To be on the top of your game and get your work seen by the public (which is why we write...right?) you need to do the footwork, market, and sell yourself as well as your writing.
In an effort to do said task to the best of my ability I've scoured several thousands of tomes on marketing and promoting for writers. But time and time again I'm left with little substance, nothing of real workable value, and that's because more often than not these self-help books are written for those promoting non-fiction.
Where does the poor fiction writer turn? We can use only some of the basic principles noted for the non-fiction group. So in the interest of fairness I thought I'd devote my blog to marketing specifically for fiction writers.
Up first - The Book Trailer - Is it really worth it?
There's a new trend in the book business, I'm sure you've seen it everywhere by now, and that is a 2-3 minute "commercial style" pitch of the novels overall theme and story. They are made to look like movie trailers. My question is why wasn't this thought of sooner?
Human beings by nature are very visual creatures. Add to that the compounding busy schedules and trying to capture their attention with a simple written hook sometimes falls flat. Now suppose you take that same well-written hook add some eye catching pictures, some grabbing music, and you've got a little attention getter.
There are rules though. A quick slap and paste won't cut it. Your trailer needs to embody your work and encapsulate it to no more than 2-3 minutes...again people are in a hurry, anything longer than that and you risk losing their attention.
Develop a tagline (you should already have this in your marketing forteit anyhow). Flush out your plot and characters and boil it down to about 3-4 sentences. Make absolutely certain the images and music match your books theme and message. If you can shoot live action - great! So much the better. There are websites devoted to making that happen for you. But more often than not the simple, straight forward approach of imagery works just fine.
Here are some examples of trailers for my various novels.
DEMON HUNTER: THE CHOSEN ONE
DEMON HUNTER: SEEK & DESTROY
THEATER of PAIN
THE CRESCENT (MADE BY COS PRODUCTIONS)
If you are an author or business professional in need of a trailer...contact me!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Fitness that's Fun
Are you ready for the fitness portion of this blog series? I'm going to pump you up...but let's have some fun with this. At first blush this might look like an advertisement for the various machines I have listed. Not true, I never accepted one red cent for said items. But, I do believe these are some fun and interesting ways to maintain your health and fitness that are convenient for your home or office.
30-45 minutes of strength training and/or cardiovascular training daily is optimum. What you sedentary types want to accomplish is getting out of that chair and letting your adrenaline take over. Break a sweat, make your lungs work for a change. I know alot of people shun the gym so here's some happy alternatives.
The items I'm showcasing here will get the job done if you're willing to use them as prescribed and in conjunction with a proper diet (which we'll cover later on in the series). Depending on what you're looking to do for your fitness goals anyone of these will be optimal.
*PLEASE NOTE: CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE BEGINNING ANY STRENUOUS EXERCISE PROGRAM
TREADCLIMBER: The good old standby in cardio health has been given an upgrade. The best way to describe a tread climber is a hybrid of a treadmill and a stair climber, hence the name. They are manufactured by the Nautilus corporation, which is a well-regarded company that has been in the exercise industry for many years.Tread climbers have two separate revolving belts that you walk on which also move up and down in a stepping motion. So you are essentially combining the two machines into one, offering a alternative cardiovascular workout. If you are on a budget we believe you might be better off with the more traditional cardiovascular trainers, such as a treadmill, elliptical, steppers
BODY BY JAKE TOWER 200 REVIEWS: A basic resistance band cable system that attaches to your door and allows for multiple different exercises. Two hand grips are included and can be linked to any one chord or multiple ones for higher resistance. Hand grips can be linked at the top of the unit for pull down type exercises, or at the bottom for military press type movements. One pair of ankle straps are also included and can be attached the same way as the hand grips. Additionally, an exercise chart and DVD accompany the unit to provide examples and workout plans. For you MMA enthusiasts it also provides Randy Couture's 11 minute workout.
