Poems, Bio, and Headshot up at Transient Magazine

[Logan's Fountain, Philly, Cathy Colborn, Canon G11]

Hello,

Just a little interruption from your holiday shopping, to let you know my work is up at Transient Magazine. Transient is a new mag based in Philadelphia and is calling for submissions from around the globe. So give them a try and also support me, a Philadelphian born and raised writer, by checking them out now. I'll give you the link:http://issuu.com/transienteditor/docs/transient_issue2_web/36 

P.S. Please come to my reading (TBA in January) for this issue and see the beautiful work Transient is doing. Happy Holidays!

Thanks for your ongoing support,

Cathy T. Colborn

Day of the Dead Sideshow Celebrity Paintings to be On Display

[Frida (Snake Woman), Diego (Lobster Boy), Day of the Dead Celebrity Paintings, Mixed Media, 2012,Cathy T. Colborn]

     After another lull and mass influx of rejection letters, I finally had another hit. A member of my family showed my spin on Day of the Dead Painting to a gallery owner, and he wants to take them. Right now there are only two completed, but I have a sideshow list going: Salvador Dali as Ringleader, Poe as an Animal Trainer, and possibly Emily Dickinson as an Elephant Riding Starlet. The list goes on with my obsession but that is all I can handle with finals, events, and the upcoming holidays. 

     The only problem left is putting a price on your artistic children. That is always hard. So is parting with them when they get sold. I am taking photos of the process, accessories, and finished pieces. This is mainly so I can have a print and if someone wants one of the characters painted. I do not want to sell prints or replicate these. What makes them so special is they are fun, a tribute to my idol Frida, and very unique. It is better to keep them that way. I am not going to lie...sell them for a good amount also.

      Above is a pic of one of the acessories I have attached to the works (rough stages). I am hoping to glue on blessed virgin medals, fruit made of string, and ceramic flowers. These are all symbols you would find on Día de los Muertos. 

     The Gallery is called, Earth, Wood, and Fiber. I am hoping by the time these are completed (hopefully over Thanksgiving Break) that they will encompass all of those things and more. Got to pick out cool 3D frames.

     Well I have a lot of work ahead of me, so I better get started. I will drop a link but I cannot promise it is the perfect one yet: earthwoodfiber.com

Also check out my blog on Transient Magazine because I think my three poems and my full page bio and picture will be out at any minute. 

Probably be back then and thanks for stopping by.

-Catt

Top Twenty Poetry Prompts: What Tips I’ve Stolen From the Best, by Cathy T. Colborn

[Newton Lake Skating Snack, Cathy Colborn, Canon G11]

If you’re like me and want your poetry experience to be as exciting as a smash and grab for the readers, then you must know what’s safe to steal yourself. I can be your guide in this poetry robbery. Here are some things that I’ve mimicked this semester, turned on their heads, and made my own to resell to the public:

