Thirty something reader, writer, and music lover who believes all people should have the freedom to espresso themselves however they choose. This community is born out of an equal love of reading, writing, and the power of faith and coffee.
James W.A. is no stranger to epiphanies but recently he received his first credit in a literary magazine in Tampa based bi-annual journal Neptune. His poem, Words Amongst Ashes, talks about his life as a writer, and all that it encompasses. You can check out his and other poets work in the newest issue of Neptune which you can find at the following link: https://www.blurb.com/bookstore/invited/10229810/dde501e6de9c36500760aeb56a92d696b0fbc39a Congratulations James at such an epiphanic achievement.
About the book:
In his sophomore title and first pure poetry collection, James W. A. explores the duality
found in the journey of one’s soul. Drawing from his own history, observations, and
imagination, he conjures the misery of younger days, the peace of more mature ones,
and the meanings of life and love in both. Found within these pages are stories,
musings, dreams, hopes, and emotions that show a progression from sorrow into joy,
and the shades of each in the other. Pour a glass, open your heart, and prepare to
venture forth with the titular concepts to experience for yourself the darkness of
Desolation and the triumphant elation of Epiphany.
About the Author:
James W. A. was born, raised, and lives in the Tampa Bay area. After graduating from the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg’s Honors College, he
published his first book, In the Library, in 2015. Since then, he has honed his ever-
evolving, contemporary style, both creatively and as a professional content writer. While
moving away from the dark subjects of younger days, James W. A. seeks to use his
experiences, joys, sorrows, and wonders he sees in the world around him to lead others
to truth and beauty and share meaningful stories to last the ages.
The author is available for interviews, readings, appearances, and features. For bookings and information, contact his publicist at chelseadevries@thesmartcookiephiles.com
James W.A. recently won two Bookfest Awards for his second collection Desolation and Epiphany. He won both for Outstanding Cover Art, Second Place and Contemporary Poetry-Modern, Third Place. Both awards were awarded during the Spring Bookfest Ceremony ending on April 7, 2024. You can see a list of past and previous winners on Bookfest’s website here: https://www.thebookfest.com/book-awards-spring-2023-first-place/ Congratulations to James and artist Ashton Lay for their subsequent award wins.
About the book:
In his sophomore title and first pure poetry collection, James W. A. explores the duality
found in the journey of one’s soul. Drawing from his own history, observations, and
imagination, he conjures the misery of younger days, the peace of more mature ones,
and the meanings of life and love in both. Found within these pages are stories,
musings, dreams, hopes, and emotions that show a progression from sorrow into joy,
and the shades of each in the other. Pour a glass, open your heart, and prepare to
venture forth with the titular concepts to experience for yourself the darkness of
Desolation and the triumphant elation of Epiphany.
About the Author:
James W. A. was born, raised, and lives in the Tampa Bay area. After graduating from the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg’s Honors College, he
published his first book, In the Library, in 2015. Since then, he has honed his ever-
evolving, contemporary style, both creatively and as a professional content writer. While
moving away from the dark subjects of younger days, James W. A. seeks to use his
experiences, joys, sorrows, and wonders he sees in the world around him to lead others
to truth and beauty and share meaningful stories to last the ages.
The author is available for interviews, readings, appearances, and features. For bookings and information, contact his publicist at chelseadevries@thesmartcookiephiles.com
Technically I don’t write poetry, I am certain that it writes me, or forces me to write it. Words are constantly circling my mind, as if they are creating a story and it’s my responsibility to then write them down. It was never my desire to write poetry. Somewhere in my teenage years it just became clear that I was given a skill set in this life, and I decided to take the time to nurture and attempt to improve this ability that was given to me by the universe. Over the years I have studied and educated myself on different forms of writing, which is why I like to call myself a creative writer. I am currently finishing up my MFA in creative writing, poetry and fiction, and have taken courses in film and television writing in the past. But poetry is my first choice and what comes naturally to my mind. Writing poetry helps me deal with my emotions and to better process this life through the act of writing poetry.