Wii FIT: Wii Fit Plus combines fun and fitness into one product. It can change how you exercise, how you balance, and even how you move. Expanding upon the original Wii Fit software, Wii Fit Plus is packed with every feature from Wii Fit—plus new exercises and tools to personalize your exercise routine. If you already have a profile on the original Wii Fit, you can easily transfer it over to Wii Fit Plus.
Whoever came up with this idea was a genious. Now you can put your video games to work for you. You can set goals for calories burned; strength training; aerobics; balance games; and even yoga. They have a wide variety of different games that help you burn calories and have fun doing it. If this sounds like an endorsement hell yeah it is! Like I said it's brilliant. The kids get their Wii and a workout and you rediscover the kid in you while getting off your rump and moving your body.
Question: Has anyone tried any of the above? I'd love to know your thoughts. Do you concur?
30-45 minutes of strength training and/or cardiovascular training daily is optimum. What you sedentary types want to accomplish is getting out of that chair and letting your adrenaline take over. Break a sweat, make your lungs work for a change. I know alot of people shun the gym so here's some happy alternatives.
The items I'm showcasing here will get the job done if you're willing to use them as prescribed and in conjunction with a proper diet (which we'll cover later on in the series). Depending on what you're looking to do for your fitness goals anyone of these will be optimal.
*PLEASE NOTE: CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE BEGINNING ANY STRENUOUS EXERCISE PROGRAM
BODY BY JAKE TOWER 200 REVIEWS: A basic resistance band cable system that attaches to your door and allows for multiple different exercises. Two hand grips are included and can be linked to any one chord or multiple ones for higher resistance. Hand grips can be linked at the top of the unit for pull down type exercises, or at the bottom for military press type movements. One pair of ankle straps are also included and can be attached the same way as the hand grips. Additionally, an exercise chart and DVD accompany the unit to provide examples and workout plans. For you MMA enthusiasts it also provides Randy Couture's 11 minute workout.
Whoever came up with this idea was a genious. Now you can put your video games to work for you. You can set goals for calories burned; strength training; aerobics; balance games; and even yoga. They have a wide variety of different games that help you burn calories and have fun doing it. If this sounds like an endorsement hell yeah it is! Like I said it's brilliant. The kids get their Wii and a workout and you rediscover the kid in you while getting off your rump and moving your body.
Question: Has anyone tried any of the above? I'd love to know your thoughts. Do you concur?
Sunday, January 17, 2010
WEEK 2 FITNESS TIP - STRETCHHHHHH
Welcome back to the Stay Fit While You Sit special fitness series on my blog. I'm glad to see you made it through week 1, I know all that sex must've worn you out!
So now let's bring it back down with stretching.
A good stretching program can help us overcome some of the awkward positions our jobs might place us in for long periods of time. Particularly sitting in a chair for over 8 hrs. Some of those computer and desk problems include:
* Back pain: When you sit for long periods, your spine tends to compress. If your posture is bad, gravity accentuates the problem, which can lead to back pain.
* Stiff muscles: Not moving for long periods of time can cause neck and shoulder pain.
* Tight joints: Inactivity can cause joints to tighten, which makes moving more difficult or even painful.(we'll talk about proper supplementation to help with stiff joints later on in the blog series)
* Poor circulation: When you sit very still, blood tends to settle in the lower legs and feet and does not circulate easily throughout the body.
* Repetitive strain injuries: These injuries are caused by repetitive movement, often of the hands. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome, a type of wrist pain, can result from improper use of the hands and/or poor positioning at the workstation.
* Tension and stress: Intense mental focus can produce physical tension (stiffness and pain), which can lead to mental stress — a debilitating cycle. Facial tension and a tight jaw can cause headaches.
Look at your own flexibility and your own body and what you want it to do. Your body is a temple,treat it as such. You're going to hear me say that alot throughout this blog series but it's true. Think of yourself as a well oiled machine. Everything is set up to work together efficiently, if one part is out of whack the rest of the body is thrown off as well. That means the machine is going to need maintenance.
