Hey Haiku Lovers,

If you like haiku and being on your phone, you can do both with the Heyku app. With Heyku, you can write each line according to a prompt the app gives or write in your own. Then you get to share it as a lovely little note with the Heyku community and on your social networks. Take a look at some of the screenshots below to get a feel of the app.

You can visit the Heyku website and download the app for free for the iPhone from there.

Hello Write Queeners and Poetry Lovers,

Whether you are an avid reader or a writer obsessed with their craft, it seems as though you can never find enough books of poetry. I know that nearly every two weeks, I'm buying another poetry book. How does one support such a bad habit? Barely, but I do in a couple of ways.

In another post, I will talk about bookstores and events that I've been to that have great poetry selections. Right now, I want to tell you about how I support my habit electronically. 

That's right, e-books of poetry. They are not as easy to find like many fiction and non-fiction works, but it's not impossible. You may be able to find them with sites or apps you already use.

1. Amazon: If you are an Amazon Prime user and have a Kindle, you are very lucky. A perk of being a Prime member is being able to borrow and read books for free. Finding poetry e-books that fall under Prime is not easy, but it is possible. If you don't have a Prime membership, there is a wonderful and growing collection of poetry e-books as mainstream publishers and small presses start to see the value of e-books even for poetry. They are usually cheaper than their physical counterparts. 
2. Wattpad: Wattpad is one of the largest communities for writers and readers to come together. You can put out your latest work in parts, letting readers rate and comment on your writing as you go. They have an impressive amount of poetry books in the making.
3. Oyster: This one is one of my new favorites. For $9.95 a month, you have access to hundreds of books. Think about how much you spend on buying a few poetry books in a month. Now think about if you only spent ten bucks a month and have access to poetry, novels, memoirs and more! It's been called the NetFlix of Books. I adore this service and the fact that they acknowledge National Poetry Month with a section of books. If you want to try it out, Oprah has teamed up with Oyster for people to sign up for a two month free trial. Just click the link!
4. NetGalley: For the professional reader who reviews and recommends books, publishers on NetGalley request or invite you to read digital (some physical too) advanced copies. The catch here is that you have to have a blog, be an educator, a reviewer, journalist, etc. in order to receive books. Their poetry section is small, but there are interesting reads. If you have a Kindle, you can have it delivered straight to your device. Or you can download a PDF copy.
5. EBooks.com: Which device do you have? A Kindle, an iPad, a Nook? At Ebooks.com, it doesn't matter because they sell e-books for most devices. They have a wonderful collection of the latest contemporary poetry e-books and more.
6. Free-Ebooks.net: Free books galore with user submitted books. Good way to study the work of other poets.
7. BookRix: BookRix is another self-publishing book site community. BookRix promises to help you self-publish your work and distribute it to all the major book sellers. It is also a community where you can either read from the site or download books to read on the go. With over 200 pages of books, there is a lot to explore.
8. PoetrySoup: PoetrySoup is a poetry community instead of a book site. And all they really do is categorize the links to Poetry books on Project Gutenburg. But hey, if you are looking for classic poetry by category, PoetrySoup saves you the trouble. Plus you can join the community and read their users poetry. It's a win-win for everyone.
   

There is a growing amount of places where you can find poetry e-books. Know any? Leave your recommendations in the comments!

Till next time, 

Christina

Hello everyone!

Events, events, and more events! There's so much happening during the month of April. There's poetry everywhere you turn! I thought it would be swell to have a calendar of poetry-related events to collaborate and share with the community and beyond.

I have created a calendar that anyone can add events to. You can even add an event right now while reading this post! Just click on the day of your event and a pop-up to add event details will come up. You can view events for the day, week, month, as a list, and more. 

As of right now, adding pictures is a little wonky. You have to have the image url in order to add a picture. Your best bet is to take a few minutes and type up the details. If you want to promote a flyer, contact me via the contact tab or on one of my social networks and I'll be happy to share the flyer for your event in this post - I am sure this post will be modified many times.

If you choose to send me event details via social networks, please give me a little time to update the calendar. Priority will go for events coming up within the next couple of days. 

Please share this post so poets, event curators/hosts, and the community can share and go to events that promise to make your hearts sing. Supporting each other is the only way we can keep the arts thriving.

Sharing and contributing this information is free. A little free promo never hurt anyone. 

However, if you would like to work with me for online promotion, photography services, etc. for your event or other reasons on a professional level, please contact me via eatmedia.org.

