Edgar And Lenore's Publishing House

Interview With L.K. Thayer

2012-01-30T23:18:00.000-08:00

L.K. Thayer Has Her Finger on the Trigger

of LA's Poetry Scene

Interview with L.K. Thayer:

L.K. Thayer has her finger on the trigger of LA's poetry scene

1. What inspires you the most?

Art, photography, playing with words, other great artists, singers, dancers, painters, musicians, poets, all walks of life!

2. Who are some of your favorite writers past or present? Why?

Charles Bukowski, Anne Sexton are my 2 favorites. The raw truthfulness of their experience, their bravery inspires me. Pablo Neruda, Henry Miller, too many to name!

3. How would you describe your poetry?

Hard hitting, edgy, lyrical, emotional, at times humorous & witty! (hopefully)

4. What is the best advice you have to offer new writers?

Be fearless, write from your gut experience & write what you see and feel around you, take it all in, as my teacher Jack Grapes would say "find your deep voice."

5. In regards to your writing, what do you feel are your strengths? weaknesses?

Weakness, I don't read or write enough...strength would be I have a good ear and am very musical, I love playing with words!

6. How would you describe the ideal moment/place for writing? EX: Do you like it quiet? Do you listen to music? Do you type or write on paper? Do prefer to write indoors or outside? (This might seem like a weird question but I would like to know :)

For me I work best in complete silence, even music can distract my train of thought...I am extremely sensitive to noise so I need as much peace and solitude as possible. Everyone is different that way...

7. You are a photographer as well. How do these two mediums connect? How are they different?

I find poetry in photography & photography or visual images in poetry. They compliment each other. Each is detail oriented, visual, sensual, both are tremendously gratifying...photography has me by the throat right now...and I hope it never lets go! I have great passion for both.

8.What has been the highlight of your writing experience?

Being able to perform & read my poetry around Los Angeles, creating my poetry website The Juice Bar and studying with my writing teacher Jack Grapes and the people in my class are priceless!

9. What goals do you have for the future?

I need to get more books going...self publish or be published.

10. You have a book coming out, Whores Don't Kiss, Please tell us a little about this?

Well, I'm still editing it, it's a process, I had photos with it first,now I think it will just be poetry...it's the title of one of my poems.I grew up in Hollywood since I was 20 and "Whores Don't Kiss" means, you don't have to give it all away, save something for yourself...

11. Where can we read more of your work? See you perform?

You can always read my work on The Juice Bar http:lkthayer.wordpress.com/and I will be reading Jan. 14th with "Poetry In Motion" at Beyond Baroque...I'm reading this Friday night with "Girls Just Wanna Write Poems", me, Eve Brandstein & Susan Hayden, great poets, but I have to look up where!!

L. K. (Lisa) Thayer - The Juice Bar by L.K. Thayer http.lkthayer.wordpress.com/

This Same Small Town In Each Of Us - Review

2011-12-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

This Same Small Town In Each of Us is a fantastic new collection of short fiction, memoir and poetry by new author Wanda Morrow Clevenger. This collection is touching, humorous and has a wonderful nostalgic quality to its content. Over thirty pieces of short fiction and a handful of poems grace the pages of this fine collection recounting small-town life. The writing contained within is fresh and touching and clever but do not mistake this book as "too vanilla", Morrow-Clevenger takes a witty & edgy approach to literature with her first compilation that will leave you begging for more.Review by Apryl Skies

Fire in the Marrow - Review by Apryl Skies

2011-12-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

There is an artful, sacred and sublime purity to the language author William Crawford speaks. It is a tug upon the line of communication between what eyes see, the heart envisions and dreams depict... a sense of musical beauty which remains in each facet, conundrum, grain of wisdom shining through the void of uncertainty; life's unknown overtures. This book is a celebration of scars, unconfined by the shackles of metaphor, formality, physicality or imagination...the unlocked door between sublime and simplicity. It is a poetic jungle of emotion, a "frangible" garden of tearful song and joyful dance...each footfall inbetween.

The last poem Epilogue Tasmanian Persecution is the perfect bittersweet ending to the book...as an animal rights activist Crawford bleeds fire into the marrow of universal responsibility, a bold, poetic and inventive stand against human cruelty and the destruction of animal species worldwide and widely undiscovered.

