#WomenWritersOfIG

[ambitiousblackfeminist]

Post 27, Write Here

#3amblackpoetry in July (August) Post 27: Write Here Post 27, 2020: Dichotomous Dictums

#3amblackpoetry in July? On August 1?! As I said in yesterday's #3amblackpoetry in July post, a promise is a promise, and I promised myself I'd hit 30 posts and 30 days of writing activities in/for July. With this being 27, there are only 3 more left, and I'm not giving up just because publishing the remaining posts don't align with Western, linear concepts of time. No matter how many instances I appear to comply, know that there is no external clock or calendar determining my destiny; I set, stop, and reset the stopwatch of my life. Now, call this cocky, call this bravado, or call it presumptuous, but I articulate this otherwise private belief because it mirrors my approach to writing, and reminds me of today's prompt: "Write Here."

I know that in previous posts I've urged and shared reminders to stop second-guessing oneself while in the middle of writing - or before even starting. But like the tips I share with other teachers and community organizers, I want to make sure I include not just the negative framing (don't do this, stop doing this), but also the affirmative and action-centric framing (do this, try this, include this)? "Write here" is one solution or strategy of mine - and somewhat of a mantra. Where are you jotting your notes? They can be anywhere and everywhere, but they should be somewhere! Are you reacting to something or overflowing with some kind of sentiment? Is your cellphone with notes app handy so can you jot it down there, or can you compose an email draft? Yes, the brain is a powerful and often reliable place to store information, but somehow the fingertips are too!

However, I don't just want to talk about process; I want to elaborate a little on the topic of content and idea generation. More specifically, I need you to stop erasing ideas and first sentences. I'm not saying don't proofread or edit; what I am saying is that where something goes, how wide something reaches, and writing "The End" simply cannot happen without staying the course on an idea, word or sentence. 

For inspiration, consider a piece I wrote called "Badly Boujee," the link for which is included as part of today's post. Badly Boujee is now also a SONG with beats and engineering by Mike Delick, and lyrics AND VOCALS by me! It all started with the song "Bad and Boujee" and realizing how much I loved the syncopated and staccato-style rapping the performers (Migos and Lil Uzi Vert) display on the track. I mean listening even today, I dig it! One day, during a writing challenge like this, I tapped into my feelings of admiration and decided to write a poem that was partial tribute and partial (respectful) mimicry - embracing the dichotomous dictums that freed me up to not second-guess the presence or source of my zeal (commercial rappers sharing the same type of lyrical content that raises concern for many, as far as women, proximity to crime, etc.). I had no intentions of actually making it a song, but that's not my point. There wouldn't be a song, or poem to turn into a song, if I hadn't tapped into what was inside, and said, "let me go ahead with this idea, and just write here."

Happy writing y'all!

Badly Boujee https://soundcloud.com/rezaclif/badly-boujee

Bad and Boujee youtu.be/S-sJp1FfG7Q

#3AmBlackPoetry #NationalPoetryMonth #PoetryInJuly #ChristmasInJuly #RezaRites #3AmBlack #Poetry #AmbitiousBlackFeminist #photography #DigitalArt #collage #CollageArt #CarefreeBlackGirl #BlackGirlMagic #BlackWriters #AfroFuturism #BlackWomenWriters #BlackWritersMatter #WomenWritersOfIG

[3amblackpoetryandart]

3amblackpoetry in July, Post 23

#3amblackpoetry in July Prompt 23: Xerosis, Xebec, Xenial Prompt 23, 2020: Surreptitiously Spellbound

by Reza Rites

Y'all, it's Tuesday. Yet I, like many around the country and world, have spent the last few days (weeks, years) and then hours surreptitiously and openly following the story of USA Olympian Simone Biles. Right before our eyes, she has moved from highest-ranking gymnast, to gymnast being given scores with built-in anchors that kept her points extraneously lower than where they should be as an accommodation to her competition, to a gymnast who took second place at one of her events, to a person who is stepping away to make sure her mental health is in check. We've also seen tennis champion Naomi Osaka be outspoken about the need to center her own mental health, and for further inspiration (at least for me), we see athletes like the team from Norway protesting bikini bottoms and opting for full coverage sports, the Paralympian who spoke up about the Olympic management not fully honoring the accommodations and services of players with disabilities, and a sports reporter whose excellence was questioned just for the contrarian and whole world to see her move to even bigger and more prominent assignments. Athletes are humans first and Black Excellence isn't just a cute term; enough is enough with all things communicating the contrary.

