#PoemUp

Have you seen ASMSG’s Poetry Anthology? Get your ~FREE~ copy!

ASMSG is a group of authors (and poets and artists and editors) who help each other navigate social media and publishing concerns. This year we’ve introduced free anthologies to showcase the diverse talents of some of our authors (not all at once, of course, there are over 600 members!). The first anthology was a collection of cross-genre shorts. This is a collection of poetry. Some of the authors in this anthology I have featured on my blog before–it’s an outstanding collection. And it’s FREE!!! Click on the cover to go to Smashwords where you can download a digital copy in whatever format you choose or search for it at Apple and B&N. (I’m sorry, no Amazon–kindle users download the .mobi file at Smashwords)

PS–The next Anthology “A World of Romance” will contain one of my Kiki Downey & James Hoffman flashfictions! :)))

We Could Pretend… #poem

From Beth Ronan’s Poetry Compilation “Blurred Lines”

We Could Pretend

By Genevieve Dewey

We could pretend we both got lost here

…crossed paths like two strangers.

Strange in body, but not in soul

Certainly not in hearts.

Because ours

Have surely met before.

We could pretend we both found here

…Discovered by the fusion of fate and serendipity.

That heart’s intention had a will of its own

And could see with greater clarity

Than our words and mind.

Because ours

Have never been more blind.

We could pretend we both are free here

…Unburdened by promises and expectation.

Adrift in a sea of peaceful indecision

Where clarity came not from stillness

But a rare moment of chaotic bliss

Because ours

Would not be a placid sort of love.

We could pretend we floated to shore

…kissed by the lapping of the waves.

That our caresses were born from survival

And not an anxious sort of loneliness.

Because ours

Have always been this desperate.

We could pretend that nobody would mind

…betrayed by none and no betrayal in kind

That our love was just more prescient

Than the petty dictates of ephemeral morals.

Because ours

Have atrophied once more.

We could pretend we cared about any of that

…tethered to a society that tells us we should.

But we never were fond of children’s games

Nor too weak or innocent to face reality.

Instead we pretend nothing and willingly suffer

The consequences of our honesty.

Because ours

…Is not a pretending sort of love.

“blurred lines.” poetry challenge by @missb1331 #ASMSG |

Please check out all the amazing poetry in Beth Ronan’s compilation

blurred lines.!

I was really humbled she asked if I’d like to contribute one, I’m not much of a poet, so I’m chalking it up to she is just an amazing person! I already *know* she’s an amazing poet.

An Interview with #poet Original Clyde Aidoo

Well, my loyal blog followers, you’re in for a treat today because I asked my good friend and Chicago poet Clyde Aidoo to come shoot the breeze with me about his Art of Mind Trilogy. Known as Original Clyde Aidoo, the Philosopoet of the Inner and Outer Spaces, he’s been one of my strongest supporters since before I typed my first sentence. PS–I promise to keep my over-the-top love of the Chi-Town to a minimum.

Gen: A little bit about you first, OC. Have you always lived in Chicago?

Clyde: I have. I’m originally from the Southside in the Englewood area. Then I moved to the South Suburbs of Chicago at 13 and have stayed there since. But it’s funny you ask that, G, because actually, and I’m sure this will be very disappointing for you to hear, but I will be relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada this year. So goodbye, Windy City, hello Desert Sun.

Gen: Argh! How could you betray my mud town like that, OC?! Naw, I kid. I’m a little heartbroken though, since I didn’t get to see you the last time I was there. But, speaking of Chicago, is there a particular place or setting where you get your best writing ideas?

Clyde: I would definitely have to say downtown Chicago. I feel that when I am around people and naturally observing people and my surroundings, I am usually hit with ideas. That is one of the many reasons why I am moving to Vegas. In many ways, Vegas is the epicenter of the world. Year round, seven days a week, there are people from all 50 states and hundreds of countries getting a taste of Sin City. Any place that brings so many different people together in their most primal, uninhibited and natural state, is a place where I want to be….and the Showgirls don’t hurt, either…

Gen: HA! Actually, I have been to Vegas a number of times and the fact it is 24/7 on, on, on, makes it a place I would never want to be. But, on the other hand, as a fellow people-watching fanatic, I hear you there. And I can see how it would inspire you. One of the things I think makes your writing unique is the way you pair it with art. Are there songs that also get your poetic juices flowing?