The wisdom Crawford offers in Fire in the Marrow inconspicuously and perspicaciously pleads readers to live for a grander purpose and intention. A divine and insightful collection of poetry that will, no doubt, transcend the eras.

Poetry by William Crawford

Film Review: Meeting Mr. Mumps by Trevor Bernard

2011-11-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

Using stop motion animation and clever editing, this short features Wannberg reading No Mercy, a poem that breaks the boundaries and sets the bar for contemporary poets worldwide. Scott without a doubt, bears the mark of a true poet; honest yet tangible emotion.

In an entertaining and creative short film; Meeting Mr. Mumps, produced by Susanne Swanson-Bernard and created by Trevor Bernard; a young poet and emerging filmmaker. Trevor, inspired by Scott Wannberg, a mentor and friend shows his dedication to poetry and film throughout this short film. Trevor clearly has a keen eye for cinematography, animation and the short includes Trevor asking Scott a series of questions briefly interrupted by Wannberg greeting neighbors and friends during the interview. Using the difficult medium of animating with glass and paper puppets Bernard was able to capture the emotion & vision of Wannberg’s No Mercy by a simple yet evocative animated character who bears the heavy burden of living and the daily struggles of modern day man. After viewing this film it is obvious Trevor Bernard’s film career is only just beginning and fans can certainly anticipate the brilliance of his next film Hold the Line.

A touching tribute indeed is Meeting Mr. Mumps… one which should not be missed.

Poet & Award Winning Filmmaker

~Apryl Skies

www.edgarallanpoet.com

Book Review: Handful Of Fireflies by Bina Gupta

2011-11-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

“Handful of Fireflies” by Bina Gupta is in reality, an appealing handful of sparkling surprises etched onto pages.

With the seeming simplicity of a child, this charming and often Jabberwockian collection of Bina’s poetry is almost deceptive in it’s innocence and sweetness. As I read deeper into this book, I found myself reading along in an almost sing-song voice and was struck repeatedly by many of what Oprah Winfrey would call, “ah ha moments” when I realized the innate wisdom of Bina illustrated in Seuss-like terminology.

Bina’s real gift is that she is able to spark the interest of a reader with the quiet, innocent lure of lullaby lines such as

“Mermaid

Possibilities

Evolving almost

Animated stuffed

Toys inanimate

Stories of travels

Time and beyond

All in the realm of

Possibilities, bud flowering

In tandem with eyes widening

Wonderment, small miracles

Flowering inscrutably, all the time

Tickling keen mind on eternal quest”

(from Sea Song)

then grabbing and holding the reader captive, wrapped in gorgeous word threads such as—

“Flower’s beauty fading unnoticed

Acts of kindness in cloak of secrecy

Shining moments before oblivion

Falling tears dried

Hope’s flame rekindled

Rain kept on falling

She ironed the creases in her dress

Wondering about creases in her life”

(from Shining Moments)

Along with her innocent simplicity, there is a fine elegance and wisdom to Bina’s writing that I personally feel has been overlooked and underrated by the students of the intellectually abstract or deep, murky philosophical poetry and writing that seems to be the trend these days. Much like a woman who has been raised in the shadow of a strikingly good looking big sister, and whom finally, when one stops and takes a second look, is found to be the real beauty in the family, Bina’s writing has been the little sister for far too long. I highly suggest stopping and taking a real long look; you're going to see where real beauty lies ...

Buy it here, I think you're going to be very happy you did.

Handful of Fireflies

~Review by Alicia Winski

SNEAK PEEK Naughty Girls Dream in Color by Alicia Winski

2011-11-07T19:59:00.000-08:00

"Naughty Girls Dream in Color" is author Alicia Winski's most provacative and uninhibited collection of poetry yet. Offering poetry without boundary or censorship Winski is fearless with her love for poetry and expression.

Special thanks to artist PD Lietz for contributing to the cover art of Alicia Winski

Due for release in 2012, take a moment to view new audio on the following page:

Naughty Girls Dream in Color

SNEAK PEEK Naughty Girls Dream in Color by Alicia Winski

2011-11-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

Special thanks to artist PD Lietz for contributing to the cover art of Alicia Winski

Due for release in 2012, take a moment to view new audio on the following page:

Naughty Girls Dream in Color

This Same Small Town In Each Of Us

2011-10-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

Edgar & Lenore's is pleased and honored to present a new publication: This Same Small Town In Each Of Us by Wanda Morrow Clevenger is now available for pre-order! This new collection of short story, memoir & poetry will make you laugh & will touch your heart.