Till next time loves, 

Christina

Hello my loves,

What is Comprehending Forever? Is it sitting in a low lit venue by the bar while cracking the spine of poems in the middle of a book release party? Or is it the drowning that occurs while doing so, reluctantly putting the book down even though the poet is about to read a selection from the book? Perhaps, but it is also the title of Rich Villar's first book of poetry. 

I've heard and seen Rich's name around the internet, knowing that he was kind of a big deal. I barely have had the chance to be exposed to his work, but trusting the greater community on the internet and my friend Annette, who asked me to tag along with her to his book release at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, I was curious and eager to see what he was about for myself. 

Published by Willow Books, the literary imprint of Aquarius Press, Comprehending Forever is a book of love poems that pushes you through the phases of beauty, worship, and grief. You see Rich's dedication to his beloved, his craft, and loss that resonates through finding solace in another being through this landscape of words. I have not been moved by a set of love poems by a male poet within or close to my generation in a long time. You can easily fall in love with Rich's spirit through reading this body of work. I have read love poems by men in the recent years, but not in this abundance with the high level openness and craftsmanship that Rich possesses.

The blurbs on the back of his book compared his work to that of Pablo Neruda. Rarely would I say or agree that anyone in this generation is reminiscent of a poet as classic as Neruda, but I do have to agree that not only is this true, but Rich Villar also has a voice that is all his own. 

When I purchase a book, as I did at his release, I usually flip through the pages as a preview and then am able to put it away till later. I was so intrigued by his work that I started to read it at the release while sitting at the bar. Even when he was about to read from the book, I was reluctant to stop because I was so caught up in the beauty of it. I continued it this morning and closed the book with great content.

As for his book release party, that was great! It was filled with love and support from his family, friends, and peers. Martin Espada, Eduardo Arocho, Vallerie Matos, Lauren Schmidt, Lynne Procope and Thomas Fucaloro all performed before Rich took over the mic and read from Comprehending Forever. It was a great night of poetry and it's definitely one of the nights that any poet who reaches this point looks forward to.

Here is a snipplet of his reading from the release (and I mean snipplet because this was Instagram'd). To purchase the book, go to the Willow Books online store.

To find out a little more about Rich Villar, you can visit his blog Literati Boricua or awesome networks like Twitter. Or Google because Google is cool too.

Hello Write Queeners!

Sometimes we run into the things we need to hear the most when we least expect it.

This evening, I went to a happy hour for the younger crowd of my corporate job. I knew almost no one from the group and quietly observed and listened for most of the evening. As the group got smaller, I did get to hear some pretty awesome stories about how some of them got to the current point of their career, but when it was my turn, I was definitely the odd one out: a writer from a struggling Latino household who has had to sacrifice so much for survival and is barely able to pursue her dreams as she should, working in the insurance industry because they were hiring - not because she planned on being there like most of the people that surrounded her at the moment.

While I made new acquaintances, I felt lonelier than I did before I went. Everyone parted ways and before I knew it, I was at home (one of my homes - I switch between my parents depending on who needs me around at the moment while I make some decisions). I went on Facebook like the good ol' social media junkie that I am when I noticed a link that my friend Annette shared.

It was the link to the online premiere of a short film called Stereotypically Me. I trust Annette's Facebook shares so I decided to check it.

"Stereotypically Me" is a film written, directed, and produced by Linda Nieves Powell. According to the event page, which was brought to audiences by Sofrito Media Group: Lydia, a struggling screenwriter, is pressured to get rid of her stereotypical muse Marisol in order to become a more successful writer. Marisol, a sassy, urban Latina, refuses to change. Lydia must decide whether to embrace her duality or kill the muse. Go ahead and check it out before you read the rest of what I have to say.

In this almost ten minute film, Linda shows the world what every writer of any cultural background goes through.

As I fine tune myself as a writer, I find myself contemplating the same sacrifices or break ups. This is something that I relate to not only through ethnic culture, but through genre, age, sex, and medium.

We write about what we know, but "successful writers" must go beyond that and write about things that make others feel comfortable in order to get their foot in the door. We have to decompose and detach what is natural to us, even if the story is not true to ourselves to maybe achieve greater success.

I have received many rejections. If only they were as blunt as the one in the film because I am constantly wondering what I need to change in order to be successful. Do I move away from what I typically write poems about? Do I change my writing style to match more closely with well-known poets? Do I change my niche for blogging or even my medium for art? Do I disassociate myself from experiences we don't see on paper often? What do I cut out? Who should I be?