1. Frank O’Hara Personifies an Object. Quietly. In the poem A True Account of Talking to the Sun on Fire Island, the sun becomes someone the narrator can speak to. The narrator gives the sun excuses for waking up late. O’Hara does this with colloquial contractions and friendly conversation. His stanzas are tight (no unnecessary or redundant words). He uses “he said” to let us know the gender of the sun, and when the sun is speaking.
2. Frank O’Hara does couplets like no other. I’m suspicious that this master poet stole some techniques from another master...Basho. The great haiku-maker always writes of one part historical, one part timeless. Usually, we’d see that in a haiku of three thoughts in a set pattern of syllables. Somehow whenever I read O’Hara’s couplets, they leave me with the same feeling of something familiar, yet a pivotal moment through his eyes. A great example is in A Quiet Poem.“Slowly, the heart breathes to music / while the coins lay in wet yellow sand.” Try this technique if you want really powerful lasting thoughts in a simple format.
3. O’Hara doesn’t complain about growing older, he spices up the future. Bitter about getting a little grey? Reminiscing? Nobody cares but your ma. So, take some advice from me. Steal O’Hara’s “let them live” attitude and give poetic advice to the people in charge of the fun for the next generation. A good example is in Ave Maria, “For their first sexual experience / which cost you a quarter / and didn’t upset the peaceful / home.” Definitely pinch this bit on sending your kids to a movie if you want to sound less whiney and more shocking about growing older.
4. O’Hara knows his place and writes it in specific details. If you’re going to write a poem of proper place, say New York, well then let’s hear exactly where you’re at. A good example is in A Step Away From Them, “On / to Times Square, where the sign / blows smoke over my head.” Don’t dumb it down for anyone who hasn’t been there. I don’t care what they say, nowadays they can Google it and experience it later. There's nothing greater for a reader of poetry than to visit a place you’ve only read about (and for the first time know somewhat how the author felt). 
5. Frank O. isn’t shy to write about an adult beverage or vice, so why should you be? Commercials and pop songs pretty much have said everything, so writing about an alcoholic drink or a one-nighter in college isn’t that shocking anymore, actually human. And let’s not forget it’s the “narrator’s” experience. I love to shift blame on fiction. Anyway, here’s an example of the beauty of spirits in As Planned, “After the first glass of vodka / you can accept just about anything / of life even your own mysteriousness.” 
6. Langston Hughes knows the Blues, if you do, write it. I know I said nobody cares but your ma earlier, but the universe is a vast place where many people can relate to many things, and if you can express that deep sadness, a group of bad things that have happened to you and aren’t just “a stroke of bad luck” then you’re well on your way to touching many hearts who are suffering also. A painfully beautiful way to feel (rather than just read) these stories are through the lyrics of Blues music and Blues poems. Here’s a sampling of The Weary Blues, “I got the Weary Blues / and I can’t be satisfied. / Got the Weary Blues / and I can’t be satisfied — / I ain’t happy no mo’ / and I wish I had died. Notice while reading any of Langston’s poems that he tends to follow the 4-12 bar rhythm, a Blues staple. 
7. Langston Hughes knows a good line and isn’t afraid to run with it. Repeatedly. Once and a while we get what I like to call Lyrical Gems. Concise sentences that leave the reader unsure if they want to smile or cry. I’m not kidding, these things are writer’s gold and if you got one or two, don’t be afraid to put it in another poem or make a collection under that title. They’re your own epigraphs. Instead of using those of others at the top of your work to show where your poem was birthed; you can push out your own mind child, name a play after it, start a collection, or title a whole book after it. Hughes reused the lines “A Raisin in the Sun” and “A Dream Deferred” in multiple creations. Very Successfully. Research it.
8. With number seven being said...if you can quote someone or take news from an event and do it justice, then do it like Langston Hughes does. Not only does Hughes start with a famous quote; he also uses dedications to death notices that have touched his entire existence. Examples of these are found in the poems The Bitter River and Theme for English B. These poems not only analyze things that were said from another source; they revive the holes in his heart, and we feel them bleed all over again. Try this if you’re not only looking for inspiration, but have a need to also express a moral or do someone proper justice.
9. Hughes knows how to be someone other than Langston Hughes. Narrative poetry gives you the freedom to tell a story. Anybody’s. We see Hughes writing through the eyes of a woman in Madam’s Past History, “I had a / HAIRDRESSING PALOR / before / The depression put / The prices lower.” Hughes was also a man seeking revenge by murdering his boss (who also stole the narrator’s lady) in Blue Bayou. Fiction (and character desire) can give you the freedom to break some commandments. Writing or otherwise. So become someone else. See what you could get away with and experiment.
10. Langston lets the metaphor do the work for him. Come on, you know you’re guilty. Every writer has picked a completely wrong comparison, forced more bad descriptions by trying to connect the dots, and then the reader has to really work to figure out the story. Hughes picked the great metaphor of a staircase to describe the tough climb of the narrator in Mother to Son. The poems states, “Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. / It’s had tacks in it / splinters / and boards torn up.” The metaphor works because even if we can’t relate to her horrible memories; we know what it feels like to be stopped by a tack, how it feels to not be able to go where we want to go because something is holding us back, and what it feels like when something gets under our skin. The deepening conflict works if nothing else does. 