GET YOUR SIGNED COPY TODAY!

To preview some of the work contained in this collection visit the following links:

Edgar Allan Poet's Macabre Manifesto

2011-10-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween. Join us for a decadent macabre treat and read some of our featured dark chocolate for the soul.

(Click on the image or text to be rerouted.)

This Quiet Burn

2011-10-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

This Quiet Burn

This Quiet Burn by Apryl Skies

Please click on photo or title to be redirected.

The Pen & The Pearl by Apryl Skies including art by Vladimir Kush

2011-10-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

Please click on the photo or link to be redirected to this poetry & audio

including art by Vladimir Kush.

The Pen & The Pearl

Young Filmmaker Trevor Bernard Remembers Scott Wannberg, Beloved L.A. Poet

2011-09-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

Young Filmmaker Remembers Scott Wannberg, Beloved L.A. Poet, Deceased at Age 58, Written by Susanne Swanson-Bernard, Edited by Apryl Skies

Writers' Row: School's in Session

2011-09-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

Writers' Row: School's in Session

Come join us for Writers' Row! Wednesday, September 14 · 7:30pm - 10:00pm

Location:
The Last Bookstore453 S. Spring St. (across from Alexandria Hotel at 5th and Spring St) Los Angeles, CA

This month, Writers' Row features work in the realms of fiction, poetry, and the in between!

Writers' Row is downtown LA's Official Written Art Showcase held at the literary and extravagant Last Bookstore! Hosted by Jessica Wilson

Featured Poets:

Pete Justus
Amanda La Pera
Rolando Poet Ortiz
Katharina Harer

Other Outstanding Performances Include:

Apryl Skies
Cklara Moradian
David Beal
& L.K. Thayer

The event is free to the public. Refreshments provided by Los Angeles Poet Society.

OPEN MIC (5 mins, 2 pieces) RSVP venicesoapboxpoets@gmail.com to get on the open mic list.

Buy books, network, relax and take it all in!

Love Is A Can of Peaches

2011-09-12T11:45:00.001-07:00

Love Is A Can Of Peaches

By Apryl Skies

Published by The Juice Bar

The Girl With The Butterfly Eyes by Apryl Skies

2011-09-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

The Girl With The Butterfly Eyes

by Apryl Skies

From The Collection of poetry

A Song Beneath Silence

[Please Click on the link above or the photograph to view the poem in its entirety]

KOTORI MAGAZINE - The Ladies Take the Stage

2011-09-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Women Writers

Jessica Wilson Hosts an outstanding poetry reading event

at the Last Book Store in down Town LA

KOTORI MAGAZINE - The Ladies Take the Stage

View the Spoken word performances of several
of the featured ladies on
www.EdgarAllanPoet.com

Yvonne de la Vega – A Soul Wide Open

2011-09-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

In case you missed my most recent article please take a moment to read the wise and insightful words of Yvonne de La Vega. New poetry and a sneak peek at her new book not to mention exciting new UPDATES on 100 Thousand Poets For Change! Please help support the poetry efforts and our writers by liking the page from the examiner site. Thanks So much everyone for your constant support and encouragement it means the world to me.

Yvonne de la Vega – A Soul Wide Open

Jessica Wilson ~ Viva La Poetry

2011-08-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

Jessica Wilson of Los Angeles possesses an enthusiasm for poetry that is as genuine as it is infectious. As host of several readings across Los Angeles, she has featured some of the most prolific poets in the city. Writer’s Row takes place each 2nd Wednesday of the month at the beautiful Last Bookstore in downtown LA. From 7:30-10pm, which Wilson developed as an answer to the lack of representation for the written art form at Downtown LA’s monthly Art Walk. The Last Bookstore is an amazing venue with an artsy aesthetic and Jessica has proved to be a very generous host. In addition to her accomplishments with Writer’s Row, she also founded Los Angeles Poet’s Society and the SoapBox Poets, which meets at the Green Carrot Coffee House in North Hollywood, the last Sunday of each month from 4-6pm, this week featuring Rick Lupert, author of Sinzibuckwud! & host of Cobalt Poets. In Addition, she has helped organize Poetrypalooza going on right now and has jumped onboard as an organizer for 100 Thousand Poets For Change a global effort by poets to share and read their poetry in hopes for change and unity.

