocate for justice and hold accountable those responsible for such heinous acts. It is our duty to ensure that history does not repeat itself. Conclusion In conclusion, the tragedy of Air Rhodesia Flight RH825 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and the importance of remembrance. Let us honour the victims and strive for a world where such atrocities are no longer tolerated.

For the first time ever, all three of my books are now available to read FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Zachary’s Cry – A powerful legal and medical drama inspired by true events. A Moment of Madness – A political thriller set in 1980s Zimbabwe. The Unravelling – Historical fiction exploring Rhodesia’s collapse and the personal lives caught in the fallout. If you're a KU subscriber, don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to dive into all three. If you are not a KU subscriber, or would prefer to purchase a paperback copy, click the link below. Where to buy Available in KU until 31st October 2025 only!

One of the enduring truths about literature is that stories from the past — especially those rooted in history — whether strictly factual or fictionalised — have the power to shape the way we see the world today. The more we learn about the past, the more it challenges us, provokes us, and ultimately influences the way we live. Writers have long understood this. Some of the most important books ever written are those that bring real events vividly to life: Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl , which captures both the innocence and the anguish of a life hidden during the Holocaust; Alex Haley’s Roots , which forced a reckoning with the legacy of slavery; or George Orwell’s 1984 , a warning about the dangers of unchecked central government control. These books are not just entertainment. They stay with us because they reveal truths we might otherwise ignore, and they remind us of lessons we cannot afford to forget. That is part of the reason I chose to write my first two novels, The Unravelling  and A Moment of Madness , as historical fiction. Both are set in southern Africa during the 1970s and 1980s — a time of immense political upheaval, racial tension, and personal sacrifice. Though fictional, the stories are woven against the backdrop of real events, and my hope has always been that they prompt readers to reflect on the struggles, compromises, and humanity of those who lived through that era. My most recent book, Zachary’s Cry , also sits in the historical genre but is different again. Inspired by true events, it is a reminder of how personal stories — sometimes heart-breaking, sometimes uplifting — can illuminate broader questions about justice, truth, and compassion. Fiction allows us to step into the lives of others, but it also challenges us to think about how we might act if confronted with the same dilemmas. In a world that is often obsessed with the present, history gives us perspective. It teaches us humility and warns us about repeating old mistakes. By reading about what has gone before — whether in memoirs, novels, or narrative non-fiction — we are reminded that our choices matter. The past is never as far away as we think. That, to me, is why learning about history — whether through fact or fiction — is so important. It sharpens our understanding of who we are, and it can guide us in the kind of people, and societies, we want to become. If you would like to learn more about my books then click below:- The Unravelling A Moment of Madness Zachary's Cry

A few weeks ago, I stepped into a creative rabbit hole. What started as a seemingly simple request — to generate a single promotional image of my four published books in 3D — ended up as a surprisingly drawn-out journey through the wonderful, bewildering quirks of AI engines grappling with the generation of images. I’ve grown used to how well my AI engine handles language and text. Whether it’s editing narrative text, refining blog posts, or drafting emails, its precision and responsiveness have been rock solid. So, I expected the same fluency when we moved into image generation. Spoiler alert: it didn’t quite go that way! . The Request: Simple on Paper All I wanted was a clean, high-quality 3D-style promotional image. My instructions were clear: Zachary’s Cry  to be standing upright on the left. On its right, a stack of three books, lying flat with spines facing out: A Moment of Madness The Unravelling Like Feathers in the Wind The final image would be used on my website and across social media. I already had the 2D covers. This should have taken ten minutes. What Actually Happened Let me summarise a few missteps: Only two books in the stack instead of three  — despite repeated instructions. Incorrect order  — Like Feathers in the Wind  kept floating to the top. Spelling errors  — We had LIKE FEATHERS IN T WIND and INE WIND  at different points. The red cover of A Moment of Madness  inexplicably became beige . Lighting gone rogue  — either too dim or too warm, obscuring Zachary’s Cry  altogether. Each time, we went back and forth, refining the prompts and adjusting the expectations. Finally — after more than a dozen iterations — we nailed it. The final image looks great. But the path there was anything but smooth. Why This Happens As my AI assistant later explained, there's a big difference in how it handles language and text versus image prompts : “ Image generation involves probabilistic models interpreting natural language as visual composition. That introduces more variation and less deterministic control.” In other words, generating text is relatively easy - like baking a cake from a recipe. Generating an image is however more complex — rather like asking an artist to paint your dream — and explaining your dream to an artist who is prone to forget previous discussions! The Lesson: Be Patient, Precise — and Ready to Iterate Image generation AIs are incredibly powerful, but they’re still learning how to interpret nuanced instruction sets . They don’t yet have a visual memory of what went wrong in the last draft — unless you tell them. They don’t see  the missing book or the spelling error unless it's explicitly called out. Eventually, we got what we wanted. The spine now reads: LIKE FEATHERS IN THE WIND . All three books are in place. The lighting hits Zachary’s Cry  with just enough dramatic punch. And yes — the red has returned to A Moment of Madness . Looking Ahead One day, I suspect image generation will be just as smooth and context-aware as language models. Maybe even built by the same team. When that happens, it’ll transform the way authors, marketers, and creatives work. But for now? If you’re diving into AI image generation, bring your patience. And maybe a checklist. Examples The images below show how the process evolved: - Image one - stand alone books Image two - in the middle of an AI hallucination fit! Image three - finally there after countless iterations! PS - if you like to view the final introductory video - click here .