11. Michael Dickman is haunted by flies. Flies? Yes, flies. What do you dream about? Use it. When Michael Dickman lost one of his brothers, he had dreams about that brother and huge flies doing surreal things. A great example of one of the many poems with this theme is from Killing Flies, “The flies need to be killed as soon as we’re done eating this delicious meal they made.” Tell me that isn’t haunting but different? I think I may try this after this Top Twenty List.
12. Michael Dickman reflects on creation and death. They both happen to everyone. There's a great poem called We Did Not Make Ourselves that was published in The New Yorker. It has some great lines such as: “I didn’t make my brain / but I am helping / to finish it” and “There is only this world and this world.” You really need to check out Dickman’s world, because his poems are like none I’ve ever seen.
13. Dickman can combine two memories and make them work. Like watching whales and watching heroin injections. I would say this could recall Number 10, but with Dickman, these are two actual off the wall references that have happened and are now paired perfectly. The poem I’m referencing is Seeing Whales. Here’s a few lines, “Unbelievable quiet inside you, as they change / the faces of water. / The only other time I felt this still was watching Lief shoot up when we were / twelve.” 
14. Like a melody in music, Michael Dickman play’s with the beauty of pauses and tapping staccato. Michael makes you hang in the white space. The poetry is so good that follows, you literally are hanging on your writing stool for the next word. He plays with single word lines that pack small punches after the whitespace for a knockout blow. It leaves my spinning brain seeing birds and flies. Here’s an example in At Night (2), “I thought         This is what we were saying: / —Sandalwood / —Palace Fire / —Ghost Limbs / —Blindness / —Oh, that’s lovely.”  I can’t do this poetic melody proper justice here, so I implore you to watch him on Youtube or read him on Fishouse.org.
15. If you have a twin, grab him, and write amazing poetry together. Michael Dickman Bonus: Matthew Dickman. This isn’t cheating on keeping to my five tips from four greats, because twins basically have the same DNA...but not the same style. I’m just kidding around, but I’m sure Michael would agree. His bro is great! I’ve learned a lot from both. Here’s a bit from Show us the Pleiades,“If the body does not float above / the sanatorium bed / then electric shock- / A body coming down the wild hall forever.” Very different compared to how exact the Dickman twins features are, but both still yummy eye and ear candy. Look them up. Now.
16. If you’re going to rhyme every other line like Robert Frost, then do it mostly with one syllable words on the ends for hard powerful stops. Some of Frost’s most beautiful poems are rhyming shorts. Neither Out Far or In Deep has beautiful hard stops on the ends, Here’s an excerpt, “As long as it takes to pass / A ship keeps raising its hull; / The wetter ground like glass / Reflects a standing gull. Try this if you want your rhymes to sound less nursery rhyme and more award-winning poet.
17. Robert Frost says one thing but means another. Look for the clues. This breaks a writing rule of being clear, but try to experiment. We all know some of his famous lines, but have you really thought about the words in The Road Not Taken? I’m a realist, so I believe he was being sarcastic. The roads “worn...about the same” and “both the morning equally lay in leaves no step had trodden black” leave me wondering. If you read footnotes you find it was about a friend who always regretted later a road he would pick on their morning walks together. With this being said, I think Frost was proud of just choosing and not “ever come [ing] back.” See if you could play with tricking your readers into thinking your meaning is something else...in the end it’s brilliant to see what others take away from your work and how it touches them anyway.
18. Frost describes nature. Beautifully. You can retreat on Frost’s farm. Could you imagine writing where he was inspired for Mending Wall? If you’ve somewhere to sit and be in touch with nature and not be crowded by the cement jungle, then see if you could invoke Frost. Take lines from The Oven Bird that could only have been made in the quiet of the woods. “There is a singer everyone has heard. / Loud, a mid-summer and a mid-wood bird. / Who makes the solid tree trunks sound again.” See also the poems: Birches or Design.
19. Write on how we try to control nature like Frost does. Simply in poems like Unharvested or Dessert Places where we see how Frost speaks of farm tasks left undone, but if we weren't here...wouldn’t the “apples still fall unharvested?” This is Frost’s playing with our presence amongst nature. He plays with the give and take of existence. If you write about the world around you in your poetry, try to make a similar statement. I did. And I love what my nature poetry has yielded this year because of studying Robert Frost’s techniques.
20. Frost’s Fire and Ice poem probably would be cheesy if the title was the last line. I’ve said this with flash, and I’ll say it with poetry, please don’t give away the ending before you even start. It’s okay to have parts of the title peppered throughout your poem, but not at the end. Frost wrote the last lines as “To say that for destruction ice / Is also great / And would suffice.” Exactly. He gave me the title, broke the meanings down, and then tied it together without putting the words back together. I’m not going to tell you to try this; I’m going to plead with you to do it. Always. Well, nah, perfect the rules then break them. 