2. Tell us about your most recent collection.
My only published collection to date is entitled: Notes I Wrote Along the Way, which was published back in October 2020. The collection holds 50 poems written in English and Spanish, and focuses on themes such as life, death, purpose, love and letting go. I will say, if I were to do the collection today, I would rework them and restructure the poems to match my current writing style. I think that is a process most writers must deal with, looking back at older work and realizing how you would change some things and edit them to match the growth of your writing style. Currently, I am working on a collection of 75 poems that I started to write while working on my MFA. I am hoping to have them published in the near future.
3. Give the backstory behind one of your poems
Often, I like to write about painters, poets or writers that I am fond of and in one ekphrastic poem entitled: My Artistic Loneliness, which is based on the painting of Edward Hopper. The poem focuses on the loneliness of the characters painted into each poem, and then connected to my own feelings of loneliness and I am connected to those characters in each painting.
4.Who are 3 poets you always recommend?
Pablo Neruda, Charles Bukowski, and Joanne Kyger are three I would recommend at the moment. Neruda is a poet that I recommend often, especially if you are looking for love poems. Bukowski is a poet that I am new to, but I love the realness and authenticity of his words and statements he makes in his poetry. Kyger is a poet that I read in a poetry course recently, and I found the structure of her poems to be interesting and unique, and so I have tried to mimic that in some of my poems as of late. I think it’s important to read a wide variety of poetry from different authors, as it will help you with your own writing and to gain inspiration that can be implemented into your poetry.
5. I am currently reading….
Currently, I am reading Another Country by James Baldwin. I tend to read more for guidance or wisdom, rather than reading for fun. I am currently working on my MFA thesis which is a fiction novel, so I prefer to read the genre that I am writing in order to gain some insight to writing and expand my knowledge of writing through great books from great writers.
This is an exclusive interview with Matthew Gutierrez to commemorateNational Poetry Month. The Smart Cookie Philes is a small business and PR firm dedicated to helping indie authors and musicians espresso themselves.
For marketing services and to request my PR deck, email chelseadevries@thesmartcookiephiles.com
I write poetry because I have to! It is what’s most natural for me, and it’s been that way for most of my life. When I write fiction, there is a lot of planning, plotting, and forethought, whereas my poetry is written in flourishes of inspiration and spontaneity. I began writing poetry seriously when I was deployed to the Middle East as a soldier, as a means of self-preservation and self-medication, and I suppose all these years later, I still write poetry for the same reasons.
Additionally, as my writing has matured, an added focus has evolved in which I wish to show the sacredness of our shared world and our existence on it. And I endeavor to bring my readers with me to the places I travel to and explore.
Tell us about your most recent collection.
My most recent release is my poetry collection Purgatory, released in January 2024. My sixth published full-length poetry collection, Purgatory is perhaps most heavily influenced by the poetic works of Dante Alighieri and the holiness I find interwoven in the mountainscapes of the American West, where I live and explore. Dante’s The Divine Comedy has been the most influential work of literature I’ve read. I read it once a year and every time I take away something new. My last three poetry collections have all been influenced by The Divine Comedy, but Purgatory really doubles down on the journey from despair and suffering toward healing and acceptance. It has already been my most successful book, spending quite some time as the #1 New Release in American Poetry on Amazon, and the reviews for it have so far been a pleasure to read.
Give the backstory behind one of your poems
My poem “Tomato” from my collection Purgatory seems to already be a favorite among my readers. It’s one of several long poems contained in Purgatory. There’s a lot to unpack in this poem, which was written primarily in the spontaneous composition style championed by Jack Kerouac’s poetry. It’s a poem about rejuvenation, healing, and regrowth after destruction, comparing a relationship healing to the new verdant growth that rises from a landscape after wildfires. During the time I wrote the rough draft of “Tomato” my wife and I were growing tomatoes in our garden at my home, so that imagery got interwoven into the context of the poem as well. Like the collection Purgatory as a whole, “Tomato” shows that overarching journey in a microcosm, recovery and growth after suffering.
Who are 3 poets you always recommend?
I would say Dante Alighieri because his The Divine Comedy changed my life. I’d also say my other favorite epic poets, John Milton, Virgil, Walt Whitman, and Homer. But any of those can be a tall order to dig into, and epic poetry isn’t for everyone.