Every powerful story is carried on the shoulders of unforgettable characters. Zachary’s Cry is no exception. The Heart of the Story: Zachary At the heart of this deeply moving novel is Zachary , a child born in secret and left to die in a locked farmhouse bathroom. Against all odds, he survives. In doing so, he transforms the lives of everyone around him. Severely disabled from birth, Zachary cannot speak for himself. Yet, his presence, smile, and sheer will to live become a quiet force of change. He is not just the center of the story — he is its soul. The Impact of Dr. Clive Cloete Then there’s Dr. Clive Cloete , a newly arrived GP from Zimbabwe. He is called out to attend Alice Lennox on the day of Zachary’s birth. Alone and unsure what he’s walking into, Clive must follow medical protocol while still working under formal supervision. The outcome of that day will haunt him for years. Grappling with both the Australian legal system and an unfamiliar medical framework , Clive finds himself caught in a crisis of conscience. Every decision is second-guessed. The margin for error is perilously thin. Anne and Ian: Foster Parents with Heart We also meet Anne and Ian Prince-Smith , Zachary’s foster parents. They are faced with a child so severely injured that few believed he would survive. Anne and Ian step forward. They are not saints. They are not perfect. But their love, courage, and unwavering commitment form the emotional backbone of this novel. Through them, Zachary’s Cry becomes a story of not only tragedy but also hope and quiet triumph. The Complexity of Alice Lennox And then there is Alice Lennox — the mother who kept her pregnancy secret, lied about the birth, and walked away. Her decisions devastated lives. But her story is not simple. Underneath the deception lies a young woman who was vulnerable, frightened, and deeply ashamed. Can remorse lead to redemption? You’ll be left to decide. The Unethical Influence of Neville Kershaw Another key figure is Neville Kershaw , the solicitor acting for the South Australian Public Trustee — Zachary’s litigation guardian. Neville is not driven by justice but by opportunism. Ruthless and self-serving, he sees Zachary less as a child and more as a potential payout. He views the situation as a chance to profit from tragedy under the guise of legal advocacy. Neville’s actions threaten to destroy reputations, pit good people against each other, and prolong the suffering of those who have already given so much. Themes of Zachary's Cry Zachary’s Cry is a novel about moral failure, human frailty, and the unexpected grace that sometimes emerges when everything else falls apart. Each character plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and the themes at hand. Their interactions and choices leave a lasting impact, both on themselves and on each other. The Lasting Message While the characters are emblematic of struggle and conflict, they also offer a glimpse of resilience and hope. The journey undertaken by Zachary, his parents, and the other figures serves to remind us of the capacity for love and change, even amidst chaos. In the face of insurmountable odds, what will you choose? Will you step up as Anne and Ian did, or will fear drive you away like Alice? To truly understand the impact of these characters as well as the message behind Zachary’s Cry , one must delve into each person's story. It is a reminder that every individual has the potential to change lives, even when circumstances seem bleak. Upcoming Release Zachary’s Cry will be available in paperback and eBook formats from all major online retailers. Please note: Due to an ongoing family crisis, the release date for Zachary’s Cry has been postponed from 30th June to 7th July 2025 . Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to my blog for further updates and behind-the-scenes insights: 👉 https://www.authormichaelchalk.com/blog