Spotlight – Poetry & Non-Fiction

December 9, 2008 by admin 

Today’s spotlight is on Poetry & Non-Fiction and our spotlight authors are: RJ Poet, a. Kai, Ms. T, & Vanessa Johnson.  Please share a bit about yourself and why you’ve chosen to write in your chosen genre.  We’d also like to request each of you share a sampling of your work.

Filed under: Author Spotlights, Day 3 (WEDNESDAY)
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15 Responses to “Spotlight – Poetry & Non-Fiction”

  1. Vanessa A Johnson on December 10th, 2008 1:26 am

    Hello everyone,
    I’m Vanessa A. Johnson, aka VeeJay, and I’m the author of When Death Comes a Knockin’ (ISBN-10: 141162470X , ISBN-13: 978-14116247021-411), a self help, inspirational book about loss and grief. The book chronicles my journey through the grief process after the sudden loss of my mother (082894) and my son (093094). In addition, the book offers guidance, advice and support for anyone who if unfortunate to be on that path through grief. Available at http://www.lulu.com/vanessajohnson, amazon.com (print and kindle editions).

    I reside in Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans, am retired, married (30+ yrs), mother of three, grandmother of one.

    Currently, I’m doing rewrites on two novels, Sacrifices In the Name of Love and Tempted by Love. A brief synopsis follows for both:

    Sacrifices In The Name of Love
    Sacrifices In The Name of Love is a coming of age story centered on seventeen year-olds, Trey Martin (who is black) and Tessa Phillips (who is white), who are neighbors in a small Louisiana town. Like most teenagers, they throw caution to the wind and give into their desires for each other. It’s love at first sight for Tessa, but for Trey, it’s anything but. Everything surely doesn’t come up roses for the pair. They will encounter heartache, lies and deceit, death, and uncover family secrets that will shake the foundation of who Tessa really is. Tessa and Trey will discover what sacrifices they will have to make, all for the sake of love.

    Tempted by Love

    Constance Alexander’s marriage of twenty five years is spiraling downwards fast. Her husband, Phillip is diagnosed with cancer. Following the diagnosis, Phillip does everything he can to shut her out of his life, including moving into a separate bedroom. Feeling frustrated and neglected, Constance is having frequent thoughts of her first love, Tallen Alford, who twenty six years ago, promised to return to her after attending college in Texas. A few months after Tallen’s departure, Constance is heartbroken when she learns that Tallen has married someone else. Unbeknownst to Tallen, he has left behind more than a girl with a broken heart. He’ll learn that they share more than a bond when the two come face to face at their high school’s reunions. A small part of her heart always belonged to Tallen. Even after more than twenty five years, Constance still harbors feelings of anger and betrayal towards Tallen for abandoning her and those emotions will surface when Tallen tries to pick up where he left off all those years ago. Will Constance cross that proverbial line and allow herself to be seduced by her first love or will she be able to resist the temptations?

    I also write poetry and have completed my first compilation titled, Creole Talking, Ramblins of a Creole Country Girl and include poems written in various poetry forms that travel the spectrum of topics related to politics in Abuse of Power and America, As Seen Through My Eyes, to love in, A Window To Your Soul, Arrested Love and Prelude to A Kiss, to grief in a poem titled Grief and Gone But Not Forgotten. The collection includes tributes Hurricane Katrina and the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in A Tribute to Hurricane Katrina and A Tribute to New Orleans, as well as spiritual inspirational pieces, i.e., Give Thanks and God’s Precious Gifts of Love.
    Here’s a tiny morsel from the collection that the title is derived from: Enjoy!

    I’M JUST A CREOLE, COUNTRY GIRL

    I was born one
    I would learn as I grew
    My momma was one
    My grandmamma too

    We’re a mixture of this and part some of that
    With pretty brown skin and wavy hair down our backs
    We’re part Native American,
    Part African American a.k.a. Black.