To read the article in its entirety and to enjoy poetry by Jessica Wilson Click the link below:

Jessica Wilson ~ Viva La Poetry

Writer's Row - In Celebration of Women Writers

The Last Book Store Aug. 10, 2011

Sherman Oaks Publishing House Celebrates Women Literature

2011-08-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sherman Oaks small press publisher Edgar & Lenore’s Publishing House celebrates women’s artistry & literature with a brand new website & poetry archive. The publisher’s master website www.EdgarAllanPoet.com has come along way since 2006, when it was only one page highlighting poetry by only a few select poets. Now featuring poets and writer’s from all over the world the site takes an artistic approach to contemporary publishing and offers a Master Library where viewers can look up content by title and or by a List of Writers.

Calliope’s Closet, the new website features select poetry and artistry by women from across the globe, including several talented local Los Angeles poets and writer’s such as Alicia Winski, Amanda LaPera, Camille Solari, Helena Hunter, Jessica Wilson, M. K. Presson, Sheila Crawford, Trish Falin and myself, Apryl Skies.

To read the editorial in its entirety click on the following link:

Sherman Oaks Publisher Celebrates Women's Literature

As If...

2011-08-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

As If...

by Apryl Skies

From the poetry collection

A Song Beneath Silence

Article Author Wayne Allen LeVine Has A Lyrical Awakening

2011-06-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

Article Author Wayne Allen LeVine Has A Lyrical Awakening

READ FULL ARTICLE

Interview With Wayne Allen LeVine

How long have you been writing?

I suppose the literal answer would be; ever since I learned how. And that knowing how began to unfold and open outward into song lyrics when I was in the 7^th grade – which I quickly started to recognize as poems. Of course, when I was in the 7^th grade – in the Windy City, music was cool and widely acceptable, but poetry… not so much. So I shared the lyrics that lent themselves to romantic rock songs, and kept the poems to myself. I kept my poetic spirit a well-guarded secret for years to come – even from myself, by writing poems periodically, and forgetting about them rather quickly. I wrote covertly for several decades; stories, poems, soulful speeches I would sit alone in my living room, and imagine myself giving to a riveted audience. One way or another I think it’s fair to say I’ve been writing my entire life – maybe even before I learned how? Although for the last sixteen years I’ve been doing it openly, prolifically, deliberately, and with lively, unbridled passion.

How does your work compare now than to your first few poems ever written?

My earliest poems were written within the ferocious innocence of my tender adolescence;

while chasing lofty dreams of imagined maturity wherein, the freedom to do as I please

would be there to greet me. Now I’m in the middle of this astonishing odyssey – doing

mostly what I please, the majority of the time, while holding true to the responsibility that comes with it. I still dream, of course, though I no longer chase them. I’ve learned to stay centered long enough to allow fresh new aspects of old dreams to catch me. The poems that come through now are reflections of that. The poems I penned in the early days of creative discovery were fueled, at least in part, by a chaotic longing to leap ahead into the well-imagined freedom of adulthood; freedom and adulthood, two largely arbitrary, often illusory, relative states of mind. I’m not suggesting they do not exist outside the realm of pure imagination. But that those frames of reference could not be found, seized, and fully honored, without the power of creative imagination. “As a child I painted like a master. And I’ve spent the rest of my life learning how to paint like a child again.” Pablo Picasso

What does poetry mean to you?

Poetry means never having to say you’re sorry. Oh Wait! Love means never to say you’re sorry. Maybe? Maybe not? Though poetry offers endless ways in which to apologize to the world, to yourself; to those you love – mostly for the things we have not done, but long to. Poetry is one of the pivotal pathways to the heart of forgiveness – allowing us to face our impediments, embrace our flaws and blaring inadequacies, in order to find and honor our genuine strength and robust abilities. Poetry means liberation — through the power of soulful expression.

How do your close friends react to your poetry?

Fortunately, the responses I get, both from strangers as well as my closest friends,
tends to be reassuringly positive and supportive. Poetry has been, and continues to
be a wonderful way in which to establish and/or deepen those heartfelt connections;
keeping it honest; keeping it real, and permitting those artful connections to be
pillars of true support.

Will you be performing anywhere soon? If so, where and when?