So, I suppose I would recommend to modern poets and poetry lovers: Jack Kerouac (who’s wild and spontaneous poetry has heavily-influenced my own), Gary Snyder (who so perfectly blends the themes of nature, sacredness, and adventure in his poems), and Swedish indigenous poet Linnea Axelsson (who has written what I consider to be the finest poem of the 21st Century, the epic poem Ædnan).
I am currently reading….
I am currently reading Cockeyed Happy by Darla Worden. I picked up this hardcover nonfiction book at a bookstore in Jackson Hole, Wyoming in late March. It’s about Ernest Hemingway’s Wyoming adventures in my state of Wyoming with his second wife. I’m already familiar with Hemingway’s excursions and adventures in Wyoming’s Yellowstone region and in the Bighorn Mountains of north-central Wyoming, where I frequently hike and go backpacking. But the additional details and research undertaken in this book have been fascinating, even for a longtime Hemingway aficionado like myself who thought I’ve learned all there is to know about the greatest fiction writer of the 20th Century.
This is an exclusive interview with Nicholas Trandahl to commemorateNational Poetry Month. The Smart Cookie Philes is a small business and PR firm dedicated to helping indie authors and musicians espresso themselves.
For marketing services and to request my PR deck, email chelseadevries@thesmartcookiephiles.com
Well I started writing poetry during lockdown 2020. By taking the time to understand nature better the words just came, almost as photographs. So I wrote, I found it a way to get emotions from my head. I joined and later became an admin of a Facebook Poetry Group called Dark Poetry Society,where i soon learned to write many different genres and interact with poets on a daily basis.
In short :
Poetry massages my mind and is a spring cleaning of my soul.
2. Tell us about your most recent collection.
The second book I released is called The Saga of Sir Bumble and Tales From the Butterleaf Realm. Part of what will be my inner child series it is meant to appeal to a wider audience.. from 8 to 80 and maybe more. It puts animals and insects centre stage and whilst it reads like a poetic novel
It has many messages and lessons to teach.
3. Give the backstory behind one of your poems
The Saga of Sir Bumble. A Bumble bee who has no sting. As a drone he would normally idle is time away waiting for a chance to mate. Not this guy, he became a poet Knight, grabbed a Holly leaf for a shield and a hawthorn for a lance and off he went.The quest for the sacred honey tree.
The idea came from sitting in the garden in lockdown when a hive of bees set up In the eaves of my house and I became intrigued at their behaviour. Hopefully while giving many characters human like traits, the Saga reads something like a chivalrous pursuit of adventure.
4. Who are 3 poets you always recommend?
Always I have to mention the masters first
Frost, Longfellow and of course Edgar Allan Poe. They have helped to guide my journey
But I now read a hundred or so poems a day from modern poets.
4. Who are 3 poets you always recommend?
Always I have to mention the masters first
Frost, Longfellow and of course Edgar Allan Poe. They have helped to guide my journey
But I now read a hundred or so poems a day from modern poets.
5. I am currently reading….Not Poetry but I am in the middle of The Wheel Of Time series by Robert Jordan, a 14 book series that creates a world of fantasy rivalling Tolkein’s Middle Earth. Those keep me sane after my daily dose of poetry, my admin duties and of course writing my own poetry and ‘ Sinister Short Stories.’
My first collection ‘ My Black Swan Calling’
Shows a little of my darkside as well as my affinity for nature.My books, as have my poems, are evolving and I have a number to be proof read and published when time allows.
This is an exclusive interview with Carl Butler to commemorateNational Poetry Month. The Smart Cookie Philes is a small business and PR firm dedicated to helping indie authors and musicians espresso themselves.
For marketing services and to request my PR deck, email chelseadevries@thesmartcookiephiles.com
Poetry is my favorite type of writing because it is the format I’m most comfortable and proficient in that also allows me to tell the stories I want to. I tend to feel emotions strongly and I discovered a long time ago that writing was a good outlet for these emotions, be them positive or negative. In writing a poem, I can let my feelings drive the piece and jam as much of that into a single poem as possible or take the angle I want to. The freedom that comes with poetry is staggering, more so than any other form of writing I’ve tried out and that leads to some fun experimenting that other forms don’t always offer.