I can partially relate to the enough is enough sentiment, which is why I took the day off yesterday. Yes, the goal of writing challenges and daily prompts is to create a ritual that sees you writing every day, but, at least for me, it is also about developing and constantly updating the ability to hear and trust my own voice. You cannot move a story or poem forward if you are always second-guessing those exact and precise moments of clarity that come to you. For me, yesterday, I heard such a clarion call, but this time it wasn't related to writing. When two friends spontaneously asked if I wanted to join them for a quick meet-up, before I could even weigh out and compare my xeroses- and panic-inducing tasklist versus their time-sensitive invitation, I had already said yes. When the warm, xenial, yet concise visit was over, I still had time to write and archive. That is until I drove past the water and the essence of the sea whispered in my ear, asking if I had time for a quick visit there too. Once again my subconsciousness answered before I could, and it wasn't long before I was gazing dreamily at miniature-waves that pushed sea froth against the seashell-lined shore, and at the horizon where sailboats and xebecs of a New England variety passed by, both, paradoxically, mighty and miniature in size. I had an epiphany, of sorts, upon reaching the beach: I needed a break from my boss and her workload, which in this case was me and what I was assigning to myself.

The poem included with today's post, Perennials, Part IV, touches on and issues a reminder to stay devoted to self-care. I'm glad to get back to things, but if I need another day, I'll make or request time with people I love, I'll visit and commune with the sea, or I'll look to the Osaka or Biles technique for getting the care I need. Happy #3amblackpoetry in July.

POEM/AUDIO LINK:

#3AmBlackPoetry #NationalPoetryMonth #PoetryInJuly #ChristmasInJuly #RezaRites #3AmBlack #Poetry #AmbitiousBlackFeminist #photography #DigitalArt #collage #CollageArt #CarefreeBlackGirl #BlackGirlMagic #BlackWriters #AfroFuturism #BlackWomenWriters #BlackWritersMatter #WomenWritersOfIG #SimoneBiles #NaomiOsaka #SummerOlympics2021

[bookstattoosandtea]

I believe in you! Be proud of your achievements no matter how small. You got this 🌈💪❤📚 . . . . . #Repost @dreenawriting (@get_repost) ・・・ 🌸🍀🌸 . . . #sendinggoodvibes #goodvibesonly #positivethinking #believeinyourself #believe #supportwriters #supportauthors #supportindiewriters #writersunite #writerssupportwriters #writerssupportingwriters #supportwomenwriters #womenwritersofig #womenwriters #dreenawriting #creativewriter #writingcommunityofig #saturdayvibes https://www.instagram.com/p/BxmvPPpHnbn/?igshid=42mpi3atgzef

[the-same-literary-journal-blog]

#WomenWriters, we're excited to read your entries! Theme: "Freedom" (open to interpretation) Prizes: 1st $100, 2nd $50, 3rd $25 Deadline: June 15 Submit via @Submittable theSame.submittable.com #amwriting #writerslife #ContestAlert #fiction #prizes #ThursdayMotivation #womenwritersofinstagram #womenwritersofig #womenwhowrite #womenwhowritefiction #shortstories #shortstorycompetition

[jankigajjar-blog1]

Curious? For what ? #postoftheday #feelings #writersofig #writersclub #writersofinstagram #writerscorner #emotions #postofthedayy #writersofindia #quoteoftheday #womenwhowrite #womenwritersofig #igpost #poetry #poetsofinstagram #wordgasm #poetryporn #quotes #poetryisnotdead #tumblrpoetry #tumblr #livingmypassion #writing #psychology (at Noida नोएडा)

[modishmagazine]

Modish is in need for of writers! We are open to a wide variety of topics we want to bring fun & exciting content to our readers. So if writing is something you are passionate about, we want to collab with YOU! Modish Magazine is an up & coming online publication geared towards young women of color between the ages of 18-35. Please check out the link in our bio click on the "Partner With Modish" tab for all the information Also become a subscriber for free 😉 #modishmagazine #modspirations . . . #entrepreneur #womentrepreneur #writers #journalist #praisintheasian #latinas #blackgirlmagic #womenofcolor #thehabibatitag #amwriting #creativewriting #writingcommunity #writersofinstagram #writersoftwitter #writesoffacebook #photography #models #blackwomenwriters #writersofig #latinawriters #writersofcolor #writerswanted #modelswanted #photographywanted #womenwritersofcolor #womenwritersfest #womenwritersofig