    We’re know for our culinary skills
    A pinch of this, a dash of that
    A handful, a spoonful, how much you ask,
    We don’t use measuring cups just a feeling of what’s exact.

    We developed our own language,
    Some French combined with some broken English
    I heard it all the time when I was a kid
    The language grown folks used, to talk in codes

    As those my age are now the grown folks
    It’s not spoken much anymore
    Why didn’t I take the time to learn it
    And soon it will be no more.

    The language may fade,
    But the Creole heritage stands strong,
    As we carry the torch proudly,
    Valiantly singing life’s precious song

    I’ve completed a short story collection titled, Stumbling Blocks. The four stories contained in this collection depict life in some of its various forms and stages. Life is not perfect. It is filled with dreams, hopes, aspirations of wealth, health and love, but all too often it is filled with the stuff in between.

    It is the stuff people encounter on an everyday basis; the stuff that causes peaks and valleys amid the moments of bliss, the stuff that can make or break everyday relationships. It is how we react to those peaks and valleys that confirm what we are made of.

    The first story, Errand Boy shows you what can happen when you mix sex, when it is mistaken as love but is infatuation.

    The next story in this life journey is Uncommon Bond, whereas David Johnson and Martha Woods are the innocent victims of their parent’s past transgressions.

    In, For The Love of Trace, the third installment in the Book, the main characters, Tony Alexander and Grace Barnes, will illustrate forgiveness is a powerful tool in order for their relationship to grow.

    When Secrets Surface is the final installment in the collection. It will complete the cycle in the life equation, whereas married couple Amber and Roland will learn first hand how secrets and lies can destroy lives.

    In all of these stories, you’ll journey with the characters as they experience some of life’s ups and downs, the things that make the average person stumble. Yet, although they may stumble, with faith in God, they will rise above those adversities.

    My advice to anyone interested in writing, put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard and JUST DO IT! It might not be easy, but I believe if it’s easy, then it’s not good for nothing good comes easy.

    I look forward to any questions or comments you may have.
    WEBSITE: http://www.vanessaajohnson.com
    EMAIL: vjohns1@bellsouth.net
    MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/vanessaajohnson
    BLOG: http://vanessaspeaks.blogspot.com

    Love & Peace,
    VeeJay

  2. Patricia Neely-Dorsey on December 10th, 2008 9:02 am

    I absolutely love poetry..of all kinds!! I recently published my first book of poetry Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A LIfe in Poems.
    I really never considered myself a poet. It was basically a role that was thrust upon me.
    I wrote my very first poem on Valentines Day 2007 when I woke up out of my sleep with a poem dancing around in my head. I quickly got up and scribbled it down. ..and the rest, as they say, is history..Thus begin my “poetic journey”.In a few months, I had well over 200 poems.A friend encouraged me publish the poems and my book was released in February 2008, exactly one year from the time I wrote my first poem

    REFLECTIONS OF A MISSISIPPI MAGNOLIA
    book available:www.reeds.ms/books.asp
    author website: http://www.patricianeelydorsey. webs.com

  3. Richard (RJPOET) James, Jr. on December 10th, 2008 9:48 am

    Hello All! Thank you for the opportunity. I believe that literacy is very important, it allows me to inspire, stimulate minds and move hearts. I am an author of two books of poetry, which are available at http://WWW.RJPOET.COM . I am currently completing his next book being released in 2009-2010 entitled Deep Within.

    My works reflect life experiences. Inspired by such African American writers as Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Zane, Rita Dove, Langston Hughes, and Nikki Giovanni; the words are imaginative, soul stirring and captivating. My readers are taking on an intimate journey into his poetic reflections about life, romance, sensuality and love. The poetry is sensitive, thought provoking and it captures the essence of emotions one may face as they discover the awakening of their soul.

    Here is an Excerpt:

    Sensuality

    I hear you sigh and my heart races
    with the desire for passion.

    I see within your eyes a world
    full of beauty and life.

    I taste your kiss and I feel an eruption of feelings
    once dormant, once thought lost.