Clyde: Yes, absolutely. My creative inspiration really can be sparked at any moment. I could be watching a movie that makes me think about a larger theme or issue outside of the film that I have either experienced first-hand, or that I am fascinated by. I am hypersensitive to the devices of everyday life. I am never actively searching for ideas, but I always remain open and ready for them. And with music, sometimes I’ll hear a song and I’ll get this creative volt just CHARGE through me. There may not be a concrete idea for me to write about, but it just inspires me to the point where I’m like, “Man, I may not have any ideas right this moment, but when I write again, I want to write like THIS!” And that’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always wanted people to feel how I feel listening to a great song whenever they read my poems. That is why I am so obsessed with rhythm. I am a tenant of rhythm. And there are so many songs that have got my juices flowing and a great many of the artists have been referenced at one point or another in the trilogy, including a few specific song tributes. Like “Supermassive Black Hole Ablaze” in Art of Mind III. Whenever I hear “Supermassive Black Hole” by Muse I become possessed.

Gen: I loved all your books but there was definitely something about this last one, an energy to it that really jazzed me. I can tell you poured a lot of your heart and soul into it.

When did you first start writing?

Clyde: I was either 9 or 10. I used to sort of have my own WWE magazine. I swear I was the most meticulous 10-year-old child with my action figures. I took it more seriously than most would say a child should. I had weekly programs that started at a precise time, I had backstage interviews as well as matches, and I had my own magazine where I’d write 50 pages every other month or so about the happenings in my fantasy world. Hell, I even had a record book of every single match that I did with the results. Yeah, I was pretty OCD.

Gen: I’m sorry, but that’s super adorable. I know guys hate it when I call them adorable, but, it doesn’t count when it’s in reference to Young Clyde, right?

Clyde: I think that is a question better answered by Young Clyde. And unfortunately, Young Clyde cannot come to the phone right now. He’s out playing somewhere far, far away.

Gen: Ha! So, what made you write the first Art of Mind?

Clyde: Wow, many things, G. You know it was just a point in my life where I had all this pent up…STUFF in my mind and soul and I had no outlet. I had nowhere to put it. And in reading someone like Emily Dickinson, who is one of the biggest pioneers for “going all in,” I decided that I should lay out some of my demons on the page, too, and see what happens. From there, I was sparked by the influence of music, everyday life, and other muses. I wanted to write about things that no other poet would dare write about in a way that they wouldn’t dare write it. Subjects that most would feel are not worthy of being written about in language that was unfiltered and unpretentious. I wanted to celebrate art…all the different kinds of art, as well as the art that we take for granted the most, the art of our thoughts. And every satirical, whimsical, or poignant piece that I’ve written was a thought that I had and held, and found art in, and I found fit to include in my museum of ideas.

Gen: What would you say is the biggest difference between Art of Mind I and Art of Mind II?

Clyde: I think Art of Mind I carried more torment. I was in a darker place with Art of Mind I, I’d say, and I think that out of all three volumes of Art of Mind, Art of Mind I addressed themes like loneliness and isolation the most. I feel that Art of Mind II branched out more to where it was more evenly distributed between matters concerning my struggles and objective philosopoems to the world. It wasn’t until Art of Mind III where I feel there was a perfect balance between discussing my own personal journeys and struggles while also commenting on…well, anything and everything else. The little things that go unnoticed as well as the big issues, like mortality. Art of Mind I is probably the rawest of all the three volumes. It really was like a journal. A man and a page with no restraint and no regard. In Art of Mind II, I mellowed out and had more peaceful verse but with the same bravado I became known for my by readers in the first volume.

Gen: Yes! Actually one of the poems in Art of Mind II you reference a soap opera we both used to love, General Hospital, and how wouldn’t it be nice if we could all just serendipitously meet on the docks when we’re meant to like in a Soap? I loved how you managed to take something so Pop-Culture and weave a universal human desire so seamlessly.

