Poetry Collective – Page 16 – OLD SCRATCH PRESS

White Noir by Robert Fleming: A Darkly Captivating VIsual Poetry Journey

Published on September 18, 2023 by Nadja MarilLeave a comment

Old Scratch Press is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of Robert Fleming’s newest poetry chapbook, White Noir.

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the depths of human existence? Look no further than WHITE NOIR, by Robert Fleming, a mesmerizing black and white visual poetry book that delves into the enigmatic tapestry of life, from birth to death and beyond. This book is not just a collection of verses; it’s a visual and emotional experience that will leave you spellbound.

Who Should Dive into WHITE NOIR?

Appreciators of Visual Poetry: If you’re someone who finds beauty in the fusion of words and images,WHITE NOIR is your treasure trove. Fleming’s mastery of visual poetry will leave you in awe.
Lovers of Graphic Arts: This book is a canvas of creativity, merging the artistry of words and visuals in a way that will captivate anyone with an appreciation for graphic arts.
Devotees of Dark Humor: WHITE NOIR thrives on dark humor, taking you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions that ultimately ends with a glimmer of hope. It’s a unique blend of wit and introspection.

What Awaits You in WHITE NOIR?

A Profound Human Journey: WHITE NOIR takes you on a journey that spans the entire lifespan of humanity. It explores the diverse facets of existence, from the raw and unfiltered to moments of humor and reflection.
Balance of Text and Images: The book strikes a perfect balance between text and visuals, creating a multi-sensory experience that will leave you immersed in its world.
Taboo Themes: Fleming fearlessly tackles taboo subjects, including religion, sex, politics, and gun violence, inviting readers to confront and contemplate these complex issues.
Experimental Poetry Forms: Get ready for a literary adventure as Fleming explores experimental poetry forms, such as phone texting, Alexa questions, and palindromes, pushing the boundaries of conventional poetry.

Why Will You Love WHITE NOIR?

A Petite Delectation: You can devour this thought-provoking journey in a single sitting, making it perfect for a cozy afternoon or an intellectual escape.
Original and Modern: “White Noir” is a testament to contemporary poetry, offering a fresh perspective on life’s most profound questions.
Perfect Gift: Looking for a unique gift for a friend or loved one? “White Noir” is a one-of-a-kind present that will leave a lasting impression.
Robert Fleming, the Doodleman, infuses his work with influences from literary giants like Robert Frost, Dr. Seuss, and the Beats, as well as the artistic visions of Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol. With over 400 works published internationally, Fleming’s talent is undeniable, earning him recognition and accolades from various literary circles.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the captivating world of “White Noir.” Order your copy today and join the ranks of those who have been moved and inspired by Robert Fleming’s unique vision of human existence.

It’s not just a book; it’s an experience waiting to be embraced….

Scheduled for November 15^th release, order your copy now.

The Not So Secret Lives of Poets! Fun Facts ABout Old Scratch Collective.

Published on September 12, 2023December 22, 2023 by Nadja MarilLeave a comment

Looks can be deceiving. Can you guess who did what?

Can you match these poets: Alan Bern, Anthony Doyle, Ellis Elliot, Gabby Gilliam, Morgan Golloway, Nadja Maril, with the correct fun fact?

A. This writer/poet has a secret fantasy to be part of a singing flash mob.

B. This writer/poet was so afraid of sharks, they conquered their fears by participating in a White Shark Cage Dive.

C. At a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader audition, this writer/poet taught the choreography.

D. In high school and college, this writer/poet had a following as a fortune teller. Their specialty was reading tarot cards.

E. This writer/poet was so embarrassed by their first attempt to bake an angel food cake, they buried the “cake” in their mother’s garden.

F. This writer/ poet fervently played the clarinet in their youth with hopes that the instruments vibrations would enhance the quality of their hair.

G. This writer/poet made a project of collecting all the dead ladybugs where they were working and lining them up on the top of their office cubicle walls.

