Prolific Pulse Press Podcast

Sarah Merritt Ryan and I had a lovely visit, sharing about her new release "My Soul to Keep" and so much more! About the Book:My Soul to Keep is a deeply personal and spiritually resonant collection of sonnets that explores what it truly means to walk with God through the darkest seasons of life. Written primarily from a Christian perspective, these poems offer an intimate portrait of faith — not as a smooth and effortless journey, but as a living, breathing relationship that is tested, stretched, and ultimately strengthened through suffering.At the heart of this collection is a profound truth: hardship does not have to destroy us. Long-suffering, when carried in faith, becomes a crucible that deepens our connection to God and shapes us into something more resilient, more compassionate, and more whole. Faith here is not static — it ebbs and flows, wavers and steadies — and that honest portrayal makes these sonnets feel achingly real.Many of these poems are written from a woman's perspective, and several speak with quiet courage to the wounds left by broken relationships and the pain inflicted by others. Yet even these most tender and difficult places are held within a larger story of survival and grace.What ultimately distinguishes this collection is its vision of the final destination of enduring trial — not merely survival, but praise. To give thanks to God in the aftermath of suffering is portrayed here as both an act of healing and an act of liberation. Praise cleanses the heart of bitterness, loosens the grip of the past, and opens the soul to receive what God has always intended: wholeness, peace, and renewed purpose.My Soul to Keep is for anyone who has ever wrestled with God and refused to let go.Get your copy: https://www.prolificpulse.com/sarahmerrittryan

Jim Krosschell and I sat down for a discussion about his latest poetry book release "Man Afield" and more. About "Man Afield"Man Afield is a lyrical journey through the living world, guided by a backyard naturalist attuned to both wonder and warning. These poems chronicle spiritual and physical excursions into landscapes larger than any one mind or body — places where awe, joy, disorientation, and reckoning intertwine. Organized in six evocative sections, the collection:I. bears witness from a seaside deck;II. wanders through yard and neighboring woods;III. explores the shifting shoreline;IV. imagines the vast and restless ocean;V. surveys the scars of environmental damage;VI. honors home in its many meanings. Throughout, the poems dwell in the charged space where humans and the natural world meet. They examine our peculiar paradox: we are the only species that knowingly fouls its own nest — and the only one capable of choosing restraint. With clear-eyed honesty, Man Afield mourns the grinding erosion of precious places while celebrating the stubborn beauty that persists despite us — and sometimes because of us. From deck to forest trail, from tidal pull to smoke-streaked sky, these poems trace one person’s evolving relationship with plants, animals, weather, memory, and spirit. Intimate yet expansive, they invite readers to travel outward into the wild and inward toward belonging.​Man Afield is at once a field journal, a meditation, and a love song — to earth, to home, and to the fragile bond between them.Learn more and make your purchase: https://www.prolificpulse.com/jimkrosschell

We're celebrating the release of Peculiar Perspectives by Ed Ahern. We sat down for a little while and talked about this lovely poetry collection and more. About the Book: Twenty-four glimpses into the absurd, the tender, and the beautifully human.These twenty-four short poems are personal rather than political, reflective rather than polemic-quiet observations shaped by a life that has been, at times, unruly, uneven, and richly human. They invite the reader not to debate or defend, but simply to recognize: to nod in wry agreement at the small absurdities, contradictions, and tender ironies that fill our everyday lives.Drawn from a long and garishly checkered journey-one navigated more by instinct than intention-these poems distill experience into brief, free verse moments. They could have unfolded as sprawling autobiographical narratives, layered with embellishment and softened by false modesty. But that is not their nature. The voice here leans toward the epigrammatic rather than the epic, favoring canapés over feasts-small, carefully offered portions meant to be savored, not consumed all at once.At the heart of this collection lies a lifelong devotion to language. Beyond family, the author's enduring love affair has been with reading, writing, and speaking words-finding in them both refuge and revelation. These poems arise from that relationship: an urge not just to observe life, but to shape it into something shareable. Many of these pieces have found their way into print and into the air-read aloud to audiences, sometimes more than once-where their quiet truths and subtle humor continue to resonate.The subjects are not grand events or sweeping declarations, but the small, often overlooked details that give life its texture: fleeting thoughts, peculiar habits, private contradictions, and the strange comforts we build for ourselves. Each poem captures a moment of recognition-sometimes amused, sometimes bittersweet, often both at once. Together, they form a mosaic of perspective: two dozen glimpses into a mind attuned to the eccentricities and quiet wonders that surround us.This is a book that does not rush. It lingers. It invites pause. It allows space for reflection, for a half-smile, for the subtle realization that what seems uniquely strange is often universally shared. There are no epic climaxes here, no sweeping resolutions-only the gentle accumulation of insight, the steady uncovering of meaning in the seemingly mundane.In these pages, we are reminded that life's significance is rarely found in its grandest moments, but in its smallest ones: the passing thought, the odd realization, the quiet acceptance. These poems offer not answers, but companionship-a recognition that we are all navigating our own peculiar paths, doing the best we can with what we notice, remember, and feel.This little book allows us to smile at the absurdities we put ourselves through, while also inviting us to slow down long enough to savor the moments that offer contentment. It is, at its core, a celebration of the imperfect, the peculiar, and the profoundly human.Buy this book: https://www.prolificpulse.com/edahern