Clyde: Thanks, G. I feel that Pop-Culture influences us all in so many ways…I know how much it influences me. And something that I’m proud of is that I don’t limit myself to the Pop-Culture that everyone knows or that people think I “should” be referencing. When I gave that poem the green light into Volume 2, I could picture a lot of eyes rolling, like, “This guy just wrote a poem about a soap opera.” But hey, I feel there is a connection between ALL forms of art with everyday life. There are connections to be found in often disregarded platforms such as soap operas to our lives just like a big-budget motion picture or a primetime television program. I feel that as artists, we have to be open and honest to anything and everything that inspires us, even if there will be some eye rolls that come with it.

Gen: I absolutely agree! My dear blog followers, you can get Art of Mind I & II at Amazon and other major online retailers.

Clyde: I’d also like to take this moment to point out that while both Art of Mind I and Art of Mind II have the parental advisory sticker on them, both books are perfectly safe to read for virtually all readers. I just felt, “Why should the bands and musicians get to use the cool sticker and we authors don’t?” Especially those musicians who say like two curse words in the whole album! When I saw that Gwen Stefani had the sticker on one of her CDs, I knew right then that I was justified in having it on my book covers. Plus, it goes along with the heavy music theme for the series. But yeah…you should try it, too, G. The Downey Trilogy goes wayyyy harder than any of these rappers and musicians! Just read a James and Kiki love scene. Geez…

Gen: Hahaaaa! Yeah, there’s language, death, violence, sex–actually the sex in First, I Love You is blink and you miss it compared to my shorts and hot shots! But then, I do have a parental advisory on my hotshots…

BUT, rambling aside, back to the reason you’re here: Art of Mind III. Tell us a little more about the recently released Art of Mind III, and where it’s available.

Clyde: Art of Mind III is about growth. It’s about my growth not only as a person, but as an artist. It’s about the love that is out there in the world all around us. It is about withstanding life’s struggles and running another lap. It’s truly a book that came straight from the heart and touches on a wide variety of themes and subjects, as is the case with the previous two volumes. But it’s not just my story; I honestly believe there is a little bit of everyone’s story in this one. I know that is a large claim, but in my heart that is how I feel about the book.

Art of Mind III is available at all online retail outlets.

Gen: So, my friend, do you already have an idea for your next book?

Clyde: Let me tell you, G. Words cannot express how excited I am about the project I am working on right now! I am hoping and projecting it to be released around the summer of 2015. It is a brand new series and is taking my career in a brand new, extremely exciting direction. It is still poetry, but it is a drastic change from the Art of Mind series. And I am also simultaneously working on chapbooks that may be released alongside this new series or beforehand in 2014. Originally, I didn’t know if I was going to retire from poetry after Art of Mind III, but I feel that I have so much more to say, and I cannot wait for this new series to take off. When I look at one of my heroes, Sam Cooke, who was taken from us too soon at the peak of his career, I know that I owe it to myself to write until I can’t write anymore and to carry on to my full potential, whatever that may be. Which is why every book I put out, there is a growth. A constant evolution. And with this new series, I assure you, you will see another giant leap. I want to be someone where, if I should be taken from this world before my time like Sam, the world will have no doubt about whether or not I would have continued writing or if I had more to say. They would already know that I would have continued, and like Sam, I would have only got better.

Gen: Outstanding! Now Clyde, I know I warned you, maybe you didn’t believe me, but I like to round out my interviews with some ‘just because’ sort of questions.

If you could pick a dessert to describe yourself what would it be?

Clyde: Apple Pie á la Mode. I’m hot and cold.

Gen: Oh my cheese. You are, at that. Haha! If you could live anywhere on the planet (regardless of cost or practicality) where would it be?

Clyde: Vegas.

Gen: Twist the knife, OC, twist it. If you were a superstar what would be the biggest cause you would champion?

Clyde: Self-Expression.

Gen: Nice! If I came to Chicago for a day where would you take me?

Clyde: Vegas. Oh, wait, you meant in Chicago…um…probably over to Gibson’s Steakhouse on Rush Street or the House of Chicken and Waffles on the Southside. Then for a stroll down Michigan Avenue. I tell you what, I may be moving but I’ll always be back in Chicago…because there aren’t many cities on this planet that can hold a candle to summertime in the Chi. As, of course, you know, G.

