JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Mr. Enlightenment, author of Language Incites Gestures that Highlight Thoughts (L.I.G.H.T.)
(self published)

My poetry book is about life. I touch on many different topics from the trials and tribulations of teachers to marriage.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Language Incites Gestures that Highlight Thoughts (L.I.G.H.T.)?

Mr. Enlightenment: I get my inspiration from everything around me. Often poems come to me from conversation and/or real life events.

JP: What sets Language Incites Gestures that Highlight Thoughts (L.I.G.H.T.) apart from other books in the same genre?

ME: My writing style is unique. I want everybody to understand what I’m saying. Because my poems come from every day life, I think people can relate to it easily.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to Language Incites Gestures that Highlight Thoughts (L.I.G.H.T.) getting out to the public?

ME: I think I am a people person. I’ve been working on relationships and through that I’ve been able to share my work with classmates and colleagues over the last couple years.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish Language Incites Gestures that Highlight Thoughts (L.I.G.H.T.)?

ME: I usually jot down ideas as they come to me. Sometimes, I can finish a poem all at once. Other times, I come back to them later. This collection has some older and newer material, so there was no real timetable for the poems.

JP: What’s next for Mr. Enlightenment?

ME: I want to continue to gain exposure through my Facebook and Twitter pages. I hope to travel around South Carolina performing at different venues.

http://passdalight.com

Facebook: http://tiny.cc/8zqgu

http://twitter.com/kilowattpoet

tuck_deezy@hotmail.com

Thanks for the chance to be heard. PASS THE LIGHT!

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JoeyPinkney.com Book Review
Pink Moon: A Menagerie of Erotic Prose
By Sarah Murdaugh
(iUniverse)
4 of 5 Stars

Pink Moon: A Menagerie of Erotic Prose by Sarah Murdaugh is a colorful arrangement of poetry focused on the pleasures of intimate sexual relationships. Murdaugh’s mixture of words and imagery fuels a sensual theme that travels throughout this poetry collection.

There is a variety of moods within Pink Moon. I must admit, I was a little put off by the recurrence of certain adjectives and phrases, but Pink Moon is a definite sculpture of words. Most of the poems are sensual, lulling and mesmerizing the reader into bliss. There are streaks of raunchy imagery that shock and move the sensual musings into sexual realms of thoughts.

Murdaugh has found a way to merge the simplicity of emotions and situations with the complexity of the English language. Instead of getting lost in the words, you will clearly see the poet’s intentions.

For example, she taught me why women cry after an intense love-making session in her poem “Lucid Ignis Fatuus”.

We laid in a cherry blossom field
under the covers of a moonlit sky.
We made love so deep I cried,
not in pain, but in intense release
of passion held prisoner by fear.

Essentially, Pink Moon is a form of sexual and emotional intercourse because it precisely communicates the ideas, thoughts and experiences of sensual intimacy to the reader. The word “erotic” may be mistaken for carnal, which pertains strictly to the appetites of the flesh. Murdaugh truly infuses the full involvement of a female lover who sees, smells, hears, feels and tastes the coitus in as it develops and transcends from the physical to the spiritual.

There is definitely a theme of eros love flowing throughout Pink Moon. The love presented by Murdaugh’s poetry is sexual, yet the foundation is rested up romance. As you read poems such as “Love Like The Breeze”, “Passion” and “Poetic Lover”, you get the idea of an intimate love as opposed to lusty beckonings.

From the poem “Passion”:

Spilling my verses without hesitation
Is my expertise and my passion.
I’ll serve it to you on a silver platter,
Seduce your mind when it’s in a clutter,
Twist your soul till you wish I was your lover.
My thoughts will succumb your heart in time,
My impeccable love, you are so damn fine…

As Murdaugh gracefully alternates between the aggressor and the passive, her poetic prowess stays intact. Poems like “Master” and “Perplexed Pleasure” smack you in the face. Instead of reeling back, you rub your face and wonder “What’s next?” To say she has a way with words is an understatement.