I don’t have any featured readings inked as we speak, although that could turn into several rather quickly. Readings, features, and book signings, have been cyclical for me by design. When I have a new book, I do what I can to promote it, including a slew of readings at various venues. So I will make the pre-announcement, to the grand announcement, that a new one is forthcoming! In the mean time, there are a couple open mike readings I drop in on periodically, as well as one I do frequent, which is Moonday. Moonday is held at Village Books in the Pacific Palisades, the 2^nd Monday of each month, co-hosted by Alice Pero and Lois P. Jones, two wonderful women and terrific poets in their own right. And I do feel at home there.

What is something your readers don’t know about you?

I’ve been a drummer all my life – my entire life, as far back as I can remember. I really can’t recall a point along the way that it wasn’t obvious. I can almost remember, or rather easily imagine tapping my tiny newly formed fingers against the fleshy walls of my mother’s womb – kicking my tender feet to my mother’s heartbeat … pounding out primal rhythms upon wet placenta, to honor the timing of the story now unfolding. That may be nothing more than a semi-metaphysical fantasy, which is good enough for me. Although, I can say, without a doubt, that being a drummer lends itself to the rhythm, measure, timing and tempo of my writing and the reading of my poems. Also, my gymnastics and my martial arts background, help to give a shapely arch to the movement and flow of words.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your work?

Yes – of course, nearly everything. And at the same time, I guard it like a dragon that

can be expected and relied upon to guard their treasure fiercely. We know about Dragons

guarding the Golden Fleece and the Golden Apples of Hesperides; and so I see myself

as the guardian of the keep – albeit, the keep in this analogy is not the metal of the sun we

know as gold, but a hoard of treasured verses; valued stories, and precious thoughts infused with enriching memories. I do guard those, quite possibly a little too much? The thing is, I know their origin – where they came from, and what it took to dig them out of those caverns of the soul and shape them into stories, poems, and copious manuscripts – much of which is yet to be published. They are golden to me – a genuine treasure, thus those dragon-like characteristics I’m willing to own up to, seem natural and appropriate, from my perspective. One more tid-bit about dragon lore and/or fire-breathing mythology. It was once widely believed that if a dragon speaks, he will not harm you – but are most dangerous while maintaining utter silence. This interview is a welcomed interruption of my otherwise possible silence, and I am grateful to you for that. Your questions have elicited an honest response, which would not have seen the light of day, had you not asked.

What can we expect from you in the near future?

This may well be my favorite question you’ve asked so far, because of my deep
undeniable largely unguarded excitement about my soon to be published third
book! My third book, albeit, my first non-fiction, and I can barely contain my
absolute elation, with regard to the birthing of this next book. Writing, for me,
is the easy part – I’m in love with the creative process, and I feel privileged to
be doing what I love to do. Publishing and marketing, on the other hand, tends
to be a tad more challenging, in part because those other aspects of the artful life
requires us to find other people we must trust and depend on. And God knows
that’s not the easiest thing for an artist to do, a good part of the time. Nevertheless,
we must find others to help us do what cannot be done alone. And when we do,
creative celebration is in order! And that’s where I find myself now; having found,
not merely a publisher, but the right publisher for my next book.

www.EdgarAllanPoet.com

Calliopes Closet: Attention All Participants of Calliope’s Closet U...

2011-06-29T16:18:00.000-07:00

Calliopes Closet: Attention All Participants of Calliope’s Closet U...: "Attention All Participants of Calliope’s Closet Please note: We are in the final stages of updating our new site and taking it to a w..."

Untitled Until Now By Phillip Maguire

2011-06-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

Phillip Maguire from Pennsylvania, author of Reversed, a collection of poetry and Thunder Under Water, a collection of short stories and poems is an Emergency Medicine Physician. He is a well-balanced father of four with two boys and two girls and a self-proclaimed Zen Baptist. Inspired by gardening, cooking, and reading Phillip's work is never a shallow pool of thought. Reading Phillip's work always gives the reader much to reflect upon and is like an onion being peeled back to expose its many layers, all poignant and flavorful. While many of his poems reveal his zen-like philosophy there are many that show a tender and passion sensibility. His titles are thoughtfully arranged and appeal to a wide range of readers. Please enjoy the following poem.

