Interesting Writing Projects

Happy Friday, writers!  Today is a good day and I’m thankful. I’ve been working  on proofreading and editing a bunch of my formerly rejected fiction stories and fine tuning  selected poems for upcoming contest submissions.

Most of these  contests are non fee based and open to those of us who appreciate a financial boost from time to time, on this freelance writing road to acceptance. I hope you find something of interest:

http://writersrelief.com/peter-k-hixson-writing-award/

http://www.freelancewriting.com/writingcontests/072015-narrative-poetry-contest.php

http://writingcareer.com/post/121777231126/the-virginia-quarterly-review-reopens-for-prose

https://mastersreview.com/short-story-award-for-new-writers/

There’s something here for every writer and I know the writer in you can appreciate a good challenge as well as I do. So go at it. Flex your creative writing muscle and take a break from the mind suck that comes from writing your huge book projects.

“Or, is it just me?” 🙂

Here’s your writing inspiration for today:

“If you ever get stuck, ask yourself what happens next, then next, then next. Don’t get an idea for a situation; develop the arc for your story. Pretty much every story goes like this: Someone is complacent, they face a challenge, the challenge nearly beats them, they find a way to conquer the challenge, then emerge changed at the other end.” — Sean Platt

Do you pencil in small writings projects to take a brief hiatus from your huge projects or do you soldier on to completion?

 

 

 

Congratulations Clara!

Yes, I’m aware that April is National Poetry Month, but I couldn’t resist sharing this special shout out with you guys 🙂 Happy Friday, creatives!

Today, I’m sending out a big ole congratulations to my nine-year old granddaughter and namesake, Clara Elizabeth. I was informed by her mother, my daughter-in-law, that Clara recently won first place at her school for her book of poems!

The award ceremony is May 18th and I will be posting pictures of the event. In the meantime, I want to share one of her poems (unedited) with my audience!

NIGHT.
Dusk has fell,night has come,
now comes out the dark from hell,
the stars from above light up the sky,
like a dove shining bright,
creepy shadows climb up the walls scaring bacteria out of your jaws, dusk has fell, night has come,
close your eyes,day is done

What do you think? Does this child have creative potential? And what proud parent/grand parent doesn’t think this about their beautiful little darlings? 🙂

Always treat yourself special…

A Poet Who is Learning To Fly

Happy Friday, readers, writers and authors! I receive  emails from  women at least once a week, who are indecisive about their career change, who are wondering if they can make it in the freelance writing arena and who question whether they should delay continuing their desired education major to follow their dreams.

Change is scary, but the fearless creative will learn to fully recognize, embrace and share their gifts, while remaining true to who they are.

Tory Burnett is a young mother and music production major who is exploring life’s priorities, passions and purpose. She is extremely interested in doing children’s stories and comics. Tory gave me permission to share some of her poems with my adoring and supportive readers/followers here at the blog… I’m talking about y’all:)

Join me in welcoming Tory to Clara54 writer’s blog. This young creative is spreading her wings and definitely learning to fly!

Love In Motion

It began as a thought;
I was attracted to your fluid motion.
Which urged me to walk
Upon you with such notion.
To my surprise,
Your voice was only the beginning.
Hardly did I visualize that you’d be the one to make love arise.
Better yet, keep my head spinning & face grinning.
Passion screams through your aura.
Wisdom whispers with your words.
Lying next to you feels like floating in water..
As your stories sing soft tunes of birds.
I lose sleep.
Yet, thrive from your energy.
Moments transform into minutes, hours, days, then weeks..
As we create synergy.
Our love metamorphosed into three.
The rapid motion of our souls’ interconnections formed the greatest blessing.
JAH proving existence to our disbelief;
No need in confessing..
But, This is fate.
Breeding life inside of me;
Generated from the man whose life I wish to partake.. In.
Life as we’ve known draws to an end.
Out, she emerged.
Marley Sky, our entire world;
Signifying how greatly love shall intensify.
She is every bit of you and I;
Sending us roller coasting through every emotion.
We are the roots from which she grows.
We are the oceans through which she flows.
We are Love in motion.
Color of My Skin

The color of my skin
Does not advertise sin.
Its history is rooted from deep within;
Resilient as a tree standing against wind.

