Thank you for your continued support!
To read and follow our DIVERSITY blog, go to DIVERSITY
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Caution Tape Poetry Update
Good day, ladies and gentlemen! We hope all is well! We are writing this to update our followers about changes. First, we are still accepting submissions for our Tumblr blog, DIVERSITY. So far, it has been a great success. Thanks to all of the lovely artist that have submitted and allowed us to feature their work. Also, we are moving our information blog to tumblr.com. Blogspot has been great to us, but we are stretching our hands to a larger audience. Here is the link to our new Caution Tape Poetry Information blog on Tumblr: Beyond the Caution Tape
Thank you for your continued support!
To read and follow our DIVERSITY blog, go to DIVERSITY
Thank you for your continued support!
To read and follow our DIVERSITY blog, go to DIVERSITY
Friday, February 10, 2012
End of the Road (Our First Project)
End of the Road
Ladies
and gentlemen, Caution Tape Poetry is proud to introduce our very first
project, a chapbook of poetry written by Charles Banks, Jr. writing as CURIOSITY.
The journey to create this beautifully crafted piece of work was rough at times,
but we persevered through times of doubt. And now, we officially tear through
the caution tape and invite you all to read this book! Exclusively on Lulu.com
for the time being, End of the Road is available as an eBook now for $2.99 and
in soon will be available in print for $15.50 with a 5% discount, made possible
by Charles himself! We at Caution Tape Poetry hope that you will find it in
your hearts to support positivity and poetry. Please make sure this art form
continues to thrive.
-
Caution Tape Poetry
Monday, January 16, 2012
New South and Omnidawn Competitions
POETRY CONTESTS…
1.
NEW SOUTH;
WRITING CONTEST
Two prizes of $1000 each and
publication in New South are given annually for a poem and a story or an
essay. All entries are considered for publication. Tom Hunley will judge in
poetry, and Joshua Harmon will judge in prose. Submit up to three (3) poems or
up to 9,000 words of prose with a $15.00 entry fee, which includes a copy of
the prize issue, by March 5. Send an SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope)
call, e-mail, or visit the website for complete guidelines.
New South
Writing Contest,
Campus Box 1894
MSC 8R0322, Unit
8
Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3083
Matt Sailor, Editor in Chief.
2.
OMNIDAWN PUBLISHING
Chapbook Competition
A prize
of $1000, publication by Omnidawn Publishing, and 100 author copies is
given for a poetry chapbook. Joseph Lease will judge. Submit a manuscript of 20
to 40 pages with a $15.00 entry fee between January 1 and February 29. Visit
the website for complete guidelines.
Omnidawn
Publishing,
Chapbook
Competition
1632 Elm Avenue
Richmond, Ca
94805-1614
(510) 237-5472
Rusty Morrison
and Ken Keagon, Coeditors.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
End of the Road (First Caution Tape Poetry Project)
Greetings everyone! We hope you all are enjoying the new year's first fourteen days! We are excited to tell you all about our first project, a chapbook of poetry called End of the Road, by poet Charles Banks, Jr. writing as CURIOSITY.
END OF THE ROAD SYNOPSIS:
END OF THE ROAD SYNOPSIS:
The end of the
road is thrust upon CURIOSITY, and he
is forced to accept the reality that life must go on without his beloved. A
poetic tale of obsession, yearning, and harbored grudges, Curiosity dusts off
his stagnant pen to brush his canvas with gentle yet angry strokes of ink to
reflect upon his beloved treading new waters. Written by Poet Charles Banks,
Jr., this is his first published chapbook of poetry. This chapbook of poems is
presented by Caution Tape Poetry! “Step beyond the caution tape at your own
peril! Just remember, you were forewarned.”
More information on Charles Banks, Jr. online on Facebook.com now!
Follow Charles on Twitter.com now!
Friday, January 13, 2012
DIVERSITY blog
Ladies and gentlemen, please check out our Tumblr blog called Diversity! It is dedicated to celebrating diverse poetry. We are still accepting submissions until March.
Here is the link:
Diversity blog on Tumblr
Once more, Thank you all for reading!!!!!
- Caution Tape Poetry
Here is the link:
Diversity blog on Tumblr
Once more, Thank you all for reading!!!!!
