Sunday, September 28, 2014

Cover Reveals with special guest Author C.P. Bialois

Let's welcome and congratulate Author C.P. Bialois on his upcoming books! Here's the Cover Reveal from C.P.:

Good day! Today I'd like to welcome you to the cover reveals for two of my upcoming releases from the Sword and the Flame universe. The first is Building A Legend. It's the second book in my YA series (The first was Stranger Passing) featuring the Halfling Eron bucking the trend and becoming a warrior.  Coming November 15.
Building A Legend
About the Book 

Respect is often one of the most difficult things to find when setting out on a new path. It’s not any easier being a Halfling, but Eron is determined to achieve his dream of being a ranger. Following the death of Reinhart, Eron is duty-bound to follow through on his dream. The one thing he never expected was to be challenged at every turn by those who he met along the way. From shape shifters and old men, to a one-eyed Dwarf and a secretive Elf, he quickly learns not everything is as it appears. Success is won one step at a time in Building A Legend.


My second release is the third novel in the Sword and the Flame series (Not YA), The Lightwalker coming November 22.
TheLightWalkerFinalHiRes
About the Book 

 Four years after the end of the Minotaur War and Berek's sacrifice, the friends have moved on with their lives. Each has faced new challenges, but nothing can prepare them for what's to come. Solaria fought against the Gods of Pyrain for dominance in an age long forgotten by most. Defeated, he was imprisoned within the bones of the world for eternity. The coming of the Phoenix allowed The Fallen God Solaria to escape from his prison. Promising revenge on those that wronged him, Solaria seeks out those with anger in their hearts to champion his cause while he gathers his strength. Will the prophesized Lightwalker rise before the world is destroyed by a ancient conflict? Coming November 22.


CP Author Photo














   Where to stalk CP 

Website 

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About the Author
  
CP Bialois’ love of words began as a small child when his father bought a stack of comics to teach him the reading skills he wasn’t mastering in class. Before long, he was reading at an advanced level and teachers were shaking their heads over the unconventional method. Growing up in the ‘80s, Bialois was exposed to even further inspiration through the popular cartoons of the day. Transformers, in particular, sparked his imagination and led to him put his first stories on paper. After a decades-long break, Bialois began getting back into the world of writing by joining some role-playing groups. These groups taught him about fleshing out characters and building worlds that stuck with him as he began writing short stories for fun. To his surprise, Bialois would end up completing his first full-length novel, Call of Poseidon, in 2007. Armed with a finished product, Bialois began working on another book, The Sword and the Flame, unsure of what he would ultimately be doing with either. As with many others in the later part of the first decade of the 2000’s, he found himself out of work and looking into new options. Over the next two years, he would spend most days at the library, completing an additional half-dozen works. Six books later, Bialois is planning for the release of many more and enjoying the feedback he receives. The up-and-coming author takes inspiration from favorites such as Steven King, Tom Clancy and Sue Grafton. His love of history, fantasy and old monster movies has also served as a muse. When he’s not busy writing or chatting on his social networks, Bialois enjoys watching hockey and football as well as Metallica DVDs. He currently lives with his wife- a fellow writer- and their fur children. CP Bialois is also active in several South Florida writing groups, as well as the online writer community, and the Florida Writers Association.



Poetry Events

Here's a question that are frequently asked: Where are the poetry/spoken word events in South Florida? So I gathered a couple of resources and here are a few:

At poetryopenmikes.org, you can search for open mikes by dates and location, contact the host to ensure that event is still active.

At South Regional Library, there is a poetry club and the next meeting is on 10/21/2014 Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Location: South Regional/BC Library Conference Room URL: http://ems.browardlibrary.org/MasterCalendar/EventDetails.aspx?data=hHr80o3M7J7unK3K4%2f3cc0aQ7vxIZdiziQCbhkbYpE%2bvUO0sdMZwle9ucyQ2pZAk

Renda Writer will host Open Mic Thursdays at Kelly Brothers Irish Pub which is located at 3045 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306. Starting October 9th, 2014
https://www.facebook.com/events/1476996155905341/?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Are you interested in Poetry Workshops? Then go to Anastasia Clark Poetry Workshop on Saturday, October 11, 2014, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Margate Catharine Young Auditorium
http://ems.browardlibrary.org/MasterCalendar/EventDetails.aspx?data=hHr80o3M7J7y0wtftajMNyJAZ8%2fD8IUbCgcSvMeZMzYkboKQ%2beUuPqRAkVu8g81B

