Get to know the contributing writers of From a Poetic POV-Karmen Booker

We are back to speaking with the contributing writers of From a Poetic POV. Today we are speaking with Karmen Booker. Read her interview below.

Dominique Watson (DW): How long have you been a poetry writer?
Karen Booker (KB): 27 years

DW: Tell us a little about who you are.
KB: Karmen A. Booker is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She attended school there, and later attended Howard University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Juris Doctor Degree. Mrs. Booker has published five books – “Infinity”, “Lessons in Spiritual Enrichment”, “Biblical Entrepreneurship”, “The A B C’s of Ministry”, and “Seeking the Face of God”. She has also written “The A B C’s of Successful Living” (devotional calendar), and designed Spiritual Poetic Expressions and bookmarks. She is also a Freelance Writer for several Christian magazines. Her personal motto for life is “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Mrs. Booker is a Business Attorney and the Chief Consultant for Compu-Perfect Professional Services - http://www.compu-perfect.net/. Compu-Perfect is a business consulting firm that specializes in 501(c)(3) tax exemption applications, corporate, limited liability company, and nonprofit entity formations, copyright registration, trademark search and registration, writing business plans and contracts, asset protection and estate planning services.

DW: What made you decide to participate in the compilation?
KB: I want to share poetry that will encourage and inspire others to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

DW: What type of flavor do you believe your poems will bring to the book?
KB: Inspirational / Motivational flavor.

DW: Have you published a book before? If so, tell us about it. If not, when do you plan to publish your first book?
KB: Yes.

DW: Is this your first compilation project? If not, give us details about your previous compilation.
KB: Yes!!!

DW: What does poetry do for you?
KB: It encourages me to know that I can encourage others through my poetry.

DW: What do you believe your poems do for the reader?
KB: I believe my poems encourage, inspire, and motivate others.

From a Poetic POV will be available in August.

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

Guest Speaker Dana Neal speaks about Event Planning for Authors and Writers

Today we have a guest speaker, writer and event planner Dana Neal. Today she is speaking to us about event planning. When she contacted us to be a guest speaker and wanted to speak about event planning, I thought this would be great. So many of us writers and authors get book signings, speaking engagements and book release parties together. A few tips wouldn't hurt. Read her interview below to see what she had to say about the topic.

Dominique Watson (DW): How long have you been in event planning?
Dana Neal (DN): I have been an event planner turned stylist for almost 9 years.

DW: Do you believe it's important for authors or writers to hire event planners?
DN: Yes! Having an event planner alleviates stress for the author/writer. The planner can focus on the style and presentation of the event while the writer works on the "meat and potatoes" of it.

DW: What are some mistakes that authors or writers make when preparing thier own event?
DN: They either think too far out of the box or they choose something too simple. A writer knows what they want to portray, but they need to have a planner help them bring that vision to life. Most writers only think about how THEY look, but the concern should be the presentation of their book, the theme of the book, then the author.

DW: What are some key steps in having a successful book signing? How do you get people in the door?
DN: Keys for having a successful book signing are very simple; *get away from the book stores--invite the manager or owner to the book signing; rent a hall or conference room, have a small reading and presentation about the writer and book *think platinum event and not just book signing--this allows for more creativity on the part of the planner i.e. decorations, table displays, reporters, radio personalities, etc. *Promote the event all over--schools, coffee shops, restaurants, online, have a giveaway, or a sale during the event, etc. People will attend book signings of local authors, if the book has a theme/topic they are looking for.

DW: As an author what has been your experience in planning your own events?
DN: *I have yet to plan my own book signing! Yet, planning my own events has given me a birds eye view of how serious I am taken as a business woman. I started in events and have added writing to my professional resume. It is hard work to do both, but organization and planning are essential.

DW: How do you set the atmosphere at any event?
DN: *Depending on what the author wants the atmosphere is set by the decorations and the place. Last year, I styled a book signing event for Author Gary Ford and he wanted simple elegance, vendors outside of the room for the signing, he wanted white decorations, etc...it was very appealing and simply elegant. (you can view the photos on the web site: http://www.essenceofawomanevents.com/*For other events, the decor and the venue ambiance help set the atmosphere..the loving attitude of the planner (ME) brings the comfort and joy!

Writers/Authors, if you are looking to present a platinum book signing and you have a great budget, then hire an event planner. Anyone can have a book signing at a book store. The book shelf background sets the atmosphere. Yet, if you want people to look for your next book, then you have to think outside the box. As a writer, you are already working on the book and what to share at the signing; allow an event planner to help bring a grand vision to life. Never take on more than you can chew or in this case write!

You know, I thought this info was very helpful. We've never spoken about event planning on The POV Lounge yet, it's a very important subject. Authors and writers actually do plan events. You know I'm a do it yourself type of person. I'm not for hiring someone else to do something I know I can do but hiring an event planner does seem like the better way. They can bring so much more to the event than we can. I thought Dana's Advice was right on point.