I’ve also found that I’m not very good at telling a long form story in prose or sticking to the writing process of one long enough to get it all out. I’ve dabbled in trying to write novels or short stories before, but I find that I often am missing a piece: either I have some really cool characters with no plot, a great beginning and end with no middle, a beginning and middle without an end, or some permutation thereof. In a poem, I can tell a concise story or showcase an emotion, without getting super bogged down in the details or “lore” of a story. I guess you could say I like the short-form better and I think they can be just as powerful stories, if done right.
2. Tell me about your most recent collection.
Desolation and Epiphany, my most recent poetry book, is a collection of 95 individual poems, split into two parts (technically three, but the last is just a conclusion mostly). The first part, Desolation, contains poems that are somber, depressing, angry, darker things like that. The second part, Epiphany, contains poems that are uplifting, joyful, enlightened, spiritual, and things of that nature. The collection overall is meant to show a progression; some themes and individual poems in the first part find their resolutions and counterparts in the second, although most pieces can be read as stand-alone poems.
Desolation and Epiphany holds a special place in my heart for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s been a long time in the works. The oldest poem in the book is about 13 years old and there are some from every stage of my life since then. In some ways, this book is my “greatest hits” of poems I’ve been writing over the years, and once I felt I had enough that fit well together, I compiled the collection and published it.
It’s also a sort of “rebranding” for me as a writer. My first collection, In the Library, was a much darker, more psychological book that was indicative of my headspace at the time. As I’ve grown as a person, my poetry evolved too and I felt the desire to leave that sort of dark worldview behind. That said, I figured it would be a shame to waste poems I worked hard on, so the idea to have the two halves and show both sides was born. As a meta theme, it speaks to my belief that we as people shouldn’t pretend that the bad times, the things that have happened to us and the mistakes we’ve made , didn’t happen, but rather we should put them in their proper place and learn from them, so as to grow stronger as we move into the future. Publishing this collection was kind of therapeutic in that way, like accepting the past and showing both myself and the world how much I’ve grown and how much stronger I’ve become and that’s a great feeling.
Finally, this collection features some incredible artwork from one of the greatest artists in the world on the cover and in its corresponding promotional items and that’s made it even stronger as a complete book. I think this may be the only time I’d want a book to be judged by its cover and I’m super proud to showcase that artwork along with the poetry inside.
3. Tell the backstory of one of your poems.
I think the poem in Desolation and Epiphany that has gone on the most interesting journey is “Just an Observation.” Found in the second part of the book, the message and theme behind it is pretty clear. I think most of us know someone that, despite the fact that we think they’re incredible, is really hard on themself. I have a friend like this, one of my most favorite people in the world, who used to make a lot of self-deprecating comments and jokes (she’s gotten a lot better about it now, to her credit) and so I was inspired to counter this and write about her strengths instead, in a heartfelt yet somewhat comedic manner.
The interesting thing about this poem (other than it being the first poem I wrote about this particular individual) is that at one point it was meant to be used as song lyrics. At a certain time in my creative journey, I dabbled in learning how to write music to complement my words. In hindsight, perhaps it was strange that I both played bass guitar and was learning music theory, but jokes aside, I wanted to take a poem I’d written and write a melody to go along with it. After looking through some of my recent writings, I chose the one I thought would fit best and took what was once “Just an Observation” and added music to go with it. Thus the song version of this piece was born.
In my amateurishness, I could not sing and play at the same time and in my foolishness could not figure out how to record the bass-played melody correctly and so I put this piece in my metaphorical back pocket until such a time I could present the world (and this girl) with the complete “banger” I had sought. Then, one night in a church in Colorado, I had an idea: I could ask my cousin, musical master and melodic virtuoso, for assistance in really honing in the tune and recording. With her guidance and the powerful fusion of bass and piano, we came up with a version that I was quite proud of. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we did not record a vocal version and so both parts, music and poem, were incomplete on their own and fell short of what I hoped for in the finished piece.
Later still, when I decided to focus solely on poetry and began compiling the poems that would make up Desolation and Epiphany, I knew I had to include this notable Observation of mine and so I took to editing the piece once again. Thus this poem turned song turned back into a poem and found its completion and home in my newest book and is honestly one of my personal favorites in it. If I ever get the desire to pick up music again, I’d like to revisit it, maybe with guitar, but in the meantime, I think this version is the best one of it.