Here are some stretches that you can easily do while sitting:
Marching in Place
While seated at the front edge of the chair, “march” with your arms and legs. Alternate between raising your left leg and right arm, and raising your right leg and left arm in a steady marching motion. Complete 20 to 30 repetitions on each side.
Arm Cross
Hold one arm across your chest and perpendicular to the floor. Use your other arm to gently pull on this outstretched arm and you’ll feel the muscles stretch on the back of your arm. Hold this position for 20 to 30 seconds before switching to the other arm. Remember to sit up straight at the front edge of the seat.
Arm Circles
While seated upright at the front of your seat, hold your arms straight out to each side and slowly rotate your hands in a small circular motion. Complete at least 20 revolutions in each direction, rotating forward, then backward. For a faster warm-up, you can also continue marching with your feet while you rotate your arms.
Arm Raises
Sit up straight at the front edge of the seat. Raise one arm out directly in front of you (Fig. A) and then straight up above your head (Fig. B). Lower your arm and raise the opposite arm. Alternate from side to side slowly, working on raising your arm as high as possible. Complete 10 repetitions with each arm, then do 10 repetitions raising both arms at the same time.
Push Out with Arms
Push out with both arms, as if you’re pushing a door shut, and kick out one leg at the same time. Alternate kicking out one leg at a time, pushing out with your arms with each leg kick. This will warm up your shoulders and stretch the back of your legs. Complete 10 to 15 repetitions with each leg.
Leg Raises
While sitting with your back up straight on the front edge of the chair, extend one leg out straight, then raise the leg off the ground and point your toe while supporting the leg under the knee. After you raise your leg, bend your ankle and rotate your foot in a circular direction, once to the right and once to the left. Keep your back and shoulders straight as you sit on the front edge of the seat. After completing 5 to 10 repetitions with one leg, switch to the other leg and repeat.
Upper Body Twist
While seated with your back upright at the front edge of the seat, cross your right leg over the left knee, then slowly twist your body and look over your right shoulder. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then switch to the other side and repeat the same routine in the opposite direction. Remember to inhale and exhale as you perform this stretch...don’t hold your breath.
Kneeling Twist
This routine stretches your back and torso. Sit sideways on the chair with one knee on the ground and your arm resting on the backrest. Raise your other arm so that it is perpendicular to the ground and move it slowly in a horizontal direction so that you twist your upper body. Hold this position for at least 20 seconds on each side as you feel the stretch.
Shoulder Stretch
As you sit with your back upright at the front edge of the chair, extend both arms backward and try to touch your hands behind the chair. Hold this position as you inhale and exhale for 3 to 4 breaths. This is a good warm-up routine for the shoulders and abdomen.
Hand Stretch
With both arms extended straight out forward, open and close your hands. Open your fingers as far as possible, then clench your hand into a fist. Repeat this 10 to 15 times. Remember to keep your posture straight and remain seated at the front edge of the chair seat.
Tricep Stretch
This stretches the tricep muscles at the back of your upper arm. Hold one arm behind your head so that your elbow points up toward the ceiling. With the other hand, slowly pull on the elbow and hold it as you take a few slow breaths. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds with each arm.
Shoulder Roll
With your arms hanging straight down at your sides, pull your shoulders up toward your ears and roll your shoulders back slowly in a circular motion. Maintain an upright posture and sit at the front of the seat. Roll your shoulders for 10 to 15 repetitions in one direction before reversing direction for an additional 10 to 15 repetitions.
So now let's bring it back down with stretching.
A good stretching program can help us overcome some of the awkward positions our jobs might place us in for long periods of time. Particularly sitting in a chair for over 8 hrs. Some of those computer and desk problems include:
* Back pain: When you sit for long periods, your spine tends to compress. If your posture is bad, gravity accentuates the problem, which can lead to back pain.
* Stiff muscles: Not moving for long periods of time can cause neck and shoulder pain.
