Prolific Pulse Press Podcast

It was such a delight to meet with Tiffany Kouadio to discuss her lovely children's book "Dear Little Brown Skin Girl"   

ABOUT Little Brown Skin Girl

"Our little girls have a vast, complex world ahead of them. They need to be reminded of their value every day. This book is a little reminder that our girls, no matter what color, are special and their future is bright. This is more than just a story, this is reality."

Walter Stephen Geeding comes from a family of law-enforcement professionals. His father – was FBI; his great-grandfather - former City Marshall of Lanagan in McDonald County; his nephew - a detective in Newton County, MO, is now an instructor of criminology. 1999 through 2006 saw Steve serving McDonald County, Missouri as Elected Prosecutor. In 2007 he opened his solo law firm, W. Stephen Geeding, Attorney at Law, LLC. Steve was born in Washington D.C., but raised in southwestern MO, where his people and his roots are. He attended Missouri Southern State College, before going on to receive his Juris Doctorate in 1996. Steve is former president of Newton/McDonald County Bar Association, the River shares Committee, CRP Committee and Adult, Juvenile, and Family Drug Court. Currently, Steve is a member of Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Missouri Family Law List Serve, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and the North America Hunting Club.

Steve has resided in McDonald County for the last 33 years with his wife Linda. Their blended family has 6 children and 14 grandchildren. He has written and published a trilogy of fantasy and time travel, with a creational theme, based around actual events happening on Earth today. He has published a small book of Christmas poems and short stories. Steve is editing a fifth book, set in 1822 New Mexico, the first in a new fictional series of time travel, is working on the second book in that series, and is attempting to format a full volume of poetry amassed over the last thirty plus years. He has also finished a children’s book, which is currently being illustrated.

Steve’s logo is the word Solitaire, in his words “a diamond in the rough.” Why Solitaire you might ask and his reply would be: Solitaire is my life, my logo. It is best explained by this: Born in Washington DC to an FBI agent, I moved back home to Missouri at an early age, grew up, married, more than once, raised my kids and bought a place on the river I named Solitaire. It has kept me sane and is truly my diamond in the rough.

We have shifted gears at the PPPP and let a couple of phenomenal writers into the mix. After all, there is one poem in this book "We the House."

About the book:

Mrs. Peale has been dead for 38 years and Ambleside is a new Italianate house on the Kansas prairie when her existential yelp sparks the beginning of an unforgettable relationship. We, the House begins in 1878 in a frontier town on the Kansas prairie where a battered Civil War Union veteran builds his new wife her dream house, an Italianate glory she names Ambleside. Soon an early American portrait of Mrs. Simon Peale arrives from Hartford, Connecticut to dignify the dining room wall. When the portrait’s existential yelp causes house and painting to discover each other, Ambleside is a perfect ‘tabula rasa,’ almost literally born yesterday, and Mrs. Peale a devastated young widow, a starchy professor of Latin, who has been dead since 1841. Together, through the lives and generations of ‘their’ family, this disarming odd couple witness and try to comprehend the panorama of American social history–from women’s suffrage, three wars, the ice box, photography, and the invention of the twoby-four, to indoor plumbing and electrification, the Dust Bowl, the Depression, and Dachau, foxglove, the Love That Dare Not Speak its Name, the song of the catbird, and Little Women. Over the decades, a most unusual love develops between them and quietly deepens, until one day in 2010 an art historian from New York happens to see the portrait of Mrs. Peale and, abruptly, everything changes.

Jill Sharon Kimmelman is our guest for this episode of the Prolific Pulse Poetry Podcast. We will celebrate the release of Jill's new and first book of poetry You Are the Poem. 

Following are the links for Jill's Book Launch and Web presence. 

Bingz Huang is a Gentleness Ambassador, and she spreads the message of practicing gentleness through her published books, articles on Medium, intuitive dance videos, and facilitating intuitive healing for fellow sensitive solopreneurs. She lives in sunny Singapore with her young family of 3 young boys. 

www.bingzhuanghealer.com

https://medium.com/gentleness-ambassadors

Julie Sellers is an Associate Professor of Spanish at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. Author of three academic books, her creative prose and poetry has appeared in Cagibi, Eastern Iowa Review, Wanderlust, and Kansas Time + Place. Kansas Author’s Club 2020 Prose Writer of the Year, she is a lifelong fan of Anne of Green Gables.