AND THE ANSWERS ARE:

A. Gabby Gilliam secretly or not so secretly likes to be in the limelight. The many talented writer/ poet who by day works as a teacher, sometimes fantasizes about being part of a flash singing mob.

Poet and Writer Gabby Gilliam wearing what appears to be a pizza hat.

B. Poet and writer Anthony Doyle loves to swim. But he didn’t always feel safe in the water because he worried about being attacked by sharks. So in order to conquer his fears he allowed himself to be locked inside a protective cage and submerged in deep water, a White Shark Cage Dive in Gaansbai, South Africa, so he could confront his terror close up and now scuba dives as a hobby.

C. Poet/writer Ellis Elliot once taught ballet and was a dance choreographer too. So, once upon a time she taught choreography at a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader audition. Here’s a professional photo of her dancing.

D. In High School, Nadja Maril was fascinated by the occult: astrology, numerology, time travel and fortune telling. Her talent to predict the future in college, with the aid of a battered deck of Tarot cards had fellow students lined up outside her dorm room door. Eventually, she packed the cards away. “While influences, opportunities and obstacles can be predicted,” she says, “We make our own destiny.”

A very young Nadja performing in a High School play.

E. Writer, poet and artist Morgan Golladay is not afraid to tell the world her first attempt at baking an Angel Food Cake was such an embarrassment, she hid the evidence by burying it in her mother’s garden. Often the work of creating something “just right” takes multiple tries.

F. Allan Bern shares this wonderful photo of him in his youth when long full hair was “a thing” and he was convinced, if he kept practicing his clarinet, the vibrations of his instrument would enhance his hair growth. “Here I am in Napoli in 1966, ” says Alan. “My friend Umberto and I played the Clarinet, and he claimed the practicing made your head vibrate and, perhaps, helped your hair grow like this.”

E. Writer/Poet Janet Uchendu thought it odd that an inordinate amount of ladybugs were turning up dead inside the office where she worked. Like most writers, she is a keen observer. Perhaps it was the end of their lifecycle, but why inside that particular office? So she stacked them up on the top edge. of her cubicle. But much to her surprise, no one else noticed.

Thank you for playing the game. Don’t forget to follow this blog for news and announcements. It’s free. Just sign up. Coming up is the October 15th deadline to the Coold Turkey issue of Instant Noodles Literary Magazine. Prose submissions this time must be approximately less than 500 words and no more than two poems, if you are submitting in the poetry category.

Writing Poetry, Publishing Poetry. When and How to Share Your Work.

Published on September 7, 2023September 7, 2023 by Nadja MarilLeave a comment

Photo by William Fortunato on Pexels.com

By Nadja Maril

For many decades, my poetry writing was a private pursuit. By limiting word selection and phrases to focus only on what really mattered, poetry served to capture my observations and innermost thoughts and months later I could revisit those thoughts and perhaps develop them into a story or essay.

On special occasions and for friends, I would write poems, but these were personal gifts.

It wasn’t that I hadn’t thought about sending poems out to be published. I’d had some “Beginner’s Luck” in college and had a few poems published in a small local magazine, but when I started sending poetry to national publications, all I received were rejections. The pre-printed rejection forms were too painful to read. I packed away my poetry manuscripts and kept my poetry to myself.

I could consider myself in good company. After her death in 1886, Emily Dickinson’s family found 1800 unpublished poems compiled into booklets, amongst her things. The very first volume of Emily Dickinson poetry was published in 1890.

Statistically, the majority of literary magazines publishing poetry only accept approximately three percent of the poems they receive for consideration.

Old Scratch Press Collective member and published poet Virginia Watts says, “I consider myself more of a prose writer who turns to poetry to express creatively in a less structured way.” She has been writing poetry for over sixteen years.