* Tight joints: Inactivity can cause joints to tighten, which makes moving more difficult or even painful.(we'll talk about proper supplementation to help with stiff joints later on in the blog series)
* Poor circulation: When you sit very still, blood tends to settle in the lower legs and feet and does not circulate easily throughout the body.
* Repetitive strain injuries: These injuries are caused by repetitive movement, often of the hands. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome, a type of wrist pain, can result from improper use of the hands and/or poor positioning at the workstation.
* Tension and stress: Intense mental focus can produce physical tension (stiffness and pain), which can lead to mental stress — a debilitating cycle. Facial tension and a tight jaw can cause headaches.
Look at your own flexibility and your own body and what you want it to do. Your body is a temple,treat it as such. You're going to hear me say that alot throughout this blog series but it's true. Think of yourself as a well oiled machine. Everything is set up to work together efficiently, if one part is out of whack the rest of the body is thrown off as well. That means the machine is going to need maintenance.
Here are some stretches that you can easily do while sitting:
Marching in Place
While seated at the front edge of the chair, “march” with your arms and legs. Alternate between raising your left leg and right arm, and raising your right leg and left arm in a steady marching motion. Complete 20 to 30 repetitions on each side.
Arm Cross
Hold one arm across your chest and perpendicular to the floor. Use your other arm to gently pull on this outstretched arm and you’ll feel the muscles stretch on the back of your arm. Hold this position for 20 to 30 seconds before switching to the other arm. Remember to sit up straight at the front edge of the seat.
Arm Circles
While seated upright at the front of your seat, hold your arms straight out to each side and slowly rotate your hands in a small circular motion. Complete at least 20 revolutions in each direction, rotating forward, then backward. For a faster warm-up, you can also continue marching with your feet while you rotate your arms.
Arm Raises
Sit up straight at the front edge of the seat. Raise one arm out directly in front of you (Fig. A) and then straight up above your head (Fig. B). Lower your arm and raise the opposite arm. Alternate from side to side slowly, working on raising your arm as high as possible. Complete 10 repetitions with each arm, then do 10 repetitions raising both arms at the same time.
Push Out with Arms
Push out with both arms, as if you’re pushing a door shut, and kick out one leg at the same time. Alternate kicking out one leg at a time, pushing out with your arms with each leg kick. This will warm up your shoulders and stretch the back of your legs. Complete 10 to 15 repetitions with each leg.
Leg Raises
While sitting with your back up straight on the front edge of the chair, extend one leg out straight, then raise the leg off the ground and point your toe while supporting the leg under the knee. After you raise your leg, bend your ankle and rotate your foot in a circular direction, once to the right and once to the left. Keep your back and shoulders straight as you sit on the front edge of the seat. After completing 5 to 10 repetitions with one leg, switch to the other leg and repeat.
Upper Body Twist
While seated with your back upright at the front edge of the seat, cross your right leg over the left knee, then slowly twist your body and look over your right shoulder. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then switch to the other side and repeat the same routine in the opposite direction. Remember to inhale and exhale as you perform this stretch...don’t hold your breath.
Kneeling Twist
This routine stretches your back and torso. Sit sideways on the chair with one knee on the ground and your arm resting on the backrest. Raise your other arm so that it is perpendicular to the ground and move it slowly in a horizontal direction so that you twist your upper body. Hold this position for at least 20 seconds on each side as you feel the stretch.
Shoulder Stretch
As you sit with your back upright at the front edge of the chair, extend both arms backward and try to touch your hands behind the chair. Hold this position as you inhale and exhale for 3 to 4 breaths. This is a good warm-up routine for the shoulders and abdomen.
Hand Stretch
With both arms extended straight out forward, open and close your hands. Open your fingers as far as possible, then clench your hand into a fist. Repeat this 10 to 15 times. Remember to keep your posture straight and remain seated at the front edge of the chair seat.
Tricep Stretch
This stretches the tricep muscles at the back of your upper arm. Hold one arm behind your head so that your elbow points up toward the ceiling. With the other hand, slowly pull on the elbow and hold it as you take a few slow breaths. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds with each arm.