From the poem “Master”:

Must I remind you,
I am only here to twist you
Tie,
lick,
sip,
And then bite you,
Pistol whip you
And to man handle you!

If you like sexually-tinged poetry, Sarah Murdaugh’s Pink Moon is a perfect addition to your poetry book collection. It’s strong enough to arouse and smooth enough to sooth.

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Jae L. Pettigrew, author of Through Her Eyes
(INSPIRE Book Group/H.I.P Books)

Through Her Eyes is a hip, urban, sexy, collection of poetry inspired by the life of Chicago native, Jae Pettigrew. Drawing on her experiences in relationships, friendships, loses and self-discovery, this compilation of poems is without a doubt entertaining, soulful and original.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Through Her Eyes?

Jae L. Pettigrew: The idea to write Through Her Eyes came from different people’s views that read the few pieces of poetry that I made public through blogs, events, etc.

They were very persistent in their belief that what I had to say through my writing was book-worthy. I get the inspiration from true life events.

JP: What sets Through Her Eyes apart from other collections of poetry?

JLP: I have never compared myself to other artist nor my book to other books. But what I can say is my writing is honest, to the point and in black and white. I don’t hide behind words. I tell true stories and give the reader a chance to know who I am.

It’s spiritual and sexy; it’s happy and sad. I through my gift try to give people the thoughts, feelings, emotions and situations of a simple young lady that they can perhaps relate to and possibly get something from.

JP: What poets inspired you to take your craft seriously and create Through Her Eyes?

JLP: I actually don’t study poets. Where I’m from, we didn’t have creative writing classes and things of that sort. Poetry was merely a way of releasing my stress and thoughts so I could function another day.

I did nothing to learn it nor did I deserve it, which is how I know my poetry is a gift from God. I started writing, as a child, my feelings and emotions. As I got older, my craft got better.

I’ve always taken my writing seriously I just didn’t consider sharing my world and my thoughts with outsiders until I received the overwhelming supportive response that I had.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish Through Her Eyes?

JLP: My writing process: a spiral notebook and a pen it’s the only way I can work. I sit down with those two things. Whatever is pumping in my heart will bleed out onto the paper.

Through Her Eyes came from over fifteen years of writing. I gathered what I thought were some of my better pieces, and I wrote a few new things put them together. Then I presented it to the world.

JP: What’s next for Jae L. Pettigrew?

JLP: I am currently writing my first novel as well as writing some poetry for my Through Her Eyes follow-up book both will be released by or before the summer of 2010.

http://mzjae.com/
http://www.facebook.com/JaeLPettigrew
http://twitter.com/Mz_Jae

info@inspirebookgrp.com

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Sarah Murdaugh, author of Pink Moon: A Menagerie of Erotic Prose
(iUniverse)

Pink Moon: A Menagerie of Erotic Prose may be Sarah Murdaugh’s first foray into published work, but by no means is she a first-time poet. Sarah has crafted a selection of poetry that ranges from the sensuous to pure carnal desire.

The poems in Pink Moon radiate with a salacious aura that is not pornographic, yet leaves you feeling completely aroused. The poet holds nothing back as she tickles your most lecherous desires and brings pure eroticism to the forefront of your mind.

Not for the faint of heart and clearly for mature readers, Pink Moon sizzles with the raw, unadulterated powers of love, desire and lust.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Pink Moon?

Sarah Murdaugh: I’ve often wanted to put together a collection of erotic poetry that tells the story of lovemaking. From the playful beginnings of foreplay all the way to the soothing aftermath of it; I wanted to include all the different levels of lovemaking in my poetry.

From flirty poems like “Blame Not My Blushing Heart” and virgin type of love, as in “My First Time”. This happens to be my very first love poem. It was written when I was in high school. I also wanted edgier poems, like the sadomasochistic theme in “Master”.

JP: How did you come to use erotic prose as your form of expression? How to you find the balance between giving your readers the sensual and the sensational?