“I believe it is very important for those new to poetry,” Virginia says, “to learn as much as they can about the craft of writing. For poetry, that means taking as many classes at locale universities as you can, attending workshops and getaways where a person can study traditional forms of poetry such sonnets, pastoral poetry, haiku, ode. Try your hand at these. Learn about meter and rhyme scheme, enjambment, alliteration, and so on. The more you know about poetry the better it is for finding your unique voice and style as a poet.”

So, what made me decide years later to send a few poems out for publication consideration? I realized that perhaps the short flash pieces of prose I’d successfully published might be considered by some to be prose poems. I decided to challenge myself to revisit other poem forms I’d tried in the past and be brave.

Virginia says, “When I select poems to submit, I generally give my poems some time to sit on the backburner without me. When I return to them a few months later, I can see where final revisions are needed. I submit a batch of poems that reflect where my poetry is at the moment. That simply means ideas that came to me that I couldn’t shake until I had written them down.”

“Read poetry.” says Virginia Watts, “Listen to poets read their work. When you are ready join a poetry workshop where other poets will read and offer honest suggestions for editing your work.”

So here comes the tricky part, if you decide to start submitting to publications. 1) Read as many literary publications that publish poetry as you can. If you like what they publish and you think your work would be a good fit, submit your best. 2) To find data bases of publications check out Poets and Writers, Duotrope, Chill Subs, and Submittable. Some publications charge submission fees and some don’t. Take into account how many writers statistically they are known to reject and keep that in mind when you submit. 3) Keep good records with dates of submissions, responses, and any feedback. While most rejections are form letters, some will invite you to waive the waiting period for resubmission or even in rare instances invite you to re-submit with revisions. 4) Expect to submit as many as thirty times before you achieve success, depending on where you are sending your work. Good luck and if you are over forty and have poetry that fits the current theme, check out our sister publication ( published by Devil’s Party Press) Instant Noodles Literary Magazine.

Thank you for reading and don’t forget to sign up to follow this blog for more useful writer’s tips and information. We love hearing from our readers. Let us know what you want to know more about.

The Secret Histories of Some of Our Poets

Published on August 28, 2023December 22, 2023 by Nadja MarilLeave a comment

Writers and poets are complex individuals. They are not afraid to take risks. They reveal their innermost thoughts in their poetry and prose and they also like to have fun.

How well do you think you know the members of the Old Scratch Press Poetry and Short Form Collective and how well can you judge someone by their outward appearance?

Maybe you saw our FUN FACTS GAME on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OLDSCRATCHPRESS

If not, here are the questions:

Can you match these poets: Robert Fleming, R. David Fulcher, Dianne Pearce, or Virginia Watts with the correct fun fact?

A. They met their spouse through a personal ad placed by their dog.

B. They performed as Frankenstein at the opening of the movie “Gods and Monsters.”

C. They once pursued a career as a folksinger and they have an original song available on the internet.

D. Their favorite Xmas Eve story is about a character named Giant Grummer who lived in a house of limburger cheese consuming pickles and vinegar.

THE ANSWERS

“I guess you could say that I met my spouse after my dog posted an ad in the Personals column of the city paper, looking for a daddy to join us on walks, ” says Dianne Pearce.

In 1998, Robert Fleming performed as Frankenstein at the opening of the movie Gods and Monsters and here is a photo to prove it!

Want to check out the movie itself. Here is a link to the trailer.

Perhaps the plaid shirt and the beard is a giveaway, but R. David Fulcher describes himself as a “wannabe folksinger.” Take a listen.

And last but not least, check out What Virginia Watts has to say about her favorite Christmas story. featuring Giant Grummer.

Play the game next week, when we’ll have more fun questions and photos to share. Don’t miss a post, sign up to follow us on WordPress and Facebook. Thank you for reading.

The Power of the Short Poem

Published on August 21, 2023August 16, 2023 by Nadja MarilLeave a comment

Gabby Gilliam, a fellow member of the collective who like myself lives in the Greater Washington D.C. region which encompasses Northern Virginia and Maryland, recently posted a link on social media about the Second Annual Short Poem Edition just published by the nonprofit Washington Writers Publishing House.