The color of my skin
Does not equal less than.
I am no math equation,
Yet the use of persuasion to sell me to slave nations has added to the problems I’m facing.

The color of my skin
Comes with a warning.
Buyer BEWARE: this one is rare.
From the varying hues my naked body wears
To the exotic look of my wild hair.

The color of my skin
Speaks volumes from within–
Swaying souls through EVERY music genre WE began;
Feeding hungry hearts with our cooking pots and pans.

The color of my skin
Proves the love of an Almighty Source.
For my ancestors never let up on their course,
And our Divine Creator showed us it is we he adores.

The color of my skin
Should not intimidate men.
However, fear is the result of ignorance.
Hardly do they understand the skin in which I prance.

The color of my skin
Is where the human lifeline begins.

Rain(older writing)
Sitting on cloud nine, she goes by the name Nimbus. I can take you to the sky.. if you lend me a few minutes. Though time will be your least concern when I finish. I lay my head to rest to feel tears welling upon Nimbus’ chest; And her tears stain the Earth as rain. For a moment, I share her pain. But feelings quickly change as I listen to the subtle melody her tears sang. I look down upon earth, as I accept this feeling of rebirth. I observe its inhabitants dodge and duck for cover. Inside, I wonder why they hide from their own mother, Nature. I whisper sweet lullabies in hopes of soothing Nimbus. While drying tears from her eyes, I realize Earth must bear her burden another seven minutes. Yet, the Earth her burden replenish. Overwhelmed with a sense of unknown Joy, I feel light as a feather. I notice Nimbus and I floating pass a rainbow by the name of Roy. His grin was rather coy. He then tells me if it appears too often, his essence those on Earth would no longer enjoy.

Visions(old writing)

I envision a greater nation no longer seduced by Satan. A nation no longer reduced to hating. A nation focused on praying and hearing God’s answers, rather than false sayings from bystanders. A nation with children born of manners. So I’m planting my future through seeds that I sow…but you won’t find any in the plants I blow. The thought of reaping isn’t my only incentive for hope. I pay attention to all details through a microscope. I’m learning to appreciate the smaller figures in order to comprehend the bigger picture. And, that prayer and faith make one hell of a mixture.. There’s a paradox for the books. Ain’t it funny how God will put you through hell & have you shook just to fix ya? Taking his route(root) is like fleeing dementia. They got us hidden from the truth and our minds polluted with false proofs. While everyone is worried what’s cool, I’m focused on the deliverance of my succeeding gene pool. Oh Jehovah! You will rule. I pray everyday you use me as your tool. Humble these wise men into fools.

Keep shining, Tory Burnett!  To connect with Tory, visit her social media sites.

Links:

Twitter- twitter.com/TheoryGoddess

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/pub/tory-🐝/7a/2ab/45

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/toryb3

 

 

More Sites Seeking Your Writing Pearls

Happy Saturday, creatives!  This weekend I’m spending quality time with my grandchildren. I hardly get to see them because my son and daughter-in-law live out of state.  You can imagine the “grandma” bubble of joy I’m in right now:)

My post is short, but serves up three grand resources for newbie & seasoned writers who are looking to get their creativity on!

Angie’s | Stories, Art, Essays, Philosophy, Psychology, Fiction

Angie accepts poetry and story submissions from every caliber of writings. And gives you an opportunity to make influencer connections around the globe with other writers and authors. Your work published on this site also builds your brand credibility.

DREAMQUESTONE.COM Andre West, Editor/CEO

Andre accepts your poetry, prose and short stories for fiction and poetry contests where you can make a profit from submitting your creative pearls.