SM: I enjoy writing in all genres, but I love erotica the most because it isn’t mushy but edgy and exciting. In 2007, on Yahoo 360, I began to post a few erotic poems on my blog and noticed many of my readers enjoyed them and wanted more.

When I am writing I try to imagine the most sexiest situation or thought. From there, I weave a scene of seductive imagery in poetic form. I always go for deeper connotations and use extraordinary words which have common meaning to fondle your mind.

I also believe erotic poetry should never be pornographic nor offensive, yet fun, sensual and sexy!

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Pink Moon getting out to the public?

SM: The people that supported me in putting together this first book were very determined to keep me focused, especially when I had my moments when I felt discouraged.

I’m thankful for a husband who understands my love for writing and enjoys editing my work and dishes out ideas and the friends who gave me great direction in the choices I’ve made, from the publishing company all the way down to the book cover.

Positive support is the main key to my book’s success!

JP: How much of Pink Moon is autobiographical?

SM: At first, I was puzzled with this question. When I think about it, all of it is autobiographical because that’s who I am. I am a sensual, fun and passionate human being. This is how I see the world and how I want to feel.

JP: What’s next for Sarah Murdaugh?

SM: I am working on a more general collection of poetry; this will be volume two of Pink Moon. I’m working on two books, one an erotic short story collection Night Butterfly and the other It Takes a Village.

Facebook: Sarah Conley Murdaugh
Twitter: http://twitter.com/SarahLCMurdaugh
My Website: sarahlcmurdaugh.com
Email: sxmurdaugh@hotmail.com

Sarah Murdaugh was also awarded Outstanding Achievement in Poetry by the International Society of Poets and a few of her poems were also featured on barebackmagazine under the pen name The Rambling Poet.

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Chantel A. Jonson, author of Thoughts, Desires, Passions: A Poetic Collection
(AuthorHouse)

Chantel A. Jonson is a writer of poetry, science fiction, and life experience. A graduate of William M. Raines Senior High School. A student of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Trident Tech in Charleston, SC and MUSC majoring in Pharmacy. At every chance, she enrolls in creative writing and literary conferences to improve writing skills. Ms. Jonson considers herself a work in progress.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Thoughts, Desires, Passions: A Poetic Collection?

Chantel Jonson: The inspiration behind Thoughts, Desires, Passions: A Poetic Collection is pure emotion. I wanted to capture every emotion in the spectrum and discuss it with honesty and depth. I wanted readers to be able to either be stunned that someone else is familiar with an emotion – be it anger, love, sorrow – or to awaken an awareness to cause and effect of an emotion. I wanted it to be taken personal.

JP: What sets Thoughts, Desires, Passions apart from your first collection of poetry, Passionate: A Collection of Poetry?

CJ: Thoughts, Desires, Passions: A Poetic Collection differs from my first book Passionate: A Collection of Poetry because it’s more purposeful and thought out. I’d experienced more spoken word events while writing my second collection. Seeing the passion and truth of words spoken from the fire of the heart was something amazing. At that point, I was charged with better capturing and sharing that fire’s intensity in my second writing attempt in Thoughts, Desires, Passions: A Poetic Collection.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Thoughts, Desires, Passions getting out to the public?

CJ: The keys to successfully getting my book out to the public has been determination, consistency, strategic advertising, and a huge amount of support from friends and family.

JP: Which poets inspired your style? What where you able to take from them to make you poetry stronger?

CJ: My style of poetry or writing is still taking shape. I can’t really say that it’s been influenced by anyone. I’ve read poetry by Dr. Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, Jill Scott, and Shirley Bivins. By reading I further understand that we all feel, and in order to capture that feeling in words we have to be willing to share intimately and empathize without judgment or scrutiny.

JP: What’s next for Chantel A. Jonson?