The three-line poems posted, immediately drew my attention and got me to thinking about the power of short poetry. Gabby will be the guest poetry editor for the Winter “Cooold Turkey” themed issue of the literary magazine Instant Noodles. Get more information here.

Below are two of my favorite short poems. One is Quiet Girl by Langston Hughes and the other is a haiku by Matsuo Basho,

Quiet Girl

By Langston Hughes (1901-1967)

I would liken you
To a night without stars
Were it not for your eyes.
I would liken you
To a sleep without dreams
Were it not for your songs.

In the Twilight Rain

By Matsuo Basho

(1644-1694)

In the twilight rain

These brilliant-hued hibiscus-

A lovely sunset

Short poetry has power. Thank you for reading and if you’d like to share a favorite short poem, please send it in via “comments.” Remember to also follow the Old Scratch Press Facebook page and check out what people are saying about our first book release A Break in the Field by Ellis Elliot.

We’re Not Only Poets: Drumming for the Dead

Published on August 18, 2023August 15, 2023 by Nadja MarilLeave a comment

Looking for a terrifying horror read to get you through the weekend?

Check out the DRUMMING FOR THE DEAD series by Gabby Gilliam!

CHECK OUT SOME OF THESE REVIEWS:

Just like vampires cannot live without blood and a place to lay-low during the day, authors cannot live without reviews on Amazon. So read the books and give Gabby those five stars you know she deserves!

You can get both books in the series right now for less than the price of a Starbucks, or a McDonald’s anything, and have great horror for your whole weekend. It’s too freaking hot to go out anyway. Stay inside and read something scary!

Leave Gabby a review, and I’ll send you a PDF of the Gravelight book of your choice!

A hot weekend full of zombies. In the words of Walter Sobchak, “If you will it, it is no dream.”

Get your copy today!

And make sure to follow Gabby for more books!

Publishing Opportunity for Poets and Prose Writers. Old Scratch to curate Instant Noodles.

Published on August 14, 2023December 22, 2023 by Nadja Maril1 Comment

DID YOU KNOW….

Instant Noodles is on online literary magazine. Part of the Devil’s Party Press family, Instant Noodles is the opportunity that brought the majority of the authors to Old Scratch Press. It is ALWAYS free to read, and free to submit to.

DID YOU KNOW….

Instant Noodles has its own website now? https://instantnoodleslitmag.com Bookmark it!

DID YOU KNOW…

Old Scratch Press is curating the December 2023 issue? The theme for the December edition is “Cooold Turkey.”

Please take note, we’re shortening our word count. Can you take the challenge and keep it brief by making every word count? For our Winter issue we’re asking our writers to limit their poetry submissions to 2 poems (up to a combined total of 500 words). Prose writers, we’ll be only publishing work that is 500 words or less. (If you need to finish a sentence, we’ll cut you a little slack). Remember, we only publish writers over the age of forty and it’s important to submit work that is somehow related to the theme. Guest Editors for the Winter issue include: GABBY GILLIAM: Poetry, R.DAVID FULCHER: Fiction, ALAN BERN and DIANNE PEARCE: Art, and NADJA MARIL: Memoir/Creative Nonfiction.

The issue opens for submissions August 15, 2023. Submissions close on October 15th.

You can submit here!

POP CHAT LIVE FEATURES ELLIS ELLIOTT

Published on August 8, 2023August 6, 2023 by Nadja MarilLeave a comment

Thanks to Annette Tarpley for choosing to highlight Ellis on her program! Ellis reads some of her book and has a nice long chat with Annette. Stop by and watch!

TODAY ONLY!! ELLIS ELLIOTT LIVE @ STONE SOUP 7pm Eastern

Published on August 2, 2023 by Nadja MarilLeave a comment

Ellis will be reading from her newly released collection from Old Scratch Press: BREAK IN THE FIELD.

BREAK IN THE FIELD is still available at special pre-order sale price, with a custom-made and signed bookmark created by Ellis!