 There's the end of my recent 20 best writing tips stolen from four greats (it'll probably be added to later). I hope together we can keep researching and experimenting to make our works more spectacular and meaningful. Please share what you've researched with me.

*Works Cited correspond with Tip List’s numbers. See below.

Works Cited:

1. A True Account of Talking to the Sun on Fire Island, Frank O’Hara, P. 367, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 2.
2. A Quiet Poem, Frank O’Hara, found here: http://www.poemhunter.com/frank-o-hara/
3. Ave Maria, Frank O’Hara, found here: http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ave-maria/
4. A Step Away From Them, Frank O’Hara, P. 363, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 2.
5. As Planned, Frank O’Hara, found here: http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/as-planned/
6. The Weary Blues, P. 688, Langston Hughes, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1.
7. “A raisin in the sun” is a line from Harlem, Langston Hughes, (p.704) and a play written by Langston Hughes, and 7b) “A dream deferred” is also a line from Harlem, also a play, and appears in other works by Langston Hughes, both poems are on P. 704, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1.
8. The Bitter River, P. 694, Langston Hughes, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1. 8b) Theme for English B, Langston Hughes, P. 702, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1.
9. Madam’s Past History, Langston Hughes, P. 697, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1. 9b) Blue Bayou, Langston Hughes, P. 698, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1.
10. Mother to Son, Langston Hughes, was found at: http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/mother-to-son/
11. Killing Flies, Michael Dickman, Found at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/22194
12. We Did Not Make Ourselves, Michael Dickman, in The New Yorker, Found at: http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/poetry/2008/09/01/080901po_poem_dickman
13. Seeing Whales, Michael Dickman, in The New Yorker, Found at: http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/poetry/2008/01/14/080114po_poem_dickman
14. At Night (2), Michael Dickman, Found at: http://www.fishousepoems.org/archives/michael_dickman/at_night_2.shtml
15. Show us the Pleiades, Matthew Dickman, Found at: http://thestory.org/sidebars/poems-by-matthew-dickman
16. Neither Out Far or In Deep, Robert Frost, P. 220, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1.
17. The Road not Taken, Robert Frost, P. 209, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1.
18. Mending Wall, Robert Frost, P. 203, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1. 18b) The Oven Bird, Robert Frost, P. 211, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1. 18c) Birches, Robert Frost, P.211, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1 18d) Design, Robert Frost, P. 221, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1.
19. Unharvested, Robert Frost, P. 221, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1. 19b) Dessert Places, Robert Frost, P. 220, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1.
20. Fire and Ice, Robert Frost, P. 214, Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, Vol. 1.

[Photo:Cathy T. Colborn, Newton Lake Skating Snack, Canon G11 B&W&O!]

Video: Reading at Rosemont College, PA: Catt Colborn, Poet

Video Credit:
Intro: Rosemont MFA Creative Writing Interim Director, Carla Spataro
Taken by: John McGeary

Cathy T. Colborn reading at Rosemont College in September
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAEKTU7g-00

Photos from Push to Publish, CB Festival, and Thoughts on an Upcoming Open Mic For Rathalla Review

[Some a-mazing women authors...I was honored to converse with at Push to Publish: Catherine Stein, Nancy Viau, Beth Kephart and steampunk author, Alison DeLuca (my fav). Photo by Cathy T. Colborn]

Hello again, everyone. I wanted to tell you how my time at Push to Publish and Collingswood Book Festival turned out. Also, I'm adding a new event to the bottom of this blog: The Rathalla Review Kickoff Open Mic. It's crucial for artists of all types to network, and give feedback on these events, so others can decide if they want to partake next year. Since I take pictures, paint, and write, I've no problem meshing the worlds in one spot in my virtual artist refuge.

Probably should start with the oldest event: Collingswood Book Festival.

Yea. Here I am. Nothing fancy. I usually am extremely fancy and take a whole bunch of wares: zombie, superhero, and steampunk pendants, chapbooks, children's books, and photographs. But this year, I decided that I wanted to promote my blog and skills for hire, and take advantage of being around the people who could network with me in my own town. It was a win-win sit.

Here was my card and coupon holder. It's Poe-a-liscious. I hand-painted the raven dangling from the fishline. It was a great conversation starter, most people like Edgar. Even if they aren't avid readers. Usually, everyone knows a reader or writer though. So it was a good piece to bring them over and get to know the people in my hometown and have them pass My Philly Flash Inferno autographed cards off for networking. Hint: this cigar box also makes a great candy holder...but it must be creepy Halloween candy, or Poe and the raven turn violently in their graves.

This is Robert Hoskins, Jr. He's the proprietor I owe a great thanks for letting me crowd into his comic displays. We have been besties for over eight years now, and he's very generous. I'm glad to be submerged in his passion and always meet the coolest people when I go into his store, Stormwatch Comics in Berlin, NJ. If you have been looking for anything from your childhood, such as a toy, or rare comic...Bob is your man. He is the finder of lost things (though he still hasn't found me that Predator plush doll, but usually, nothing escapes him). I'll post the commercial link to his store here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qhSGnhtuy6g

Thanks again, Bobala! xoxo.