- Caution Tape Poetry
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Caution Tape Poetry's Tumblr Blog
Caution Tape Poetry "DIVERSITY" Tumblr Page
CAUTION TAPE POETRY’S TUMBLR BLOG
Ladies and
gentlemen, Caution Tape Poetry is proud to present “DIVERSITY” a tumblr blog
dedicated to spreading the originality of Poetry. If you are interested in
stepping beyond the caution tape, send 2-3 original, unpublished or previously published
poems to:
READING TIME: DECEMBER 29, 2011- JANUARY 31ST,
2012.
Guidelines:
- A working email address.
- Poems should be in one file (doc. or rtf) format.
- Should include a cover letter, with a short bio (50-100 words), author’s pen name (if any), photo of author, and title of each poem submission.
- Send poems to cautiontapepoetry@yahoo.com
“STEP BEYOND THE CAUTION TAPE AT YOUR OWN PERIL!
JUST REMEMBER, YOU WERE FOREWARNED.”
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
2012 Poetry Competitions
POETRY CONTESTS
- GULF COAST
WRITING
CONTESTS:
THREE PRIZES OF $1,500 EACH AND
PUBLICATION IN GULF COAST ARE GIVEN ANNUALLY FOR A POEM, A SHORT STORY,
AND AN ESSAY. SUBMIT UP TO FIVE POEMS TOTALLING NO MORE THAN TEN PAGES OR A
SHORT STORY OR ESSAY OF UP TO 25 PAGES WITH A $23.00 ENTRY FEE, WHICH INCLUDES
A SUBSCRIPTION TO GULF COAST, BY MARCH 15, 2012. VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR
COMPLETE GUIDELINES.
GULF COAST
WRITING
CONTESTS,
ENGLISH
DEPARTMENT,
UNIVERSITY OF
HOUSTON
HOUSTON, TX
77204-3013
(713) 743-3223
REBECCA
WADLINGER, MANAGING EDITOR.
- LAKE FOREST COLLEGE
MADELEINE P.
PLONSKER RESIDENCY
A
PRIZE OF $10,000 AND A TWO-MONTH-LONG RESIDENCY AT LAKE FOREST COLLEGE IS GIVEN
ANNUALLY TO A POET OR A FICTION WRITER TO COMPLETE A WORK-IN-PROGRESS. THE
WINNER ALSO RECEIVES PUBLICATION OF HIS OR HER MANUSCRIPT BY &NOW
BOOKS, AN IMPRINT OF LAKE FOREST COLLEGE PRESS. WRITERS WHO ARE UNDER THE AGE
OF 40 AND WHO HAVE NOT PUBLISHED A BOOK ARE ELIGIBLE. THIS YEAR’S CONTEST IS
OPEN TO POETS. USING THE ONLINE SUBMISSION SYSTEM, SUBMIT UP TO 30 PAGES OF
POETRY, A PROJECT STATEMENT, AND A CURRICULUM VITAE. THE DEADLINE IS MARCH 1, 2012,
BUT ONLY THE FIRST 200 ENTRIES WILL BE CONSIDERED. THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE. VISIT
THE WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE GUIDELINES.
LAKE FOREST COLLEGE
MADELEINE P.
PLONSKER RESIDENCY,
ENGLISH
DEPARTMENT,
P.O. BOX A16
555 NORTH SHERIDAN ROAD
LAKE FOREST, IL 60045
(847) 735-5274
JOSHUA COREY, CONTACT.
- MADISON REVIEW
POETRY AND
FICTION PRIZES
TWO PRIZES OF
$1,000 EACH ARE GIVEN ANNUALLY FOR A GROUP OF POEMS AND A SHORT STORY. THE
EDITORS OF MADISION REVIEW WILL JUDGE. FOR PHYLLIS SMART YOUNG PRIZE IN
POETRY, SUBMIT THREE POEMS TOTALING NO MORE THAN 10 PAGES. FOR THE CHRIS
O’MALLEY PRIZE IN FICTION, SUBMIT A STORY OF UP TO 35 PAGES. THE ENTRY FEE FOR
EACH AWARD IS $10.00, AND THE DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 1, 2012. SEND A SASE (SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE),
E-MAIL, OR VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE GUIDELINES.
