ARYA'S WRITING & READING BLOG

This interview with Mankh (Walter Harris III),  the publisher of AllBook Books, which published my first chapbook, Jewel Fire , took place a few days ago. We discuss my latest chapbook, Singing in the Dark , poetry, writing, activism and meditation. https://lnkd.in/gzzRpe4w

I read some poems recently at Modern Methods Brewery Company in Warren. It was a nice crowd, with some friends there. After a handful of us read, there was an open mike session, so college kids and even those that had already been featured could read again. I always reflect on this kind of experience, how it benefits or doesn't benefit my work as a poet and writer. It's an interesting experiment for sure, to step out into a public arena with a page of what has been written to be read silently. There's work to be read and work to be performed. The first couple of pieces I read I wrote keeping the Warren gig in mind. The other poems, from my collection, Singing in the Dark , would fall into the category of poems written to be read as they are deeply personal, about family, loss and roots.  It's not my favorite experience to be in front of an audience, mostly because most of my life I've trained myself to be a good audience to others. It always feels awkward to be cent

Let's face it, the reason some right-wing conservatives have become rabid about banning books in America is because for now at least the burning of intelligent, articulate people is not allowed, and banning--or burning their books, which is what I was going to say--is, in their minds, the next best thing. Sadly, we live in a country in which creativity and intelligence are not only not prized but shunned, a country in which ignorant people take a look at the cover of a book or its title to decide its worth without ever reading a word of it. Is this something I might see on my cereal box in the morning, they ask themselves. Or, is this something donald trump would like? Worst of all, does it elicit questions, like, what does this drawing mean, or what does this title mean?  The unfamiliar is threatening, even evil. High falutin words are dangerous. Descriptions of lust or sex, a bad example to children, who are not supposed to know anything about sex until they get pregnant accident

Good news today:  OyeDrum Magazine has nominated my poem, "Notes to the Ghost of a Suicide Now Nameless," for a Pushcart Prize. Yay! The poem is from my recently published poetry collection, Singing in the Dark . Thanks to the editors and congrats to all the other nominees. Here's OyeDrum's list of nominees: OyeDrum Magazine 2022 Pushcart Prize Nominees: NOTES TO THE GHOST OF A SUICIDE NOW NAMELESS Arya F. Jenkins Peril Carla Cherry Body of Water Jaylani Loveday The surprising occurrence of ghosts Jenny Dunbar Do you find it hard to write? Kylie Hough I dreamt of myself on a steel bed covered in white my mother crying above me Vanessa Chica Ferreira Joyeux Noel to all my fellow writers and readers! The holidays are here and I just want to express my gratitude to those of you who have bought and/or read any of my books, and especially those of you who have shared feedback about your reading experience. It means the world to authors, especially those of us published b

Arya F. Jenkins is a Colombian-American poet, writer and peace and social justice activist whose poetry, fiction and CNF have been published in numerous journals and zines. Her stories have received several nominations for the Pushcart Prize, and her poetry has also been nominated for the Pushcart. In 2021, one of her short stories was nominated for the Best of the Net Anthology. She is the author of a collection of short stories,  Blue Songs in An Open Key  (Fomite, 2018), and four poetry chapbooks, Singing in the Dark (Alien Buddha Press, 2022),  Love & Poison  (Prolific Press, 2019),  Silence Has A Name  (Finishing Line Press, 2016) and  Jewel Fire  (AllBook Books, 2011). She edited  No War No More: Poems, Essays, Photos & Artwork for Peace  (Greenwood/Blue Lotus Press, 2007). Her mixed genre novel,  Punk Disco Bohemian , was released by NineStar Press in September 2021.  Poetry publications : Agave Magazine, Blue Heron Review, Dying Dahlia Review, The Dissident Voice, The

  Celebrating the one month anniversary of my fourth poetry chapbook, SINGING IN THE DARK, sharing thoughts and comments from readers and listeners for which I am truly grateful: "Your gut-punch after gut-punch poems....left me misty-eyed." "It's fabulous and a very emotional ride. The poems cause a visceral response. I'll be rereading it again." "Thank you for such pithy gems!" "Deeply poignant" "Powerful! Hauntingly beautiful and unforgettable. Your personal losses, the loss of innocence, life, humanity on distant shores. Heartbreaking." "I really liked the collection. 'Then' especially touched my heart." "I loved everything about this. Your measured tone, clear and cool. Thank you very much, Arya-Francesca." "To say I am blown away is an understatement." "I'm reading SINGING IN THE DARK and liking it a great deal." "I was very moved by your poems...in particular, 'T