[sonyoestavillo]

The ending of a #novel can be the hardest to complete. Readers can tell when the author impatiently tried to wrap up the ending too swiftly. It's better to work through the hardest parts of our #WIP vs. making reading laborious for our audience. #WritingCommunity #WritersLift • • • #writingtips #amwriting #amrevising #amediting #fridayfeeling #tgif #worksmarternotharder #womenwriters #writersupportingwriters #writersofig #womenwritersofig #womenwritersofcolor #POCwriters #WOCwriters #writersnetwork #writersblock #problemsolving #writers #writersclub #writersjourney #authorsjourney #aspiringauthors #aspiringauthor #writingjourney #books #readersofinstagram

[serlinarose]

"World of Tomorrow" features a poem written by @serlinarose so long ago "The Caribbean"😊 📚World of Tomorrow compiled by Pooja Shekhar @girl_without_anyjob Published by @sgsh_publication #sgshpublications #coauthorproject #worldoftomorrow #anthology #anthologies #books #kindlebooks #serlinarose #coauthor #caribbean #caribbeanpoet #caribbeanwriter #caribbeanpoetry #dominicapoet #dominicanwriter #dominicawriters #amwritingpoetry #bishiewriter #bishiepoetess #calibishiedominica #writingcommunity #blackwomenwriters #blackpoetry #blackgirlwriters #blackgirlwrites #womenwritersofig #womenpoets #poetrycommunity #indianpublishers (at Serlina Rose Authoress) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeONa4wLZ94/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[tawanakwatson]

Check New Poetry at tawana.home.blog similar to Diarrhea Things that are irrelevant, stupid, unjustifiable and makes no sense at all Cliches, metaphors, public correctness and any and everything that dictates Normalcy The liars the cheats the politician the unusual the ordinary the freaks People pretending to be ok when in reality they like many others wish the world would open up and devour When going to sleep and waking up changes nothing but your age The chaos that fuels the madness of the psychotic and the social pathetic Maybe we should all retire to the throne room and release the toxins within Maybe we all should just take a DUMP #bleedingsoulpoetry #womensupportingwomen #womenempowerment #writer #wordporn #poetsofindia #untwineme #wordswithqueens #igpoets #love #poemoftheday #poemsporn #poetrytribe #weloveglobalpoets #bookstagram #women #writerslife #womenwritersofinstagram #amwriting #voicesofpoets #poetrycorner #writersofig #igpoetrycommunity #herwordsheard #writersociety #womenwritersofig #evepoetrygroup #writersflare #gpoets #poemsofig https://www.instagram.com/p/CE1lCYigbQl/?igshid=hf4m3kbha4km

[ambitiousblackfeminist]

Yearning: #3amblackpoetry in July, Post 25

#3amblackpoetry in July Post 25: Yearning Post 25, 2020: Parasitic Paramours

by Reza Rites

Definition of yearn 1 : to long persistently, wistfully, or sadly https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yearn

If there is one thing about writers, we yearn to be read. But I don't want to talk about that. Instead, I want to reframe the notion of yearning, from one that is static and pregnant with woe, to one that, in fact, exists as a spectrum where feeling melancholy is only one small portion. The reason I suggest this change is because it brings together those who may be experiencing yearning in the form of healthy desire or obsessive longing for a parasitic paramour, with writers and those who may be yearning and tirelessly working toward a position, salary, home, business, etc. You know who else fits in when we think of yearning as a spectrum? Those who may be in crisis because they don't feel a sense of yearning, or because they don't know where to start. Below are a few examples of areas on the yearning spectrum that might come up for writers, as well as strategies for getting through.

A theme, character, or idea suddenly takes hold in our brain, but competing life demands or other outstanding writing projects may make us wonder - where am I even going to start? (Write the idea down, or record it, reread and relisten to it, and add to it over time until it makes sense and motivates you to start.)

What can I do to get someone's attention? (Write, proofread, network)

What if nothing is inspiring me? (Make a list of 3 things to learn or teach yourself, go through the motions anyway, write about and chronicle the absence of yearning).