Trauma therapist Darls Centola has written a unique, never-before-told story of young Michael Jackson and the relationship that changed both their lives, in FINDING TRUTH WITH MICHAEL: A Memoir of Friendship, Faith, and First Love, coming out on April 7th. Darls recounts her and Michael’s close, tender friendship forged during their time spent in a small, private high school in Los Angeles, where they held private Bible study sessions as teenage Jehovah’s Witnesses. Part memoir chronicling Darls’ and Michael’s secret friendship and spiritual bond as they both struggled under the weight of high-control religion, and part cultural lens, this book traces Centola’s path into—and eventually out of—an environment of high-control faith and spiritual abuse that shaped their lives. The memoir arrives amid a cultural shift toward understanding spiritual abuse, purity culture, and religious deconstruction. As a therapist, Centola has spent decades working with the complex impacts of adverse religious experiences and the restoration of personal sovereignty from authoritarian belief systems. As an author, she offers clarity, compassion, and an insider’s perspective on a rarely explored chapter in pop history. Centola would also love to discuss the intersection of celebrity, religious drama, and the clinical path to reclaiming one’s voice. About the author:Darls Centola is a licensed clinical social worker, educator, and EMDR consultant whose professional path has been shaped by the lived experiences explored in this memoir. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Hawaii and is based in Los Angeles, where she works as a trauma-informed therapist. Much of her work explores the impact of high-control belief systems and the process of reconnecting with self and self-trust.Learn more at www.findingtruthwithmichael.com

What was it like to survive one of the earliest acts of international aviation terrorism?On September 6, 1970, twenty-year-old Mimi Nichter was aboard Trans World Airlines Flight 741 when it was hijacked and diverted to the Jordanian desert. Passengers were held for six days in extreme conditions, and Mimi—falsely accused of being an Israeli soldier—was among those taken hostage as war broke out around them.In this powerful interview, Mimi discusses her memoir, Hostage: A Memoir of Terrorism, Trauma, and Resilience, sharing what it was like to endure captivity, confront trauma, and ultimately find resilience.Mimi Nichter is a cultural and medical anthropologist, public speaker, and professor emerita at the University of Arizona. She is the recipient of the Margaret Mead Award and the George Foster Practicing Medical Anthropology Award, and her essays have appeared in HuffPost, Newsweek, and Brevity.🔔 Subscribe for more author interviews and powerful conversations.💬 Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/potomac-books/9781640126978/hostage/

Learn more about the Poetry Collection:https://www.prolificpulse.com/chyreljjackson to order your copy of Unsung Canaan BalladsABOUT Grace Wisher:https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/historyculture/grace-wisher.htm

https://www.prolificpulse.com/rebeccaherz

We held a book launch to celebrate the release of Locus of Control by Rebecca Herz. Come, share in this experience of poetry and the support of family and friends.

https://michaelpoage.com/Michael Poage is no stranger to our podcast. We played catch up as we updated life events, read poetry, and shared an imaginary cup of tea. It's always a pleasure and bonus vibes for great poetry.

Rebecca Herz and I sat down and talked about so much of everything. From babies to therapy to social work to the Handsome Pod... You name it...Let's talk about "Locus of Control - Therapy Poems" From the Author: Locus of Control is a poetry collection written to make sense of a rapidly shifting world. In these poems, I trace the contours of neurodivergence, new motherhood, queer identity, and my work as a middle-school crisis counselor, weaving together the clinical language of therapy with the raw emotional undercurrent that rarely makes it into the office.Across themes like countertransference, imposter syndrome, burnout, co-regulation, radical acceptance, and the intimate bewilderment of pregnancy through IVF, these poems explore what it means to hold hope for others while learning to hold it for myself.In writingLocus of Control, poetry became the place where I could confess my uncertainty, and acknowledge the spiritual questions that trail my work: What does it mean to witness another person’s pain? What is the cost of caretaking? Where is the line between healing and harm? What remains of the self when we spend our days giving ourselves away?At the same time, the personal and political never stay separate—fertility treatments alongside news alerts of disaster, Jewish identity intersecting with queer family-making, motherhood emerging through statistics, ultrasound screens, and wishful thinking.Above all, Locus of Control is an invitation to find resonance within the ambiguity. These poems don’t attempt to fix or advise. They sit with uncertainty and trust the reader to find themselves within the space that remains.All proceeds support Jewish Queer Youth https://jqy.org/ honoring the young people who inspire my work and my belief that healing is possible, even when the path is nonlinear.Get Your Copy: https://www.prolificpulse.com/rebeccaherzBook Launch Sign Up: https://prolificpulse.blog/2026/01/15/book-launch-to-celebrate-locus-of-control-with-rebecca-herz/https://linktr.ee/rebeccaherz?