Gen: I do know, Fall’s not too shabby either. And the way they turn the river green for St. Paddy’s in Spring, and Winter…yeah, no, Winter in Chicago sucks balls. But, I’ll try and not think you just said that so I’ll stop shooting eye-daggers your way. Well, Mr. Original Clyde Aidoo, thank you for visiting my blog! Please come back, don’t be shy.

That’s all for today, folks! I’d normally provide you all with Social Media Links but as of yet us friends of Clyde have not managed to get him on to Twitter or a fan page on Facebook or anywhere else, but never fear, we’ll keep working on him! *wink*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BUY links for Clyde’s poetry:

At Amazon:

At Barnes & Noble:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A #poetry excerpt from my favorite #Chicago poet Original Clyde Aidoo

*Vivid Dreams*

Leave her be.

Don’t you

ever wake a mental giant.

If you think she is before you and not off away deep in

thought–

Think again.

Her eyes are barely hanging on her own weaving words

while her mind is painting structures in clouds high with

soaring birds.

Her introspection draws a melody with a violet and vivid

glisten,

Her wheels are rapidly turning,

all while

She stands in place to listen.

Leave her be.

Her ungrounded earth is filled with patterns

foreign

to you and me.

Her eyes are not parallel to this globe’s green static lines–

at first glance her thoughts are beneath it…

but when you stop and

Look Again:

Her mind is Clearly Above It.

~~~~~

*Somewhere*

I do believe there is someone out there for everyone.

There is a woman who can take the weight off

A burdened, oversized man.

A man who can make the most wary woman

Learn to trust again.

A woman who can turn a shy mute

Into the life that makes the party shine.

A man who could make a crippled woman–

Learn to walk Cloud 9.

A woman who won’t care what others think–

Even if the whole world says he’s too ugly.

A man who cares more about what’s inside—

When she thinks she is short and chubby.

There are men and women

who if found,

Would take their liberties:

To free a tortured soul:

Of all insecurities.

And I believe there is a man for every woman.

There is a woman for every breathing man.

I assure you there is someone who’d care,

but for far too many

They are still out there.

~~~~~

These poems are from Art of Mind III: The Evolution of a Trilogy

Join me tomorrow as I interview Clyde about his poetry and other such things!!! You won’t want to miss it, he’s a hoot! 🙂

An interview with @Penelope_Prose (Bad Penny) on the what’s wuut! #ASMSG |

YAY another guest interview with my dear friend Penelope Jones, aka Bad Penny, aka Sweet P. You can find her blog here: The very Bad Penny I invited her here to talk a bit about her new shorts The Babysitter Extraordinaire and The Exception, as well as the REBIRTH of the fabulous Iniquitous Solace: The Aftermath, the sequel to Iniquitous Solace, a book she co-wrote with Max but is sadly out of print.

Gen: Hi Penny! Thank you for taking the time to tell us about what’s new in your corner of the famous (or should I say infamous) #Naughtycouch!

Bad Penny: Hi ya, gorgeous friend of mine. I’m thrilled to have our sections of the #naughtycouch catch up! *giggles*

Gen: Me too! We seem to be knee-deep in book writing! All work and no play makes for a cranky Cupcake. *wink*

SO, let’s start with this poetry book of yours, Iniquitous Solace: The Aftermath, can you tell us a little bit about the premise?

Penny: I never expected actually to write “The Aftermath”, however, with everything in life, things change, and “Iniquitous Solace: The Aftermath” was born. The premise? Well… I think I want any girl or boy, man or woman who reads my poetry to feel like they’re watching a romantic story unfold, and although it didn’t end the way many hoped it would; that maybe one day happily ever after is around the corner for us all.

Gen: I am, as you know, hopelessly addicted to the Happy Ever After (…after some suffering)

*Penny chuckles*

Gen: You know I always ask you to rate for my blog followers, on a scale of naughty to cupcake how would you rate it?

Penny: Honestly after evaluating the book, the parts that are naughty are very naughty, but they are probably only 25% of the book, so I would say that it’s cupcake with a super-size of naughty. *winks*

Gen: What made you decide to write it?

