Comments on: Spotlight – Poetry & Non-Fiction

By: Patricia Neely-Dorsey

Patricia Neely-Dorsey — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:01:11 +0000

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

By: Patricia Neely-Dorsey

Patricia Neely-Dorsey — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:58:57 +0000

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

By: Wana

Wana — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 01:34:57 +0000

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?

By: Lissa Woodson/Naleighna Kai

Lissa Woodson/Naleighna Kai — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:19:07 +0000

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.

By: Vanessa A Johnson

Vanessa A Johnson — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:37:19 +0000

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.

By: mozell fleming

mozell fleming — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:15:40 +0000

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.

By: Criss

Criss — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:17:51 +0000

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?