CJ: I have completed my first dramatic science fiction novel, Soul Shadows, as well as, my first children’s book, Peanut Butter and the Friendly Martian. Both due out in late September/ early October. I will continue to write poetry and sharpen my writing skills.

http://www.chantelajonson.com/
Facebook: Almari Jonson
almari67@yahoo.com
904-813-6207

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Marc Lacy, author of LyriCode 256
(AVO Publishing)

LyriCode 256 lathers the ears with a uniquely creative vibe that simply shocks the listener into a lyrical submission. This production is Marc Lacy’s most mature work yet. Lyricode 256 is heavily comprised of precise, hard hitting verbal images painted over a superior and grooved-out canvas furnished by the one and only Maestro/Producer Canita Rogers (Quiet Girl Music Productions) herself.

Fourteen vibrant tracks, aimed for mature ears, speak directly to the effect of a myriad of issues that plague local communities as well as those abroad.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write and produce LyriCode 256?

Marc Lacy: I was mainly inspired to record this CD in an effort to capture my sentiments on several issues impacting this country and the world. My goal was not to stray away from the hardline with this one.

JP: What sets LyriCode 256 apart from your other spoken word projects?

ML: LyriCode 256 actually strategically targets certain specific issues and strays away from what’s considered broad. This CD is also my most mature work yet.

JP: How would you explain the essence of spoken word to someone who is ignorant of its virtues?

ML: I would have them imagine a person telling a short story with emotion, feeling, rhythm, and cadence.

JP: Where do you see the art of spoken word poetry going in the future? Are there any trends on the horizon that we don’t see?

ML: I see more spoken word artists becoming public speakers, actors, comedians, and radio spot producers. Many fiction authors have begun utilizing spoken word at book discussions and presentations. Also I’ve seen prominent spoken word artists being featured in TV ads here as of late.

JP: What’s next for Marc Lacy?

ML: My plan is to continue my segue into the fiction world with Wretched Saints – Spiritual Short Stories, co-authored by Assuanta Fay Howard. However, spoken word CD production will continue (God willing) for the near term.

http://www.marclacy.com/
http://www.myspace.com/mlacy
Facebook: Marc Lacy
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/marclacy

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Jazz The Poet, author of Petals & Pebbles
(self-published)

Petals & Pebbles is a string of poetic pearls, each poem possessing an opulence of its own. As petals and pebbles emanate from the beauty of the natural world, these pearls of wisdom emanate from the beauty of one woman’s soul. Universally, they adorn womanhood across any imaginable divide.

Before I dive into the profound, well-thought out questions that you have presented, allow me to express my sincere, heartfelt, overwhelming gratitude for the wonderful tribute you paid to Petals & Pebbles in your August 2, 2010 book review. It was far more than I had ever expected when I handed you my book for perusal.

The 5-star rating and accolades you provided are most appreciated, and your use of alliteration and the poetic tone is astounding. You are an awesome writer. It was assuring to receive this critique by someone with such literal tenacity. Thank you very much.

~ Jazz The Poet

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Petals & Pebbles?

Jazz The Poet: Petals & Pebbles reflects the dichotomy of my life. Much of its content was derived from an extensive span of introspect in search of personal healing. Writing from self-examination and self-analysis is very therapeutic. The book, itself, came about after I recited “A Dedication for Pioneers”, a poem I wrote for my father and read at his funeral service, to my beloved friend, Claudia Moss.

Over the years, Claudia (a consummate writer), consistently offered accolades about by writing and often told me that I needed to do something with it. After she heard the poem, she exclaimed, in a tone as if God were speaking himself, “Jaslyn, you have to stop hiding your light, you must share it!” She then invited me to participate in a spoken-word event that she was co-hosting in Atlanta, Georgia.

Of course, I accepted. When I shared this exciting news with my sisters, one of them said, “Sister Jaslyn, if you go to Atlanta to perform, they will want to know how to get in touch with you. You are going to need a profile or something.” It has always been difficult for me to write a profile about myself, so I decided at that moment, I would do one better. I asserted within, “I’ll put a book together and present it during my performance.”

Even though I’d been writing since I was a teen, I never valued my work. I would write poems and give them away. As a result, when I started Petals & Pebbles, I only had four poems in my repertoire. I didn’t allow that to be a deterrent. There was so much inside of me that had been marinating.

