Poetry Information
List number 1

The poetry contest that hunts for desperate writers

Many of you have likely seen the following contest “Free Amateur Poetry Contest $10,000 grand prize, Enter Now!”, and you have most likely sent off your poem and received a letter back stating that your poem will be published. You are just one of the many who have become the prey of poetry.com. I have had first hand experience with them. In 2000 I sent one of my poems “Angel in Heaven” to Poet. . .

A competitive and cutthroat look at writing

Let me start by saying, humor that is hurtful or at the expense of other writers has no place in the writing industry. Board fights and flame wars do not belong in the writing community. This should be about writing. Online writing communities have become a cutthroat, often uncaring part of cyber world. In order to succeed in writing, I've always believed that we must come together and help eac. . .

Promoting Your Poetry Book

At long last your book is finished. As a self-publisher poet it is up to you to market your anthology or chapbook. Self-publishing requires you to self-market successfully. Marketing your book can become a full time job and it isn’t going to happen overnight. So you might be asking yourself, “Where do I begin to market my book?” Website Create a website to showcase your book. Did you kn. . .

Savage Nature: The Life of Ted Hughes

Savage Nature: The Life of Ted Hughes One of the most important poets of the post-war period, Edward James Hughes (1930-1998), was drawn towards the primitive. He was enchanted by the beauty of the natural world, frequently portraying its cruel and savage temperament in his work as a reflection of his own personal suffering and mystical beliefs - convinced that modern man had lost touch with t. . .

Poetry is the universal language of our heart

I have always had my own ideas on what makes a good poem. But who are we really as critiques to start changing how poets should write a poem. When we read a book, do you read through the book pointing out areas, saying to ourselves; “I would have written it this way?” The same can be said about music. Do we start critiquing music and telling the artist I would have written it this way. Let's f. . .

Traditional VS Modern Anniversary Gifts

Most people are familiar with the traditional materials list that good etiquette requires us use as a guide when selecting a gift to commemorate a wedding anniversary. If you are like most people, you might find it a bit challenging to convert the materials on the list into an acceptable gift idea. There may be more choices available to you than you realize. Do you know that an updated “modern”. . .

Dealing with Adversity

"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." - Matthew 5:4 Each day I receive several letters from people who are facing adversity, some are confronted with the loss of financial resources, some have serious health problems, while others are faced with the loss of a loved one either through death or divorce. Some of these people are bitter about these problems and blame others fo. . .

One Persons Porn is My Erotica

Erotica is not something easily defined or easily accepted by society. There is most definitely a difference of opinion in people's minds between what porn is and what erotica is. Sex is one of the most difficult and controversial topics in society today. I often have been accused of writing porn. Many think that any kind of writing that examines the bounds of intimacy is dirty and something t. . .

Critique the Poem not the Poet

The act of writing poetry is something that is very personal to us poets and sharing it for the first time can be a very frightening experience. The first experience of having your work criticized can boggle our mind and set us back a step in our writing. However critique is essential in any writer’s career. Accepting criticism is something that we all must face even if we don't like it. When . . .

So what’s wrong with K-Mart anyway?

I picked up the paper and there it was in big bold letters right on the front page. K-Mart will be closing its doors effective the first of the year. Another giant of the business community is biting the dust. So why is K-Mart going out of business I ask? Why I’ve always bought lots of stuff from them, why they probably make enough off me alone to pay their rent. So why don’t more people just s. . .

Bills Gates wishes to share his fortune

Guess what I received a letter in my inbox from Bill Gates and if I forward the letter on to everyone I know he is going to send me money. Sounds to good to be true doesn't it? Well likely because it is. Am I the only one who hates chain letters? Those things have to be one of my biggest pet peeves and what I can't understand is why anyone bothers sending them. Chain letters are as bad as hoax. . .

Will Your Marriage LAST?The Do’s and Don’ts of staying together

(Who's been married to the same woman for 30 years.) In this age of me first and taking care of number 1 marriages don't seem to last very long. Statistics tell us that 50% of all marriages end in divorce and that the average marriage only lasts 5 years. Unless you're in the movie business when 6 months is a record. 50 years ago divorce was unheard of by the majority of people. The philosophy o. . .

Does my life make a difference?

Thank you to painter Phil Roberts for the inspiration to write my following article. "Does my life make a difference?” “Does anyone ever notice me?” "What purpose does my writing have?" These are questions that we have asked ourselves, at one point in our lives. Are you uncertain about your impact on others? Do you feel that your time of usefulness is over? You never know who may be appreciatin. . .

The Paradox of Sarah Kane

There are some who believe that the world lost one of its finest late 20th century dramatists when Sarah Kane committed suicide in 1999. Her work produced extreme reactions in critics and audiences alike but many failed to appreciate the pure poetry of her writing until it was too late. She was born in Essex, England, on 3rd February 1971. Her parents were both journalists and devout evangelis. . .

Marriage Missing Its Spark?