About the Book: Riptides: Book 2 of the Caines Island StoriesCallie has become successful: her marriage remains vibrant, her business is flourishing, her daughter is doing well, she still has her lifelong friends, and the island hasn't undergone any major changes. But life isn't static. She begins to experience losses and subtle changes in her relationship with her daughter, Kim.Kim has landed her dream job as a nurse practitioner, working with individuals with mental illness. She marries and starts a family. But she too, faces challenges. Herr husband isn't who she thought he was. Professionally. Kim becomes frustrated with the corporate influence in healthcare which seems to ignore the needs of her marginalized patients.Intertwined with Callie's and Kim's individual stories are episodes in US history that alternately offer hope or despair at the world order. Riptides brings to light many of the challenges faced by women and other marginalized groups. But there is always hope as the small island community bands together.https://sherrycomstock.com/About the AuthorSherry and her husband live in the Triad region of North Carolina. Recently retired from nursing, she is pursuing her second career as an author. Her creative nonfiction piece “A Bend in the Road” appeared in the Burlington Writers Club Anthology Still Writing in 2021. Sherry published her memoir, A Crazy Quilt Life in 2022. Another creative nonfiction piece, “Journey to Living” appeared in the LIGHT journal in July 2023. When not writing, Sherry is working in her flower beds or visiting her children and grandchildren. She is currently working on the second book in the Caines Island Stories which follows Callie into the late 1990s.

I had a lovely interview with Peter Mladinic, a Poet, Writer, Book Reviewer, Animal Advocate and so much more. About Peter MladinicAccess Peter's books:Peter Mladinic was born and raised in New Jersey. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1973 and earned an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Arkansas in 1985. Professor emeritus at New Mexico Junior College, where he was a member of the English faculty for thirty years. During that time, he was a board member of the Lea County Museum and president of the Lea County Humane Society. He is the author of seven books of poems; his most recent book, The Whitestone Bridge, is available on Amazon. https://a.co/d/094MkMw An animal rights advocate, he lives in Hobbs, New Mexico, USA.

Let's meet Bill Waldorf, Poet from New Jersey. We celebrated Bill's latest release "101 Stories of Love" as Bill read some of the poems from ths collection and more. About the Author:Bill has been writing poetry for many years. He feels poetry can get to the subject's heart faster than prose. The ability to add several turns in a story can be exciting to the author as well as the shocked reader. He loves form and the chance to innovate.About the Book:A resonating and richly crafted collection of poemsReady?Then brace yourself for the symphonic rollercoaster through the landscapes of affection, loss, desire, and redemption with William Waldorf's 101 Stories of Love. In his collection, Waldorf invites his readers to explore myriad forms of love- from whispered intimacy to the poignant ache of absence, from shared laughter in a café to the serene desolation of widowhood. The poet has juggled with varied poetic forms like sonnets, villanelles, and free verse transforming the ordinary experiences into luminous reflections, crafting verses that resonate deeply with readers of all ages. This collection is a celebration of life, memory, and enduring connections, serving as a testament to the indelible impact of love in our souls.https://www.prolificpulse.com/williamwaldorf

Award Winning Children's Book Author & Illustrator Kaelen Felix talks about "Wings & Whispers-Tales of Friendship, Volume 1" and more.You'll never meet any other artist and writer like Kaelen Felix. Despite life's challenges, she moved forward to complete her debut #childrensbook And talks about her art, writing, and future plans. To view more of her works, visit: https://www.kaelenfelix.com/aboutTo view her Prolific Pulse Press Feature Page go to: https://www.prolificpulse.com/kaelenfelix