Guest Blog Post Submissions

Ms.Nikki Skies is a writer, lecturer, workshop facilitator, Dana Foundation Arts Fellow and playwright with a jamming, soulful poetry/story site that I’m still languishing over. Ms. Nikki is seeking guest blog post submissions! Go here for more info : https://lnkd.in/b7Pb-zb

I’m hoping these sites get jump-start your creative juices, even on rainy days like today, in my neck of the woods. Chili today! 🙂

 

In Honor of National Poetry Month:The Works of Poet & Artist, Henry L. Jones

Good Morning Friday! I’m blessed to be back on the blog this morning. Please send up an extra prayer for the victims of last night’s Tornado. Today, I have a special treat for all of my readers and new friends who happen to stop by:)

Mr. Henry  L. Jones, a former Chicagoan, is an artist and poet whose works over the years have garnered him much praise and accolades… Please enjoy his artistic offerings in celebration of National Poetry Month.

STRANGERS FOR PRETENDING
Strangers walked by
wearing masks
layered with makeup
no promises
make love to me
don’t look into my eyes
or try to touch me
make the skin warm
and move the heart
let me pretend
to be alive real
the fears
of my childhood
lost in stolen innocence
who understands the shame
of the hidden child who hides under the stairs
and looks at
who walks by
keeping quiet
as people pass
laughter fell
from their lips
dripping greed
to cannibalize
their flesh
mouths eat
and bite
till the pain
becomes pleasure
dry lips become wet with desire
but nothing seems
to fill their emptiness
souls so vacant
but many residents.

Henry L. Jones
(From Run into Blackness: Feeling My Poetic Gumbo, Pneuma Publishing International, Inc.)

                                                                        

                                                             

 

Henry L. Jones is an award-winning artist and writer who struggles. From those struggles, he discovered a healing power from his ability to create artwork. His art delves into the forces, which shape things whether social causes, spiritual transformation or community affairs. Jones uses the journey of art to find answers about the causes of social issues, such as poverty, violence, injustice, history and other plights. He wants to understand why events happened in the past and how they’ll impact our future.

In many of his artworks, he blends experiences and images with references to his Black heritage (both Diasporic and mainland African cultural links). Then, he’s able to tap into the forces using his art technique which he coined “gibbing” to visually portray interacting forces, provocative images and colorful patterns. Gibbing is a way of painting, which enables him to take in experiences and then unleash them as an artistic expression. It is his core creativity. This involves applying paint with his hands instead of brushes to translate the messages.

Jones is a contemporary Griot seeking ears and eyes to hear and see his stories of redemption, hope and healing in his artwork. He’s an award-winning artist who’s received awards, juried exhibit invitations and grants. His art has hung in museums, galleries, universities and cultural centers. Jones is a Fisk University alumnus and a native Detroit-er and transplant from Chicago.

 

A 2015 Master Plan And Writing Challenge

Happy New Year 2015, everyone! I don’t know about you, but when I sit down to work on my book, I don’t like it to feel like “Work!” To combat “the faltering writer syndrome” a term I coined to describe those natural-born, astute and studied writers who become bombed out and intimidated by the keyboard, while an oftentimes, elusive muse is working havoc with their creative brain cells, begging for release. How taxing is it to feel the need/desire to bring to life what your imagination is feeding into your subconscious receptor in preparation for your readers to enjoy and marvel from, when you’re feeling some other type of way?

I’ve decided that I’m going to do something slightly off the grid in 2015 with my writing technique to make work fun, enjoyable and joyful. I’m focused on bringing to fruition the vision of myself heaving a sigh of relief after I’ve written the sweetest words every writer strives for- ” the end.”