Shoulder Roll
With your arms hanging straight down at your sides, pull your shoulders up toward your ears and roll your shoulders back slowly in a circular motion. Maintain an upright posture and sit at the front of the seat. Roll your shoulders for 10 to 15 repetitions in one direction before reversing direction for an additional 10 to 15 repetitions.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
New Review for Demon Hunter: Seek & Destroy
More reviews hot off the presses and Demon Hunter: Seek & Destroy is truly turning heads:
http://www.fictionvixen.com/2010/01/review-demon-hunter-seek-and-destroy-by.html
PS- Please cast your votes for the trailer competition over at thepenmuse.com
Just send an email to thepenmuse@gmail.com with Entry #19 in the subject line and let them know you want Demon Hunter Seek & Destroy to win!
Thanks for the support!
Here's the trailer for your viewing pleasure:
http://www.fictionvixen.com/2010/01/review-demon-hunter-seek-and-destroy-by.html
PS- Please cast your votes for the trailer competition over at thepenmuse.com
Just send an email to thepenmuse@gmail.com with Entry #19 in the subject line and let them know you want Demon Hunter Seek & Destroy to win!
Thanks for the support!
Here's the trailer for your viewing pleasure:
Sunday, January 10, 2010
STAYING FIT WHILE YOU SIT
2010-Let's get started again. How many of you made New Year's resolutions at the start of '09 only to be making the same ones for 2010 with the addition of "and this time I mean it!"
I can't hold you accountable for all of them but I am here to help you with one.
Raise your hands if your resolve was to lose that stubborn 10, or 15, or (insert number) lbs this year?
I was watching The Biggest Loser Premiere and while I commend the contestants for making the effort to get healthy and fit I can't help but wonder how someone can let themselves (or more importantly their kids) reach the 400-500 lb mark. This season they have a man who is their heaviest contestant yet at 526lbs. That's not a good thing! How does that even happen? You don't wake up one morning and find yourself that large. It takes years of bad habits to reach that level. Imagine if you could turn those habits around, or better yet replace them with habits that work in your favor?
Sex is also wonderful for weight loss since 30 minutes will burn 200 calories! In addition sex calms food cravings because it stimulates the production of phenetylamine, a natural amphetamine that regulates the appetite. Furthermore, sex is one of the best ways to stay young in spirit.
I can't hold you accountable for all of them but I am here to help you with one.
Raise your hands if your resolve was to lose that stubborn 10, or 15, or (insert number) lbs this year?
I was watching The Biggest Loser Premiere and while I commend the contestants for making the effort to get healthy and fit I can't help but wonder how someone can let themselves (or more importantly their kids) reach the 400-500 lb mark. This season they have a man who is their heaviest contestant yet at 526lbs. That's not a good thing! How does that even happen? You don't wake up one morning and find yourself that large. It takes years of bad habits to reach that level. Imagine if you could turn those habits around, or better yet replace them with habits that work in your favor?
"What can one person do to truly make a difference in the world? Virtually anything! The only limit to your impact is your imagination and commitment."
-Tony Robbins
My focus for this blog series is for the busy, yet sedentary, individual...mainly authors but bring me your tired huddled masses and I'll work with all of you! But being a writer myself I know the demands of the writing world. Couple that with the 9-5 to pay the bills, obligations to family and friends, even kids (God bless you moms and dads!) and something tends to fall to the wayside - usually that becomes: "I don't have time to workout." There's 24 hrs in a day - you can make time...and I'll show you how.
Who am I? How can I make these claims? I'm an author like you (well some of you) but I'm also a certified personal trainer and a fitness competitor of over 5 years. I've trained under some of the best in the world (including 10 time world medalist Buddy Lee). I'm active in martial arts and for the next few weeks I am at your disposal. Have a question, send it in. If I don't have the answer I'll find it for you.