A Celebration of "Prolific Poets of 2025" #poetrylovers #poetryWe gathered together to celebrate many of the poetry books published in 2025 by Prolific Pulse Press LLCIf you see a book or books you would like, the links follow each presenter below or go to https://www.prolificpulse.com/Be sure to sign up for our mailing list! https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/1262629/142795590456050886/shareRoberta Batorsky is a Biology teacher and freelance science writer. Her poetry reflects her interest in people, their lived experiences and science. She lives in NJ with her husband and has 2 children and 2 grandchildren. she writes with empathy, knowledge and humor and has been published in Heron Clan, Fine Lines, NJ Bards, Delaware Valley Poets and other collections. This is her first book. https://www.prolificpulse.com/robertabatorsky#poetrycollection #poetsofnewjersey #perihelion ***Loralee Clark is a writer who grew up learning a love for nature and her place in it, in Maine. She resides in Virginia now as a writer and artist, with two awesome kids and a loving husband. She writes poetry and non-fiction. Myth is her love language. https://www.prolificpulse.com/loraleeclark#myth #poetsofvirginia #solemnity #rites ***Zaneta V. Johns is a world-class author of three poetry collections and What Matters Journal. She has co-authored five international bestselling collaborative books and co-edited three poetry anthologies. Johns is an editor of Fine Lines Journal and Women Speakers Association Poet Laureate. Johns resides in Colorado, USA. https://www.prolificpulse.com/zan-johns#poetlaureate #coloradopoets #colorado #awardwinningpoet #poetryeditor ***Melissa Lemay lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with her children and cats. She writes about God, addiction, trauma, healing, motherhood, and many other things. She enjoys spending time with family, drinking good coffee, and being outdoors. She loves animals. Her poem, "Ephemeral," was chosen as Poetic Publication of the Year for 2023 at Spillwords Press; she was Author of the Month for July 2024 and Author of the Year for 2024. Find her at melissalemay.wordpress, collaborature.blogspot, and at dVerse Poets Pub.https://www.prolificpulse.com/melissalemay#rengay #pennsylvaniapoets #poetrycollection #collaboration #humor ***LindaAnn LoSchiavo is a dramatist, writer, and poet.A native New Yorker, LoSchiavo has received nominations for the Pushcart Prize, Rhysling Award, Best of the Net, the IPPY Award, CLMP's Firecracker Award, Balcones Poetry Prize, and Dwarf Stars. She is a member of Science Fiction Poetry Assoc., The British Fantasy Society, and The Dramatists Guild. She has won Two Awards for Cancer Courts My Mother. https://www.prolificpulse.com/lindaannloschiavo#cancer #grief #caregiving #parentchildrelationship #newyorkpoets #awardwinningpoet ***Never until recently did he consider writing poetry. Not when he slid from the womb. Not when he felt the first tingle of teen hormones. Not after he got married, divorced, moved to another city, lost a couple jobs, moved back. It just sort of happened. Ken Tomaro, self-proclaimed poet laureate of the Cleveland sewer system, has been writing poetry for a few short years. He's not famous, rich, recognized or read in schools across America. He has been published in several literary journals, done a couple podcasts, started the YouTube channel, Screaming Down the Poetic Highway, and that's pretty damn impressive. Ken Tomaro.com https://www.prolificpulse.com/kentomaro#poetry #lifesterms #contemporary #ohiopoets

What a fun time we had with our discussion about the latest #Chilren's Book by Ellen Kolman. Have a listen and learn about how Crabby Abby came to life in this adorable children's book that teaches and makes you giggle all at once. Bonus fact: There's also a Coloring Book!#newrelease #valuestories #childrensstories #childrensbooks #coloringbook #bullies #lessonslearned #EllenKolman #KaelenFelix #coloringbook #values #Christian Pick up Your Copies at https://www.prolificpulse.com/EllenKolman

What a fun time with LindaAnn LoSchiavo as we chatted about her upcoming chapbook "Cancer Courts My Mother" to be released in November. We discussed #poetry #writing #journaling #marketing and some fun facts about #teleporting LindaAnn LoSchiavo is a fascinating #NewYorkPoet who takes her craft seriously. Get to know about this #prolific poet, right here! Be sure to pick up your copy today: https://www.prolificpulse.com/lindaannloschiavo

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https://www.prolificpulse.com/robertabatorskyAbout Roberta Batorsky: Roberta Batorsky is a Biology teacher and freelance science writer. Her poetry reflects her interest in people, their lived experiences and science. She lives in NJ with her husband and has 2 children and 2 grandchildren. she writes with empathy, knowledge and humor and has been published in Heron Clan, Fine Lines, NJ Bards, Delaware Valley Poets and other collections. This is her first book. Her Instagram account is Robertabatorsky_poetry@instagram.comAbout Perihelion: This book uses powerful, colorful imagery and often humor, applied to everyday life situations, to delve deep into the realms of love, loss, childhood, memory, aging, relationships, partnership and friendship. The writer's command of language, including colorful and strong vocabulary, will appeal to poetry readers of all stripes in its accuracy, insight and universality. Her critical insight and unsparing explorations of feelings will bring readers into her circle with recognition of the beauty of her words and the similarities with their own experiences. Her love for nature and ability to describe people's lived experiences, mental problems, societal upheaval, relationship struggles, love for family and deep love for, and familiarity with, literature will inspire all who pick up her book. Her style is a giving and loving one which will be meaningful to all readers.#poetrybook #newrelease #newjerseypoets

H. Lee Barnes - Biography

Tom Epperson (tomepperson.com), award-winning novelist and screenwriter of the cult classic film, One False Move (with Billy Bob Thornton, his childhood friend), knows how to enrapture readers. His books, from Edgar-nominated The Kind One, deemed “an impressive debut” (Publishers Weekly), to his “exquisitely written, expertly plotted” (Booklist) novel Sailor, are literary, fast-paced, metaphorical, and fresh. Epperson’s latest offering, perhaps his most engaging and provocative yet, is BABY HAWK is an alluring work that’s surprising not only to his readers but to himself as well. A novel in verse, BABY HAWK is a mesmerizing fable, a gorgeous adventure, a coming-of-age story, an outright shocker that runs in high gear from its hard-hitting first stanza to its remarkable conclusion. Masterfully written, this unique achievement will wow readers with explicit imagery and superb suspense. And it’s so much fun to read that the deep messages it carries about feminism and ecological devastation soar above the book’s heart-throbbing narrative and only fully settle into your bones when the story has ended. Tom Epperson, a native of Arkansas, headed west to Los Angeles with his boyhood friend Billy Bob Thornton to pursue a career in show business. Epperson’s co-written the scripts for One False Move, A Family Thing, The Gift, A Gun, a Car, a Blonde, and Jayne Mansfield’s Car. His L.A. noir The Kind One was nominated for both the Edgar Award and the Barry Award for Best First Novel. Three more books followed, Sailor, Roberto to the Dark Tower Came, and Make Believe. His most recent book is Baby Hawk, a novel in verse. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his wife Stefani, two pampered cats, and two frisky dogs.

