Category Archives: poetry

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5 Minutes 5 Questions With… Dionne Oakley, author of Through My Eyes

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Dionne Oakley, author of Through My Eyes
(Xlibris Publishing)

Through My Eyes is a compilation of my ups and downs, joys and pains, innermost feelings and deepest thoughts. I take you on a roller coaster of poems, touching on various subjects such as love, gossip, money, sex, and self worth–just to name a few. Reflecting on my life experiences, I open up my heart and take you on an emotional journey with me that you are sure to enjoy!


dionne oakley headshot through my eyes book cover

(click on the above pictures to see reviews of this book on Amazon.com)

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Through My Eyes?

Dionne Oakley: As a child growing up I loved to write poems. By the time I became an adult I had basically stopped writing poems until a co-worker began sharing her poetry with me. That ignited my interest in writing poems again, so I decided one day to write a poem just to see if I still had the gift of writing. I showed it to my co-workers and friends. They really liked it! Then I wrote another poem, and another one, and another. Each time I would get great responses and great feedback from the readers. That’s when the idea came that I should write a collection of poetry and get it published.

JP: What sets Through My Eyes apart from other novels in its genre?

DO: There are a number of things that set’s Through My Eyes apart from other collections of poetry The first thing that comes to mind is the variety. A lot of poetry books have chapters in them to give you a heads up on what that section of poems will be about. I purposely left the chapters out of my book because I wanted it to be like a box of chocolates. The reader goes from one poem to the other not knowing the flavor until they take a bite!

Here’s another thing I’ve noticed about some collections of poetry that differs from mine: Some are so deep, I can’t understand them. If I can’t comprehend what I’m reading, I can’t enjoy what I’m reading. I get deep with some of my poems, but my poems don’t go over the readers head. It goes right to the reader’s heart. I truly believe that what comes from the heart will reach the heart.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Through My Eyes getting out to the public?

DO: The keys to my success will be determination and faith. But faith without works is dead! You have to work hard to promote your book. I’ve gone to local bookstores and asked if they will sell some of my books as well as allow me to have book signings there. I’ve sold books out of the trunk of my car. What really surprised me is how the book sold itself! All I had to do is hand it to a person, let them look at a couple of pages, and they bought it. That’s when I knew this book was special, and I thanked God.

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

DO: My writing process varies with poetry because there are some poems that pour out of me so fast and so easy. I can hardly keep up with writing down everything that’s flowing out of me! It’s like Wow! Amazing! Then there are poems that may not flow so free at first. I may end up doing a rough draft, then revising and editing the poem.

It took me about two years to complete Through My Eyes because I wrote the poems when I was inspired or when the poem came to me. Also this being my first book, I had no idea about the steps I needed to take to publish it. I was kind of feeling my way through the process.

JP: What’s next for Dionne Oakley?

DO: I am writing another collection of poetry and plan to publish it in 2009. I have also started on a novel. Both are yet to be titled, but guaranteed to be good! I also plan on venturing into greeting cards somewhere down the line. Other than that I plan on continuing to promote my book “Through My Eyes.”

Everyone can order this great collection of poetry online. Go to Xlibris.com, Amazon.com, Borders.com or BN.com. It is best to type in my name, Dionne Oakley. That will bring up the book and eliminate any confusion since there are several other books with a similar title. You can also check me out on myspace at myspace.com/deedaweeda.

P.S. Join the Joey Reviews Newsletter at http://joeypinkney.com/joey-reviews-newsletter.html

P.S.S. If you want to be feature in a 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… series, email me at joey.pinkney@gmail.com or myspace.com/joeyreviews

5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com, interview, poems, poet, poetry, romance, sex

5 Minutes 5 Questions With… Eternity Philops, author of Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume One

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JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Eternity Philops, author of Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume One
(Black Tygre Publications)


eternity philops headshot visions of a cryptic mystery book cover

(click on the pictures to see reader’s reviews of this book on amazon)

Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume One is Eternity Philops’ first accomplished collection. A debut of her unique writing style and talent, Visions of a Cryptic Mystery showcases a diverse compendium of poetry and short stories born to Philops’ over an extensive period of time.

Divided into three concentrated segments, Philops’ literary assemblage encompasses works expressing love, life, and loss. Each piece is a real world reflection of the Black lesbian experience. Feel the intense sensations of a woman’s dual physical attraction. Look on as two lifelong friends reflect on the path not taken. Submerge yourself in the poetic prose of unconditional love, unfortunate loss, and all that’s in between.