Also submerged in boxes of comics was my bud, the beautiful comic cover artist, Laura Guzzo.
Dr. Who and Shakespeare fans, you want to visit the link I'll give you. This girl has mad, mad, mad, talent. Never have I seen a colored pencil piece done painstakingly with a million pin-headed dots, to achieve a perfect shadow. She's that dedicated and passionate to her craft. Laura also makes cosplay outfits and silkscreened shirts. Yea, definitely hang on to that link I'm about to give, I swear. But first, writers: check out Shakespeare Shaken. It's an anthology of William's tales, turned on to their heads for something new. Laura has four pieces in the book, but it's a collaboration of brilliant writers and artists. Check it out and get it signed by the author if you can.
Finally, LG's link:http://lauraguzzoart.blogspot.com/

*Tiny Sidenote* This is why I firmly believe my art has kicked off as of late...because I'm blessed to be surrounded and inspired by talented people. If I can recommend anything that I've learned, struggling with some bad luck over the last seven years; it would be...seek people like these guys out (on this entire entry) and submerge yourself in a variety of their passions. It will pay off naturally. I swear to it. Even if they do not write...it will give you the desire to be as passionate and connected to your own gift as they are. Amazing.

Ello, ello, do you Push to Publish, Sweetie? Well, I sure do. Now. Not ever before, but definitely as long as it lasts. This year, I wore my black gear, victorian pearls, and fancy headband, loaded with samples and pitches, to try and get a speed date with agents. After all my prep, it was my first time, and I thought I gave my info to the right people, but apparently; I was distracted by caffeine in the crossfire and missed the sign-up sheets. Yea, I felt stupid, and felt like maybe the point over to the clipboards had to happen for first-timers with no breakfast tables in the way. There were some time slots left, so I made the best of it. Honor students have brain farts; it happens; we let out the steam and straighten right up again.

I know it was chaos, and no one should hold my hand. Anywho, I didn't get in with the agent I wanted because of my error, but by some dumb luck (which was my trend for the day), my buds, suggested a few tables to meet with Alison Hicks. I received amazing advice. She told me that my book was ready to go after the last page of sample and the elevator pitch came down. It was up to me to push it to agents now, and I'll be less nervous knowing a seasoned author gave me that advice. See, It all works out. Never, ever panic anymore.

Finally, on the couch in the auditorium, before the last panel with these funny souls...

We somehow...just by goofing and being human...end up running into more agents, editors, poets and idols...just catching their breath after running around on the quite cold campus (it was the coldest day this season). I was very excited to speak to Alison Deluca [Pictured in the first photo @ the top of this entry, last person]. She's a Steampunk author, and I'd been researching her and Gregory Frost's work, before the conference, because I felt they would understand what my manuscripts were channeling. Steampunk and "Chick Pulp"(a term I coined for Female Thrillers with some violence and romance), gets pin-holed into boxes that don't make sense, or are just plain misunderstood altogether. The minimal violence in my military or street-fighting scenes raises the unthinkable, even though they're the real violent crimes that happen in the world. Steampunk stories are not those with an airship just thrown in or a bunch of people running around in hoodwinks. Ugg!

But there was Alison DeLuca, just giving me great advice on publishing Steampunk, signing her book, The Night Watchman Express, and asking me to send some chapters if I wanted more help. Wow, I was star-struck while handing her my card. What a great day! What great people!

Overall, my review of Push to Publish, was great. I would suggest somehow extending the sign-up table to include the sign-up sheets for speed-dating agents in one long walk; it would be less confusing for newbies. I'm sure it made perfect sense for those who are seasoned at this event. I would suggest to newbies to have a VERY long list of agents you want to date with, because it fills fast (especially after a flub). Otherwise, the keynote speaker was brilliant, the hosts very gracious, the breakfast and lunch were delish, those on the speed-dating tables were knowledgeable and popular, and the panels were brilliant and informative.

What made Push to Publish even more exciting was the ability to socialize in one huge group, all day long, and experience some crazy escapades with a few friends. We had agents and authors just plopping down eating a bagel and sipping some joe right next to us. It was very memorable! I would recommend Push to Publish to any writer seeking that next step.