Before we end today's blog...
Be a Guest Speaker on The POV Lounge. Do you have some tips and advice on writing, marketing, editing, publishing, etc. We want to hear your advice and tips. http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/guestspeaker.htm

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

The Importance of Research

How important is research? Very? Especially for those that are writing stories and novels. You must know what you're talking about.

It's always wise to do a little research for your writing. Whether it's for grammar, spelling, formats or meanings goggling something doesn't hurt. Everytime you ask someone something they say "Goggle it" That's because the internet has so much info for us. You can find just about anything. It can teach you anything. Use your resources and do your research.

When writing a story, it helps to find out more about your topic. It helps to get all the details before you write so you know what you're talking about. Some writers like to write about things that have never happen to them. For instance, an author is writing a story about a man that gets killed. The genre of this book is Mystery/Suspense. Well in order for this author to write this book, they need information on forensics, police/detective work. How would an officer question a suspect? The reason the author would need this information is because the story has to sound realistic.

In the end, you must do your research and get all the details you need before writing the story. Be sure to stay tune to an upcoming blog on using the library for research.

Before we end today's blog...

Have your new released book featured on our ning network http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/authorspotlight.htm

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson

Que Jacobs: Contributing writer in From a Poetic POV

Continuing today, we are speaking with the contributing writers of From a Poetic POV. Today we are speaking with Que Jacobs. Read about her below.

Dominique Watson (DW): How long have you been a poetry writer?

Que Jacobs (QJ): I have been writing poetry since I was in high school. Wow, that would mean I have been writing poetry for about 20 years or longer.

DW: Tell us a little about who you are.

QJ: What can I say about myself? I am a mother, wife, daughter, educator, sister, and auntie. I love to write because it allows me to get away and wash away the dirt of the day. I also love to read because for a moment I get to enjoy the fictional or nonfictional lives of others. I also enjoy arts and crafts because they allow me to show off my creative side.

DW: What made you decide to participate in the compilation?

QJ: I found it to be a great idea. I enjoy being apart of projects that are productive. I felt like this project would be a way for a great group of people to get together and do soemthing spectacular.

DW: What type of flavor do you believe your poems will bring to the book?

QJ: I don't know exactly. My poetry is going to depend heavily on what mood I'm in when I write. My mood dictates a lot of what comes out in my poems.

DW: Have you published a book before? If so, tell us about it. If not, when do you plan to publish your first book?

QJ: I have had two publications thus far. My first publication is a poetry compilation entitled, "Emotionally Unhinged: A Poetic Expression of Sorts." It was written while I was going through a bad period in my life. It is the result of going through and making it out. My second publication is entitled, "A Spiritual Walk: Journaling with Christ." This journal was put together to provide a companion for me to document my spiritual journal with Christ. Many times we look for a way to keep track of the knowledge we gain while going through our spiritual development and this journal is just the place for that.

DW: Is this your first compilation project? If not, give us details about your previous compilation.

QJ: This is my first compilation project. I am really excited about being a part of it.

DW: What does poetry do for you?

QJ: Poetry is a release for me. It allows me the opportunity to sort through my emotions without all the drama. My poetry is a reflection of my emotional state.

DW: What do you believe your poems do for the reader?

QJ: It touches each reader differently. Most readers that have read my work feel that it helps them deal with their own situation. They also state that many of my poems they can relate to their own experiences.

Check Que out at www.freewebs.com/princessque

Here's a sample of what we can expect from Que in From a Poetic POV

"What's all the Hype!?"

What is all the hype

Yeah I got a couple of pounds here and there

Hell I think I look pretty good

What's the big deal

Let me see you have three kids, a dog and a husband

Hell I like the way I look

I think I'm fine as...

From a Poetic POV is due out in August!

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson

Get to know the contributing writers of From a Poetic POV: Shawn Morris

Continuing today, we are talking with the contributors of From A Writers POV first book compilation, From a Poetic POV. Yesterday we spoke with writer Marjorie Banks. Today, we are speaking with Shawn Morris. Read about him below.













Dominique Watson (DW): How long have you been a poetry writer?
Shawn Morris (SM): I have been a poetry writer for 17 years.

DW: Tell us a little about who you are.
SM: I am 34, and I work in retail. I am pursuing a degree in Business Administration to pursue a career in marketing and project management. I am the proud father of two boys, 13 & 16 and I am been married for two years.

DW: What made you decide to participate in the compilation?
SM: I have been involved with different writers in the pass and it has been difficult to find a group of people who shared the same visions that you do. Once I found out about this opportunity, I didn't think twice because this would give me the positive exposure that I need to move ahead in my writing career as well.

DW: What type of flavor do you believe your poems will bring to the book?
SM: I tried to give several different styles of my writing. I believe that what you write is how you feel. Therefore you may write about actual expereinces or you may use your imagination to give a twist to what you are trying to give to the reader. I give the reader a little romance, some of my life experiences, and a little persuasion.