Visions of a Cryptic Mystery will take readers on a journey that delves into their own emotions and passions. From the sexual to the spiritual, Philops’ creative imagery and metaphoric verse brings to life one’s own imaginative and emotional senses.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume One?

Eternity Philops: I’ve been writing for what seems like my entire life. When I first started it was simply to try it as a creative outlet. I soon learned I had a real literary talent. Visions of a Cryptic Mystery is the resulting collection of poems over a number of years. At some point I was going through my collection, picking out the good from the bad, and decided that I had enough extraordinary work to publish my first book. The book title itself is born out of a description of my character and personality. I am in essence a cryptic mystery, and my writings are my creative visions.

JP: What sets Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume One apart from other books of poetry?

EP: For one, it is a collection of not only poetry, but also of short stories. I personally have only come across such collections when they are in anthology form, not as an assemblage by a single author. The two forms can complement each other, and that is what I was going for.

What also sets my book apart is the writing style. I greatly enjoy Elizabethan/Shakespearean English and use it in a number of my poems. Also, despite my title being aimed at Black lesbians, it has a universal appeal to all kinds of women, and men too, regardless of race, culture, or sexuality. My book encompasses feelings and experiences that nearly anyone can relate, or at least empathize with.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume One getting out to the public?

EP: Ha ha, I’m still working on that! I am new to the publishing scene. Being the renaissance woman I am, I opted to start my own publishing company rather than yield to the rules and regulations of another. But what success I have garnered thus far is due to patience and diligence, and seeking publicity wherever and whenever I can. Contacting you is a prime example of such. Writers can’t just sit and wait to be discovered because there is just far too much competition.

Forgive me if I sound conceited, but one has to really have a talent for writing. It’s competitive. There are a lot of works out there that really aren’t as good as one would think, yet they have large appeal. When you have a totally different style of writing with a different approach to subjects, you have to make sure your stuff is truly good to really get noticed.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume One?

EP: I started writing in my childhood and just kept collecting my work as it flowed. I had no real intentions of publishing. It was just something to do that I was pretty good at. Once I decided to actually publish the collection and start a publishing company…let’s see, I technically started in November 2007.

Now I have to begin Volume Two. That will entail starting a whole new collection of poetry and short stories. In general, my writing process is to just write down whatever flows. Often I’ll come up with a title and tailor the story or poem to match that vision. That was the case with my short story, “Other Side of the Moon”. Other times I have a concept, begin to write, and it turns into something completely different, like my poem “Historian”.

But the most important thing is to just let creativity flow. When it does, write it down immediately. I’ve lost a lot of time on works because I didn’t write down a thought or line or passage when it came to me.

JP: What’s next for Eternity Philops?

EP: In addition to writing I’m also a novice photographer, and have been working on that a little (www.fledgeling-foto.com). I also have a few online shops: Defined By Faith (www.Defined-By-Faith.com), a shop with gay Christian merchandise, and Stupid Random Stuff (www.buy-this-stuff.com), which is exactly what it sounds like!

Right now I’m focusing on marketing Visions of a Cryptic Mystery and really getting myself noticed. The next two literary projects will be Visions of a Cryptic Mystery: Volume Two, there will be three volumes in all, as well as a novel. Which will come first? Even I’m not sure on that one!

www.Eternity-Philops.com
www.MySpace.com/Defined_By_Faith

P.S. Join the Joey Reviews Newsletter at http://joeypinkney.com/joey-reviews-newsletter.html

P.S.S. If you want to be feature in a 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… series, email me at joeyDOTpinkneyATgmailDOTcom or myspace.com/joeyreviews

5 minutes 5 questions with, african american author, african american authors, african american book, african american books, amazon.com, chase von, interview, poems, poet, poetry, urban fiction, urban lit, von chase publishing company, your chance to hear the last panther speak

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With Chase Von, author of Your Chance To Hear The Last Panther Speak

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Chase Von, author of Your Chance To Hear The Last Panther Speak
(Von Chase Publishing Company)

Chase von, the author of Your Chance To Hear The Last Panther Speak, has had a story included in this publication featured in the 2007 American Review Literary Journal Vol. One, edited by world famous author, poet and consultant to the stars, Bryant H. McGill. Pieces of Chase’s work have also been included in Songs of Hope, a compilation by Sachel.