Bio:

China born Australian Poet Jia-Li Yang (Cassa Bassa) works with the disadvantaged people in the community which gives her a special insight into those that suffer. She is constantly inspired by their resilience and strength. An inquisitive writer that was a bit of a misfit as a child, she has blossomed into her writing.

Publications:

Cassa’s poetry has been published in:

I had the pleasure of interviewing David Martin, Founder of Fine Lines Literary Journal. Have a listen. 

On our panel are:

Susan Brearley

Barbara Truncellito

Jill Sharon Kimmelman 

Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:

Jesse Stanchak has been writing tweets for a long time. His collection has grown and may even go into a book. You can view these tweets at 

Poet Biography
from the Editor, Victoria: "Lisa F. Gullo was a prolific poet who never had the courage to publish her work during her lifetime. She used her writing to try to work through the demons and traumas in her life that included child sexual abuse, hemiplegic migraines and seizures, depression, anxiety, questions of faith, relationships, and attempts at suicide, which ultimately took her life in December 2018. With her family’s permission, her nearly 500 poems were collected and anthologized and became an epic chronicle of her intimate battles and journey to faith."
Note from the Editor, Victoria Maldonado: I am the editor and introduction writer of the collection, and I am submitting this on her behalf to gain awareness for the collection that has already helped so many with traumas in their own lives. In addition, numerous pieces of artwork were donated by artists and photographers to illustrate various poems on the collection.

Howard Moon had a career as a broadcaster and professional writer. He has been published in PhotoMethods, Fire Chief and Fire Engineering magazine, and was the staff writer for Today In Ocala.

His work has appeared online in Folks Magazine.

He was a columnist and Op Ed writer for the Ocala Star Banner and his writing has also appeared in the National Catholic Reporter and Small Change newspapers.

Howard is of Native heritage. He is retired and living in central Florida. He now spends his time writing poetry and flash fiction.

In 2012 he suffered a massive stroke that left me with physical problems as well as a brain injury. He overcame most of the physical issues with physical therapy. The brain injury left him with multiple mental illnesses.

His first book of poems – Poems From A Shattered Brain was about using poetry as a way to describe and live with my mental illnesses.

In 2019 he suffered a second stroke that took half of the peripheral vision in his left eye. At that point he branded myself as the Half Blind Florida Poet.

He has three poetry books on Amazon and a collection of flash fiction Zombie stories – called Zombies Are Not Vegetarians. He is working on a fourth book of poems.

Bill Cushing lived in several states, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico before moving to California. He earned an MFA in writing from Goddard College in Vermont and now lives in Glendale with his wife and their son. He recently retired after teaching college English at both East Los Angeles and Mt. San Antonio colleges for over 20 years.

Published in various journals and anthologies—both in print and online, he is a multiple Pushcart Prize nominee and was named among the Top Ten L. A. Poets in 2017 as well as one of 2018’s “ten poets to watch” by Spectrum Publishing of Los Angeles. In 2019, he won the San Gabriel Valley Chapbook Competition with Music Speaks, a volume recently awarded with a 2021 New York City Book Awards.

Juntu Ahjee is a writer, which, considering where you are reading this makes perfect sense. Originally from Oklahoma City, OK, he began his journey in 1979 at age 10, writing short horror stories which attracted the attention of his English and social study teachers. During his formative years, his writing would evolve into historical essays, journals based on social issues which earned accolades through youth super scholar programs. In 1988, he earned an Urban Spirit Award for his essay on freedom of speech, that led to a literary scholarship to the University of Chicago. In 1999, he relocated to Seattle, WA and embarked on music writing. He was a ‘ghostwriter’ for several local hip-hop artists, to which he recorded underground influential songs like ‘Back in the Hood’ and ‘A Million Dead N***AS’ regarding social consciousness and political corruption in the urban communities. In 2007, he strongly took to poetry, writing several critically acclaimed pieces. In 2019, his poem, ‘81st Street’ won the 2019 National Poetry Award for Nubian Poets. After many years of struggling through life tribulations, Juntu was encouraged through family & friends to pursue a writing career. Although he continues to write literary essays on his personal website, his short stories range from crime dramas, historical fiction, comedies, thrillers, family dramas, and westerns. He has many more efforts in current development soon to be released. As Juntu would say, “You are the author of your own story, embrace every chapter!”