So to you sedentary folk..authors, accountants, graphic designers, and computer hackers, let me give you a little encouragement, fast facts, and tips so that by 2011 you can say "Yo Adrian, I did it!" and move on to a new resolution.
But let's have fun with this guys. I'm a little quirky, very tongue-in-cheek. I like quirky when delivering information, makes people want to listen. So let's get started with one of my favorite topics - SEX!
Yes, you read me right - let's talk about sex.
Did you know that people who have regular sex live longer than those who don't? It's a proven scientific fact. Sex has been proven to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, and increase circulation. The heartbeat rises from 70 to 150 beats per minute. In fact, people who regularly indulge are half as likely to have heart attacks and strokes than those who don't have sex at all.
Sex is also wonderful for weight loss since 30 minutes will burn 200 calories! In addition sex calms food cravings because it stimulates the production of phenetylamine, a natural amphetamine that regulates the appetite. Furthermore, sex is one of the best ways to stay young in spirit.
How's that for your fitness tip of the day? Here's your homework: Have More Sex! I bet you can make time for that ;)
I told you we were going to have fun with this!
So until the next time here are some more great websites and tips to get you started:
Jillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser has a free weight loss plan (www.JillianMichaels.com)
Bodybuilding.com has a fitness plan for all your needs. Check out the weight loss video now:
Friday, January 8, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Cynthia Vespia: Author of Thrills & Chills
Hi all,
I've recently done a guest spot on VISUAL ARTS JUNCTION where I discuss the pros and cons of the paranormal genre. Please visit and leave a comment, especially if you write in that genre, I'd love to get your opinions.
There's also a great contest running with the blog...enter for your chance to win YOUR CHOICE of novel from me :)
Cynthia Vespia: Author of Thrills & Chills
I've recently done a guest spot on VISUAL ARTS JUNCTION where I discuss the pros and cons of the paranormal genre. Please visit and leave a comment, especially if you write in that genre, I'd love to get your opinions.
There's also a great contest running with the blog...enter for your chance to win YOUR CHOICE of novel from me :)
CYNTHIA VESPIA
Author of Thrills and Chills
www.CynthiaVespia.com
Have you faced your demons yet?
Demon Hunter I & II available now!
Author of Thrills and Chills
www.CynthiaVespia.com
Have you faced your demons yet?
Demon Hunter I & II available now!
Contact Me 
Cynthia Vespia: Author of Thrills & Chills
I need YOUR help!
I need your assistance...its very simple. Please vote for me at the Preditors/Editors poll. I'm in 3 categories:
Novel (Demon Hunter): http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelh.shtml
Author (Cynthia Vespia): http://www.critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml
Cover (Demon Hunter): http://www.critters.org/predpoll/bookart.shtml
Thank you! I know I sound like Dancing with the Stars or something...but its much appreciated!!!
Novel (Demon Hunter): http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelh.shtml
Author (Cynthia Vespia): http://www.critters.org/predpoll/author.shtml
Cover (Demon Hunter): http://www.critters.org/predpoll/bookart.shtml
Thank you! I know I sound like Dancing with the Stars or something...but its much appreciated!!!
CYNTHIA VESPIA
Author of Thrills and Chills
www.CynthiaVespia.com
Have you faced your demons yet?
Demon Hunter I & II available now!
Author of Thrills and Chills
www.CynthiaVespia.com
Have you faced your demons yet?
Demon Hunter I & II available now!
Contact Me
Monday, January 4, 2010
Heroes
I'm proud to have my character of Costa, the Demon Hunter showcased at Chasing Heroes.com
This is a really great site for everyone. They have movies, TV, books, everything catering to heroes archetypes most normally found in great creative works.
This is a really great site for everyone. They have movies, TV, books, everything catering to heroes archetypes most normally found in great creative works.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Seek & Destroy gets another glowing review
I'm happy to announce that Demon Hunter: Seek & Destroy has received a great review at Writing to Be Read
I have to say I love the title of that particular review site. Why else do writers writer? To be read...what else?