    I feel your body as it caresses mine
    and my world is overwhelmed with love.

    I smell your love, your lust
    and my heart becomes complete.

    RJPOET
    http://WWW.RJPOET.COM

    My works has appeared in a number of publications, including Rock Magazine; Imaginaries I, a French publication published by the Universite de Nantes; A Delicate Balance and The Space Between, published by the National Library of Poetry; the Sphinx magazine, published by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; and numerous other publications.

  4. Ms. T. on December 10th, 2008 11:08 am

    Played!! Again!! How’d it happen?

    Thus begins the journey that Ebony Magazine described as “… a hilarious must-have guide for any woman fed up with the players, the game and being played.”

    Peace and Welcome avid lovers of the written word. My name is Ms. T. and I am the author of “The Player Slayer. The Pocket Guide to Jamming the Player’s Game”, a down and dirty, no nonsense guide for dealing with players .

    WHAT IS THE PLAYER SLAYER ABOUT?
    The Player Slayer is guide to teach you how to avoid getting played, when you cannot or Choose not to avoid the player

    WHY ARE YOU THE EXPERT?
    I won’t say I’m an expert. But I’ve been around the game all my life, since I was a little girl. I’ve been a spectator, a participant, confidant to egotistical players and shoulder and counselor for the broken hearted. I’ve studied the game, up close and personal – sometimes way too personal. Now I know it.

    WHAT MAKES A PLAYER A PLAYER?
    His intent. He wants to get the mark, but not to keep the mark.
    He’s not looking for love. With each new affair he embarks on, the intent is still the same. To conquer

    WHAT DOES THE PLAYER WANT?
    The Player wants the mark to want him. Once the player is wanted, he can get what he wants. A lot of times, women mark themselves by making it so obvious to the players that they want them. Less work for the player. Minimizes what he has to do or give.

    WHO GETS PLAYED?
    Those who are willing to believe that this particular person, in this particular situation, wants a real relationship, when the particular person in question, doesn’t. He just wants to attain this mark’s affection.

    IS ANYONE PREDISPOSED TO GETTING PLAYED
    I don’t think that only the weak or the emotionally distraught get played. It may look like that because getting played makes you weak and emotionally distraught for a while. But I think a lot of women just really want a relationship – they really want to be loved. And they equate love with feeling good. So when they get some feel good, they jump on it and open themselves up to it. Players are masters of the art of making a person feel good.

    WHAT DO MARKS DO WRONG
    The mark responds disproportionately to the player. The mark responds too much to what the Player does, and WAY too much to what the Player says. The Player tells the mark “I want to spend more time with you” Mark takes that and responds with ” Oh ok, well how bout we get together on Friday or maybe for the whole weekend, or how we just be together all the time. I’ll just make myself available for when ever you want to be with me” – When only required response to “I want to spend more time with you” is “Oh, OK” He said something – you said something back

    We Change up on who we are. When putting him in our life doesn’t work, we leave our life behind and try to get into his. A player once told me “Stay at your table. Let him come sit with you or at least bring his table to meet up with yours”

    We Give Him Sex

    We don’t know when to leave

    WHEN SHOULDN’T YOU PLAY
    When you’re at the end of a bad relationship. You’re wounds are wide open

    Never play with a player if its been a long time since you’ve played with anyone at all

    Never enter the game with the objective of playing a player

    AFTER YOU READ THE BOOK AND YOU FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS DOESN’T THAT MAKE YOU A PLAYER

    No. The difference is generally speaking, if this person that you are involved with was sincere about having a 1-1 relationship, you’d entertain the notion.

    I hope this wets your appetite. There is a lot of information in this little book and if you’re fortunate enought not to need the help, then I am sure you have a friend (or two) that do. Share wealth, pass the knowledge along.

    Please take a moment to visit my website – http://www.theplayerslayer.com and take a look at my little cartoon “As the Playa Plays”

    For those who have sought my help and guidance, in the past, I hope all is well. For those of you who may need to vent about your speciifc drama, please holla.

