New Publication Musings

I was happy to see that the fledgling publication "The Ledger" produced another fine edition today. It was nice to see my Byline once again, as I had other writing obligations over the past few months. I believe that once this publication has a few more issues under it's proverbial belt, it will be a huge success. I feel that the content inside of it, and those who assemble it have the greatest impact on making it a worthwhile venue. As there are not a lot of opportunities to write for start-up publications, I am glad that I am on board once again, and I'm ready to put my two cents worth in! It doesn't hurt either, when the publisher is interested in what I have to say, and how I can attract a nice following for the publication.
It's nice when other's recognize the writing that you do and thank you for it. I find that it makes the labor of love truly worthwhile. My goal is to attract new readers, as well as re-establish my work with those who have been reading my work for a long time.
I think that if this is a place where I can enjoy the fruits of my labor, I may challenge myself to capture the next big story that comes along..........
So my advice for you today is to pick up that pen and start writing. Who knows, maybe you will be inspired enough to take that first step towards publication.......

AAU 2005 Literary Arts Winner Cheryl A. Vatcher-Martin

On Tuesday of this week, I got some fabulous news, I am the first place winner for the Literary Arts Competition through Artists Among Us. This prestigious award is one I've wanted to win for a couple of years now. Last year I was one of 6 poets who had a poem or two published in the program book. I was very happy with that as well.
My poem is titled "Woman Reclining" and I look forward to sharing it with everyone. I feel that my hard work and dedication to writing has come full circle. I sent the poem to the artist, Ms. Donna Jackson, and she wrote back telling me how pleased she was with what I wrote. In a future blog entry I will quote her as she complimented my work. Even though it was my poem, I could not have written it without her inspiration and encouragement. Thanks Donna!
I hope to have many more opportunities such as this one, and look forward to compiling my poetry for a chapbook. Between the two competitions through Artists Among Us, I have written 57 poems.