DW: Have you published a book before? If so, tell us about it. If not, when do you plan to publish your first book?
SM: I haven't published a book as of yet, but I am about to published a poetry book call "A Voice Of A Man" which should be out in the beginning of August.

DW: Is this your first compilation project? If not, give us details about your previous compilation.
SM: This will be my first complication project. However I just team up with published author Nujilia Brickhouse to do a nonfiction novel called "Unanticapated Circumstances".

DW: What does poetry do for you? Poetry is my way to vent, to create, to inform and inspire other people.
SM: What do you believe your poems do for the reader? I believe that my poetry will give the reader a vision as well as inform them of ways that I truly feel.

You can view more of Shawn's work at: www.myspace.com/shawnmorris.
This is an excerpt from a poem titled:


"My Writing Fundamentals"

I gaze at the clock on the wall and then I grab my paper to look at the free writing.

The images reappear and once again I begin to write.

I slam my pen down in anger;

Not because my thoughts are lost in the wind;

Of course a writer can not write without any ink his pen.

From a Poetic POV will be available in August

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

Get to know the contributing writers of From a Poetic POV; Marjorie Banks

All this week and some of next week, I will be speaking to the contributors of From A Writers POV first book Compilation. I spoke with Don Savant last month concerning the project and this week we are talking to those that are contributing.

Today we are talking with Marjorie Banks. Read her interview below.

Dominique Watson DW: How long have you been a poetry writer?

Marjorie Banks (MB): Since I was 12 years old

DW: Tell us a little about who you are.

MB: A Christian, Mother and Grandmother, Admin Assist. for a Foreclosure Prevention Non-propfit Agency

DW: What made you decide to participate in the compilation?

MB: The dream to be published and to help others be published

DW: What type of flavor do you believe your poems will bring to the book?

MB: Life, living life as a Mother and Grandmother, my poetry is about things that happen to me or to people I love.

DW: What does poetry do for you?

MB: Releases my fears, frustrations and dreams. Let's me say what I really need to say.

DW: What do you believe your poems do for the reader?

MB: Show them that other people have the same fears and thoughts as they do.

More of Marjorie's work can be see here: http://www.webook.com/

She also gave us a sample of what we can expect from her in the upcoming book:

"I Tried to Laugh Today"

I tried to laugh today,

But cried instead.

I tried to smile today,

But ran the other way.

I tried to love today,

But hated instead.

I tried to see you today,

But you looked the other way.

The book is due out in August!

Signing off,

Dominique Watson

This Weeks List of Services

View below From A Writers POV weekly list of services. You may find a service you are looking for.

*Another Que Creationwww.freewebs.com/anotherquecreationI create marketing tools that are personalized for the individualized person or business.

*Calookies Arts and Craftswww.calookiesarts.co.ukI offer original Paintings, Prints and other Art Works for the home or office, also links to my plays and books.

*Customer Incentiveswww.customerincentives.infoIncrease your sales by offering FREE GAS OR FREE GROCERIES !

*Robbie Motter dba Contacts Unlimitedwww.rmotter.comAmerican Seminar Leaderswww.asla.com

*Chelly Inspirational'sEmail Address : chellyinspirationals@hotmail.comMyspace: www.myspace.com/chellyinspirationalsMy Business Is A Variety Of Trinkets, Gift Baskets, Etc.. My Purpose Through My Products Is To Inspire People About God.

*Read To Relatereadtorelate.comChildren's books that help kids relate to less fortunate people. These stories also teach children to overcome obstacles.

*C.K.Q. Giftsckqgifts.bizNatural Hair and Skin Products, Gift cards and more!

View next week Monday to se a new list!

Signing Off,
Dominique Watson

Recognizing the Article Writers

All this month and next month I will be speaking about the Two Year celebration of From A Writers POV. Today I want to speak about our article writers. A few of the writers have been with me for the whole two years. Some just a year and others just a few months. I introduced three new article writers this month as well. Although the articles are great and on various topics, they still seem to get little attention.

My reason for the articles is to give our readers a little more. Some times people don't want to log in and just read about what the next writer is doing. When I started From A Writers POV all we had were the articles with a few other things. But now that the magazine has gotten so much bigger, the articles are getting less attention. My main purpose for having the articles is to give back; to give advice. To allow my team of writers to give their personal advice on a subject that interests them. I hand pick the writers carefully because not everyone knows how to form an article. I like for the articles that are submitted to be helpful not tell a story.

Some articles are in story form but that's not my angle for the magazine. So I give the readers, the subscribers of From A Writers POV, a place to get a little advice and inspiration. I encourage everyone to browse through our articles. Find a column you like and bookmark it. Come back each week to see what the writer of the column has to say as they give daily tips and advice. Their columns are updated once a month with the magazine and are geared to inspire all those who read it.

To read this month's article edition of From A Writers POV click here: http://www.fromawriterspovarticles.webs.com/

View the article writer interview here: http://fromawriterspov.webs.com/articlewriters.htm

Signing Off,

Dominique Watson