With a strong internal volition and I believe my dad’s spirit backing me, I wrote profusely and completed the book in three weeks. Petals & Pebbles was a wonderful birthday gift. I completed my book August 25, 2007, and I performed in the Atlanta spoken-word event that following Labor Day weekend.

JP: Petals & Pebbles is more than a bunch of poetic fluff. You’re actually making bold statements. What poets or even experiences have you drawn from to nurture your bold style as a poet?

Jazz: This question, I absolutely love. When you speak of bold, I am going to answer this question from the perspective of bold meaning daring and fearless. There is a quote by a very wise man whose name is Freddie X Thomas that serves as the basis of my posture as a poet/writer: “There is no religion higher than truth. It is not true because I say so, however, I say so because it is true.”

From my vantage point, I am not being bold, simply being “Jazz”. It has been instilled in my brain to speak the truth regardless of whom or what. Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” I feel I indeed have been freed by the Son.

The Life Giving Teachings of The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad has taught me the knowledge of self and the knowledge of God. God is the only reality, and He alone am I to fear, which makes my bold style as a poet effortless. As long as I can remember, I read about the pain and suffering of my people. I’ve internalized our history to a point where, at times, I feel the spirit of Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Sarah Bartman, and/or Queen Nzingha walking with me.

Injustice and oppression affect me deeply. However, knowing and sharing the truth does not come without a price. I have suffered much persecution by those who fear the truth and desire to keep my people in mental slavery. To expound on the levels and means of persecution that I’ve been and continue to be subjected to would be a whole other book…perhaps in the future.

As far as poets go, Sonia Sanchez is my favorite poet and would say the most influential. In my humble opinion, she, more than most, has an extremely sincere, authentic writing style. It’s so inspiring; it tantalizes all of my senses. It makes me breathe.

Langston Hughes stands out because of the extent of his work, and I adore the way “Simple” expressed himself fearlessly. There are three poems that stand out in my mind that I’ve used when teaching elocution to young people. The messages are very affirmative. (1) “Who Can Be Born Black” by Mari Evans, (2) “Do Not Think” by Carol Freeman and (3) “When I Know the Power of My Black Hand” by Lance Jeffers. Realizing that self-preservation is the first law of nature, I have a natural affinity towards works that reflect and encourage positive thoughts and affirmation towards black people.

Self-hatred has been bred into black people and must be uprooted. On that note, I’ll conclude this question with another quote by Freddie X Thomas, which also supports my posture as a poet/writer: “I am 1000% black. I make absolutely no apologies for being so, without being one iota anti anybody else.”

JP: You are a Muslim woman, and your poetry reflects that and much more. What has been the reaction to Petals & Pebbles by Christians and other non-Muslims?

Jazz: Poetry is an art, and art is universal. I believe, based on the reactions that I’ve received from my Christian family and other non-Muslims, that God is using me as a vessel to demonstrate the Oneness of God. It is interesting that the preceding question inquired about my “bold” style as a poet.

The very first exchange I had happened the day after the 2007 Labor Day weekend spoken word event. I had just completed a trial recording of my signature poem, “Woman of God”. The producer had left the CD playing so that I could hear what my studio voice sounded like. Just as it begun, a woman carrying a Bible came in the studio with her daughter, a songstress.

While waiting for her studio time, they both listened to my poem. After it ended, the woman, who I’d learned was a Pentecostal Apostle, immediately took my hand and started praying: “Father God, thank you for this daughter. Open up the gateways and give her everything she needs to do your work…”

The prayer lasted or about 5 minutes with tears strolling down my face. It was beautiful. I was in Muslim garb, and that was not a hindrance to this wonderful woman of God. She picked up my book then asked me, “Is this your book?” “Yes,” I said. She then asked me the cost and told me that that one was hers. She asked me to autograph it. I did.

When I signed my pen name “Jazz”, she asked me if that was my real name. I told her that my birth name is Jaslyn, and then she asked me what my last name was. When I told her Muhammad, she asked me to put Jaslyn Muhammad in her book, with my contact information. I did.