    I’ll be here.

    Peace within…. by any means necessary.

    Ms. T

  5. a. Kai on December 10th, 2008 11:17 am

    Hello all. I want to express my sincere gratitude to Rawsistaz for allowing me to participate – it is always an honor and pleasure.

    Poetry is simple expression. When the emotion is sitting there on your chest, lingering heavy in your heart, and it needs some sort of release, poetry is the perfect valve to allow the words to sooth the soul.

    I began writing poetry as a fluke. I had a number of memories and experiences that I wanted to tell, but didn’t want to write a “story.” I wanted something that was brief, in and out, that tapped on the exact space in my mind, without the structure of a story or the long drawn out development of a novel.

    So I started a blog, http://www.discoverkai.blogspot.com, where I would simply write out my emotion. And those emotions developed into poetic form. Before I knew it, I had a readership, people who visit the blog regularly to read the poems, request I draft poems for them, or request permission to use my poems. Before I knew it, someone had labelled me a poet.

    I am published across a number of genres and write both short stories and novels. I aslo blog my views and opinions at http://www.akaisdailyjournal.blogspot.com. Additionally, I love my poems, but view it as a gift of expression, therefore my poems are available to be viewed by anyone at http://www.discoverkai.blogspot. While the blog doesn’t contain all of my work, there are over 400 poems there for viewing (copyrighted, of course!)

    But poetry is my constant. At the end of the day, formulating a poem allows me to organize my mind, pinpoint my anguish, express undulating gratitude or simply reflect on the beauty of love.

    Poetry is my constant.

    Poetic writing credits include:
    Discover Kai Poetry Collection
    Step Up To The Mic: A Poetic Explosion
    Essence Magazine, April 2008
    The Write Vibe, Fall 2008
    Rawsistaz Spotlight Poet, April 2007
    APOOO Spotlight Poet, April 2008
    Numerous websites, journals, and blogs publish my poems with permission. To post my poem(s), please send an email to my attention at akwilsonm@yahoo.com

    Visit me at:
    http://www.discoverkai.com
    http://www.discoverkai.blogspot.com
    http://www.akaisdailyjournal.blogspot.com

  6. SheliaGoss on December 10th, 2008 10:49 pm

    Vanessa – being a LA girl myself, you know I just loved your poem. “We don’t use measuring cups just a feeling of what’s exact.” So true…anytime I want a recipe from my mama or grandmother, they can never tell me how much, they say you’ll know how much when you start making it. LOL. Your book on grief helped me during a difficult period in my life.

    Patricia – I love poetry so I’ll have to add your book to my collection. My first book was a collection of poems entitled Embraced by Love – The Relationship. I printed it out at Kinkos and sold it around Valentine’s Day.

    Richard – poetry is my first love. Reading your poem has inspired me to write one–I might have to put pen to the paper tonight.

    Ms. T – I know several people I will be recommending your book to.

    a.Kai – I’ve read some of your work. I look forward to reading more.

  7. Vanessa A Johnson on December 11th, 2008 1:15 am

    Thanks Shelia,
    Your support always means a lot. Glad you enjoyed the poem, and I’m happy to hear my book was a comfort to you during your time of grief. Again, thanks for stopping by,

  8. Criss on December 11th, 2008 9:13 am

    For the poets, what motivates you to write a piece? How often do you write?

  9. Criss on December 11th, 2008 9:17 am

    VJ- Was writing the book part of your healing process? If so, would you recommend that people journal or write something to help them through as well?

    Ms. T- Where did you come up with the idea for your book? Also, you mentioned you talked to a player. Was that part of your research, did you go around talking to people or did you sit back and watch things that were being done?