Untitled Until Now

Each to each
and each alone
striving, striving
to find home
we stride upon
this rolling rock
weighted with the
sad gravity of thinking
while flowers don’t
wish or want or worry
in this wind-weary world

With stones
in her pockets
she subsided
with stones
in her pockets
she drowned

Living with
death inside me
on and on
I dance
my life

Phillip Maguire © 2011

Reversed
Available on Amazon

www.EdgarAllanPoet.com

Interview With Author & Poet Rick Lupert

2011-06-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

TO VIEW THE EDITORIAL:

Author Rick Lupert is Sinzibuckwud!

• Who would you say are your biggest poetic influences? Why?

Richard Brautigan was definitely my first biggest poetic influence. His straightforward language, and sometimes absurd and funny style really spoke to my existing sensibilities and informed the development of my own style. I also love Jeffrey McDaniel for his sometimes dark humor and intense imagery and of course Brendan Constantine for his overall genius. I think all experiences inform one's artistic sensibility...whether it's travel, media, or conversation. Other writers I've enjoyed, outside of poetry but who still I'd count as influences are Douglas Adams, Douglas Coupland, Harlan Ellison and the collected output of Monty Python.

• You host the Cobalt readings every Tuesday night, who have been some of your favorite featured poets?

Wow...hard to pick...or even to remember for that matter...I've been hosting the reading since 1994 and there have been hundreds of people who've graced the stage in the featured reader spot. I'm afraid if I started listing people here I'd end up leaving someone out. Check out the broadsides we've published for all of our featured poets here: http://poetrysuperhighway.com/cobalt/broadsides.html Just about everyone who I picked to read is someone who I felt deserved the opportunity to put together a full featured set...plus I've given away the picking of the featured poet spot to many individuals and organizations to help expose as many people to as many other people's poetry as possible eliminating my own sensibility in who is picked to read.

• In your opinion, what makes a great performer in regard to poets in the LA community? What do the audiences best resonate with?

Someone who is in tune with the audience...who isn't flipping through their work trying to decide what to read in the middle of their set...someone who knows how to read their work in a way that emphasizes their words and images, almost like an actor would to best connect emotionally with the listeners...humor is always a winner...someone who is prepared, knowing how much time their set will take and doesn't go much longer (or longer at all) than the allotted time-slot they've been given. The strongest performer has what my college speech teacher called "the X factor"....this is someone who is so engaging when they are reading, people forget about the time limit and are drawn in to their words.

• How would you describe the poetry community in Los Angeles as a whole?

Disparate, eclectic, strong, non-existent. There are so many pockets of communities in L.A...sometimes they interconnect and often they don't. They all have their own strengths and weaknesses and styles, and there are a handful of people who might make their way between them...it makes it difficult to give a single description to the 'community' as one can easily argue that there isn't a community...rather a lot of separate communities located near each other that sometimes cross over.

• You have been a strong part of the poetry scene for nearly 20 years, how has the poetry community changed/remained the same since 1990? (2 questions)

The main way it has stayed the same is that it still exists. Readings come and go; new poets come and go; magazines and publications come and go...but there are always venues, poets and places to publish poetry. Beyond Baroque in Venice has been an important mainstay and, I think, centerpiece of poetry in L.A. since long before I was a part of it. Poetry in Orange County and Long Beach are going strong. Of course the Cobalt has been a mainstay in the Valley since before any of us existed. Mainly, the players and venues sometimes change but, for better or for worse, the community stays the same. Or I'm completely wrong and it's very different. I'll have to consult my oracle.

• When you aren’t writing, working or volunteering what other activities or hobbies do you enjoy? How is this reflected in your work?

I love to travel...having a day off is nice...but it's not until I'm completely removed from my normal element do I really feel my eyes are wide open and able to take it all in. This is why most of my books are poetic travelogues of sort. I write a good amount of poetry throughout the year, but never more than when I'm in a new place with no responsibilities other than feeding myself. I'm also very involved in the Jewish community in L.A....particularly through music...most of my most cherished memories and experiences revolve around Jewish music in some way or another. (Not that seeing Jane's Addiction playing in a bar in downtown L.A. a couple years ago didn't have me floating above L.A.'s skyline for a few days...) I also love food. I've been making homemade pizza the last few months on Sundays. (dough from scratch and all). I'm not sure it is reflected in my work, but on the other hand if the word "yeast" accidentally appears in a poem, you'll know why.

• You have over a dozen books published, do you have any advice for writers who are just starting out and want to succeed publishing books of their own?

