Writer George Taylor

Writer and Poet George Taylor

Let’s start getting your shine on. Who are you?

University of Detroit High ’66. Irish American third generation native Detroiter. Had one job my whole adult life: poet laureate of nowhere. Michigan Wolverine ’70;

When did you realize you had a passion for writing?

When I walked into my principal’s office in high school and told him that I needed to take the classics curriculum. Something embedded in languages and ancient stories had a hold of me and wouldn’t let go.

All writers adore words. Describe your love affair with writing.

I write every day. To do so, I give up paid employment, concerts, trips to museums and art galleries, seeing my family and friends, and travel. I don’t regret a moment of the huge swatches of unpaid time I spend to do the thing I most love.

Name two authors with whom you share similar writing styles.

Walt Whitman, Jack Kerouac.

What makes them similar?

A free uninhibited search for a language and rhythm that is truly American, which hints at the depths of love and suffering inherent in the American soul.

Name and thank one author that has been instrumental in inspiring you to write.

I thank Pablo Neruda for his artistic genius and his enormous dedication to the people of Chile. He was an artist who cared for more than himself and his publishing track record.

What does your audience look like?

Proposed Market for book:

(Magnitude of Audience Gets bigger as we go down the list.)

1. Detroiters who are fascinated by stories of their own era and of the historical changes they have seen.

2. Midwestern Rust Belt Residents who want a fresh look at the history of Detroit and other manufacturing centers.

3.‘Green’, ecology loving readers who want to redeem their own vision of American industry and see a new breath of creativity and hope

4 Anyone looking for a new inspiring vision of America

5. Poetry lovers in the US and other countries.

What genre does your story fall under?

Poetic Memoir

What distinguishes you from others seeking to be published authors?

I know how the business of publishing works, and I am methodically pursing a marketing program for my manuscript. Also, Detroiters and other Americans need to read my story.

New authors usually lack the business knowledge of writing. What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about things beyond the page?

(I think your question is about the business side of writing.) Having self-published two books and started an on-line bookstore, I know that the main thing I have learned is ‘don’t undercapitalize.’

You need a lot of money to make a business work here in America. Whatever you think you need to publish a book, ou need to double or triple that figure. particularly for marketing costs.

What are your thoughts on rejection letters?

I wallpaper my office with them, to remind me of what bad taste most people have.

And I keep a list of people I intend to write to after I get published.

If you approached an author with questions about writing, how would you expect them to respond?

I’d expect them to be too busy writing to bother with me. Or to generously remind me of the one thing that writers need to hear: Strap yourself to your desk and keep writing.

Are you ready to really shine? In 100 words or less, tell the Wednesdays & Fridays Blog readers why your manuscript should be published.

Detroiters hunger for an updated new vision of our hometown, as the seedbed of the new America: community based, appreciate of art, and supportive and protective of its citizens. My manuscript inspires confidence that the American vision, when it is compassionate and inclusive, is still great. It carries the message that Art is the healer for a confused, hurting culture. Plus my stories are funny, heartbreaking, scary, and above all, the ‘troof’.

Author K. L. Bevin

POET & AUTHOR K.L BEVIN

I was born, and continue to reside, in South Jamaica, New York. At 40-years-old I am a father of four, teacher for the New York City Department of Education for over eleven years, a born again Christian and I am recently married. My lovely supportive wife is my strength, best friend, and editor of most of my work. Together we started and run our own publishing company called Bravin Publishing LLC. In the future we hope to be able to give authors a home, to get their work read without the worry of being taken advantage of. All while showing a united front in marriage and business. The writing and creation of a publishing company is also my way of presenting me as a role model for today’s youth and the African American community.

I obtained my A.S. in business from Kingsborough Community College; City University of New York, a B.S. in Education from York College; City University of New York and I hold a Master’s Degree in Education, specializing in Curriculum Writing, Assessments and Teaching from Walden University. I anticipate beginning my Ph.D. studies in early 2009.

I am a writer of poetry and fictional and non-fictional stories. “A Man in Transition” is my first completed work and will be the first book published by Bravin Publishing. Over the years I changed my focus from erotic based content to romance, spiritual inspirations and social promotion due to religious choices. I hope to offer the world-focused insight of a man who has completely changed his life to helping and supporting others. I believe my writing expresses my growth as a man who, now, attempts to offer counsel, entertainment and guidance to all he meets.

Traveling around the world, spending quality time with my children, coaching basketball, bowling, and cooking are a few of my other passions. I love to meet new people and use my internet blogs to write stories on my observations of the world.

I have faith that the Lord will use my writing to reach people to let them know they have someone in their corner. I am that someone who through his work will tell their story or touch their hearts. I have found we all go through similar situations and I want to be the person that writes for the masses.

Tell us a little bit about you outside of being a poet/author.