Bethany is an LA based author and freelance writer who specializes in writing about all things dating and relationships. She loves delving into human emotions and connections and how we express those through our relationships. Her poetry spans all genres, she loves how poetry connects and unites and allows us to connect on a deeper level. She has had several pieces published in her debut book. Apologies I Never Got, features dating and relationship horror stories, phrased as apologies we never got, from the people who never gave them to us. She considers the apologies as a type of micro poem, as it tells an entire story in a few short lines.  

LaMia Michele was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, Pa in a small city that is packed with great history, that city is Chester, Pa. She attended the Pennsylvania public school system where she excelled in reading and writing. They were her favorite subjects.

While her style of writing is uniquely hers to own there is one word that perfectly describes the kind of writer Pierce is, an uncompromised truthful one. LaMia is a poet and what sets her apart and makes her unique is that she has used pain and self-reflection as a mechanism for penning brilliant prose and heartfelt poetry.

This biblical scripture embodies Lamia’s life’s mantra, “out of the abundance of her heart flows the issues of life”. Pierce’s path to healing goes hand in hand with her journey of spiritual awakening.

More than an author, and grandmother of two, this poetess enjoys blogging. Lamia will make Podcasting a part of her business and communications brand. You can follow this fearless lady on her YouTube channel where you will find inspirational videos as well.

When it comes to Feeling Human, Susi Bocks has nailed it. And before I go on, let me tell you about the artist, Terry Susi. The work she placed in this book is amazing. She captured the emotions portrayed in Bocks words. What a lovely connection. 

This book is an invitation to delve into the emotions which come from feeling human, a most appropriate title. In this book, you will find the results of careful study by the writer and poetry to emphasize the introductions she writes, so perfectly. 

Feeling Human is about emotions, poetry about emotions, artistic interpretations, and more. I believe this book would make a great activity book for discovering self along with activities such as writing poetry or essays. Bocks, get your workshop ready, I am signing up!

Zan Johns has created a masterpiece dedicated to the importance of cherished lives. In Poetic Forecast, Johns genuinely appreciates the value of others. Reading this book has put me in a forecast of sunshine and cloudy times, tissues sometimes needed and other time, a pair of flip-flops as I enjoy the warmth of this beautiful ink. Love, life, happiness, sadness and a healthy mix as memoir poetry, touches my heart. And I put this in the present tense as this book is on I will keep in my collection as one to cherish and read over and again. My favorite poem in this collection is “What Matters.” And I invite you to read it and find out what truly does matter and how when you read on into this amazing book, you won’t want to put it down.

See Yourself in Others: Celebrate Them, Celebrate You! Let's have a discussion and workshop with the celebrated poet Zaneta Varnado Johns.  

LaMia Michele was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, Pa in a small city that is packed with great history, that city is Chester, Pa. She attended the Pennsylvania public school system where she excelled in reading and writing. They were her favorite subjects.

While her style of writing is uniquely hers to own there is one word that perfectly describes the kind of writer Pierce is, an uncompromised truthful one. LaMia is a poet and what sets her apart and makes her unique is that she has used pain and self-reflection as a mechanism for penning brilliant prose and heartfelt poetry.

This biblical scripture embodies Lamia’s life’s mantra, “out of the abundance of her heart flows the issues of life”. Pierce’s path to healing goes hand in hand with her journey of spiritual awakening.

More than an author, and grandmother of two, this poetess enjoys blogging. Lamia will make Podcasting a part of her business and communications brand. You can follow this fearless lady on her YouTube channel where you will find inspirational videos as well.

This sensitive and gifted writer is also a Certified Life Coach and first-time published author. Her first book is available now on Amazon: “She Writes From the Heart”

For speaking engagements and all other means of contact this busy author invites you to follow her on these social media platforms:

Kassie J Runyan is a best-selling poet and fiction author who currently resides in New York City with her husband, Rick; and their two companion animals – Lily (kitten) and Sydney (parrot). Marketer by day and writer and explorer by night. When she is not exploring the US and other countries or spending time back home with family, you can find her walking the streets of NYC with Rick, searching for a new brewery or looking for a stray animal to love.