So that's my upcoming poetry round-up! If you know of any other events, please let me know in the comments below.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Still Embracing Autumn with Poetry

After sitting in the audience at Louder Than A Bomb this past Saturday evening, I'm encouraged to support poetry events. Spoken word has all the glory, and like rap, a lot of people especially young people are taken. The evening highlighted the in-your-face style that I dislike for myself. I'll admit to not being a fan of the "spoken word" style nor my family who left me solo when I shared what kind of poetry event but I went anyhow. Yet, when they vary the voice, tone and mood (even add a little song), it is not all in your face and the overall effect is good.

The evening started with the students. The duo were cute, introducing what's to come for the rest of the night in rhyme. Then she started strong but paused, stood there, when she forgot her words.  The audience was kind and waited until she could recall and move on. If she was reading (had a paper to read from), then she wouldn't have been stuck. But I do appreciate the hard work inputted to memorize the lines. Then another young lady she walked from the audience with her mic, her tone started soft but then she did the "spoken word" fast and hard speak then she ended soft. The effect was good. Next the quartet that poetry was straight from the news: from Ferguson event to Robin Williams' death.

The emcee returned and explained what they are trying to do, help young people through poetry. He then encouraged the audience to take out their phones and go on social media and let people know where they were. It's important to note that the professionals that follow all shared how poetry helped them and elevated them. They all were excellent: Betrand Boyd, Carlos Robson, Jason Carney and Asia.

I agreed with the message delivered although I was waiting for an audience member or two to jump up with an "Amen" because it got preachy at times. I also noticed that rhymes in couplets and/or quatrains are spoken artists' favorite tools. One of my favorite artist ended the night. His stuff was deep though unlike the last time I heard him loving the 90s. He also reminded me of supporting artists especially when they have projects that need funding. So now, I want to encourage everyone to support two projects on Kickstarter:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/693237577/100-wishes-for-broward
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theasiaproject/the-asia-project-touch-album?ref=nav_search 
Overall it was a good night with positive messages: the poets overcame difficulties with the aid of poetry. I definitely share that sentiment about poetry. Next week I will have an opportunity to share and will try encourage any style that will help you heal thyself. Feel free to invite and share as the below events are free. morning and/or evening.

Support poetry events and I invite you to come to these poetry events:


Gulfstream Writers Presents
Autumn Poetry Workshop
Saturday, September 27, 2014
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Hallandale Beach Branch Community Room 2
300 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale, FL 33009, 954-357-6380

Contact
Tasha Watson
954-357-6380

I hope to hear you read!
Join us at Cinema Paradiso for Poetry in the Courtyard with sign up starting at 5:30 pm on Saturday, September 27, 2014.

Reading begins at 6:00 pm so bring some poems to read or just sit back, relax and listen to the words flow in the Courtyard.
Hosted by Suzzette Dawes
Cinema Paradiso is located at
503 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Tell a friend! Bring a friend!

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Let's Embrace Autumn with Poetry

Autumn officially starts on September 21st (tomorrow) and I wish the summer heat to be on its way out. Be gone already! I feel prepped for my mini-workshop to talk about Autumn theme poems next week as I found many poems that embraced Autumn including some poems from local poets.

So until next week, check out Louder than a Bomb Florida tonight at Seminole Paradise and I hope to see you next week at the Workshop and/or the Poetry Reading later that evening.


Paradise Live
Seminole HardRock
 5715 Seminole Way, Hollywood FL, 33314
(954) 585-5091

Gulfstream Writers Presents
Autumn Poetry Workshop
Saturday, September 27, 2014
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Hallandale Beach Branch Community Room 2
300 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale, FL 33009, 954-357-6380

Contact
Tasha Watson
954-357-6380

Join us at Cinema Paradiso for Poetry in the Courtyard with sign up starting at 5:30 pm on Saturday, September 27, 2014.

Reading begins at 6:00 pm so bring some poems to read or just sit back, relax and listen to the words flow in the Courtyard.
Hosted by Suzzette Dawes
Cinema Paradiso is located at
503 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Tell a friend! Bring a friend!