Outside of being a poet and author I am an educator, father and husband... I teach for the New York City Dept of Education, which I have done for the past 12 years. It is my first love. Trying to get children to fulfill their potential is a passion. I have taught various subjects, however Health Education is one of my favorite subjects to teach. It’s the freedom of the subject that I enjoy. I have four children who are the reason I work hard to make a difference in this world. My best friend is my wife. We are celebrating our first year of marriage. The first was fantastic and I can’t wait for our future. She knows about my negative past and we have worked our way past it to become a tighter unified couple. All of these areas are the fuel behind my writing.

What is your earliest writing memory?

I wrote in middle school back in the 1970’s but nothing serious. Over the years I have come to terms that I have a tremendous imagination but I didn’t take writing serious until about 1999. Much of my writing history began there with erotic stories and poems. It was the writing I was doing on the internet in various clubs and social groups of the time. Most of the writing was of an erotic nature because that is what dominated my thoughts and life in those days. Now after changing my life and allowing the Lord to lead my steps my writing focus is spiritual, romance, thought provoking in nature and of course educational centered.

Describe your writing style.

My writing style I consider to be “simplistically thought provoking”. I feel I am a better speaker than writer so I don’t try to overwhelm the reader with words. What I try to do when I am writing is get you to think in a deeper manner by simply placing my thoughts or imagination in front of you. The “less is more” idea is the secret behind my style of writing. I believe that people who read come to the table with a level of intelligence that doesn’t require you to play with their thoughts more so they want to take the trip with you. It’s my belief if you make the story interesting but no so over the top you don’t lose the reader but draw them in deeper.

Tell us a little bit about your work in progress and/or your upcoming release.

I am in the process of beginning my non-fiction story based on my life from male whore to man of God. The title is called From Gigolo to Jesus. My life as a sexual predator. With this book I am going to put the business of men playing games on women out in the street for the world to see. I made a living treating woman like objects in my run as a misogynist. I now want to help as many women and men who want to change their lives as I can. I believe there are brothers out there who want to stop living the way they are but simply don’t know how or where to turn to change. I know there are women who can benefit from insider information on the games men play and what emotions we are dealing with when trapped in that mode. I will also show what can happen when a man connects his life to something morally deeper than one’s self. It will be a fun, informative, passionate read.

Poetry can evoke deep emotions for the reader, as the poet, what emotions do you feel when you are creating a piece?

My feelings depend on the pieces itself. My current poetry book is laced with emotional contributions. I don’t know how to write a particular piece without the feelings of the theme flowing through it. I have cried, pouted, smiled and laughed at things I have written. When others have read my work I have seen the same emotional reaction in them it truly fuels my motivation.

Give me one to four lines of a poem you wrote that will make us go hmmm.

OK where are a few lines from one of my favorite poems called. Perfect Woman (If only in my mind.) which is a dedication to my wife.

There is something about the way she understands my needs.

Are there other women who would love another’s children like her own?

Would another woman be strong enough to trust God and take you back when you have tasted someone else’s fruits?

Her soul is pure enough to douse the evil that once filled my own.

From “A Perfect Woman”, A Man in Transition by K. L. 2008

I’m a big believer that word of mouth creates more sales than advertisements. Let’s say we’re standing at a bus stop and I’ve never read any of your poetry before, how would approach me and persuade me to purchase your book?

Hmmm the sales pitch huh, OK; since I am a big guy I have to be very careful how I approach folks. I don’t want to be intimidating. I would turn with a big smile and ask “How are you today?” with a positive response from you I would say “I am an educator trying to get my poetry book off the ground. If you don’t mind can I share something with you?” Now this is the tricky part but most of the time I get a positive response. Now it’s a matter of choosing the right poem to share. If it’s a female its “Perfect Woman”, male its “I am not Superman but I am Dad”. Each of those poems strike at feelings which normally are deep rooted in both genders. At this point I hand you my book and ask do you think you can support an educator trying to make a difference with urban children?

I consider myself a tough critic when reviewing books. What would you do if you received a mediocre or less than average rating from a reviewer or reader?

I would thank the person for offering their opinion. I would take time to think about what was said and if there is merit to it then I consider acting on it. One thing I wouldn’t do is react negatively to a person who doesn’t find my work to their liking. I would be uneasy if no one found anything wrong with my work. Nothing is perfect, perfection is an unrealistic perception. I am such a harsh critic of my own work that I don’t think anyone can be tougher on me. I really do welcome the negatives because I enjoy the comments it means the person took the time to read my work.

What poets/poems inspire you most?

The poem that inspires me the most is a very common piece, it’s Our Greatest Fear —Marianne Williamson. The piece speaks to what has held me back from being the best I could have been for years. I have stood in the way of being my own success for some time. It’s a tremendous read. Many get the author confused they believe it was Nelson Mandela who wrote it but it was Marianne Williamson. When I heard it recited in the movie Coach Carter it was so on point for the scene that it brought tears to my eyes. Yes I am a big softy too. Don’t tell anyone.