The link so you can join in the fun for next year is this:http://www.philadelphiastories.org/push-publish-2012-strategies-and-techniques-get-your-work-print-and-online

Finally, something you writers and artists want to keep on your calendar:

Upcoming Open Mic For Rathalla Review: October 26, 2012 @ 7P.M. (See link below for more info)

http://www.facebook.com/events/157701897706849/157778207699218/?
comment_id=157845204359185&notif_t=event_mall_reply
 Rathalla Review is Rosemont's new journal. They're kicking off this new venture by networking at a restaurant in Ardmore (a few stops on Regional before Rosemont) with an Open Mic.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY! Anyone is welcomed to read their poetry, nonfiction, or fiction at these events. Try out that new piece you've been editing. See which poem makes the audience whistle. Hey, get some grub...it says "dinner" on there. I'm going to put money on some kind of cookie being there...but I could be wrong. The beauty of these things are, if you come from far away, no one will know you, and you can be at ease. The Rosemont crew is an awesome group of people, and they'll support you. Come on out and perfect your craft with Rathalla Review. Who knows, maybe the editors will take your piece. But first, edit, edit, edit. Not like this blog;p JK!

Until We Type Again,
Cathy T. Colborn

Specs Taking Two of My Photos for Upcoming Issue

[Original Metal Man, Historic Cold Springs, Cape May, NJ, Cathy T. Colborn]

Some great things are happening to me lately. I had some luck a few years back with publishing, but then a seven year curse. I tease, I say it was a curse because of "a lot of bad karma and longings that I wished never came true on the steps of Jackson Square." I tease it was the power of three...three soul mates making bad wishes after visiting Marie Laveau. She gave us what we asked for--and then some.

What I think really happened was...I was distracted by my bad wishes and of those of the two close friends around me, and we lost sight on what was really important in life. But from those terrible experiences came the strength of overcoming anything and realizing we have a purpose. I needed to get my writing and photography out there. They needed to get up the courage to move out to NOLA permanently. My hope was to pick up and utilize the talent I was given and was meant to share for (maybe) some greater reason, that I didn't know (or may never know) about. One thing is certain, I have drive now, and I think after this past month, I am finally going to allow myself to say "It shows." I know, no one likes a quitter or braggart, but it is due.

This week, I got an email on a submission that I really truly had my fingers tangled on getting back a positive response. The magazine was Specs. The theme: Outsourced. It was the second journal this month I got in that you have to purchase if you want to see my work. It was not your typical outsourcing theme either. Not like, okay, here is your camera, now go fly to somewhere and take pics of some culture America is blaming for taking their jobs. Not at all. The theme was to expand on places, people, and pop culture that just "weren't the same somehow" or "just didn't seem right." I thought I nailed it with a shot from my old campus and one from a shop on the Ocean City boardwalk. I thought I had a slight chance with some other shots: A French trading post, Cold Springs, Cape May, and a few other random places (like abandoned farms and such). Finally, I got a hit with a "You're in the final round for Outsourced Library and Product Of...Congrats you made it in!" My issue is not up yet, but here is the link if you want to submit: http://specsjournal.org/

I am so glad. My poetry and photographs have been taking turns in touching editors in some way, enough to give me a chance, and I feel like Mother Marie has lifted the curse, or maybe, I am giving the dedication and devotion now of the poet that ascended from Inferno (trust me, it was hell on Earth at least. Ask me about it over drinks one day). I do not mind taking the trip and taking the Dante route (haha) now, if it gets me where I am meant to go and gets others (somewhere out there) to be inspired. Next, is Push to Publish and pitching my "Chick Pulp" in the speed dating rounds. Wish me luck!

Thanks for listening, supporting, and hopefully continuing to come along for the road trip.

Peace,
Catt

3 of My Photos in OVS Magazine...On Sale NOW!

[Stone Cold Chill, New Orleans, Canon G11, Cathy T. Colborn]

Hello again,
A few days ago, I opened my email and was delighted to hear that the current issue of OVS Magazine, Summer 2012, is ready for purchase. Inside, you will find my three photos: In the Back Alley with Jim, Weep, and A Haunting in New Orleans. Hint: This submission is filled with things I stumbled upon and felt like they were still breathing and about to kick someone (like the pic above). The photos are from my "Waiting in the Wings of Time" collection and reveal a little sliver of my soul. You can follow the link below and check out a sample of the mag. If you feel like we are something you may want to invest in...just follow the "purchase" links. I am hoping you do (I don't want you to just find my name in the table of contents, ha).
http://ovsmag.com/

OVS is something a little dark, yet posh, and I am ecstatic to be a part of their energy. From their recent posts, it looks like they are starting to get noticed. They are finding their way onto "best of" lists and are receiving great reviews. If you are a writer or artist, give them a thought next time you are compiling your submissions. I'm glad my friend passed the link to me.