Then she hugged me and hugged me some more. That was the first of many Christian warriors who after seeing me perform, come to me and start praying for me. They’ve prayed for my protection. They’ve prayed for my success. They’ve prayed for my prosperity. They’ve prayed for me to be able to continue to share.

And on the flip side, I have encountered Christians with a myopic position, just from seeing Allah or Minister Farrakhan’s name in my book; have given the book back to me. The overall embrace, however, has been great. Having been invited to share my gift with so many different diverse atmospheres is truly an honor, and I believe my universal family receives my genuine love.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take to start and finish Petals & Pebbles?

Jazz: I classify myself as a didactic poet, so it is important that my poems reflect some form of lesson, message or moral. Usually, when writing, I will write my thoughts out with pen and pad. Not owning a computer, I would then to the library and type my thoughts, save them to a flash drive, then print them so that I can see what is going on in my head in typed-written form.

Then I will read my work aloud, looking at and listening for any necessary improvements. Most times, I’ll vie my works off my friend Claudia, who has a keen, objective, professional ear; whom I trust as well as respect. She never tries to censure anything that I write; however, she is a certified editor.

It is important for me to write something every day, whether it’s a poem, a letter, a prayer or just plain old journaling. Most of my writing is rooted in actual experiences about me, my family, society or my people. If God brings something to my spirit, I’ll write about it. If something happens that has ill-effected my spirit, I’ll write about it as therapy. I write what I feel when I feel it.

Once I’ve amassed a significant amount of poems, I’ll categorize them. This makes it easier to put them in book form. This is when the creative juices really start flowing, thinking of titles and subtitles for my poems and sections in my books. It is important to me that everything gels with as you say “rhyme and reason”. I may put my project down for a while then come back, revisit a poem or a decision I‘ve made about a particular work and see if my spirit is still content.

The bottom line is that my spirit has to be at peace with my writing. Two of the initial poems, “RIGHTEOUS WOMEN” and “Remembrance” included in Pebbles & Pebbles were written in 2003, the other two, “And Her Light Shineth” and “A Dedication for Pioneers” were written in 2006 and 2007. The others were written within a two-week span. Technically, I began Petals & Pebbles March 2003 and completed it August 2007.

JP: What’s next for Jazz?

Jazz: Currently, I am in the process of putting together two books consecutively. The overall purpose of my writing is to change the frequency. There is far too much focus on sex in our society, and it is my hope to help us to move from the crotch and bring it up a notch. Thus, the title of my upcoming book will be “Stepintomeanewfrequency”.

The other book is a book of love poems exclusively, and its tile is “Love Links”. Both books are complete as far as content goes, just working on the logistics of getting them published. I intend to continue with my performing and motivational speaking, with a focus on women’s empowerment.

Women are going to be the vehicle used to change the overall make-up of society. We need to be continuously nurtured and encouraged. I ask God to use me as a vessel to assist in this revolutionary uplift with the sound of my voice and the tip of my pen.

Facebook: look up Jazz The Poet

Email: JazzThePoet@gmail.com

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Rosemarie Wilson, author of One Single Rose… Poetry Blossomed from a Rose Core
(Aardvark Global Publishing)

One Single Rose… Poetry Blossomed from a Rose Core is a poetry collection about being single, kissing a few frogs before you meet your prince or princess, living, learning and loving yourself. Every character contained therein was typed and written by yours truly, self-published and distributed from my heart and my hands.

After having experienced heartache in 2005, I began writing as a woman scorned with my first poem entitled “Travel and Labor.” As I wrote a few more poems in that vein, I was able to let go of the past and found strength to motivate myself so that I could perhaps motivate others. By doing so, “Can’t = Won’t”, “Love You” and “Don’t Let Anything or Anyone Steal Your Joy” were born.