Penny: Oh, Genevieve Dewey— If I knew your middle name I’d call you by it right now. *cringes* That’s a very hard question to answer and continue my high road of excellence, *giggles* but I’ll try!

Gen: It’s not a visit to Cupcake’s corner of the couch without me surprising you with an awkward and painful question… you know you like it. *giggle*

Penny: *Giving Gen the side-eye* My original Iniquitous Solace poetry book was unpublished by my co-author. It was my idea, my creation, my creative juices that were poured into that book. So, while I was very sad my book was unpublished and very angry with the way things went down… I can’t say that it wasn’t for the best, for all involved!

Iniquitous Solace: The Aftermath is for all those that believe in love, know that it isn’t perfect, and still want to champion for it.

Gen: You have a promotion for your brand new short story, the Babysitter Extraordinaire, that just started yesterday, how long will it be free and where can we get a copy?

Penny: Oh… I’m glad you finally asked. I’ve been bursting at the seams over here. *giggles* Pink was about to explode onto the #Naughtycouch!

*Gen snorts*

Penny: The Babysitter Extraordinaire is a brand new short BDSM fantasy that I’ve decided to share with the world for free until May 28^th, 2013. Anywhere #Amazon is available is where you can find it, but for easy access, here is the US, UK, and Canada links. *grins*

Gen: Ahem, and the rating?

Penny: I give it a full Naughty rating with only a little cupcake! Also you can find a sneak peek at my novel, “The Beautiful Catastrophe”! What more could you ask for when it’s free? *laughs*

Gen: Ooohhh! That alone would be worth it at full price. Of course, you know I already downloaded it. I love your stories! Speaking of short stories, recently you released one called The Exception, can you tell us a little about it?

Penny: Funny you ask, I find that the first thing I blurt out when asked about it is … “Oh, that’s my vampire smut.” But really it’s more than that. I do not like to brag, but recently someone told me that I had a knack for building an entire story, complete with emotions, and throw in some amazing sex. I write to grab your heart, and hope your down yonder parts appreciate me too. *giggles*

Doyle tells Allyce he’s a vampire and is now faced with hunting her down, and delivering “The Exception: an eternal kiss” in Amazon stores nearest you or Smashwords!

Gen: On a scale of naughty to cupcake how would you rate it?

Penny: I would say it’s not super naughty… it’s romantic, and most of my readers are true hardcore erotica fans, and they mentioned it was quite smushy romantic. *laughs*

Gen: Ok, about your novel (The Beautiful Catastrophe) in the works, can you tell us a bit about the premise?

Penny: Well… most of it’s in the free promotion I’m giving away this weekend, but here’s a short version! *winks*

Catastrophe had never given into her attraction to men; actually, she never even thought of them that way, until Slade E. Masters bumped into her life, literally. In fact, she spent her entire adolescent years and adult life buried in learning how to take over her father’s business, Morgan Inc., Limo Service to the rich and famous. Her father, Oscar Morgan, had spent his entire life trying to make sure she stayed grounded, and knew nothing was handed to her on a silver platter… and men were always after something.

Mr. Masters hired Morgan Inc. to drive him around on business but that wasn’t the only driving force between the couple. Strophe’s life was turned upside down the moment she met Mr. E, and then tragedy struck in the same place twice, and no one was sure where to turn next…

Look for it this fall! *crossing fingers and toes*

Gen: Ugh! I seriously cannot wait! I super love when you get all smushy and you’ve told me there’s smushy in this one. But, of course, the naughty scale?

Penny: I’m going to give this a number… the sweet, smushy, romance totally outweighs the naughty factor, so I’d say it’s a 7!

Gen: Ok, a few fun questions, just because. If you could pick a flower to represent you what would it be?

Penny: The Gerbera Daisy! It’s my favorite flower, and it comes in so many different shades of colors. There are many layers of petals before you arrive at the center of the flower… just like me! *grins and winks*

Gen: If you could have a dream date, what would it entail?

Penny: Something completely from my date’s imagination! I’m really NOT high maintenance, but I think imagination and originality count for everything. So if he or she is imaginative and original, I’m betting that would be my next favorite dream date!