More later. Keep that pen, lens, or paintbrush working!
Catt

3 Poems to be Published in Upcoming Transient Magazine Winter 2012 Issue

[Good Ol' Mississip, Canon G11, by Cathy Colborn 2011]

Great news! Transient Publishing accepted three of my poems: Floodgates, Propane and Lemonade, and The Burn. I read some of these poems at Rosemont a few weeks ago. For those of you who missed them, here is a short summary:

Floodgates is a poem of duel meanings. It is set in New Orleans (two summers ago) when the water levels were rising (see my pic of The Mississippi above). The image of the floodgates signify both the releasing of the water by the city and the constant epiphanies the protagonist is experiencing because of her missing ex-lover. The poem also studies class levels and those who pretend to be in a class other than their own. We have Gatsby references...enough said.

Propane and Lemonade is a snarky little poem. It moves quickly with a lot of great "S" sounds and hard stops. It is about a woman who reminisces over a past love affair sparked by a sign hung on the Liquor Store/Gas station window in Cape May, NJ. The poem then goes on to part the ways of the "killer cocktail," the title, in almost a recipe format.

The Burn is about a "missing five o'clock shadow." Missing...because it is already shaved...you ask? Hell no! That is too easy for one of my poems.

Look for these three poems online in the stunning PDF format of Transient Magazine in November: Transientpublishing.com

Thanks,
Catt

P.S. More updates later this week on promoting Philly Flash Inferno and my chapbooks at the Collingswood Book Festival=)

My Poetry at Rosemont College Reading Series Kickoff

Hello,
This week I come to you with another great event. It is the start of our Reading Series. Every month, Rosemont College, the school I attend for my MFA in Creative Writing, will showcase work from students, faculty, and other outside published authors. We have a little of everything lined up: poetry, nonfiction, and fiction. This great event takes place on the beautiful Rosemont Campus and is accessible by car, bus, train or plane (maybe some of those together). The date to remember this month is:

Wednesday, September 19th, 7 P.M., Main Building, Rosemont College, PA.

I will be the poet onboard and hopefully warming up the podium for some other wonderful mentors of mine such as: Liz Abrams-Morley, Cassandra Hirsch, and Ru Freeman.

I am lucky to somehow have scored a "Making the Personal-Fictional" class with Ru Freeman this semester. I am hoping it will give me enough insight to take a crazy travel writing, nonfiction, piece of mine, into a wonderful fictional thesis. Never too late to get the insight, practice, and jumpstart for that writing ball to get a' rolling and scoring.

So, if you are not doing anything major and need some time away from technological accessories, please come to the cool building on Rosemont Campus that looks like a castle and eat some cookies (we always have really big cookies). Oh, listen to my stuff too (while you're in a sugar coma). It makes my poetry sound EVEN better.
Thanks,
Catt
P.S. From Patco: Take the Regional Rail/Thorndale Line and get off at Rosemont. Go down the wooden steps (Do not walk under the tunnel, that is where you will go to return) Instead, walk straight to the first corner, make a left, and keep straight...you will see the campus. Main Building is directly in the center of the campus.

Photos by Catt Colborn, 2012

Upcoming Events to Promote, Share, and Learn

I told my visitors and fellow writers, that I would announce some great events to promote and share our work. Maybe if you have children that love to read, I could hint at a place or two to share a day of quality time together. These are not all the events that are going on (September and October are jammed packed), but I promise to at least list three good ones when I get them. Please check links for exact times and locations.

Collingswood Book Festival 2012, October 6, 2012: Links to booksellers layouts, contests, open mics, food, Haiku Wall, and events: http://www.collingswoodbookfestival.com/index.php [for children and adults] I will be there promoting my new YA Novel, Tierney and the Trailblazers, Some old chapbooks, horror jewelry for halloween from SpinalCordz, and of course my baby, Philly Flash Inferno. Come support and chat. I will sign your goodies and handout goodies to the kids as usual (I am a pushover for kiddies). I will be sitting at the Stormwatch Comic Booth with the guy in the pic above, Proprietor and Finder of Lost Things, Bob Hoskins.