So, what is my master “writer” plan for the New Year? I’ve decided to honor my craft and cooperate with my need to create…

I’m going to write. I’m going to read, I’m going to participate in writing exercises. I’m going to write love poems, poems of consciousness and awareness. I’m going to sing my lyrics in the shower and pen more lyrics to enter into songwriting competitions. I’m going to write monologues for one-woman shows. I’m going to accept requests from other writers to critique their work. I’m going to take notes and observe, I’m going to enjoy editing:)

I’m going to share good writing news and disappointing writing news. I’m going to shine in this New Year! I invite you to take up my creative challenge to unleash the writer in you and share on the blog with us what you’re going to do differently or more of, to see your writer dreams reach greater heights!

A few contests to get your cold weather writing juices stirring:

http://www.freelancewriting.com/writingcontests/011515-yemassee-writing-prizes.php http://www.bluelobsterbookco.com/open-for-early-2015-submissions/

http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/books/ct-prj-1202-algren-awards-announcement-20141202-story.html

http://www.freelancewriting.com/writingcontests/013115-spirit-first-poetry-contest.php

I hope you find time to place some of those early or rejected works from 2014 to enter one or more of these contests. I’ve got a jump-start on three submissions and the fire to create is going strong.

Peace, Blessings and Good Health…always treat yourself special.

Awesome Sites To Send Your Writing Gems

I hope you guys had a great Friday. My day was a bust and I wasn’t able to get much accomplished.

 

No matter, I’m always excited to share news about writing opportunities with my community of creative folk.. Some of these sites are popular sources for writers looking to get paid for their work and many are not requiring a submission fee.  Sharpen those poems, short stories of fiction and non fiction for submission before the November and December deadlines. You can’t get paid unless you submit your gems.

http://www.erikadreifus.com/2014/11/monday-markets-for-writers-no-fees-paying-gigs-12/#more-32440

http://writingcareer.com/post/98468281201/story-magazine-calls-for-prose-and-poetry-submissions

 http://writingcareer.com/post/100261125056/chicken-soup-for-the-soul-needs-inspirational-stories

http://raymondburton.com/write-for-us/

Daily updates to writing gigs:

Freelancewriting.com

Deb Ng Freelance

Mediabistro.com

 Check this listing out!

Have a great weekend and remember to “treat yourself special”- got to start taking my own advice:)

Rejection/Reflections

Happy Friday, creatives! I’m curious, how do you handle rejection, criticism and even rude comments about your work? As a recent recipient of two out of three, in recent weeks, I’d say I’m not down for the count and I will continue to soldier on.

Writers and authors know the deal, but in that moment of rejection, we are bruised human beings because those words of rejection sting our creative efforts. We are professionals and know rejections are not personal. Criticisms, on the other hand, can be questionable. Snide comments of your work is best served by ignoring the haters.

In a March interview with author and blogging guru, Joe Bunting over at The Write Practice Blog, I asked, “How do you handle criticism?” His answer was, “I grieve then get back to writing.”

I think that timeless response should serve as a reminder to all of us that it’s the work that matters, so just keep writing to publication. The more we write the better we become in this competitive arena.

As a multi-genre writer, I’ve found some gems in those rejections and have used them along the way to acceptance. Here’s what two editors in different genres had to say about some of my recent works

On a personal story essay:

”As you know, rejections are never easy—for you the writer, or for us, the editors. But as you also know, they are part of what being a writer is about.”

On a Poetry Chapbook Competition:
Although your work did not make the final cut, I want you to know that it was strongly
considered, and that you were a semi-finalist in this year’s contest.

Can you see why writers just keep writing?

How do you handle rejection/criticism/rude comments? Please share!

A Poet on Publishing by Joy Dekok

Happy Friday to all readers,writers, authors and critics! I know you’re out there and gosh, where would creatives be if we didn’t have you to make us better, instead of bitter, when it comes to honing our craft?

Today, guest author and poet Joy Dekok, will share insights on the ins and outs of writing poetry, including how poets feel about sending their gems out into a critical/opinionated world. Plus, Joy shares a poem with us!