The inspiration behind these poems comes from three very important lessons that I learned as a child: 1. If you say you can’t, you won’t! 2. Love comes from within and spreads to others–love you, no matter what! Big, tall, short or small, love you! 3. If you let others steal your joy, they have more control of your life than you do. Each one of us holds the keys to unlock our destiny. We are all winners! Embrace positivity and let negativity push you forward to greatness.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write One Single Rose?

Rosemarie Wilson: One Single Rose evolved as a result of being single and becoming involved in ruthless dating games with dishonest men although genuine gentleman suitors reared their beautiful heads from time to time. After releasing the anger via “Travel and Labor”, my energy was focused on healing my soul so that I could make better choices for myself and others without falling into the same dating traps.

JP: What sets One Single Rose apart from other collections of poetry?

RW: One Single Rose is different from any other collection of poetry as it takes the reader through three stages of life—learning, living and loving. We begin learning at an early age; that tutelage is taken into our lives wherein we learn to love ourselves and we give love to others with hopes of becoming the recipient of same. What do those three “L” words mean to you?

JP: As an author, which poets influenced your style? Who did you use as a point of reference for your poetry?

RW: William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe’s poetic prowess created the framework for modern poetry. Maya Angelou’s expressions paint vivid pictures. I have the utmost respect for anything she pens. The points of reference for One Single Rose are real life and fidelity.

JP: What information do you have for aspiring poets who are looking to publish their creations?

RW: Aspiring poets, keep your pen and paper handy so that you’ll be ready when you’re inspired to write! If pen and paper is considered old school in our age of technological advances, pick up your Blackberry and send yourself an e-mail or make a voice note.

To anyone wishing to self-publish your work, JUST DO IT! Nothing beats a failure but to try, and if you tell yourself you can’t, you won’t! If you surround yourself with positive people and energy and push yourself into greatness, all things are possible. Once you reach the first goal, set another . . . when you reach the second goal, set a third and let that cycle continue.

JP: What’s next for Rosemarie Wilson?

RW: Rosemarie Wilson is currently writing the second installment to One Single Rose. I’m also enjoying singing in the Detroit area at different events and becoming involved with the spoken word. I hope to begin writing songs for different artists and poetry for various events. The sky is the limit and I’m shooting for the stars!

http://www.onesinglerose.com/
http://www.myspace.com/onesinglerose313
http://www.twitter.com/onesinglerose

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JoeyPinkney.com Book Review
Petals & Pebbles
by Jazz
5 out of 5 Stars

Before I get into this review, I want to take a cue from a book reviewer that I have grown to truly enjoy, Push Nevahda.  (Check out the link for some of the most interesting book reviews you may ever read.) In that vein, let us begin:

I met Jazz at the African American Literary Tea in Cary, NC. I was a featured author for my short story in The Soul of a Man Anthology.  One of the women at a previous book signing that I coordinated at the Southeast Branch Library in Garner, NC, saw me and invited me to the literary tea. I came to the literary tea an hour late because of miscommunication or something.

When I got there, I was so excited. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I was in it. The tea was set up so that the guests sat at the different tables, and the authors move from table to table. It’s kind of like speed dating. It was fun to talk about the book, but most of the people there were interested in the fact that I review books.

When I met Jazz at her table, she told me about her book of poetry and was interested in me reviewing it. I took a copy in which she wrote down her information. I was excited to read it.

One part of the literary tea that was great was that each of the authors got a chance to speak about their books and its origin. When I got up there, I was beaming like an excited kid. I told my story about how it was great to be up here with some of my peers. It was so interesting to that I went from reading books to having people to listen to me talking about something that I wrote. I actually got a standing ovation at the end of my presentation. Talk about overwhelmed…

After parting ways, this book sat in my backpack for months. I read other books, did author interviews and wrote on my book. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to read Petals & Pebbles. I just didn’t have time to deal with it like I wanted to. One day, I sat down and started looking through the book.

And so begins the book review:

Jazz’s mastery of rhythm and rhyme resonates throughout the poetry of Petals & Pebbles. Although her wisdom is worldly and broad, her subject matter is intimate and isolated. Having studied several spiritual systems, she single-handedly sews together the surreal and the serious. From the ying-yang on the front to the font, the style is both brilliant and blunt.