If you could change one thing you did during your road to publication, what would it be and what would you have done different?

That is something I have discussed often with others and to self. If I could go back to earlier this year, I would have waited another 6 months to a year on releasing my current poetry book. I would have taken that time to learn more about the business of writing, promotions and marketing. I wouldn’t have placed so much faith in others for financial support. I learned a painful lesson by not having the capital in place when placing my book on the market. I took a financial loss with the release of my book and didn’t have the market in place to recover the way I should have. Now I take in all I have learned and apply it to getting myself better prepared for the release of the next book. I will not make the same mistakes as before.

What advice would you give an aspiring poet regarding publishing?

I would say read the last answer and I would tell them to read, learn, read and learn some more about publishing in every aspect. I would tell a new poet to make sure they have a strong idea of who they are going to market their work too. Make sure they know what they want their book to look like when its time for printing and distribution. They need to consider how they are going to create a buzz for their work. Finally please have a plan for all your publishing needs before laying your poetry into someone else’s hands.

Where can readers learn more about you and your book(s)?

I have a website that I update as often as I can. www.KLthewriter.com is my online home where you can find out what’s going on with me. I also use MySpace to give everyone a chance to hear or read about me. www.myspace.com/KLthewriter is the location. I am creating a website for my publishing company it will be up and running very soon. My publishing company is named after my wife and me. Her last name and my own created Bravin Publishing LLC.

Pick up your copy of

"A Man In Transition"

by K. L.

KLthewriter.com
Myspace.com/KLthewriter.com

Poet Jeff Brown

Poet Jeff Brown
A.K.A.
Poeticsoldier

Let's start getting your shine on. Who are you?

My name is Robert Jeffrey ( Jeff) Brown aka Poeticsoldier

When did you realize you had a passion for writing?

I realized that I had a passion for words when I was Junior High School when I was helping some of my friends write notes to girls.

All writers adore words. Describe your love affair with writing.

I love words because the words can pain pictures in the minds and hearts of people. Words are able to draw someone into the world of the writer. Words can also be used to express a persons affection, desire, passion and fantasies.

Name two poets with whom you share similar writing styles.

I really admire Langston Hughes and Maya Angelo

What makes them similar?

The things that makes us similar is the passion that they express in their poems. Their poems reaches out and grabs the reader making you sit up and pay attention

Name and thank one poet, dead or alive, that has been instrumental in inspiring you to write.

Langston Hughes

Now let's get to the nitty gritty. What does your audience look like?

That is a tough questions because I have found that audience consist of women of all ages , backgrounds, geographical locations, and races. I have some something for everyone, erotic, uplifting, and self awareness.

New authors usually lack the business knowledge of writing. What has been the most valuable lesson you've learned about things beyond the page?

I still consider myself as young because I still trying to get myself published.

Give me one to four lines that will make us go 'hmmm.'

Cum see what lie's in between and underneath the outer shell of a Southern brother like me. As the blood pumps through these veins of mine shooting adrenaline from every side. As the oxygen causes my life to live the wisdom will always be revealed. Unshaken and unbreakable the poetic word will shape the world.

What advice would you give an aspiring poet regarding publishing?

The one thing that I have found out is that if you want to get yourself published you have to pro-active and think out side the box.

Show me some skills. In fifty words or less, what is poetry to you?

What is poetry to me?

Spoken words

Is away to speak without opening my mouth to express the words that sometimes evades me when I am with that special person. It is a direct line into the heart and mind of the poet

Tickle my ears with your words spoken softly. As your caressing words soothe my soul gently touch my surface. That strokes my dormant desires; those spoken words have been longed for to break the silence in my heart. As your words form in your mind I want to be there from the start. The words that you use must be chosen carefully to ensure that they convey your heart. Spoken Words!!!!!!!!!!!!

Poet Tzynya Pinchback

POET TZYNYA PINCHBACK

Let’s start getting your shine on. Who are you?

Tzynya/mother to serendipitous girl child/poem and prose-maker using narrative as shaman, lyric as landscape/is vessel ‘out to sea’, weathered, with one foot on dry land/at home in Georgia, at home nowhere/is love song, bawdy limerick, and swamp boogie fiddle repurposed as syllable and form.

When did you realize you had a passion for writing?

When I was very young, like 5 or 6, I used to sit with my Dad as he composed music or wrote songs - that is probably when I fell in love with rhyme. I wrote silly stories, and horrid, sappy love letters in the diaries I kept as a teenager. But it was college that I started to realize a passion for writing. After changing my major from Marketing to Journalism, I turned down an intern with a major hospitality company to work in the campus library. I spent an entire semester re-cataloguing various interpretations Julius Caesar, and went to my advisor and changed my major to Literature.