Kassie has focused heavily on homelessness and mental illness – both in her writing and in her previous volunteer work with the Red Cross. Her novel, that is in edit, focuses on one man’s journey into homelessness and loss. And her two poetry collections from 2020, “This is 2020” and “Their Footsteps” give a portion of their proceeds to organizations that focus on helping the future of the human race, Coalition For The Homeless, Color Of Change, and Heifer International.

Juntu Ahjee is a writer, which, considering where you are reading this makes perfect sense. Originally from Oklahoma City, OK, he began his journey in 1979 at age 10, writing short horror stories which attracted the attention of his English and social study teachers. During his formative years, his writing would evolve into historical essays, journals based on social issues which earned accolades through youth super scholar programs. In 1988, he earned an Urban Spirit Award for his essay on freedom of speech, that led to a literary scholarship to the University of Chicago. In 1999, he relocated to Seattle, WA and embarked on music writing. He was a ‘ghostwriter’ for several local hip-hop artists, to which he recorded underground influential songs like ‘Back in the Hood’ and ‘A Million Dead N***AS’ regarding social consciousness and political corruption in the urban communities. In 2007, he strongly took to poetry, writing several critically acclaimed pieces. In 2019, his poem, ‘81st Street’ won the 2019 National Poetry Award for Nubian Poets. After many years of struggling through life tribulations, Juntu was encouraged through family & friends to pursue a writing career. Although he continues to write literary essays on his personal website, his short stories range from crime dramas, historical fiction, comedies, thrillers, family dramas, and westerns. He has many more efforts in current development soon to be released. As Juntu would say, “You are the author of your own story, embrace every chapter!”

Ann Chiappetta M.S. author  and poet.

Making meaningful connections with others through writing.

Ann’s poems, creative nonfiction, essays and fiction regularly appear in journals, online magazines, blogs and small press reviews. Ann’s poetry has found a place in the pages of Breath and Shadow’s 2016 debut anthology, Dozen: The Best of Breath and Shadow.  Four books fill Ann’s authorly shelves and a fifth book is on its way in 2021. One overarching goal for Ann is to offer her books in all eBook, print and audio and file formats. Besides reading and writing, Ann spends time with her two- and four-footed family in New York’s historic and beautiful lower Hudson valley and continues to develop a mutually beneficial relationship with her assistive technology.

Each month the Passion of Poetry Facebook Group is invited to share their poetry via Open Mic. 

Timo Schmitz (born 1993 in Germany) is a language fanatic, philosopher, journalist, poet and book author. He studied psychology, philosophy and political science at Trier University, where he completed his bachelor in the latter two subjects. Schmitz is a professional writer since 2013 when he published his first book and since 2014, he shares opinions, thoughts and knowledge as well as papers with academic intent on his blog. In December 2016, Timo Schmitz published “My Archive of Languages”, a book that contains more than 50 languages, including an orthography proposal on Lingao, which is an unwritten language.

Timo Schmitz is the founder and chief editor of the Journal of Ethnophilosophical Questions and Global Ethics, the first issue was published in October 2017. In 2018, his Judeo-Buddhist philosophy followed, in which he syncretized Judaism and Buddhism which is strongly under Platonian influence. His bachelor thesis, which he passed in 2019, is an analysis of the lot cast in Plato’s Myth of Er in The Republic. His philosophical core interests lie in Platonism, Chassidic philosophy, Bantu Ontology and Asian philosophy. He has a strong interest in the Old Testament on which he dedicates himself in his spare time. In addition, Schmitz has contributed articles for German and U.S. newspapers.

LINKS:

Linwood Jackson Jr. is an author  and poet writing on personal devotional health. He is someone who believes in the power of the Bible's words when sincerely exercised and studied. Through his books, speeches, and discourses, he encourages to think and feel for self's growth and development,  that self-love may bloom into self-possession through the knowledge acquired from experience. This, he says, betters the personal and devotional life not only for the person, but also for all around them.

In love with the written word, Sheree Ann Martines has been a prolific writer for more than four decades. After writing her first poems in third grade, poetry became a life-long passion. Her poetry and essays have appeared in the Fog City Poetry, the Martha Reid Poetry Review and Women, Etc.