I am still trying to figure out what to embrace and what to change or if I should change anything at all. Do I get rid of all of my Marisols or do I let my Lydia and Marisol fight the good fight together so I can become a successful writer on my terms and leave the rat race (and avoid disheartening happy hours)?

I have a lot to think about.

Sigh...you know something is good when it creates a dialogue not only with yourself but with the community at large. Share this video, share your thoughts. Let's tell the world our stories because one day the color of the world will be US!

Definitely a Write Recommendation!

The event page will be up for the next 90 days here.

Hi Write Queeners,

Just a day after he leaves my department with promises of more fulfilling work in our Law department, I finished David Abts' Mother's Day at the Orphanage: Stories Without A Home while hacking up an abundance of mucus in between the unfortunate settling of a cold and laughter.  I had the book in my possession for a couple of weeks, but as anyone who burns the candle at both ends, I was too tired to hold open anything, let alone a book.

When I finally did, I chastated myself for not doing so earlier! Within the span of 24 hours, I finished the whole thing, feeling a little empty when I realized there wasn't more (FYI - as I mentioned earlier, battling a cold and I had errands to do after staying at work until 8:45 PM on a Friday night, don't judge how long it this short read).

About 60 something pages of pure insanity, I had to wonder how a couple guys like David and Michael Shattuck, authors of the book, get into such hilarious trouble that I would have gotten beaten for as a kid and quite possibly an adult (the wonders of being a boy vs. girl, I guess).

From career day flasher costumes to attending weddings in Italy, each story makes you wonder "Did this really happen? OMG!" followed by fits of laughter, making you realize that whether they are true or pure exaggerations of ordinary events, you don't care. You immediately find the narrators charming and trustworthy because who doesn't like a guy who makes you laugh? 

A surprising aspect of the book that I didn't expect were a small collection of stories from others in the last section of the book. I found myself wanting more of their stories too. 

Reading Mother's Day at the Orphanage is like hanging out with bunch of friends, sitting around laughing and telling stories while having "a splash of wine" as mentioned a few times in the book - only you get to do that while on your daily commute or on a Friday night while quarantined in your room, nursing a sudden cold. 

With laughs, earnest gusto, and tenacity only seen in the brave (or really oblivious) and creative, you will find yourself wanting more stories from David, Michael, and the rest of the gang.  Crossing off another book finished from the notorious Book Jumper (okay maybe not notorious, but I'm something), I give Mother's Day at the Orphanage a Write Recommendation and urge you to go buy the book today! 

Go and read an excerpt from a review on the New York Daily News:

You can buy it at http://www.mothersdaystories.com/.

Make sure to follow the book on Facebook and Twitter:

Hello my Write Queen loves,

Today I have another recommendation, but I'll keep it short and sweet. This time's Write Recommendation is Lady Chaos Press. It's not just because the lovely Shannon Lynette and Andrea Bonacci, the editors of this press, choose my work to be in their anthologies, but because they aim to give talented poets the exposure they deserve.

Founded earlier this year in February, they already have two anthologies under their belt. You can check out their deliciousness and support the press by following the links below.

Skeletons just came out today so make sure to start your autumn by buying a copy and curling up with some secrets on these coming chilly nights.

Till next time my loves, enjoy this beautiful fall weather.

Hello My Wonderful Write Queeners,

I hope that the month of September has been treating you well so far. It's back to school for most and back to a regular routine at work for others (don't you miss your Summer allowances already working people?).

Today I have a very grand recommendation to make. I can't even say I recommend just her classes because Caits Meissner herself is a wonderful writer and person. This summer in July, I took a 30-Day intensive writing course called Digging Deep, Facing Self. You may have read many references to this course on my blog over the summer. If you haven't, you can catch up here.

Not only did I have the opportunity to push myself and write pieces I wouldn't have dreamed of writing at this point of my life, I've had the opportunity to work with Caits and a beautiful group of women. Caits is always supportive, creative, and inspiring. She gently pushes and always the mama bear with her wonderful daily messages throughout the course. One of the things I love about her is that she is not afraid to be herself, to make mistakes, and to hear us out despite being the head hancho of the course. Everyone needs the opportunity to work with this wonderful woman!