What do I do if I acquire, complete, or land the thing for which I was yearning? (keep going and try to widen your audience, refer to or write up a new list of things you're ready to write about or want to learn about )

What if I don't reach my goal, or I get rejected? (Try again, refer to your list of topics or things you want to learn about, or make a new list)

Today's #3amblackpoetry in July post also includes a link to a YouTube video from April (National Poetry Month), from an interview I was invited to do on the online video show, Shine On! I think the full spectrum of my yearning was on display during the interview. Happy #3amblackpoetry in July.

VIDEO LINK https://youtu.be/5HaTYOn17ww

EXTENDED POST www.AmbitiousBlackFeminist.com

#3AmBlackPoetry #NationalPoetryMonth #PoetryInJuly #ChristmasInJuly #RezaRites #3AmBlack #Poetry #AmbitiousBlackFeminist #photography #DigitalArt #collage #CollageArt #CarefreeBlackGirl #BlackGirlMagic #BlackWriters #AfroFuturism #BlackWomenWriters #BlackWritersMatter #WomenWritersOfIG

[ambitiousblackfeminist]

#3amblackpoetry in July Post 20: Titular Trepidation Post 20, 2020: Jovial Juxtapositions Many people have found themselves suffering under the weight of the pandemic. From the loss of life that continues to take a toll on communities across the world to the policies related to social isolation and limiting contact, many have experienced mental health crises and fever-pitch levels of cabin-fever. That said, it is also known that a small percentage of folks thrived in some way. Memes about introverts have made the digital rounds carrying data and images projecting lots of truth, but it was more than that. Artists, musicians, and curators have found creative ways to produce and share art and content (think Verzuz battles), while news that will fail to surprise everyone has emerged that many Black Americans are saying they would rather work from home or find alternative work strategies over rejoining teams and personnel groups in office settings. Do you know of any success stories as far as folks working or producing creative content from home? Here in Providence, RI, the Trinity Repertory Company (@trinity_rep ) stepped up during this time of titular trepidation, to bring innovation in the form of a video series they co-produced with the Providence Public Library (@providencepubliclibrary ) called "America Too: Reckoning and Resilience." In Episode 4, "It’s Our Health," the hosts and guests focus on "mental health during the pandemic and the healing power of the arts in our communities" with examples and snapshots including digital art imagery and dance footage from 3 AM IS THE NEW BLACK Publisher/Editor Reza Rites. The link is below if you need some inspiration or affirmation. Happy #3amblackpoetry in July. VIDEO LINK https://youtu.be/0biFuqVlV_k PROGRAM/INFO https://www.trinityrep.com/show/america-too-reckoning-and-resilience/ #3AmBlackPoetry #NationalPoetryMonth #PoetryInJuly #ChristmasInJuly #RezaRites #3AmBlack #Poetry #AmbitiousBlackFeminist #photography #DigitalArt #collage #CollageArt #CarefreeBlackGirl #BlackGirlMagic #BlackWriters #AfroFuturism #BlackWomenWriters #BlackWritersMatter #WomenWritersOfIG https://www.instagram.com/p/CRsWhC6Hs15/?utm_medium=tumblr

[ambitiousblackfeminist]

#3amblackpoetry in July Post 17: Quintessential, Quelling, Quotients One of the quintessential quotients required when applying to writing contests is the ability to quell doubts and fears just long enough to hit submit - and I find this again and again, despite writing and podcast-related accolades, certification as an English teacher, and service as mentor to countless artists and writers over the years. On Sunday I applied to a contest, and though I hit submit, throughout the process I found myself, in more than one moment, arrested and ceased up with concern about three areas: 1) the length of my poems; 2) the length of my bio; and 3) the source's interest in formatting and layout. Sooooooo...I submitted a bio that still looked longer than the sample, I tried some minor formatting adjustments, and I submitted pieces that I would classify as medium in length, lol. Quelling doubts isn't about feelings, it's about getting to the other side of a mountain that you had to climb, whether you knew it or not. So yesterday I took the break and caught the rest I needed, and today, I'm back. What is your body saying to you? Listen to your body, but also feel free to experiment and fall...into a contest, into a nap, or into your next writing project, and forgive yourself if it isn't perfect! Happy #3amblackpoetry in July. P.S. This is the second time this month that challenges related to writing one's bio has come up. One of my poems, in particular, serves as a mantra in moments like these: "Something about Erasure" which can be heard in the video linked below. I included the poem in a video I produced during the campaign activities of now-Senator @cynthiamendesri, who was quelling doubts and external naysayers to successfully run for office in RI's last round of elections. VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/T4eV5kSPu0w #3AmBlackPoetry #NationalPoetryMonth #PoetryInJuly #ChristmasInJuly #RezaRites #3AmBlack #Poetry #AmbitiousBlackFeminist #photography #DigitalArt #collage #CollageArt #CarefreeBlackGirl #BlackGirlMagic #BlackWriters #AfroFuturism #BlackWomenWriters #BlackWritersMatter #WomenWritersOfIG https://www.instagram.com/p/CRj4srdH4m8/?utm_medium=tumblr