Your Chance To Hear The Last Panther Speak is a collection of poetry, song lyrics, quotes and short stories that address many of the issues in today’s world, as well as life in general. Soft and touching in some places and quite direct in others, this book’s impact is most aptly summed up by the collection of heart-felt comments and testimonies listed on the back of the book.

Commentaries are given by actresses, teachers, poets and story tellers and inspirational singers, songwriters and life coaches. This book is sure to leave its mark on the world of literature and will, no doubt, have something in it that touches and reaches whomever reads it, from whatever walk or station in life.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Your Chance to Hear the Last Panther Speak?

Chase Von: Hey Joey, and I appreciate you finding the time to speak with me. I’ve been writing off and on since I was 12 or 13. I moved around a lot as a child being a product of a military father so books became the friends that I knew I could always take with me.

Even though I did fail the first grade, reading just came to me later. I suddenly knew how to read when I was small. It’s like all the squiggly little lines just made sense one day. After that, I had my head stuck in a book. Regardless how many times we moved or who I had to say good bye to, I still had Black Beauty, Big Red, The Call Of the Wild, Charlotte’s Web, to bring with me.

JP: What is the significance of the title Your Chance to Hear the Last Panther Speak? Why did you choose it for the collection of poetry?

CV: Well Joey, originally, I was going to do a joint project with an incredible writer and friend by the name of Glynis Boyd. That, for reasons I don’t want to get into, fell through.

It was going to be a book from both the male and female perspective. It was going to be based on a poem I wrote called “Vibrations. Loud Thoughts, Silent Statements, Quiet Whispers” if I remember correctly, but I changed the title when it did fall through to provide a separation of sorts.

We had art work by a famous artist that was to be included but when things went sour, I felt going alone I had to change the name. Do know me and Glynis are still friends. I just felt that I had to go forth and continue and change what we had originally agreed to call it for new birth.

The other thing about the title is we have all heard of Dead Poets. So, in my opinion whether, I am alive or not, if someone picks up my book, it will still be an opportunity for them to hear me speak.

Lastly, I am Black, Blackfoot and Cherokee Indian and possibly French. Lots of people have heard of Black Elk or Sitting Bull. The name The Last Panther is a tribute to my American Indian heritage. I’m a mutt, meaning I am Black and Indian and also perhaps French according to family lore.

I did receive a picture from an aunt not too long ago of my great, great Grandfather who was born a slave, and taught to read by his father, who was also his master. As you know, it was taboo for the slaves to know how to read. My great, great grandfather founded one of the first black churches in Virginia.

Looking at the name, which I don’t want to reveal here, leads even more credence to the French part, but my world being a mutt is simple. Good People, Bad People. I don’t try and see colors, I try and see hearts. Makes life pretty simple in those regards.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Your Chance to Hear the Last Panther Speak getting out to the public?

CV: Well, to be honest, the primary one I call not only my friend but my boss as well is Judyth Piazza. A wonderful and intelligent woman who interviewed me on her show, The American Perspective. After our interview she asked me if I would like to write for her and also mentor students.

I was blown away! Here’s a woman that has interviewed Jack Canfield, Billy D. Williams and God knows how many other notables asking me if I wanted to be a part of what she was doing.

I told her I, through my writing had met many interesting people as well and maybe in addition to dropping in and giving praise to student writers, sharing some of the things I had written, I could perhaps contribute and interview here and there as well.

The rest is historical to me. I’ve interviewed some amazing people, and I am of the opinion of when you give you get. So helping others get the word out about what they do has certainly made me more visible than I would have otherwise imagined.

And I have Judyth Piazza to thank for that.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Your Chance to Hear the Last Panther Speak?

CV: I’m what you might call a catcher. I don’t get out of bed thinking I’m going to write something today. Thoughts hit me and if I’m near a computer I write them down. I’ve also been on buses writing them down on match books or what ever else I could find. Even the stories that come to me are things I catch. And have to find a way to get them before they get away.

Nothing takes long for me. In fact, it takes no time at all. I don’t live my life thinking. What can I write next? I live my life like wow. Another burst of thoughts that has to be caught!

JP: What’s next for Chase Von?

CV: I wish I knew, Joey. It’s hard to say. I am communicating and meeting and interviewing rising stars and stars that are already in place so who knows? I do hope to as the Game would say, have my pen feed me and mine one day. That’s a tall expectation for a poet although I also write song lyrics, quotes, and short stories, but I guess what’s next is I will continue to dream…and catch.

http://www.myspace.com/chase77777
Novesahc@aol.com

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