Linwood Jackson Jr. is an author  and poet writing on personal devotional health. He is someone who believes in the power of the Bible's words when sincerely exercised and studied. Through his books, speeches, and discourses, he encourages to think and feel for self's growth and development,  that self-love may bloom into self-possession through the knowledge acquired from experience. This, he says, betters the personal and devotional life not only for the person, but also for all around them.

We had our monthly Living Poetry Poet's Connection meeting on January 9 2021 with special guest Denise Gibbon, Literary Attorney. She talked about copyright and answered several questions related to literary law and poetry protection.

C. Reign, born TaChae Range in Harrisburg, Pa. is a poet, writer, artist, author and self-proclaimed amateur genealogist. She researches her family and combines the knowledge with oral traditions she heard growing up, along with the mythology of reality to write literature about her family. A writer since the age of 9 and poet from the age of 13, at 16 she added amateur genealogist and family historian to her already impressive resume. 
C. writes for and about people, especially Black women, who internally manifest themselves with hopelessness & feelings of worthlessness, for and about women and girls who lose themselves in relationships.

She writes about black femininity, her own family & their history via oral traditions and attempts to show the consistent similarities between mythology and reality.

C. will have her bachelor's in Professional Writing from Bridgewater College, then go on to earn her MFA in Writing.

Sonia Iris Lozada is a poet and performer fascinated with perceptions of time, history, dreams, and the metaphysical. Her #1 bestselling publications include Inspire Me: Raw (2017), Follow Akashic Dreaming through Time (2019), and Inspire Me: Perception (2019). Her upcoming book is entitled “Inspire Me: In Time of Need” which is the third in the “Inspire Me series”. Poetry has always been Sonia’s way of explaining the bi-cultural world around her.   As an actor for both stage and screen, she has appeared in films such as Out of the Wild and Expired among others. Her podcast, "Poetic Resurrection" is in development and slated to launch in 2021.  Her book Follow: Akashic Dreaming Through Time is currently being adapted for film. In her spare time, Sonia is a mentor at WriteGirl, an organization that promotes self-expression and empowerment for teens.

Carla M. Cherry is a native of the Bronx, NY. A graduate of Spelman College, New York University, and Lehman College, she has been teaching in the New York City public schools since 1996. Her poetry has appeared in various publications, including Anderbo, Eunoia Review, Dissident Voice, Random Sample Review, Firefly Magazine, Picaroon Poetry, Streetlight Press,MemoryHouse, Bop Dead City, Ariel Chart, Anti-Heroin Chic, The Racket and a forthcoming issue of Raising Mothers. She has published four books of poetry through Wasteland Press: Gnat Feathers and Butterfly Wings (2008), Thirty Dollars and a Bowl of Soup (2017), Honeysuckle Me (2017), and These Pearls Are Real (2018). Her fifth and latest book, Stardust and Skin (2020), was published by iiPublishing. She is an M.F.A. candidate in Creative Writing at the City College of New York.

Website:

Arlene S. Bice is an author, speaker, educator, editor, and poets. She hosts Poetry in Nature on selective Sundays,

is a member of TAF, IWWG and founding member of Warren Artists’ Market. She lives in South Hill, Virginia.

Recently she contributed to and edited "What if?" 

As a Caribbean woman and mother, Danielle Martin crafts poetry with a distinct vibe and intensity innate of her experiences and culture. However, she believes we are all versions of each other. Meeting at different stages or sometimes barely touching as we slide through life's chaotic dimensions.

Writing is her solace and "Kissing Shadows: Caribbean Love Poems" is her first published Anthology of poetry.

Additionally, her work has been featured in several publications, Ariel Chart, Claudius Speaks, Free Lit Magazine, the 2016 and 2017 Poetry Marathon Anthologies and most recently the Organic Poet.

Danielle currently spends her time engaged in writing workshops and drinking copious amounts of coffee.

Her favourite mantra is... "And this too shall pass".

Look out for new work from this emerging writer, once she defeats her nemesis...procrastination.

Check out and follow Danielle Martin on:

On November 14 a group of poets met via the Living Poetry Meetup for the monthly Poet's Connection meeting. Featured this day was JeanMarie Olivieri, experienced editor for poetry and other works. JeanMarie gave an interesting workshop about submitting poetry for publication.