Saturday, September 13, 2014

Word of the Day

Why did I subscribe? I like to tell myself lies such as I would have exercised if it didn't rain; but this time, research is on my side. I have used in the past, the word of the day from dictionary.com as a prompt (back in April for National Poetry Month). I'll admit not all poetry produced was a delight but it got the juices going. Another reason to look at the word of the day is to increase my vocabulary so this time I am using the word of the day from overlymacadamia.com:

Sunday - palabra
Monday - calvous
Tuesday - (skipped)
Wednesday - scaramouch
Thursday - lorn
Friday - rejectamenta

As I peruse these rejectamenta palabras, I dream of partying with that scaramouch, The Mad Hatter, and wonder if wearer of hats really become calvous after a while. Overall, I find these palabras a bit lorn and in need of some modern words. What are other poets doing? One way to find out is to go to some poetry events. So let's go forth and explore some poetry events:


Paradise Live
Seminole HardRock
 5715 Seminole Way, Hollywood FL, 33314
(954) 585-5091

Gulfstream Writers Presents
Autumn Poetry Workshop
Saturday, September 27, 2014
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Hallandale Beach Branch Community Room 2
300 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale, FL 33009, 954-357-6380

Contact
Tasha Watson
954-357-6380

Join us at Cinema Paradiso for Poetry in the Courtyard with sign up starting at 5:30 pm on Saturday, September 27, 2014.

Reading begins at 6:00 pm so bring some poems to read or just sit back, relax and listen to the words flow in the Courtyard.
Hosted by Suzzette Dawes
Cinema Paradiso is located at
503 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Tell a friend! Bring a friend!

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Why ask 'Is Poetry Dead'?

I always wonder why that topic keeps getting asked. I look around me and it seems very much alive:

  • by the number of people writing poetry
  • by the number of poets publishing poetry
  • by the amount of poetry readings around.

I have the opportunity (and I hope you can attend) to discuss Poetry with an Autumn Theme and some questions that I could be asked and I will ask of you:
What is Poetry? What does it mean to you?
So share your thoughts in the comments below.

...and here's some poetry events (not all are poetry readings and yes, I recall "we can talk about socializing with other poets and/or supporting other poets" in my next post so here goes: meet me at one of these wonderful events and I'll give you my point of view):


Paradise Live
Seminole HardRock
 5715 Seminole Way, Hollywood FL, 33314
(954) 585-5091

Gulfstream Writers Presents
Autumn Poetry Workshop
Saturday, September 27, 2014
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Hallandale Beach Branch Community Room 2
300 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale, FL 33009, 954-357-6380

Contact
Tasha Watson
954-357-6380

Join us at Cinema Paradiso for Poetry in the Courtyard with sign up starting at 5:30 pm on Saturday, September 27, 2014.

Reading begins at 6:00 pm so bring some poems to read or just sit back, relax and listen to the words flow in the Courtyard.
Hosted by Suzzette Dawes
Cinema Paradiso is located at
503 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Tell a friend! Bring a friend!

Monday, September 1, 2014

Read then maybe Revise

I like to write poetry. When I read out loud to a crowd, sometimes the words don't flow as I wish it would. I find myself modifying on the fly so I make a note and later at night, I revise. Hence, why I find that going to poetry readings helps refine my poems. Hey, maybe it will also help you sparkle. Here are some poetry events around town (not all are poetry readings but next post we can talk about socializing with other poets and/or supporting other poets):

Paradise Live
Seminole HardRock
 5715 Seminole Way, Hollywood FL, 33314
(954) 585-5091

Gulfstream Writers Presents
Autumn Poetry Workshop
Saturday, September 27, 2014
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Hallandale Beach Branch Community Room 2
300 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale, FL 33009, 954-357-6380

Contact
Tasha Watson
954-357-6380

Join us at Cinema Paradiso for Poetry in the Courtyard with sign up starting at 5:30 pm on Saturday, September 27, 2014.

Reading begins at 6:00 pm so bring some poems to read or just sit back, relax and listen to the words flow in the Courtyard.
Hosted by Suzzette Dawes
Cinema Paradiso is located at
503 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Tell a friend! Bring a friend!