MADISON REVIEW
PRIZES, ENGLISH
DEPARTMENT
6193 HELEN C.
WHITE HALL
600 NORTH PARK
STREET,
UNIVERSITY OF
WISCONSIN
MADISON, WI
53706
RON KUKA,
FACULTY ADVISOR
madisonreview@yahoo.com
Monday, December 19, 2011
More Poetry Competitions (2012)
- ATLANTA REVIEW
International Poetry Competition
A PRIZE OF $1,000 AND PUBLICATION IN ATLANTA REVIEW IS
GIVEN ANNUALLY FOR A POEM. ALL ENTRIES ARE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION. DAN
VEACH WILL JUDGE. SUBMIT A POEM OF ANY LENGTH WITH A $5.00 ENTRY FEE ($3.00 FOR
EACH ADDITIONAL POEM) BY MARCH 1, 2012. SEND AN SASE (SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED
ENVELOPE) OR VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE GUIDELINES.
ATLANTA REVIEW,
INTERNATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION
P.O. BOX 8248, ATLANTA, GA 31106.
DAN VEACH, EDITOR.
- FINISHING LINE PRESS
New Women’s Voices Chapbook Competition
A PRIZE OF $1,000 AND PUBLICATION BY FINISHING LINE
PRESS IS GIVEN ANNUALLY FOR A POETRY CHAPBOOK BY A WOMAN WHO HAS NOT PUBLISHED
A FULL-LENGTH COLLECTION. ALL ENTRIES ARE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION. SUBMIT A
MANUSCRIPT OF UP TO 26 PAGES WITH A $15 ENTRY FEE BY FEBRUARY 15, 2012. SEND AN
SASE, E-MAIL, OR VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE GUIDELINES.
FINISHING LINE PRESS,
NEW WOMEN’S VOICES CHAPBOOK
COMPETITION
P.O. BOX 1626, GEORGRTOWN, KY
40324
(859) 514-8966 CHRIS KINCAID,
EDITOR
flpbookstore@aol.com
- LOTUS PRESS
Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Award
A PRIZE OF
$500.00 AND PUBLICATION BY LOTUS PRESS IS GIVEN ANNUALLY FOR A POETRY
COLLECTION BY AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN POET. SUBMIT TWO COPIES OF A MANUSCRIPT OF 60
TO 90 PAGES BY MARCH 1, 2012. THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE. SEND AN SASE, EMAIL, OR
VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE GUIDELINES.
LOTUS PRESS,
NAOMI LONG MADGETT POETRY AWARD
P. O. Box 21607 DETROIT, MI, 48221.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Poetry Competitions in 2012
Poetry Contests (Instillation One)
- THE LEDGE 2012/18TH ANNUAL POETRY AWARDS COMPETITION
- PRIZES:
I.
FIRST PRIZE, $1000 AND PUBLICATION IN THE LEDGE MAGAZINE.
II.
SECOND PRIZE, $250 AND PUBLICATION IN THE LEDGE MAGAZINE.
III.
THIRD PRIZE, $100 AND PUBLICATION IN THE LEDGE MAGAZINE.
ENTRY FEE: $12 FOR THE FIRST THREE
(3) POEMS; $3 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL POEM. A $20 SUBSCRIPTION (TWO ISSUES) TO THE
LEDGE GAINS FREE ENTRY FOR THE FIRST THREE (3) POEMS.
NO RESTRICTION ON FORM OR CONTENT. THE LEDGE IS OPEN
TO ALL STYLES AND SCHOOLS OF POETRY, INCLUDING FORMAL POETRY. EXCELLENCE IS THE
ONLY CRITERION.
ALL POEMS MUST BE PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED. SIMULTANEOUS
SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE AND ALL POEMS MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION IN THE
LEDGE MAGAZINE.
PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME, MAILING
ADDRESS, AND EMAIL ADDRESS ON YOUR COVER LETTER OR TITLE PAGE. IF DESIRED, YOU
MAY ENCLOSE A SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) FOR THE COMPETITION
RESULTS. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN OCTOBER ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.THELEDGEMAGAZINE.COM AND IN THE
MARCH/APRIL 2012 ISSUE OF POETS &WRITERS MAGAZINE.
POSTMARK DEADLINE: APRIL 30, 2012.
SEND ENTRIES TO:
THE LEDGE 2012 POETRY AWARDS
COMPETITION,
40 MAPLE AVENUE
BELLPORT, NY 11713
- MUSE & STONE
SUBMIT UP TO 5 POEMS OR 6,000
WORDS OF FICTION OR NONFICTION THROUGH APRIL 1, 2012. SEND TO MUSE &
STONE, WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY, 51 W COLLEGE ST. WAYNESBURG, PA 15370.
INCLUDE COVER LETTER AND SASE FOR RESPONSE ONLY. OR E-MAIL SUBMISSIONS MUSE&STONE@WAYNESBURG.EDU.