Gen: What is your favorite adjective/adverb, and the one you hate most?

Penny: My favorite adverb/adjective is Poppycock! I’ve found over the years that word has saved many people from getting “the beat down”!

*grins*

My least favorite would be the words gay or retarded. Words that were meant to classify certain types of people have been turned into dirty words. Something isn’t retarded nor can something be gay. Nor should it be considered derogatory to be referenced as either term. People, wise up… it’s horrible to use those terms in a derogatory fashion… Shame on you! Stop it!

Gen: *whispers, I love it when you get feisty* Ahem, What is one of your fondest hopes for the remainder of the year?

Penny: I can’t wait to see my novel come to life on page and kindle… and who knows— maybe happily ever after is just around the corner!

Gen: Ya never know!

Penny: Thanks, Gen, for having me. *snuggles Gen tight* Oh… I heard from a little birdie that the next 7 days your book babies will be visiting my blog! I can’t wait. I lovers you long time!!!

Gen: I know! I’m so excited and it means the world to me that you’re participating in the Blog Tour for my Downey babies. Thank you, Sweet P, for coming and visiting me! I always love having you! *hugs*

That’s it for today folks!

Please check out Penny’s links:

Penelope Jones’ BIO:

Penelope Jones, the Iniquitous Bad Penny, is a saucy little minx who will drive you insane with her naughtiness and cheek! A writer of super sexy poetry and erotic romance – prepare to love both the woman and her works. Whether you seek a ‘happy-ever-after,’ or a ‘randy-romp for a night,’ Penelope’s the girl for you. She’s the sauce behind ‘Naughtyville’ and ‘Little Miss Notoriety,’ so come check out her blog for other writing projects, and what’s next for her at Bad Penny’s Always to Blame! It’s a visit you’ll never forget!

Social Networking:

Email: LittleMissNotoriety@Gmail.com
Blog: http://thepenelopejones.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Penelope_Prose https://twitter.com/Penelope_Prose
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/ThePenelopeJones
Facebook personal: https://www.facebook.com/penelope.jones.564
Fetlife: TheVeryBadPenny https://fetlife.com/users/2142473
Goodreads: PenelopeJones http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6915959.Penelope_Jones
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Penelope-Jones/e/B00B9MVJJO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

US Buy links for Penny’s books-

http://bit.ly/BE-PJ The Babysitter Extraordinaire (Free May 26-28^th)

http://bit.ly/IS_TA Iniquitous Solace: The Aftermath

http://bit.ly/TE-Am The Exception: an eternal kiss

Pssstt….Bad Penny’s done it again! INIQUITOUS SOLACE: The Aftermath #ASMSG |

Guess what’s coming SOON!!!!

That’s right, MORE poetry from the #Naughtycouch’s most infamous resident!

(And by infamous I mean fabulously #naughty in a delightfully sweet way!)

Iniquitous Solace

The Aftermath

We all want to fall in love and for it to last a lifetime. But life and wishes rarely coincide, so what happens when love dies and you’re the only one still holding onto broken dreams?

In Iniquitous Solace – The Aftermath, we get a glimpse into the world of one such lovelorn poetess. Come laugh and love with Penelope as she shares her very soul through her heartfelt words and poetic verse. With this girl you get it all; come walk in her shoes, wear her stripy knee-socks, or even her collar that locks! Though battered and bruised, you will love the spirit that defies disappointment. Penelope Jones picks herself up, dusts herself off and stares life straight back in the eye.

Iniquitous Solace – The Aftermath. For a different kind of love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AVAILABLE 4/26/13

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Penelope Jones’ BIO:

Social Networking:

REBLOG: always tomorrow by @Penelope_Prose #Poemup #ASMSG

A lovely poem by (I still can’t figure out why she’s called) Bad Penny:

always tomorrow #Poemup #ASMSG New Life Lessons.

Reblog: where love resides by @laDeeDa51

where love resides.

Ahh such beautiful poetry from my friend Deidre.

lemon ricotta. by @missb1331

A beautiful poem about siblings — about family — by Beth: lemon ricotta.

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We Could Pretend

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Guess what’s coming SOON!!!!

Iniquitous Solace

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