A published author and poet, public speaker, and social activist Noelle Nams has been writing since her childhood. She published her first book “It’s all bcoz of you” a college romance fiction novel, when she was 22 years old. In August 2020 she published her second book, which is her debut poetry book- “Unconditional - Breaking free for love” a collection of 101 eternal love poems. This book was #1 New Release on Amazon within 24 hours of launching.

Noelle states: "Apart from writing, I am very fond of traveling and gardening. I also enjoy cooking a lot, and keep experimenting with various cuisines quite often."

Carol Grever is a recognized poet and nonfiction author. Glimpses, her 2013 poetry collection, won the top Colorado Authors’ League prize. Her memoir, Turnings, won 2017 honors. As an authority on mixed-orientation marriage, she’s interviewed on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, Anderson Cooper 360, and The Early Show.

We bring LaVan Robinson back to talk some more and to share the news about his 3 books of poetry. 

This podcast includes and interview with CHYREL J. JACKSON but features both Jackson and her sister LYRIS WALLACE 

Chyrel J. Jackson and Lyris D. Wallace are avid lovers, readers and writers of African American Literature. They grew up in a Southern Suburb of Chicago, IL. Country Club Hills. As young girls they read Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, and Judy Blume novels. College was the real scholastic awakening introducing these two Literary Enthusiasts to the Literary works of their great ancestors: James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez. These writers influenced Chyrel and Lyris. It only makes sense that they would now be writing in the Spirit of these ancestors. Giving a voice to social issues that plague our modern time.

Their latest self-published work a book of poetry is Different Sides of the Same Coin. It is a modern collage of poetry as experienced from the Black female perspective of 2 sisters and authors. This collection of poems is refreshing and unique. It is a heartwarming work of new age black voice and spoken word. This adaptation highlights the human experience of life, love, loss, parting and sorrow. Timeless wording, honestly written with a little of the unexpected. Black Expression has never been more relevant and real. This work is an interesting twist on Harlem Renaissance revisited as it collides with 2020 social struggles of our current time. In no short order we are reminded of why written and spoken word is so vital to the sustenance of African American Literature.

They have written for much of their adult lives. Political Opinion Editorials, Book Reviews, Romance Novels, Television Show Treatments, Journaling, and Poetry are what these sisters enjoy writing best. When asked why they write? Their answer, they write for visibility. They want to be a voice for all those who feel they have something of value to say but aren’t capable of putting it in their own words.

Words surpass life, love and loss. Writers are born when life intersects with time and chance. You will always find them doing what they love reading, and writing. Writing, and telling stories is how they fulfill their divine purpose. You can’t ignore what is so visible and undeniable. Writing saved us at our lowest points in living. We hope to provide healing through our writing. We want to uplift others through their pain as writing has uplifted us and provided great healing in time of profound despair and hurt. Throughout the passage of time words remain.

Justine Quammie is a human being engaged in multiple roles, and answers to names like: daughter, cousin, writer, activist, and creative. Primary loves swing between nature, and the arts. Justine enjoys being called, Professor Quammie by her students at Prince George’s Community College where she helps freshmen gain life skills necessary for college and personal prosperity.

Between 2017 and 2018, Justine published 2 books of poetry; the first one was titled, Tributes and Metaphors, and the most recent book was, #truthchapters: A Collection of Creative Writing.

Currently, she runs a blog centered around police officers who want to explore alternative and rewarding life or career paths at quammiecreativecourses.com.

TIMOTHY WADE PAYTON, born June 18th 1976, is an American writer, Artist, Award-winning poet, book reviewer, literary critic and tutor. He is widely recognized as a Public Figure and within the culture of Poetry as a whole. Timothy began writing at the age of 15 and would write for family and friends, as a hobby. Timothy has helped and encouraged numerous writers with his selfless contribution to the world of literature and continues to thrive and enlighten the world around him. Timothy also has written a Poetry Book entitled Scattered Colors which is available on Amazon.

KATHY JO BLAKE-BRYANT resides in California, a former Texan. She is a Domestic Engineer and devoted genealogist, having authored a two volume book on genealogy. 

Kathy Jo has been an active member of poetry groups and has used her poetry as an introduction to her genealogy. She in an administrator for the Passion of Poetry Facebook group and supports other poets in their efforts. Her poetry has been accepted on Bharath Vision, a top worldwide platform for writers and poets, The Sparrow, a recitative YouTube poetry group, and has received many glowing accolades for her poetry.