All poets attempt to create pieces of art parlaying  the language into wordplay, and Jazz is able to passionately paint poetic pictures with the most praiseworthy of peers. However, Jazz’s educated worldview does not edge out or overshadow her ability to portray imagery so vivid and relatable that it will touch the reader to the core. Jazz is able to straddle the fence that separates struggle and strength, serving images of bright stars in the night as easily as the harsh scars of a fight.

For example, in one breath Jazz is schooling a dark-skinned girl to be proud of her skin by presenting the African Queens that came before her.

From: “Ode to Terra (And All of My Darker Sisters)”

Honey this (pointing to my hand) isn’t what makes me pretty. It’s only evidence that the white man has been in my family. What’s inside is who you are.If you’re ugly on the inside, then you are ugly.And if you’re beautiful on the inside, then you’re beautiful.

You are a Princess, destined to become a Queen.

Then she depicts the pain and suffering that comes with unconditionally loving a man who refuses to reciprocate with the same ease in poems like “Enabler”, “Bewildered” and “Decision”.

From “Decision”:

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride
You’d rather run, you’d rather hide
From the wealth of depth I hold inside

Let go of your pride
Accept that I’m more than just a joy ride
For you to lay down and say open wide

At times, Jazz is unapologetically Afro-centric and mercilessly militant. Unafraid to share her understanding, this poet shoots ideas with a focus and aim like the conscious poets of the 60s and 70s. From the thought-provoking “What are you afraid of” to the fiery “Vengeance is mine”, Jazz bares her self so that is no mistaking her position on the state of Black people in America.

From: “What are you afraid of”

Why is it that you don’t want to let us go
Why do you keep surveillance on us to and fro
Is your obsession just your warped deranged ego

Why are you so intimidated
I just want to know

Jazz’s Petals & Pebbles presents the passion of a poet. Both pristine and prissy, this book presents prose from a pretty prophet with the prowess of a professor. This book is both beautiful and bold, beautifully told and a beauty to behold.

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Beverly Collins, author of Quiet Observations
(Xlibris)

Here goes… I am a simple soul who loves all things Art. I was born and raised on the East Coast (Central New Jersey) and currently live in Southern California. My dream is to write full-time and work for an organization that is focused on healing the damage to our oceans… I wrote a poem in Quiet Observations called “Losing our Lease” which speaks of our need to respect Mother Earth.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Quiet Observations?

Beverly Collins: The idea came to put this book together because there seemed to be a theme coming through me, and the book was writing itself. Many of the poems would come to me when I was trying to sleep, and I had to get up and write. I have one poem in my book that I called “Awake” because it would not let me sleep.

JP: What sets Quiet Observations apart from other collections of poetry?

BC: I wanted this book to uplift, inspire and remind us of the simple truths we all know to be true and sometimes forget. I want this book to become a keepsake for the owner. After enjoying my observations, the reader is invited to add their own in the back of the book which they and their families can read over and over in the future.

JP: As an author, what poems or which poets have inspired you to be a poet also?

Maya Angelou and Billy Collins come to mind. But I was more of a big music lover. I did not begin writing poetry until after my mother’s death.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Quiet Observations?

BC: My poetry writing process is much like writing songs. I usually start with the title which is like a road map for my story. Each one has its own tempo. I most enjoy writing poem that rhyme.

JP: What’s next for Beverly Collins?

BC: To continue expanding on my writing. It is such a joy for me. I have several ideas for books that I am finishing up. I also plan to continue being a part of fund raisers for my favorite causes. I want to be part of the solution instead of just talking about how bad things are. I recently donated a car to my local rescue mission. It felt wonderful to help out.

http://www.quietobservations.com/
http://www.myspace.com/beverlymcollinsnow

I appeared in the July Issue of Bits & Pieces magazine their website is http://www.motivateandinspire.com/

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