We write poetry and hide it – because it’s too personal or too political or too religious and we just don’t talk about those things. Which is peculiar since I was raised in the sixties and seventies and everyone, including the adults in my life, were talking about everything that was once taboo. And today, almost anything is acceptable.
Maybe with the exception of our poetry. The words that form in our souls.
Sometimes we hide the poetry so deep we forget it’s there – in our souls longing for release. Others of us might say we like to read poetry, or we might whisper to someone that we even write a little bit of it, but call ourselves poets? No way. And share it? Never. Publish it? Are you kidding me? We feel an anger driven fear when anyone mentions it certain they just do not get it.

But I do.
Sharing our poetry in pubic is like holding out our heart in one hand and our soul in the other. To the world. Where we might be rejected, ridiculed, or reviled.
I get that.
But still.

In the cacophony of this world, so full of war, hate, and chaos, what if your words have the power to help or heal even one heart? What if your words not only matter, what if they were given to you to make a difference?
Idealistic? Yes. Because sometimes people need us to reach beyond the practical to the passionate. That’s what poets do. It’s part of our calling.
Like many poets, I struggle with sharing my poetry. So much so, that I did what we do – I wrote a poem about it. As I wrote it I was sure I wouldn’t share it. Then I did. Because even though is long and different, it matters. So do yours.

I wish I could but I just can’t.
Or maybe it’s more like I just shant!

Publish my poetry – are you kidding me?
Putting it out there for others to read?

Give the world a glimpse into my heart?
Let them criticize my soul’s art?

Besides, nobody’s publishing poetry these days
It’s an endless, relentless rejection maze.

Why should I put myself out there?
Do you really think anyone else will care?

What would my words look like on the printed page,
My faith, my dreams and even my rage?

Although I live and walk in the Light,
My poems reveal my heart’s darkest nights.

Would anyone read something written by me?
I think that I’ll just let it be.

Unpublished is the way to go,
I’ll avoid this public talent show.

Tucked in a file drawer where no one can see
Is the best place my poem can be.

Help someone else I heard you say,
So why don’t you blaze the way?

You burned up your words a long time ago,
And left a pile of ashes and a bit of after-glow.

Oh – you’ve written more since then?
Have you shared them? Where and When?

This sounds so easy for you.
So what do you think I should do?

It’s not up to you to decide?
Then I think I prefer to stay and hide.

Do you believe my poems really matter?
Unkindness might cause my heart to shatter.

I’m not sure that I can take the chance,
My words might sing but can they dance?

I know I won’t know until I try,
But the effort might cause the words to die.

Again I hear you say the choice is mine,
And that either way I’ll be just fine.

You want me to listen to my inner voice –
I’m a poet Joy – I have no other choice.

That voice speaks to me day and night,
Delivering words I’m compelled to write.

But publish them might be too much,
I might not even have the real touch.

I’m not sure I can afford the cost –
I’m not ready to let my words get tossed,

You know the ways of publication,
I won’t be able to stand the humiliation,

I know rejection waits for me
I cannot do that – don’t you see?

These words are the breath of my soul,
Publishing has never been the goal.

And yet I have to agree with you –
I want to write and be read too.

How will I balance these opposing thoughts?
And what will be the final cost?

I feel a transition moving in,
And don’t know exactly how to begin.

Are you ever so scared your soul seems to shake?
This is a risk I’m not sure I can take. . .

The risk I mean is the one where
I hide my poems and refuse to share.

Where I keep the words in a hidden place
and refuse to give them a public space.

There’s one more thing I have to know
Before I release my words for show. . .

Will you share this poem with anyone?
Writing like you’re me must have been fun.

Sharing your poetry is setting beauty free to invade the hearts and minds of those who read it. What will you do with yours?