In that light if you've read Demon Hunter: Seek & Destroy I'd love to hear what you thought about it!
If you haven't, I invite you to find out more at the Demon Hunter Page or Aspen Mountain Press where you can read an excerpt and see the video!!!
I have to say I love the title of that particular review site. Why else do writers writer? To be read...what else?
In that light if you've read Demon Hunter: Seek & Destroy I'd love to hear what you thought about it!
If you haven't, I invite you to find out more at the Demon Hunter Page or Aspen Mountain Press where you can read an excerpt and see the video!!!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Poetry is difficult
Sonya weaves together themes of heartache with resiliance, despair with understanding. Stemming from the loss of her mother early on in life, Sonya uses poetry to tap her emotions during that tumultuous time of growing from a young girl to a young woman.
Poetry is a difficult medium to conquer. My respect goes out to those who even attempt to take on these themes. As a writer myself I know that once something sparks up in side you the only way to make it grow quiet again is to get it down on paper so you can't curl up with it.
I wrote my own share of poetry after my mother passed away a few years back. It was cathardic. Sonya Tupone Lloyd's poems explore a full range of emotions that will touch even a heart of stone. Here's just an example of one of my favorites, it's called "Butterfly"
I woke up one fine day
Spewing words in disarray
Fishing for the word
The one word that would change the world
Find that word, I never did
I played with God’s word a little
I touched upon teacher’s word a bit
I latched onto Mommy’s word for awhile
But none of these satisfied
My stomach rumbles, my hand grumbles
As the word pushes and plummets me
Into swirling depths of murkiness
That never let go of me, not once
My mind captures the word in midair
Smashing it between clutching fingers
And the word penetrates only the surface
It lingers only to leave
The bittersweet aftertaste of unfulfilled dreams
Spewing words in disarray
Fishing for the word
The one word that would change the world
Find that word, I never did
I played with God’s word a little
I touched upon teacher’s word a bit
I latched onto Mommy’s word for awhile
But none of these satisfied
My stomach rumbles, my hand grumbles
As the word pushes and plummets me
Into swirling depths of murkiness
That never let go of me, not once
My mind captures the word in midair
Smashing it between clutching fingers
And the word penetrates only the surface
It lingers only to leave
The bittersweet aftertaste of unfulfilled dreams
Pick up this book, you'll enjoy it.
Available HERE
From the publisher:
Call Me Sonya Grey
A Young Girl's Poems
About Death, Life & Adolescence
SONYA TUPONE LLOYD
This personal collection of poetic verse is at once inspiring and challenging. Beginning with the loss of her mother at age nine, Sonya began collecting her thoughts in 40 poems in a diary from early childhood through her twenties. She describes the daily battles of self-image and self-expression she experienced growing up after the passing of one parent and the estrangement of another. With the death of her mother, Sonya lost a part of everything she had known. Two states away, she finds herself with a different family, school, friends, home and a new name. The verses written during this time are one woman s exploration of her raw, emotional responses to dramatic life changes. This is Sonya's story.
CLICK to read the first 10 pages.
ISBN:0976507277
5.5" x 8.5", paperback
94 pp
2006
A Young Girl's Poems
About Death, Life & Adolescence
SONYA TUPONE LLOYD
This personal collection of poetic verse is at once inspiring and challenging. Beginning with the loss of her mother at age nine, Sonya began collecting her thoughts in 40 poems in a diary from early childhood through her twenties. She describes the daily battles of self-image and self-expression she experienced growing up after the passing of one parent and the estrangement of another. With the death of her mother, Sonya lost a part of everything she had known. Two states away, she finds herself with a different family, school, friends, home and a new name. The verses written during this time are one woman s exploration of her raw, emotional responses to dramatic life changes. This is Sonya's story.
CLICK to read the first 10 pages.
ISBN:0976507277
5.5" x 8.5", paperback
94 pp
2006
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