FOR FULL GUIDELINES, SEE WWW.WAYNESBURG.EDU/WEB/MUSEANDSTONE
- PADDLEFISH
IS INTERESTED IN POETRY (3-5) AND
OR SHORT/SHORT FICTION OR NONFICTION (1,500 WORDS OR LESS). SUBMISSION DATES:
NOVEMBER 1, 2011-FEBRUARY 29, 2012. NO PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED WORK. SUBMISSIONS
SHOULD BE SENT TO: MOUNT MARTY COLLEGE, C/O PADDLEFISH, 1105 W. 8TH
ST, YANKTON, SD 57078. WEBSITE: WWW.MMCPADDLEFISH.COM
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Poetry Contests!!! Yah!!!!
Greetings, all! I hope that you all have been swimming
through the treacherous waves of poetry. Glad all you brave souls have decided
to step beyond the caution tape to
inquire about all things poetry. There are tons of opportunities to become
published. We at Caution Tape Poetry have scowered through online forums,
search engines, and other numerous places to find publishers and contest
currently accepting poetry. Here are two:
- DASH LITERARY JOURNAL
Dash Literary Journal is
a project of the University of California Fullerton Creative Writing
department. An ad in the November/December 2011 issue of Poets and Writers
Magazine by Dash Literary Journal announced that they are currently accepting
submissions for their third Anthology! Guidelines can be found on their
website, as well as on their Facebook page. Here are the key instructions if
anyone is interested in submitting.
- 30 lines of less
- submit up to 5 poems.
- SCAPEGOAT REVIEW
Scapegoat Review
Scapegoat is a
relatively new press that has embraced online publication. With a quirky sense
of humor, they are releatively open to all types of poetry (we think). Their
guidelines are as follows:
- No more than five (5) poems.
- Send at least three (3) poems.
- Include current email address for responses.
- Microsoft Word documents only. (doc.) files.
- Along with email address, send a brief bio, no more than fifty (50) words.
- The submission should have your first and last name, as well as the genre of each piece, and the header within the document and the name of the piece.
A Few
notes from Caution Tape Poetry:
1. Your
chances for publication or contest winning may be determined solely in the
presentation of your submission. To assure that your poems are taken seriously
and given a fair chance to win, please read over contest and submission
guidelines. A cover page may or may not be helpful!
2. Confidence
is everything! Remember, if you’re not confident about your own work, how can
you expect the very best? Have faith in your ability, even if you don’t be
published.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Audio Performances Featuring Charles Banks, Jr.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! On the Caution Tape Poetry Facebook account, there are now free audio downloads available. Poet and Caution Tape Poetry Founder Charles Banks, Jr. has begun recording poems from his first three collections of poetry, A Rose in the Name of Love, Angel's Passion, and The Flower That Wasn't Meant To Blossom! If you aren't Caution Tape's friend on Facebook, follow the following link to befriend us, listen to Black Angel and Curiosity's poems, and download them for your repeated listening pleasure!
LINKS:
THIS IS A CAUTION TAPE POETRY ANNOUNCEMENT!
"STEP BEYOND THE CAUTION TAPE AT YOUR OWN PERIL!
JUST REMEMBER, YOU WERE FOREWARNED."
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Caution Tape Poetry Interview with Dave Morgan
DAVE MORGAN FOR
CAUTION TAPE POETRY
“Beyond the
Caution Tape” PART ONE
With Caution
Tape Poetry Founder and Poet Charles Banks, Jr.
INTERVIEW
Dave Morgan: So,
Charles! What is “Caution Tape Poetry?”
Charles
Banks, Jr.: At the heart of this new operation of mine, Caution Tape
Poetry serves as an informational hub for those who wish to become
published poets. Over the last couple of years, I have encountered many closet
poets who indulge in writing poetry for the sheer love and appreciation of
the art form—and they always inquire about how to actually get published. I
decided to create the Caution Tape Poetry blog online for inquiring minds to
obtain information on publishing sites, poetry contests, and what magazines to
subscribe to and heed advice from. There are posted works from myself on the
blog that will be featured in upcoming projects that will be released under the
Caution Tape Poetry label. We also, as a footnote, help poets develop
publish-ready manuscripts to submit to literary agencies and various
self-publishing agencies.
Dave: What
are some of your plans for Caution Tape Poetry?