[ambitiousblackfeminist]

There are things that change us; vicissitudes, if you will. Will you? Happy National Poetry Month, Day 22: Veritable Vicissitude. Sunshine and laughter. - Reza Rites #3AmBlackPoetry #NationalPoetryMonth #RezaRites #3AmBlack #Poetry #AmbitiousBlackFeminist #photography #DigitalArt #collage #CollageArt #CarefreeBlackGirl #BlackGirlMagic #BlackWriters #AfroFuturism #BlackWomenWriters #BlackWritersMatter #WomenWritersOfIG https://www.instagram.com/p/CN_XmG6nUUN/?igshid=bhplll1vtroe

[ambitiousblackfeminist]

The day 420 brings many things to many people. To others, it represents "titular trepidation." Enjoy our National Poetry Month day 20 prompt. - Reza Rites #3AmBlackPoetry #NationalPoetryMonth #RezaRites #3AmBlack #Poetry #AmbitiousBlackFeminist #photography #DigitalArt #collage #CollageArt #CarefreeBlackGirl #BlackGirlMagic #BlackWriters #AfroFuturism #BlackWomenWriters #BlackWritersMatter #WomenWritersOfIG https://www.instagram.com/p/CN6RmF5HH3j/?igshid=1to7kx72r7spm

[ambitiousblackfeminist]

It got close, but we made it over here at 3 AM IS THE NEW BLACK. Welcome to our Day 19 National Poetry Month prompt: Steadfast / Stirrings / Stealthy / Stipulations. Enjoy! - Reza Rites #3AmBlackPoetry #NationalPoetryMonth #RezaRites #3AmBlack #Poetry #AmbitiousBlackFeminist #photography #DigitalArt #collage #CollageArt #CarefreeBlackGirl #BlackGirlMagic #BlackWriters #AfroFuturism #BlackWomenWriters #BlackWritersMatter #WomenWritersOfIG https://www.instagram.com/p/CN3weERnma5/?igshid=1vbentaoswggo

[ambitiousblackfeminist]

I love to teach, tutor, mentor and support writers and people wanting to improve their writing. I have tips, tricks, and talks. I have blogs, workshops, and a network of youth and adult alumni. My approach is to listen, watch and observe, and to regularly walk away when reviewing student work - to discard and dispose of any escalating application of perfectionism; I am called to help, not demand, and to inspire not limit, and what my eyes and imagination can't see at first can often see later. It dawned on me the other day, though, that sometimes the answer is just to write, and I thought about that recently as far as National Poetry Month, and how I've freed myself to write sometimes. And one source of inspiration is social media. Yes, some people posting on IG, Twitter and FB might produce written commentary showing grammar traditionally thought of as poor or underdeveloped, but you know what else we see, and that I do, on social media? I drown any voices that say I am or am not qualified to comment, and I stop looking for the perfect writing nook or perfect cup of tea. Instead, I just write, right there, wherever I am, under any post I want or as an original form of expression. And that's the kind of freedom I want for all my students and writer-peers. So for today's prompt, I mean it: Write here. Yes, I mean it, wherever you are, if you want, add a line to this communal poem, through the comments, and free yourself to just write. I have started here, and I will also add the lines as the first comment. As always, no pressure. Sunshine and laughter. - Reza Rites Write here A calling card And pledge ... #3AmBlackPoetry #NationalPoetryMonth #RezaRites #3AmBlack #Poetry #AmbitiousBlackFeminist #photography #DigitalArt #collage #CollageArt #CarefreeBlackGirl #BlackGirlMagic #BlackWriters #AfroFuturism #BlackWomenWriters #BlackWritersMatter #WomenWritersOfIG https://www.instagram.com/p/COUGWpznXyo/?igshid=1a6ngfv3h0vnp