4. What are three poets you recommend?
Not including the classics, Billy Collins is one of my favorite contemporary poets that I always recommend to people. My uncle got me one of his books a few years ago and I’ve read most of the others since then. I really like how he can capture a powerful emotion in a small amount of space and ranges from wistful to whimsical and everything in between.
I recently discovered the works of Flor Ana after meeting her at a Fair in Ft. Lauderdale. I found her poetry really interesting, both in themes and in the form her poems are written in. She’s doing some really great stuff down in South Florida too; you can really tell she has a passion for poetry and life.
Finally, something of a guilty pleasure of mine that I won’t apologize for is the poetry of Kristina Mahr. The sheer volume of poetry that she writes and with such a dedicated, focused approach is something I personally greatly admire and she’s definitely top of my “famous authors I’d love to meet and collaborate with” list. I can read her poetry in the same way that I devour a tube of Pringles in one sitting: I know it’s gonna bum me out afterwards, but I’m doing it anyways and enjoying every second.
5. I am currently reading…
While I mostly read poetry books these days, I’m actually reading something a little different right now. It’s a book about living a heroic and virtuous life called “Deep Adventure: The Way of Heroic Virtue” by Bear Woznick. Theological books are probably my second favorite genre and this one has some really great insights and ways of explaining things I’d known in a new light that I’m thoroughly enjoying.
Check out James W.A.’s collection Desolation and Epiphany today. Available wherever books are sold.
Poetry is an underrated art form. Yet, it remains a staple of humanity for it’s precise and skin-carving descriptions and word pictures that help us better understand the perspective of what it truly means to be human. James W.A.’s book is no exception. It shares both the trials and triumphs of the human experience without repose. It is a beautiful work of art and a definite must-read
Some poems I enjoyed:
They’ll Drain You Slowly, Man: a look at love and how it really can be the ultimate prize and also your ultimate demise depending on your perspective of it.
Mistletoe: a look at this antiquated holiday tradition
Defiant Pursuit: How the cycle of life and following your dreams can feel like you are going in circles at times, making you wonder if it’s all worth it
Muscle Memory: a piece by piece look at the makings of a human’s strength
The Mark of a Writer: My absolute favorite piece in the entire collection because it talks about the makings of a true writer…the highs, the lows, the feeling of never being good enough.
Fevered Scribblings: Another about the endless cycle of wondering what really matters as a human
Just an Observation: A unique look at how woman always seem to find something wrong with how they look; a overall poem about outer beauty
Waiting For a Table: a poem about signs and how they come from anywhere and remind us about the posterity and bigger picture in life
A Bottle of Dr. Pepper: a comical tale of suicide that ends with salvation and hope with much unexpressed thanks to the carbonated beverage
To purchase his book, check it out by clicking the picture above.
Poet Releases Second Poetry Collection Centered Around The ‘Art of Job Hunting’
Anastasia Fenald is no stranger to the job hunt. With a B.A. in Global Studies and an M.A. in Globalization and Development respectfully, she knows the anguish, torture, and frustration of the endless cycle of applications, assessments, job interviews, and rejection emails which led her to write her second poetry collection about just that. With stout observations and blunt truths sharper than a 24k ballpoint pen across company letterhead, Fenald’s new collection is sure to showcase capitalism for what it is: a corporate game of russian roulette while still appealing to the unemployed and corporate game players alike. The collection releases everywhere in paperback, ebook, and audiobook on November 28, 2023 from Riot of Roses Publishing.
About The Book: Capitalism got you down? Me too.THE ART of JOB HUNTING is Anastasia Helena Fenald’s second poetry collection, a classic one-two punch of humorous satire and blunt truth. While taking inspiration from job applications, skill assessments, and interview questions, each poem delivers wit and sarcasm sprinkled with plenty of uncomfortable (read: honest) vulnerability. THE ART of JOB HUNTING is for anyone living paycheck to paycheck, plotting to cannibalize the rich, and still hopeful enough to think they have a chance against nepo babies.