To find out more about tonight’s reading and Stone Soup, follow their FACEBOOK PAGE:

Or connect to their blog!

Don’t miss the reading of the book so good it is a contender for the National Book Award!

And get your pre-order pricing and bookmark here:

Shop now

We’re Not Only Poets: Hibernaculum Is Out

Published on July 30, 2023 by Nadja MarilLeave a comment

Hibernaculum is out!

Hibernaculum began life in Kindle Vella, but KV does not have the whole story. If you began reading it there, you’ll want to get your hands on the book, to see what happens at the end, when the dystopian becomes…. Orwellian.

Anthony Doyle is an amazing author, and while Hibernaculum is his first published novel, it will not be his last. I highly suggest you follow him to follow his career, especially if you like deep books that challenge our modern world. And, in his current post, he has an extra Hibernaculum story posted that you won’t want to miss!

As his publishers, we feel incredibly lucky that we are the ones to publish this book, and we’re looking forward to getting a chance to sit down with the print book and enjoy it all over again. The journey the book takes the reader on is…. unexpected, and when you think you’ve seen behind the curtain, there is more to know, and more secrets revealed. And, if you enjoy fiction that is also culturally relevant, this is the book for you. Like the best sci fi, it is a prescient book, and when you read it, and realize it was written before any hint of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, you’ll think that Anthony is a seer, and it will shock you to realize exactly where tough climate choices could take our children someday. No, you will not be able to put Hibernaculum down!
But don’t take my word for it. Listen to the experts:

“Thought-provoking SF delivered in an intriguingly panoramic form.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS

“Doyle has hit on something rare: an original approach to climate fiction.”
BOOKLIFE REVIEWS

“Gripping, revealing, and frightening.”
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW“The contrast between notes and experiences of those who navigate this world are exceptionally well done, and will lend to book club discussions and sci-fi reader delight. Libraries and readers seeking a futuristic exploration which examines sleepers of the world and the social and political truths and realities that underlie their motivations will find Hibernaculum replete with a growing horror of realization that awakens, at the end, into a nightmare of manipulation and truth. It will leave readers thinking long after the story’s final startling revelations.”
DONOVAN’S BOOKSHELF

In an imploding world, time is money, time is trouble, and time is risk. For those who can neither afford or bear to exist 24/7, 365 days a year, time is also a solution.

In Anthony Doyle’s startling debut novel, you’ll step into a world where global voluntary hibernation facilities provide a way out, a chance to step off the status quo carousel. Hibernaculum takes you into the before, during, and after of this strange new process and posits the question: Do things really look better after a good, long sleep?

A compelling, unsettling glimpse into the world of tomorrow.

And see what the readers thought who read the abbreviated version on Kindle Vella:

Yes, we’ve been recommending Anthony’s book for some time now, but it’s finally here! And you know that in a few weeks you’re going to start shopping for Christmas presents or Holiday gifts, and why not give your friends and loved ones not just another “thing,” a tie, socks, etc., why not give them an entire week of great reading? People love and remember experiences more than things, and no one will be able to forget this book, or put it down.

DO YOU RUN A BOOKSTORE?
ARE YOU A LIBRARIAN?
DO YOU HAVE A PODCAST?

Anthony is a warm and engaging human, and he is free, willing, and able to Zoom with you and your guests to talk about his book, or climate change, or sci fi that predicts the future, or how to write and publish your debut novel, or any number of other topics.

Contact him directly through his website. Or contact us at missioncontrol@outofthisworldpress.com

STAY TUNED! in the coming weeks we’ll have updates, and giveaways, and other surprises!

NOT SURE IF YOU’RE READY TO HIBERNATE?

In this heat? We know we are!

But, if you are having doubts… try the Hibernaculum quiz, and see if hibernating is right for you!

Hibernaculum Quiz

Thank you so much for supporting indie publishers, and wonderful authors like Anthony Doyle. It means everything to the mission!

With gratitude~

Old Scratch Press