We gather together to celebrated this new release!Guest Readers were Roberta Batorsky, Jill Sharon Kimmelman, and Sarfraz Ahmed, before the star of the show William Waldorf.What a fun celebrattion!!https://www.prolificpulse.com/williamwaldorf"101 Stories of Love"A resonating and richly crafted collection of poemsReady?Then brace yourself for the symphonic rollercoaster through the landscapes of affection, loss, desire, and redemption with William Waldorf's 101 Stories of Love. In his collection, Waldorf invites his readers to explore myriad forms of love- from whispered intimacy to the poignant ache of absence, from shared laughter in a café to the serene desolation of widowhood. The poet has juggled with varied poetic forms like sonnets, villanelles, and free verse transforming the ordinary experiences into luminous reflections, crafting verses that resonate deeply with readers of all ages. This collection is a celebration of life, memory, and enduring connections, serving as a testament to the indelible impact of love in our souls.

 www.digangiauthor.com

https://nancykricorian.net/In vivid, poetic prose Nancy Kricorian’s THE BURNING HEART OF THE WORLD tells the story of a Beirut Armenian family before, during, and after the Lebanese Civil War. Returning to the fabular tone of ZABELLE, her popular first novel, Kricorian conjures up the lost worlds and intergenerational traumas that haunt a family in permanent exile. Leavened with humor and imbued with the timelessness of a folktale, THE BURNING HEART OF THE WORLD is a sweeping saga that takes readers on an epic journey from the mountains of Cilicia to contemporary New York City.“Like colorful miniatures—from a childhood of elders haunted by the Armenian genocide, to girlhood and adolescence amidst war in Beirut, to marriage and children in New York at the time of 9/11—Nancy Kricorian finds just the right scale to bring her heroine’s passage to vivid, reverberating life.” —Aram Saroyan“An arrestingly beautiful novel of how families draw us together, but also push us apart. Set amidst the backdrop of displacement and war, THE BURNING HEART OF THE WORLD illuminates how we carry history deep into even the most forgotten corners of ourselves. Once you start reading about Vera and her family you won’t be able to put this book down.” —Marie Myung-Ok Lee, Author of The Evening Hero

It was such a pleasure to meet with Kim Dower and discuss her upcoming release: "What She Wants: Poems on Obsession, Desire, Despair, Euphoria" Now Available! "Obsessive love has never been so much fun! What She Wants: Poems on Obsession, Desire, Despair, Euphoria is a powerful tribute to the intensity of obsessive love, told through the trademark humor and heartbreak of bestselling poet Kim Dower." "Following the commercial and literary success of her bestselling poetry collection, I Wore This Dress Today for You, Mom: Poems on Motherhood, Kim Dower delivers What She Wants: Poems on Obsession, Desire, Despair, Euphoria—turning her keen eye, vibrant imagination, trademark insight, and humor to the intensity of obsessive love. These steamy and provocative poems, combining humor and heartache, run through the four phases of Limerence, the state of being infatuated or obsessed with another person: Infatuation, Crystallization, Deterioration, and Ecstatic Release. From the opening poem, “She’ll do anything for food,” to the sexy title poem, “What She Wants,” the painfully funny, “His Other Girlfriend,” to the longing in “Visiting Baudelaire,” and the sad, sweet final poem, “Fish’s Lament,” Kim Dower captures the essence of what it means to be stuck on someone—even on a squirrel! Her eclectic, growing readership will savor these poems that can be read in one sitting, like a story with an arc, or separately, each one recalling the moment of falling in or out of love, the moment our hearts skipped a beat." https://redhen.org/book_author/kim-dower/

https://www.prolificpulse.com/elliotmrubin

Atmos is an ambient music producer, progressive rock songwriter, ink artist, free verse poet, abstract photographer, and fantasy fiction author known for being an animal welfare and mental health advocate, mindfulness practitioner, environmentalist, reincarnationist, activist, and empath.Atmos is focused on a mission of inspiring others, building meaningful relationships, and promoting positive change amidst the inevitable challenges of life.Inspired by the works of Pink Floyd, Tool, Rumi, Alex Grey, and Salvador Dalí, Atmos' diverse creative artistry lends itself to his creative projects, resulting in a unique fusion of music, art, literature, philosophy, spirituality, science, and world culture.
Atmos – Vegan Multipotentialite (@atmos.ig) • Instagram photos and videos Poetry for the Blind — Store | Atmos | Musician, Artist, Photographer, Author, and Music Tutor | Coventry