Bio:
Joy started writing as a little girl. She carries a large purse so she can take her journal and an assortment of pens with her in case a moment to jot comes along.
Joy and her husband live on thirty-five acres of woods and field in Minnesota between Rochester and Pine Island. She’s been married to Jon for thirty-plus years. They enjoy their many nieces and nephews. Their dogs, Sophie and Tucker, keep them company when they explore the land riding their John Deere Gator or while watching the many birds that visit their feeders. Joy enjoys time with her family, holding hands with her husband, lunch with friends, hot coffee, reading, bird watching, personal Bible study, and amateur photography.
She has nine books in print and including her first general audience (suspense) novel (the first in The Northern Lights Series) featuring main character, Olivia Morgan.
Faith is a vital part of Joy’s life. When she was sixteen, Joy asked God to find her and He did. Although most of her books fit the Christian market, Between the Lies is where Joy proves she is a Christian who writes rather than a Christian writer.

www.joydekok.com
http://facebook.com/joy.dekok
https://twitter.com/JoyEDeKok

http://www.amazon.com/Poetry-Touch-World-Your-Soul-ebook/dp/B005SVX710/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1409324348&sr=8-7&keywords=joy+dekok

What a treat:) Did you guys enjoy this post and extra something for poetry lovers? Please share your thoughts.

A Congratulatory Post On Poetry And Books

Happy Friday, everyone! I hope your week was productive and that you have a safe and memorable weekend of rest, reconnection and gratitude. I, like you, was saddened to hear of Robin Williams death. I was remembering all of his great performances and his upbeat, perfectly timed improvise & jokes that made us laugh until we hurt. What baby boomer doesn’t remember Mork & Mindy? His passing is unfortunate and very sad. There are never enough words.

This is a congratulatory post of sorts that I’ve been meaning to share with readers about what’s been brewing on my creative stove, give a well-deserved shout-out to an author’s milestone accomplishment and share information about clara54’s upcoming guest author appearances.

I admit it. I didn’t spend time working on my memoir during my hiatus. I couldn’t bring myself to create in that cathartic space and so I went back to writing poems; a genre I’d found a bit of success in, in the beginning of my freelance writing career.

I wrote a few new poems and gathered some of my languishing poetry to enter them in The Mary Ballard Poetry Chapbook Prize Competition.http://caseyshaypress.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-mary-ballard-poetry-chapbook-prize.html where they placed in the competition’s quarter finalists. The finalists vote comes at the end of August. Fingers crossed:)

I received edits to a poem selected for inclusion in the Michelle Obama Anthology (the authors changed the title) which is set for publication in the historical academia’s “The Black Scholar” sometime in September.

My poem “When Morning Comes” was selected to appear on the website Best New Poems for 7 days where readers and poetry lovers get to vote on the poem they like best and that poet wins the contest. My poem is scheduled to appear on the site August 29th. I need your votes, people! so go here to vote for When Morning Comes www.BestNewPoems.com.

I’m collaborated with,and will be the featured author on a new upcoming Christian Romance Guide, penned by my colleague and friend, Evelyn Cogdell. At our last correspondence, Evelyn was held up and anticipating returning to the project in September. More on that as it unfolds.

Kathy Pooler, who blogs at Memoir Writer’s Journey http://www.krpooler.com/blog is presently on a blog tour for her just released memoir and will be stopping in at clara54 the first week of September to talk about her new book (which has received great reviews) and her journey away from emotional abuse.

The same week, Kathy will guest post at my Authentic Woman site to encourage, inspire and empower other women to live a life of wholeness, away from abuse.

I was stuck writing my memoir and turned to penning poems on my time away. I also connected with Joy Devok, a prolific cross genre author who blogs at “My Life a Legacy” and who just happens to have recently published her e-book of poetry, called Poetry: Touch the World with Your Art and Soul.

Look for Joy’s appearance very soon as she joins the writers blog to talk about her enormous body of work and the joy of writing poetry. I’m excited to have these authors visit and share with us their writing process and talk about their books.Congratulations authors!

Whew, this post was supposed to be short and sweet. What happened!? If you have great news to share with my readers, please feel free to inquire about joining the fray:)