About the Author:
Anastasia Helena Fenald (b. 1992) is a second-generation Ukrainian-Hispanic-American
poet from California’s windy High Desert. She has a B.A. in Global Studies from the University of Riverside, California (2014) and an M.A. in Globalization and Development from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom (2015). Known for her energetic attitude and poignant poems, she spends most of her free time devouring fanfiction, performing at open mics, and forgetting to drink water until bedtime.
Tampa Native Releases Brand New Poetry Collection Celebrating Trials and Triumphs of Human Experience
Tampa, FL native James W. A. releases his sophomore collection Desolation & Epiphany. The book officially released on October 1, 2023 with a release party being held at Coppertail Brewing Company in Tampa, FL. The book is available on Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes and Noble. To see pictures from his festive release party, visit https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx8MkXwsnmh/?img_index=1.
About the book: “Welcome to a wondrous display of
beauty, vanity, humor, and sorrow, a tragedy of squander and a comedy of enlightenment.”
James W. A. Desolation & Epiphany
In his sophomore title and first pure poetry collection, James W. A. explores the duality
found in the journey of one’s soul. Drawing from his own history, observations, and
imagination, he conjures the misery of younger days, the peace of more mature ones,
and the meanings of life and love in both. Found within these pages are stories,
musings, dreams, hopes, and emotions that show a progression from sorrow into joy,
and the shades of each in the other. Pour a glass, open your heart, and prepare to
venture forth with the titular concepts to experience for yourself the darkness of
Desolation and the triumphant elation of Epiphany.
About the Author: James W. A. was born, raised, and lives in the Tampa Bay area in Florida. After graduating from the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg’s Honors College, he
published his first book, In the Library, in 2015. Since then, he has honed his ever-
evolving, contemporary style, both creatively and as a professional content writer. While
moving away from the dark subjects of younger days, James W. A. seeks to use his
experiences, joys, sorrows, and wonders he sees in the world around him to lead others
to truth and beauty and share meaningful stories to last the ages. The author is available for interviews, readings, appearances, and features. For bookings and information, contact his publicist at chelseadevries@thesmartcookiephiles.com
Sticks and Stones Now available in Audiobook Format
Put together by Audiobook Network, the poetry collection Sticks and Stones that won book of the year in Poetry by OnlineBookclub.org is now available in audiobook format on various audio retailers. The Full Story Edition with themes of mental health and loving the person you are is narrated on the audiobook version by Ashton Haughen. Her voice work adds a personal and pulling perspective to the poetry that packs even more power than when read individually by the reader in either e-book and hardcover format. You can purchase the audiobook on Audible,Amazon, and Itunes. It’s run time is three hours and three minutes and was officially published on July 11, 2023. Fall in love with the raw honest and emotional words of the poet while also learning to accept your own truths and relearning and empowering yourself to love yourself for exactly who you are.
About The Book: In Sticks and Stones, DeVries paints a poetic picture of rising above toxicity, love found and love lost, and delves into what it means to find strength in the human spirit. Through poetry, the reader finds a voice of strength and the rebuilding of one’s heart a home with all the sticks and stones thrown upon it. Newly expanded with more full color photos, 41 new poems, and a rewrite of Drowning in An Ocean of No Tomorrows, DeVries shows a full poetic picture of turning pain into poetry in order so you can rise above whatever is pulling you under. About the Author: Chelsea DeVries wanted to be a writer at the age of 7. Her first publishing credit came at the age of 14 with a poem in a student anthology. She then wrote nonstop while doing IB classes in high school. She published two YA novels while still in high school which after over 10 years she rewrote as a NA romance that she looks to put out as her next publication.She is a seeker of justice and uses her words to free this world’s outcasted, peculiar, and underdogs from the chains that bind them. When not writing she runs and does PR for authors and musicians with her bookish brand The Smart Cookie Philes. Though she’s Florida born and raised, she has New Jersey in her veins. She currently lives in Hudson, FL with her squad of two dogs.You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @chelsealynnpoetry, and her squad at @dasquad26. In October 2020, DeVries was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome which is a form of Autism.
For this author’s latest press kit, you can download it below.
The Smart Cookie Philes 