We gathered together to celebrate with the Book Launch of Sojourn - Transcending Seasons by Pratibha Savani and Karuna Mistry. https://a.co/d/jjbYuAl - About Sojourn: How do you cope with losing someone you love? Sojourn: Transcending Seasons explores the journey of the soul as expressed by brother and sister, Karuna Mistry and Pratibha Savani. Together, they take the reader through their entwined paths of experiencing grief while caring for their beloved dying mother; bringing uplifting reflection, wisdom and spiritual growth. Their journey arches from a storming summer to a wintry wisp; eight chapters of revealing thoughts and valuable insights leading into how the writers overcame darkness. Containing almost 100 individually arranged poems – including prose, rhyme and visual – the creative siblings also include their own impressive artwork. Along the way, they are joined by guest poets, Jill Sharon Kimmelman, Sarfraz Ahmed, and Zaneta Varnado Johns, who offer insights from their own faith traditions. These offerings complement and consolidate the inescapable situation in facing the ultimate end. With an emotionally moving timeline, an array of contrasting conspicuous and subtle themes, this deeply thoughtful compilation combines layers of poetry and art in a unique fashion, making Sojourn an original read and a precious gift to the world.

Check it out! Get your copy HERE

https://amzn.to/4cG3iAU How do you cope with losing someone you love? Sojourn: Transcending Seasons explores the journey of the soul as expressed by brother and sister, Karuna Mistry and Pratibha Savani. Together, they take the reader through their entwined paths of experiencing grief while caring for their beloved dying mother; bringing uplifting reflection, wisdom and spiritual growth. Their journey arches from a storming summer to a wintry wisp; eight chapters of revealing thoughts and valuable insights leading into how the writers overcame darkness. Containing almost 100 individually arranged poems – including prose, rhyme and visual – the creative siblings also include their own impressive artwork. Along the way, they are joined by guest poets, Jill Sharon Kimmelman, Sarfraz Ahmed, and Zaneta Varnado Johns, who offer insights from their own faith traditions. These offerings complement and consolidate the inescapable situation in facing the ultimate end. With an emotionally moving timeline, an array of contrasting conspicuous and subtle themes, this deeply thoughtful compilation combines layers of poetry and art in a unique fashion, making Sojourn an original read and a precious gift to the world. ... Pratibha Savani Pratibha Savani is a UK poet, artist and an Ambassador for the Garden of Neuro. She first began writing as a student struggling with eczema, releasing her debut book, “Tangles + Knots” in October 2020. It uniquely combines her art and writing with mindfulness and wellbeing themes and was featured in the August 2021 ‘Garden of Neuro Poetry Book Club.’ Her black and white art became the inspiration for the anthology series, “A Safe and Brave Space” by adding mindfulness colouring and has contributed towards Volumes 1 (2021), 2 (2022) and 3 (2024). Since 2021, over 65 poems and 14 art pieces have been published in over fifty literary publications including anthologies with McKinley Publishing Hub, Prolific Pulse Press LLC, Ravens Quoth Press, Open Door Poetry Magazine and Austur, to name a few. Wellbeing projects continued through ‘What Matters Journal,’ ‘Rethink Your Mind’ and other charity anthologies. Pratibha has delivered online art workshops and designed book covers. She loves the freedom to scribble in her sketchbook without lines or rules and is inspired by the cosmos, nature and spirituality. She also enjoys yoga, science fiction and creative fun with her daughter. Future projects are to create a mindfulness book, children’s book and further poetry books. Find her inventive expressions on: Instagram and Facebook: @pratibhapoetryart Karuna Mistry Following the death of his mother, Karuna Mistry suddenly woke up to poetry – quite literally. With the benefit of his sister already established in poetry circles and with her encouragement, he was easily able to find submission calls. Over his first year of creative writing, much to his surprise, he completed over 200 pieces and soon had his poetry published in various anthologies including Austur, McKinley Publishing Hub, Open Door Magazine, and Sweetycat Press. Over his first two years of identifying as a poet, Karuna has published over 60 poems in more than 40 anthologies, occasionally being paid. He has also orated his poetry at local public events. Karuna has been writing poetry continuously since his bereavement. His creative writing interests are much broader than catharsis, covering observations in nature, life, but also humour, science fiction, spirituality and thoughtful philosophy. He also enjoys writing blogs and essays, drawing, music, and watching science fiction. Additionally, he has experience in magazine editorship. Connect with Karuna: Instagram and Facebook: @karunamistrypoetry Website: karunacreations.wordpress.com ... Acoustic Guitar 1 by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Lindsay Soberano Wilson's second full-length book of poems, Breaking Up With the Cobalt Poems for Healing, finds peace in painful, messy, shameful parts of life unearthed at inconvenient times. With poems about suicide, sexual assault, addiction, intergenerational trauma, domestic violence, Toronto 90s rave culture, and a pandemic, Breaking Up With the Cobalt Blues finds light in the darkness.
The visual and lyrical poems, shed light on hard truths while inspiring readers to "Dance Through the Dark" to find "Glimmers," instead of tripping on triggers like the poem, "I Tripped on a Wound Today" about being a third-generation Holocaust survivor. As the creator of Put It To Rest, a mental health literary online hub, Lindsay believes in putting painful stories to rest by writing them out to let them Breaking Up With the Cobalt Blues weaves in and out of childhood, coming of age, and adulthood on a healing journey to put the past behind, embrace the present, and trust the future.
In the opening poem, "I Call This Trauma", the narrator discovers that untying "knots" to fix everything is fruitless, eventually turning to acceptance in "Hope, Are You There?" Breaking Up With the Cobalt Blues culminates in a heroic call to action to break up with victimhood to embrace trauma healing reflected in the beauty of the "northern lights."
Breaking Up With the Cobalt Blues takes readers on a journey from victimization to becoming self-empowered curators of life, despite the freefall from grace into everyday beauty like being open to receiving "Glimmers."
So just maybe one can never really break up with the "blues" but there's no reason why the blues can't morph into a softer hue that's part of life rather than a defining moment.
Breaking Up With the Cobalt Blues is about making peace with grief and not letting the past define you but recreating a future that accepts that pain is a part of life, allowing growth. The concluding poem "Stay Gold" is a tribute to the friends we've lost too soon, accepting that only the good die young. Order your copy: https://www.prolificpulse.com/lindsaysoberanowilson