  10. mozell fleming on December 11th, 2008 10:15 am

    Hello folks. I am Mozell. I am a poet…so they tell me and I love to write. The reason i write…it frees my mind. You see sanity is a relative term for me. From day to night i struggle with all that i see hear and….oh lord feel. It just encircles my mind. When I read books……I see like pictures of what the author is saying…like watching a movie inside of my head. I love the release of those images when I write. I feel that good…great poetry must invole the reader. Sure the thoughts are yours the writer..or are they? When you say hello… the reader says hello back. Thats good poetry. But…when you say hit me..but I got to go there…..the user being used. Fifteen minutes later the reader says….YES Then its theirs. Now I gave a sample so I used that line……now I will lend you something gentle and sweet for someone you love.
    Excuse my vanity. I am a writer after all. We do have something to say and are bold enough to put it in print.

    HONOR THY FATHER

    These words are meant to honor you because I understand, all the lessons you taught to me. To help me to become a man.

    Often look back into our past and I marvel at the years gone by. How time has had so little effect of the vision of me in your eyes.

    You’ve often had to navigate treacherous waves left in my wake. You’ve manned the bilge and held the line in hopes…… I’d get it right this time.

    You taught me all I needed to know. You believed in work, you let it show. You’ve done your part at every turn. Now Dad I say I’ve finally learned…….
    Life’s to short to throw away.

    With time and love and money too you’ve done your part to see me ,through. The best things I’ve learned, I’ve learned from you.

    To you….I owe my existence my dreams. Like all great men you’ve overcame great things. As your blood and genes do flow in me I promise to make myself happy. And should my glow reflect on you…….I hope to make you happy too.

    Thank you father, this is to honor you.

    Now this piece…of course if you use woman..the rhyme still rides. I wanted to give you something to share.

  11. Vanessa A Johnson on December 11th, 2008 1:37 pm

    Yes Criss, writing definitely helped me in my healing. I was able to get a lot of what I was holding in out and afterwards had myself another good cry. I always recommend journaling to people who are facing any type of adversity. May people have difficulty voicing what they’re feeling, what they’re thinking…so writing is a definite option even if they don’t have intentions of sharing it with anyone.

    As for your other question, Criss, life motivates me. I can just hear a word or phrase from someone I’m conversing with, or on TV or radio, and an idea may pop in my head, or voices start talking in my head, which urges me to write. It can be a poem, a short story, or a full fledge novel. I keep a journal in the computer with the voices/ideas I’ve received so that I can continue on with them at a later date, unless the voice won’t shut up. I just love writing. To date, I haven’t been able to catch the eye of an agent or a publisher. But that’s okay. Maybe it’s not my time, yet, and until then, I’ll just keep on writing. That’s my form of relaxation, in addition to reading.

    Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

  12. Lissa Woodson/Naleighna Kai on December 11th, 2008 5:19 pm

    Believe it or not, my career started with erotic poetry and then progressed. I wasn’t real big into it, it was the means to an …um … satisfactory end. The poetry progressed to erotic short stories which eventually became chapters 16-23 of my first novel. I don’t think I give credit where credit is due to those who write poetry–but it is some of the most beautiful prose one can encounter.

  13. Wana on December 11th, 2008 8:34 pm

    Hi all,

    I posted these questions over in the Open Mic post then realized they should have gone here.

    I noticed a difference in the styles of poetry above (but I don’t know the technical name for the style) so you stick to one style or type or just let it flow and what you end up with it what you get?

    If one wanted to start writing poetry, how do you suggest they start?

  14. Patricia Neely-Dorsey on December 12th, 2008 6:58 am

    THANKS SHELIA!! for adding me to your collection. I am honored.
    Please let me know what you think of the book when you read it.

    REFLECTIONS OF A MISSISSIPPI MAGNOLIA- A LIFE IN POEMS
    magnoliagirl21@yahoo.com

  15. Patricia Neely-Dorsey on December 12th, 2008 7:01 am

    Why does everyone keep telling me that poetry is such a “hard sell’?
    What is the difference in the marketing, promotion, and reception of a book of poetry

    REFLECTIONS OF A MISSISSIPPI MAGNOLIA-A LIFE IN POEMS
    http://www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com