...Especially when she sets assignments up that lead to pushing you to be brave and speak to your literary heroes. If you are an active reader of this blog, then you know that for the particular assignment that I am talking about, that I ended up speaking with the poet Sonia Sanchez. It was an incredible experience that I carry with me during the rougher days of writing.

I thank Caits so much for being wise and giving us that assignment. If you want to read up on the experience, take a look at these two posts: Open Letter to Sonia Sanchez and The Write Journey: When The Light Shines Back.

The absolute conclusion of that experience came in the mail about two weeks ago. I've been so busy that I haven't had the chance to share, but take a look:

These are the kind of things Caits inspires you to do and the results that come about. I absolutely recommend that you take her courses or work with her in general. The next round of Digging Deep, Facing Self is now open for registration. If you register before September 15, you'll get an early bird special. She is also offering a FREE teleclass called Writing in Technicolor: Editing your poems to full vibrancy on October 1, 2013 at 8PM EST.

If you want to see what incredible writing comes out of this course, please check out the anthology from the July course (and yes I am in it - so a little bias, I'll admit it!). It's called A Thing Of Beauty Painted By Words and it's absolutely FREE and available online for your reading (and sharing) pleasure.

She also sends you awesomely wonderful gifts at the end of the course. I won't tell you what it is, but it's certainly a treasure!

So....what are you waiting for guys? Go sign up for one of Caits' classes today!

Until next time, my loves, be well and write!

Hello Write Queeners!

Now we know that I am not a fashionista. Give me some leggings, a cute shirt, and comfy shoes and we are all good to go! However, I do have a slight passion for accessories. When your clothes are okay, accessories can make a difference. 

I had the pleasure to tag along with my fashionista blog buddy Simone Danielle of FashionRunsTheWorld.com, where we stopped in at the NYFW Accessory Showcase hosted by Untapped PR at The Carlton Hotel and to the one year anniversary event at Christian Siriano's store on Elizabeth Street. Of course I was representing myself and E.A.T. Media, something that Simone is a part of anyway, but this was her day as a fashion blogger to go out there and do her thing!

She did a fantastic job rubbing elbows with the best of accessory kings and queens, fashion bloggers (like Naty of A Love Affair With Fashion - witnessed such a nice moment between them that I almost cried!), and more. I had tons of fun with her and meeting all of these fantastic people. 

I definitely give a Write Recommendation to Simone and FashionRunsTheWorld.com, plus to all of the people we met and their goods.

Make sure to read her blog and to keep looking out for her posts on NYFW. She still has a lot of events to go to! 

Check out the pictures I took of the night below!

Hello Write Queeners,

I am starting a new section of the blog called The Write Recommendations. This is where I'll recommend my favorite books, music, websites and more.

I have two websites that I would like to start off with.

The first one is World Liberty TV, an online TV network that covers events, conferences, and trade shows, plus reviews products. Their website was under hiatus for a bit while they were redesigning it, but now they are back and better than ever. Honestly I also recommend them not only for their great content, but because I am a copy editor, blogger, and book reviewer for them. So a little bias with this recommendation, but if you want to check out videos that showcase the world with a multicultural understanding, I highly recommend it! 

The next website I would like you guys to check out is Organic Melinda. I cannot write an intro that does Melinda Gonzalez justice, so I am going to take it right from her about page:

Now I am not a super health person. I eat a lot of things that aren't good for me. But as a part of trying to make my life a little healthier, I like to see my options. I connected with Melinda through a writing course that I also highly recommend. I started to read her blog and found out a lot about eating organically. Which is why I pre-order her new cookbook, coming out on September 4, 2013. It's called L.I.V².E. (Latin Inspired Vegan & Vegetarian Eats) Local & Organic Recipes to Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle. This book also features a recipe from a lovely young lady who has also taught me a few things through her own page, Miss Priscilla Deleon (the stuff she makes is food porn, just from looking at it, I swear).

As a Latina woman, I appreciate that there are recipes out there that cater to healthier eating without losing Latin flavor. I'm certainly glad that Melinda is using her knowledge to educate not only people within the culture, but anyone who enjoys food from Latin culture. Definitely puts a spin to Vegan/Vegetarian living. But hey, check out her site and order the book to find out for yourself. 

So you actually got two websites, a book, a couple of Facebook pages and a course that you can go and inquire more about. You'll always get a little more than what you bargained for when you check out a Write Recommendation.

Think The Write Recommendations is a good addition to the site? Leave a comment and let me know!