Philly Flash Inferno Monster Issue, September 14, 2012: My micro ezine created with the ongoing theme of The Seven Deadly Sins. Fall Issue is going to take Rage to the next level by spotlighting pics, artwork, and interviews that focus on zombies and mythical creatures. It will still be peppered with the other rings of The Inferno, and making Dante proud of this Italian poeta. Submissions of these things plus flash and poetry under 1000 words are ongoing and reviewed by me and (of course) Minos at:
Phillyflashinferno@gmail.com The site is found at: Phillyflashinferno.com, if you want to check out the smaller Summer Issue. I may be performing at open mic on September 14 or 21 TBA at a coffeehouse in Haddonfield, NJ, to kickstart and handout cards to promote upcoming readings of PFI contributors (Any writer friends that would be interested in sharing their work with me over a cup of cappuccino should give me a holla), but first, I must make friendly and prepare places of business, to see if we are a good fit with possible adult ramblings. *[journal rated PG and so are said potential readings]

Push to Publish, October 13, 2012: I will be attending this event as a student to promote one of the many finished books I have sitting in Electronic Limbo. If you are in the same situation or have something almost edited and finished and you can get it pristine by the date above, then pay your fee and register and introduce yourself to me that day. I have no pull whatsoever, but I will send some of my good juju and muse spirit your way. We are all in this together=) Here is the linkage:
http://www.philadelphiastories.org/push-publish-2012-strategies-and-techniques-get-your-work-print-and-online

Like I said, there is more to come, but I figure there was something for the family, something for the brain to chill out for a spell, and something for you, the writer, to suffer along with me. There is also comfort in numbers and shared misery and all of that mumbo...

Anyway, I took up enough of our writing time. Hope to see you there!

Best,
Catt

P.S. Your stuff is not going to publish itself. Sorry, had to say it again to make sure you don't give up!

Cover Photo Accepted for The Four Quarters Magazine

Good news! I am having the luckiest week in my writing/art career (must be that blue moon). I found out my photo of New York overlooking the Empire was accepted as a cover photo. That is a big milestone for a photography nerd like me. If you are a writer (or artist), the magazine is a great read and somewhere worth sending your work. It is based in India, but that is not necessarily the theme (in other words...everyone is welcomed to submit and they are hoping you do). It has a great flavor, and I really enjoy how much content they have. Thanks, so much for continuing to follow my career, and I am rooting for you as well. That is why I am including the link down below. I am not going to lie...I want you to look at my cover, but I want you to give TFQM a try. You may be a great fit and like I always say...
"Your work is not going to publish itself. Get moving."

http://issuu.com/tfqm/docs/tfqm_-_august_2012/1

Best,
Catt Colborn
P.S. Here is another shot from NY that day. B&W&G, Canon G11, by Catt Colborn

Poem Published In Big River Poetry

My poem "Eden Rediscovered" has been accepted by Big River Poetry. Check them out here: http://bigriverpoetry.com/blog.html. If you are a writer give them a try. They try to give you feedback and also hold contests. ER will be in the print anthology next summer.

I will be at the Collingswood Book Fair in October, and my next blog will hopefully give you more details on time and exact location. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you.

Best,
Cathy Colborn

                     Photos from the Reading at Rittenhouse B&N          

Arrrr-The pirate story: Legend of the Lion Knocker or Ballad of the Bordeaux Thread went off splendidly (considering it has two names and a strange man lurked behind my fellow reader for some books). I guess it was fitting for the tale. I submitted LLK to Indigo Ink's Modern Grimmoire Anthology, so I will keep you updated on how that goes, mateys. Arrr-again. Here is the guy who needed that Jim Morrison book:

Oh, well-who am I to stop a man eager for Jim? The reading was ending...I just think his passion could've waited a moment longer. More to follow shortly. I will probably be at the Stormwatch Comic booth @ Collingswood Book Fair again this year. This time with a few copies of my hardcover chapbook Stoned in Paris and my YA novel, Tierney and the Trailblazers. Date TBA.

Reading Tonight: Rittenhouse Square, Barnes and Nobles, Philly. 

7PM, I will be reading (not poetry like previously planned) a historical fiction piece I wrote in New Orleans about the pirate, Jean Lafitte. It is a great crowd of readers and listeners, and I think an adult fairytale as the nights cool down...is perfect. Come out and grab a cup of joe, snap some fingers to some awesome poetry, and listen to a few horror stories. Some of us will follow the reading with a drink at Monks or the Irish Pub. See you there, and thanks!
Catt

Reading 8/15/12 Barnes and Nobles, Rittenhouse, Center City, Philly

Hello, I christen my first post with an invitation for you to come listen to my travel poetry, at Barnes and Nobles@Rittenhouse Square, Philly, on Wednesday the 15th@7PM. Stop by for some java and beautiful words.