A poetry reading with contributors to Arlene Bice's anthology. "An anthology of women on fire! A collection of women coming from all directions of life, aflame to reveal who they are and how they came to be today’s woman! Women’s stories aired for the first time, in print, defiantly, daring you to challenge their choices in life whether they continue a contented life at home tending a happy family or strike out into the wilderness. The modern women of today lived more widely divergent lives than history has shown before. We are living longer with more freedom and taken advantage of a freedom to change oppressive lives to ones that blossomed us into beauties."

SARFRAZ AHMED lives and works in the East Midlands, professional trained as a careers adviser and has branched out as trainer, assessor, and a careers writer. He has been writing for poetry for eighteen years and has contributed his poems to many anthologies published over the years including; Paint the Sky With Stars, published by Re-invention UK and many others by published by the United Press, as well as many other contributions online. In his spare time he enjoys music and travelling and engaging with the arts.

Lisa Tomey has been a writer of poetry for several years, but it has been in the past 20 years when she has focused on developing her work. Starting the Tri-Write-Club online, she reached out to poets to offer their works for critique in exchange for critique, as admission to the group. This was all done anonymously. Lisa will share about this group and about what has happened since. 

JILL SHARON KIMMELMAN was nominated for a Pushcart Prize, in Poetry and Best Of The Net 2018. Publications include Vita Brevis Press, Spillwords Press, Yasou!A Celebration Of Life Ezine, Compositor, Writing In A Woman’s Voice blogspot, Poetic Musings, Delaware Boots On The Ground, and Better Than Starbucks. 

Her passions include reading aloud, “cooking from the heart”, theatre, lively book discussions, and photography. She lives in Delaware with her husband Tim, and is the proud mother of her son Jordan.

Originally from N.C born in Wilson N.C. KENDRA "Kiki" JONNELL runs her own cab business and also dispatches. She enjoys reading, writing, and traveling.  She has been writing since childhood and get paid by others to write love letters. "Black Rose" is the first book of a series. White Roses will be the next book. 

Veteran Larry Richardson started writing poetry in high school and as of October 2010 he published the second edition of  "Songs of Lala - the Poet" Richardson shared, "I love poetry and will use it to inspire people and bring them closer to God." He writes under the penname of LAVAN ROBINSON in honor of his mother, Mary Robinson. m 

I met LaVan in a writer's group and when I mentioned I would like to have some poets read for a Meetup, he volunteered. Much of what LaVan writes is prose poetry and his talent with this is, well, you listen and you will likely be feeling the feels as much as myself and the many others who have been speechless after LaVan's words are dropped. He goes from a love poems to love of life poems to poems about the state of world from his perspective. 

LaVan will be reading from his book as well as some other poems he has written since. 

ARUNA GURUMURTHY is an author and observer of human nature. Since her childhood in Mumbai, India, she has embarked on a journey of creative exploration and in her poems, tries to capture the beauty and art in the world. Aruna writes about wisdom and discovery to development in "Diya", to perceptions and change in "Buddha in The Brain", and celebration of love and motherhood in "Puppet Dolls”. Through her emphatic prose poems and sestinas, Aruna pens on a variety of themes and empowers people from many walks of life. An author of seven books and poetry collections since 2015, Aruna’s body of work also appears in the regional anthologies Heron Clan V & VI and the literary journals FewerThan500, What it is to Be A Woman, BlogNostics, Fine Lines and Grand Little Things, reflecting an insightful journey of struggles and jubilations on the path to peace. She lives with her loving family in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

MARCELLA REMUND is a native of Omaha, Nebraska, and a South Dakota transplant, where she teaches at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. She also serves as Faculty Advisor for the University’s only creative writing & literary student organization, the Vermillion Literary Project (VLP).

Her poems have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies. She is the author of a chapbook, The Sea is My Ugly Twin (Finishing Line Press 2018), and her first full-length collection, The Book of Crooked Prayer, is out from Finishing Line in July 2020.

In addition to her own writing and university teaching, Marcella has been teaching writer-ly classes and giving presentations in public community education settings for more than 20 years. These classes include a broad range of subjects, including beginning creative writing, journaling, dream journaling, an introduction to the Magdalene Laundries of Ireland, and more.

I will be interviewing Marcella Remund and she will be reading poems from her latest book.