To Be Read Aloud! Spoken Word Poetry and Art to Inspire Statistics

Hello Roni:

Your poetry certainly resonates with many of your readers and I rejoice with you that you are transforming the many negative experiences from your childhood into something beautiful and redemptive.

My only suggestion is that you might want to rework the title. It's kind of long and convoluted. After becoming familiar with your profile and the pitch, I understood what it means; but readers for the most part read for the purpose of escaping the drudgery of day-to-day reality, not to be informed on statistics; hence the word "statistics" needs to be completely taken out-it is almost an oxymoron when used in the same sentence as the word "art." The length and formality of the title is fine for boring, doctoral dissertations which no one except academic scholars will ever read; but if you want to reach a wider audience with more of a meaningful message, I would strongly suggest that you better market the book by coming up with a catchier title.

On a very practical level, I appreciate that the artwork on the cover is probably yours, but it will be a major hindrance in publication because most bookstores (with the exception of tiny, artsy mom and pop establishments) will not be able to, or feel comfortable with, putting a book cover in an open area because of the female anatomy. I know you are an artist, and that you are at a young, idealistic age where such issues are probably not a priority; but sometimes you have to evaluate what is pragmatic to get your message out.

And speaking of unsolicited advice, while I'm on a roll in this manner, you also might to change your profile avatar. The artwork comes across as angry and creepy.

Blessings.

James

Roni, I lOVE this! Your poetry is original and gives the reader a vivid and memorable picture of your experiences. I too grew up in poverty and share your passion for the children in the same circumstances. You grow up quick and true you don't have to pay the bills, but you worry constantly about the 'adults' in your life and yes the powerlessness is awful. At least as adults we have choices. I'm delighted to back this

Sharon
Prozac & Prayer

Anyone who starts their ‘about me’ with ‘I’m a creator blessed by god’ as got a problem with humility. You are a average poet who may well have had some bad experiences and may well wish to do good in the world, but I personally have no interest in the work of someone with such a pretentious self aggrandising attitude.

Of course I love this, Roni. I see many similarities in our styles, the use of asonance being the most obvious. Your write from the heart, that is also obvious, because the poems go right to the point, the heart of the matter. A truly beautiful piece of work!!! Shelved.

Thanks for commenting Charity. Yes it is tough on paper; it was even tougher going through these experiences. Now I've turned my pain into something that can help others.

Roni,

I like what I have read so far. This is tough stuff to take in, but bringing it to the light will make the darkness fade, if only a little. All the best.
See you in print,
Charity

Roni,

I like what I have read so far. This is tough stuff to take in, but bringing it to the light will make the darkness fade, if only a little. All the best.
See you in print,
Charity

I just read 'At School they torment me, why? It struck a chord with me as a teacher as bullying is something I try to combat or seek to create an ethos where this does not exist. I thought that it would end after the first couple of verses - could there be more pain, more said in different ways? And of course, there was. poetically, there was a strong rhythm to the words so that they flowed and led to a natural emphasis on certain words / questions and yet none of the words felt contrived or chosen just because they rhymed or fit the beat. I found the commentary extremely interesting too. Because the subject matter affected me, I am not reading any further yet, but I already know that this is strong enough to shelve.
Kendall Craig (The Halo of Delight)