Online Publications
Inlandia Literary Journeys
Southern California News Group (SCNG) Press Enterprise, San Bernardino Sun, Daily Bulletin
Southern California News Group (SCNG) Press Enterprise, San Bernardino Sun, Daily Bulletin
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Creative Grounds and Poetry Out Loud are fertile territory for nurturing teen poets
When I mention Poetry Out Loud to people the response I usually get is, “It sounds familiar, but I am not sure what it is.” Because we live in a society where money (not poetry) speaks loudest, I say, “It is a contest where the national winner is awarded $20,000.” The response is a look of surprise followed by questions. |
Photo credit: Creative Commons
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Project Aims to Preserve Black History in Inland Empire
Civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer once said, “Never to forget where we came from and always praise the bridges that carried us over.” In 2007, Wilmer Amina Carter and her late husband, William Henry “Ratibu” Jacocks, brought this quote to life through the Bridges that Carried Us Over project. |
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Here’s a beginner’s guide to excellent Indigenous literature
James Truslow Adam, author of “The Epic of America,” coined the term American Dream in 1931, during The Great Depression. Home ownership was at the cornerstone of that dream, but before America was “discovered” and American Dream Homes were planted, there were people already living here. |
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Literary horizons should be broadened to include Black writers
“History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us” – James Baldwin. Our social, cultural, technological, landscape is in constant flux. As history is being made daily there is an onslaught of focal points drawing our attention. But if we, as a society, are to develop an understanding of each other and make sense of current events we must be intentional. From literature to social justice, from legislation to inventions, there is so much to learn. The aphorism, Black history is American history, means very little if it is only a side note. |
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Virtual readings, workshops keep writers connected during coronavirus times
When sheltering-in-place became a part of our new normal, it became imperative for readings and workshops to integrate technology in order to thrive. This time last year, I didn’t know what Zoom was and now it is my social lifeline. Pre-pandemic, if I wanted to go to a poetry reading it meant getting dressed and driving, which is oftentimes an adventure in itself. |
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Writing through the grieving process of self-isolation brought by coronavirus
The freedom to go where I want, when I want without fear – is a temporary loss. Knowing it is temporary though does not make the emotional impact less painful. There have been days where I find myself angry with no means of using my energy to effect change. After all, there are only so many times I can clean out a closet. |
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Attending an open mic event can have some serious health benefits
The evening begins with an open mic. Volunteers from the audience share their writing and we applaud after each poem. While I don’t remember names, I do remember the poems — the poets’ truth, voice and story. Most recently, my son and I went to Art Walk: Literature on the Lawn, hosted by Inlandia Institute, in front of the downtown Riverside Public Library. As usual, I left feeling more optimistic and happy. My son and I enjoyed a lively conversation about the different poems and poets, and the lady who wore a unique skirt with tiny lights like stars, creating a mood of magic in dusk. |
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Here's how busy poets and authors can create their own writing retreats
A writer’s discipline is about the return (to writing).” — Jessica Lopez Lyman Attending a writing retreat is up there on the list of perfect vacations for me; idyllic location ripe for creativity, workshops, a secluded world of like-minded people, and stimulating literary conversation. |
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Over a year ago, I began attending the San Bernardino Inlandia Institute workshop located in the cozy Howard M. Rowe Branch Library. Facilitator Allyson Jeffredo shared her vision of creating a workshop steeped in honest conversation and a safe space. We were instructed to discuss the heart of the work which primed us to be receptive to constructive critique.
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