If the fires of passion in your marriage have been reduced nearly to embers, then you are not alone. One of the most common problems that can damage a marriage is the loss of spark…or spice, or whatever you like to call it. It’s really not so easy to get yourself or your partner “in the mood” once you have become very familiar with each other. Of course, it’s wonderful to be familiar with your . . .

Creating Your Writing Space

It's important to have a space set aside in your home for writing. It can be a big cushion in a corner of your closet with a notebook and pen, if that's all you have room for, or the back seat of your car if that's the only place you can get some peace and quiet, but it should be all yours, waiting for you whenever it's time to write. If you go with the more traditional desk (and I'm not knock. . .

10 Steps to Happily Ever After

Do you know what all happy and healthy marriages have in common? In every one of them you will find two people committed to making each other happy. You will find a man who cherishes his wife and puts her needs above his own, and you will find a wife who respects and trusts her man. We live in very selfish times. Pop-psychology messages are everywhere in the media encouraging us to love ourselv. . .

Harry Potter and the Gargantuan Page Turner

Three frustratingly long years after the publication of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, J.K. Rowling’s legions of fans were rewarded for their patience with the release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – launched simultaneously in Britain, the USA, Canada, Australia and in other English-speaking countries at one minute past midnight on 21st June 2003. This fifth book in Rowling. . .

Owning a cockatiel

So, you think Cockatiels are pretty and sounds like fun? You are right!!! However, They are a very intelligent species of bird who needs a lot of interplay with their owner. If you are not prepared to spend a lot of time interacting with your cockatiel please pick some other kind of bird. Mine spend lots of time on my shoulder, preening my hair and showing me her affectionate presence. One. . .

Discover the Llyn Peninsula

Stretching from the peak of Snowdon to Bardsey Island (or Ynys Enlli - the Island of the Tides), the Llyn Peninsula is a unique and beautiful part of North Wales, renown for its natural charm and mild climate. So spectacular is its coastline that many thousands of acres have been protected by the National Trust, and vast tracts of land have been designated Areas of Special Scientific Interest.. . .

Promo tip "Using free classifieds"

Make your title engaging, that is what will make people want to read your ad. "New album out!!!" or "Free music download!" Which do you think will get more attention? First write up 3 version of your ad in note pad.So you can cut and paste later 1. Small By small I mean 200 characters and spaces. When you are done go over it again and eliminate everything that don't serve your purpose "get a f. . .

KNOW THYSELF: Thoughts on the Poetry of 9-11

John Horvath Jr editor of PoetryRepairShop InternetUser Nearly 3,000 died in the towers. I lost no one Unwarranted causes. Unnecessary conflict. Unwanted violence. Perhaps, when Stephen Crane wrote 'War is Kind', his time was one whose standards of selflessness - glory, honor, sacrifice - greatly differed from our own standards (if indeed we have any). We daily struggle among myths of multicul. . .

Basic interview guide

As we strive to add more meaningful editorial content to our websites ezines etc i have designed a basic interview you can email to various artists or sommities in your field for example if you have a plumbing ezine you may want to email the plumber of the year... just use the questions as a basis . in no time at all you will have new content that will be original. You may also "cross genre". . .

Living and Loving with the FMS. Syndrome

Imagine doing the work you do, but in constant pain. Boggles the mind doesn't it? That's exactly what your mate is going through day and night! As few relationships survive Fibromyalgia Syndrome(FMS) and having lived with a fms sufferer for 20 years, I have come to terms with it and I am happy to share these conclusions with you. In the hope that your relationship will be one that survives. . . .

The unstoppable storm (Religious)

You are as the snow flakes, beautiful but it's beauty is equal to it's fragility. A snow flake in your hand reverts to it's essence, water. So it is with you, you are in fact beauty in God's own image. When you place yourself in God's hand your sins melts away and you too revert to your essence, Your soul... Like a snow flake all by itself is insignificant, battered in the wind, helpless in . . .

Miri the Butterfly Fairy "Very Smart Grandpa" story

Very Smart Grandpa A light mist held the enchanted forest like a mother her child. Dawn had barely broke, shyly the first rays of the sun colored the sky. In the trees, the butterfly fairies where sleeping. The animals of the night where busily returning to their sleeping places. while the day ones shook the sleep from their head... Soon, the forest will echoe with the chanting and chirping . . .

The free web is fast vanishing!

The free web is fast vanishing! In the past few weeks, I have seen an alarming trend, Free services providers are closing down. Most do not even give you warnings! So here are a few tips that might prevent a disaster. waking up one day and all your hard work as disapeared. 1=If you use a free server start regular back ups! Or risk loosing everything...Not a pleasant thought! 2=Start mirrori. . .

Host your own book club!

Book Clubs are fast becoming the new home entertainment craze, with reason, having friends and family over to discuss the latest release of your favorite author, is an exciting proposition. Here are some guidelines for the novice book club host. See which one are best suited for you. Remember, be creative and see what works for you and your guests. 1-Have plenty of beverage on hand reading an. . .