All writers adore words. Describe your love affair with writing.

I am writing’s forlorn mistress. Writing has had its way with me. We fight often over my (mis)use of language, broken metaphor, lackluster observance of grammar rules, etc. I’ve left writing and it has left me. I’ve dismissed lovers, abandoned country and home, ignored children, gone days without properly bathing -high on caffeine and squares of caramel - all for the promise of writing. Some days I lie in bed, dressed pretty, waiting for writing to maybe come around and take me out for a meal.

Name two poets with whom you share similar writing styles.

Out of respect to the poets I enjoy, and the Because of the relationship I have with my writing, I don’t feel my style is tight enough in its own skin that I can make a real comparison with other poets yet. That is to say I am still defining my voice, and cannot be trusted to stick to any form or method for too long. There are plenty of poets whose works I relate to, and whose works seem to echo long after I have put them down. I can’t imagine narrowing the list to two. Poets you will find in the small basket next to my bed: Sandra Cisneros, Chris Abani, Anne Sexton, Jayne Cortez, Lucille Clifton, Ntozake Shange, Lord Byron.

What makes them similar?

The singular thread, if one has to exist, weaving together the poets I am reading currently (and read most often) is imagery and voice. Whether I am reading traditional forms (Haiku, Sonnet, Ghazal) or reading free verse, prose poem (which happens to be my favorite), performance poetry, I am always drawn to poets who write from the vein, unbridled, and who paint a landscape within a few syllables. And I also like a damn good love poem.

Name and thank one poet, dead or alive, that has been instrumental in inspiring you to write.

Pablo Neruda. Nuff said.

Now let’s get to the nitty gritty. What does your audience look like?

Like me, they probably have strange hair and can be found sitting cross-legged on the floor of a bookstore between the Graphic Novels, Self-Help, and Erotica sections. They sew quilts for Grandchildren; are high school sophomores standing on the front porch, holding hands, lingering in Good-bye. They run the PTA and boast a hot Tupperware collection. They spew conspiracy theories and understand the virtues of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes at 3 A.M. They still believe in the power of the boycott. They voted Republican in the last election. They collect ceramic teapots and lace handkerchiefs; tailgate before the game, and drink raspberry ale or Corona for breakfast. They are overachievers. They are on line, right now, at the Unemployment Office, hoping to make it to the Check Cashier before closing time.

New authors usually lack the business knowledge of writing. What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned about things beyond the page?

The best piece of advice I have is something that was shared with me. Ask yourself if you want to sell a million books, or if you want a million people to read your work. Once you determine your objective, it will guide how you tend to the business of writing. Oh, and do research, lots of research.

Give me one to four lines that will make us go 'hmmm.'

Tears do not know words/are laid hot on skin, do not dry in sun/take center stage without orchestra or script, carry own spotlight and finger cymbal in side pocket/are conjure woman without tooth or shoe, head thrown back caterwauling, “Pa!”

What advice would you give an aspiring poet regarding publishing?

Publishing is a hard knock life (and that is a bad cliché). Get accustomed to rejection slips; collect them in, if you will, a pretty box next to your computer, and on rainy days fold the little papers into origami cranes. If you are particularly whimsical, you might string them over the hearth in winter, or fashion them into a belt. Fellowship with other poets and artists who you can share work with, attend workshops, and submit to anthologies. From that will grow opportunities to publish. You should be mindful to research publications for style, audience, and theme prior to wasting the cost of postage to submitting. And try to avoid those messy submission fees - a poet has to save their pennies.

You have actually been previously published quite a few years ago. How would you say publishing now differs from publishing then?

Yes, I published a chapbook of 6 poems under the title EveSongs in 1996, under the advisement of Dr. Okunor and the University of New Mexico African Studies department. I had a great support system, and the University really helped to promote and encourage exposure. But back in 1996, I printed, distributed, scheduled signings, hustled for book reviews myself. Now, PODs are very popular and provide a quick turnaround. I think it’s a great opportunity to see your name in print, but also it’s a great opportunity to have your work delivered as a sub-standard product. So it’s imperative to do the research and choose what works best for you: self-publishing or traditional publication. Concerning my manuscript, Sinner Woman Gospel Song, I am in the process of submitting to a few small presses, but I am not counting out the self publishing option, especially because the collection is small – 10 poems. I just want to deliver something of quality, something artful.

Show me some skills. In fifty words or less, what is poetry to you?

To paraphrase Kierkagaard: “A poet….a being whose heart is torn by secret sufferings, but whose lips are so strangely formed that when the sighs and the cries escape them, they sound like beautiful music... and then people crowd about the poet and say to him: "Sing for us soon again;" that is as much as to say. "May new sufferings torment your soul."”

Tzynya L. Pinchback

a Writer

http://tzynyawrites.blogspot.com/