Current books by Lawrence R. Berger:"The Green Lantern: A guide for Achieving the American Dream Volume 2 How to survive in a Modern Economy( Even on a Poet's Income!)"  Limited copies remain: reply for details: Instant Poetry (Just Add Words!) 
 https://amzn.to/3SxKN9S
Instant Poetry (Just Add Words!) Audio Book
https://amzn.to/3SSAMFn
Word Dancing: Instant Poetry ( Just add words!)  volume 3
https://amzn.to/3ulmeF5
lawrence-berger.mailchimpsites.com
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https://www.diprisco.com/

Joseph Di Prisco is the acclaimed author of two bestselling memoirs (Subway to California and The Pope of Brooklyn), six novels (Confessions of Brother Eli, Sun City, All for Now, The Alzhammer, Sibella & Sibella, and The Good Family Fitzgerald), and three books of poetry (Wit’sEnd,Poems in Which, and Sightlines from the Cheap Seats). He is also the co-author of two bestselling books on childhood and adolescence (Field Guide to the American Teenager and Right from Wrong). He is Series Editor of Simpsonistas: Tales from New Literary Project, the annual anthology. His book reviews, essays, and poems have appeared in numerous journals and periodicals, and his poetry has been awarded prizes from Poetry Northwest, Bear Star Press, and Bread Loaf. His new book, My Last Resume: New and Collected Poems showcases an exquisite body of poetry spanning more than five decades. Joseph champions writers, artists, educators, and students. He taught for decades, middle school, high school, college, and beyond, and he has served on boards as chair or trustee of not-for-profits dedicated to the arts, theater, children’s mental health, and schools. In 2015 he founded the not-for-profit New Literary Project (New Lit), in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, English Department. New Lit drives social change and unleashes artistic power across the generations by offering writing workshops free of charge to teenage writers, investing in creative writers who teach high school, and supporting mid-career authors via the annual Joyce Carol Oates Prize, which he directs.

Born in Brooklyn and a longtime Berkeley resident and Cal graduate, he now lives with his wife, photographer Patti James, and their two whippets in Lafayette, California.

His official blog is http://onewriterandhispc.blogspot.co.uk/

Occasionally he does like to sleep.

https://www.lynnethompson.us/

Pick up his book at ProlificPulse.com

https://www.prolificpulse.com/aarionaharris

On May 4, 2024 we gathered together to celebrate the launch of "The Beauty of Words" by Elizabeth O Ogunmodede. Learn more about Miss Ogunmodede, a 16-year-old prolific poet: https://www.prolificpulse.com/elizabethogunmodede

Meet the Author

Get Your Copy

Prolific Pulse Joni Karen Caggiano Page

We had a wonderful time at the Book Launch for Joni Karen Caggiano's best seller "One Petal at a Time." Have a listen.