Step 1: write good poetry. Anyone with even a little bit of skill can design a nice looking book and take advantage of the many on-demand/self publishing houses to get their book out there...but if the content is not good, it is not worthwhile. Attend poetry readings and read your poetry in the open readings. You'll get to know your own work better and be able to gauge from how it comes out of your mouth, as well as the audiences immediate reaction and after-the-fact feedback what works and what doesn't. Try poetry workshops...not every workshop teacher is the right one for every poet, but there will be one out there that will help you generate good work as well as help you make your existing work the best it can be. Try submitting work to online publications and print journals. Getting some poems published before putting a collection together is helpful to understand what, of your work, works outside of your own sensibility.

Don't be afraid to self-publish a collection. Many people seek the validation of someone accepting a body of work but in the end, unless you're fortunate enough to be one of the very small group of poets being published by major publishing houses, with just a little bit of marketing savvy, your book will be at least as successful with you at the helm as it would be coming out on a small press. (The marketing savvy is key here.)

Look at other books you like for examples on how a book should look, what should be included besides your poetry, and how to put together the actual poetry...the order of the poems...what to include and not include etc.

• What would you like to share with readers about upcoming events in the poetry community?

Of course I host a weekly reading at the Cobalt on Tuesday nights at 9:00 pm. The most up to date information about this series (including who the featured readers are) can be found here: http://PoetrySuperHighway.com/cobalt/calendar.html

The most up to date info on where I am reading (besides the Cobalt) can be found on my website here: http://poetrysuperhighway.com/rick/upcoming-readings/

The most comprehensive listing of readings throughout Southern California, updated every month can be found here: http://www.poetix.net/calendar.htm If you run a reading and you are not listed here, email calendar@poetix.net with info about your reading.

• What are some recommendations offering resources for poets?

Poetix.net is a great source of information about poetry in Southern California...especially their calendar section. Subscribe to the Poetry Super Highway Newsletter ( http://PoetrySuperHighway.com/PoetLinks.html ) for a weekly listing of new links to poetry websites. A subsciption to Poets and Writers Magazine (or read it for free in the Library) is one of the best global resources for poets with contest listings, articles and more. http://www.winningwriters.com/ also is a great resource (including their newsletter) for those looking for contests to enter or publications to submit to.

www.EdgarAllanPoet.com

Calliopes Closet: Book Review: The Glass Lies Shattered All Around

2011-06-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

Calliopes Closet: Book Review: The Glass Lies Shattered All Around: "The Glass Lies Shattered All Around by Lois Michal Unger This past week, I was gifted a small treasure by a friend and author I admire en..."

Edgar And Lenore's Publishing House

Interview With L.K. Thayer

L.K. Thayer Has Her Finger on the Trigger

of LA's Poetry Scene

This Same Small Town In Each Of Us - Review

Fire in the Marrow - Review by Apryl Skies

Film Review: Meeting Mr. Mumps by Trevor Bernard

Book Review: Handful Of Fireflies by Bina Gupta

*SNEAK PEEK* Naughty Girls Dream in Color by Alicia Winski

*SNEAK PEEK* Naughty Girls Dream in Color by Alicia Winski

This Same Small Town In Each Of Us

Edgar Allan Poet's Macabre Manifesto

This Quiet Burn

The Pen & The Pearl by Apryl Skies including art by Vladimir Kush

Young Filmmaker Trevor Bernard Remembers Scott Wannberg, Beloved L.A. Poet

Writers' Row: School's in Session

Love Is A Can of Peaches

The Girl With The Butterfly Eyes by Apryl Skies

KOTORI MAGAZINE - The Ladies Take the Stage

Yvonne de la Vega – A Soul Wide Open

Jessica Wilson ~ Viva La Poetry

Sherman Oaks Publishing House Celebrates Women Literature

Sherman Oaks Publisher Celebrates Women's Literature

As If...

Article Author Wayne Allen LeVine Has A Lyrical Awakening

Calliopes Closet: Attention All Participants of Calliope’s Closet U...

Untitled Until Now By Phillip Maguire

Interview With Author & Poet Rick Lupert

Author Rick Lupert is Sinzibuckwud!

Calliopes Closet: Book Review: The Glass Lies Shattered All Around

SNEAK PEEK Naughty Girls Dream in Color by Alicia Winski

SNEAK PEEK Naughty Girls Dream in Color by Alicia Winski