the-inner-child.com

Twitter: @theinnerchild1

Instagram: @jonicaggiano

Stay tuned for the upcoming link for One Petal at a Time on ProlificPulse.com

🎨✨ Dive into the mesmerizing world of Francisco Bravo Cabrera, also known as Bodo Vespaciano! 🌟 🎓 A graduate of Miami’s Florida International University, Francisco has been conquering the art scene since 1998 with his innovative blend of "JaZzArt" and "Surreal-Expressionism." 🌍 From the bustling streets of New York to the vibrant shores of Miami, and even the enchanting cities of Istanbul and Barcelona, Francisco's masterpieces have captivated audiences worldwide! 🎶 His canvases sing with the harmony of musical instruments intertwined with ethereal bodies, inviting you into his realms of jazz and fantasy. 🌟 But it's not just about the art – Francisco's mission is to spread a message of hope, peace, and unity through his paintings, touching hearts and inspiring minds. 📚 And mark your calendars! Francisco has graciously donated his talent to illustrate the cover of "One Petal at a Time" by Joni Caggiano, coming your way on April 5th! 🌸 💬 As Francisco himself says, "One must be true to oneself. I am a painter of my day, giving spirituality to my work. Talent is the result of hard work, but art is a gift from God, and to God goes the glory." 🙌 🔗 Connect with Francisco and explore his breathtaking creations at paintinginvalencia.com. Don't miss out on this journey of artistry and soul-stirring expression! 🎨✨

Access your copy Dive into the rebellious and thought-provoking world of 'Soon to Be Banned Beat Poems' by Elliot M. Rubin. This upcoming release takes readers on a captivating journey through the raw and unfiltered expressions of beat poetry. Rubin's collection, filled with vibrant verses and poignant prose, captures the essence of the Beat Generation, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. With themes ranging from existential pondering to passionate manifestos, each poem in this collection serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of counterculture. Brace yourself for a literary experience that transcends convention and invites readers to explore the depths of self-discovery and societal critique. 'Soon to Be Banned Beat Poems' is not just a collection of verses; it's a rebellious ode to the enduring power of poetic expression in the face of societal constraints.

Michael Poage Michael Poage was born in Virginia. He has published fifteen books of poetry, most recently, WHY THE WILL TO PUNISH?, Spartan Press, December, 2023. He served as the Poet-in-Residence at Dzemal Bijedic University in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina, 2017-18 and received a Fellowship to virtually teach English language and literature at Walailak University in southern Thailand, 2021-22. He also teaches English to international students at Wichita State University and lives with his wife, the writer, scholar, and activist, Dr. Gretchen Eick in Wichita, Kansas.

Nearly 50 years ago, Chuck Corbisiero and Bill Cushing grew up across the street from each other. Now the two have gotten together to present a show consisting of Bill’s poetry and Chuck’s musical musings. The two reconnected at the end of 2015 when Bill presented a reading commemorating his publication in an anthology called Stories of Music. Now their mutual love of music has brought them together to offer a unique look at the world through the marriage of music and writing that the two have called “Notes and Letters.” Bill, an MFA graduate from Goddard College in Vermont, has lived in the Los Angeles area for 20 years and teaches English at area community colleges, has been publishing professionally since 1987 and began poetry as a serious avocation two years later. Chuck, a guitarist who plays Jazz, Blues, Brazilian and various other musical genres, earned his B.F.A. in Musical Performance and Arranging at the City University of New York - The City College during Gil Evans' tenure as Artist in Residence from 1982 to 1983, also plays stand-up bass and worked as Eddy Arnold's guitarist until 1992. He moved to the area in 1991when he began his family. Now their mutual love of music has brought them together to offer a unique look at the world through the marriage of music and writing called “Notes and Letters.” Last March, the two performed during the open mic segment of the Second Sunday Poetry Series held at the Studio Theatre in Los Angeles. Based on that, they have secured their first stand-alone show, which will be held at the Bolton Hall Museum on the afternoon of Sunday, July 24 and is being sponsored by the Village Poets of Sunland; Tujunga. Back together again—for the first time, and available “We’d actually like to put on some events before that date,” Bill said, noting that although they are working on several promotional ideas and projects, there is no hard-and-fast schedule they have to meet. “We are playing it by ear—much like we do our own presentation. We aren’t locked into any solidly rigid structure, and even the performances are ‘informal’ to a great degree, which is by design.” The two have culled together poems that touch on topics as varied as nature, the city, religion, Peru, and Puerto Rico as well as music itself. Two items on their to-do list already completed are the publication of a short chapbook of the material to be used and the opening of a Facebook page dedicated to posting information as well as prior performances. Both items are similarly named “Notes and Letters.” The book is available online through either Amazon or Lulu Publishing.

"Mouna Saquaque is the bestselling author of the book "Who Am I? Where Am I?: From a Human Perspective" and a spiritual seeker who has always been driven by existential questions. With a deep commitment to finding the answers to life's big questions, Mouna has translated her understandings into writings and meditations on life from a human perspective: She believes that the key to a fulfilling life is finding peace of mind and that this is only possible through self-knowledge and a balance between making things happen and letting things happen. In her upcoming book "Back to Love & Beauty", she explores the theme of love and spirituality through a collection of 16 poems and illustrations done by herself. Mouna's work is a testament to the power of introspection and a reminder that we all can connect with ourselves and the world around us on a deeper level." Mouna Saquaque Bestselling Author and Advocate for Human Love, Dignity, and Greatness "If I had to personify good company, Then these poems would be my sanctuary. In moments when rationality needs beauty, Those times, art expressions, take you there instantly. With all my expression of Love." Mouna Saquaque https://www.mounasaquaque.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mounasaquaque/