Charles: I’m
not exactly sure what the plans are yet. For now, I’m merely trying to
establish Caution Tape as an entity in poetry. I eventually want it to become a
publishing agency that spreads the goodness poetry to the world. In my short
time as a poet, the craft has given me such freedom, so much that I want
to, in some way, extend my hand and give back to it. I want to make sure it
thrives. In essence, I want to give others’ the opportunities that I have had.
Dave: You
actually discovered self-publishing while surfing the Web one faithful night.
Where did the knowledge to navigate through the complicated waters of self-publish derive?
Charles:
I’m a control freak, Dave! With everything I do, I want to have input in it.
Like you said, I basically stumbled upon the idea of self-publishing. To be
specific, I stumbled upon Lulu.com, and then to PublishAmerica! It takes a lot to self-publish. There are
so many things one must take into account: proof reading, size of the book, ISBN
number, and copyrighting; the outside appearance of the book, ect… It can give
you a headache!
Dave: How
has it gone for you thus far? You’re three books in to your career.
Charles: It’s
gone okay so far. I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish so far, but
I want more. I have so much left to say, and I feel like people will actually
want to read what I have to say. For me, I learned through trial and error.
And I am still learning. I learn everyday! I hope to take what I have learned
in these last two crucial years of my life and put them to good use now.
Dave: I
keep seeing some of the Facebook posts, which hint toward a project coming soon
from you. What are you working on now?
Charles:
Currently, I am working on four projects. Two Curiosity projects and two
Black Angel projects. But my attention is focused on my first editing
clients and directing their projects in the right direction.
Dave: Can
we get a hint as to where you are as an artist? What we can expect for the
future?
Charles: In
this case, my pen is sealed shut! (laughs). I have been published three times
this year, and if you read those poems, you will certainly be able to gage
where I am as an artist right now. (Dave Morgan for CTP)
MORE INFORMATION
ON CAUTION TAPE POETRY AVAILABLE NOW:
MORE INFORMATION
ON CHARLES BANKS, JR. AVAILABLE NOW:
This
is a CAUTION TAPE POETRY Interview
“Step beyond the caution tape at your own
peril!
Just remember, you were forewarned.”
CHARLES’ PUBLISHED POEMS FOR 2011 ARE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING
ONLINE:
- Aftermath (Written as Black Angel)
- Shattered Glass Bottle (Written as Black Angel)
- A Mother’s Abandon (Written as Black Angel)
Monday, September 26, 2011
Poetry Submissions (More Contests)
WATERHOUSE REVIEW
RULES/GUIDELINES:
http://www.waterhousereview.co.uk/
WRITER'S DIGEST POETRY AWARD
RULES/GUIDELINES:
4700 EAST GALBRAITH ROAD
CINCINNATI, OH 45236
MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:
http://www.writersdigest.com/competitions/poetry
BRYANT LITERARY REVIEW
RULES/GUIDELINES:
BRYANT LITERARY REVIEW
FACULTY SUITE F
BRYANT UNIVERSITY
1150 DOUGLAS PIKE
SMITHFIELD, RI 02917
MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:
http://bryantliteraryreview.org/index.php
RULES/GUIDELINES:
- 3 TO 5 POEMS PER SUBMISSION
- ATTACHED IN ONE DOC OR RTF FILE
- DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 31, 2011.
http://www.waterhousereview.co.uk/
WRITER'S DIGEST POETRY AWARD
RULES/GUIDELINES:
- DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 1, 2011
- FEE OF $15.00 FOR THE FIRST POEM SUBMISSION, AND $10.00 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL POEM
- SUBMISSIONS CAN BE VIA MAIL OR ELECTRONICALLY
- FOR MAIL SUBMISSIONS, MAIL TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:
4700 EAST GALBRAITH ROAD
CINCINNATI, OH 45236
MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:
http://www.writersdigest.com/competitions/poetry
BRYANT LITERARY REVIEW
RULES/GUIDELINES:
- UP TO 5 POEMS
- NAME, ADDRESS, AND EMAIL ON EACH PAGE.
- SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope)
- SEND SUBMISSIONS TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:
BRYANT LITERARY REVIEW
FACULTY SUITE F
BRYANT UNIVERSITY
1150 DOUGLAS PIKE
SMITHFIELD, RI 02917
MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT:
http://bryantliteraryreview.org/index.php
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Old Interview with Charles Banks, Jr.
Ladyaslan presents Charles Banks, Jr's Exclusive Interview~
Welcome to Ladyaslan's interview of a Poet, Aspiring
Novelist and Screenwriter, Charles Banks Jr. Writing since the age of nine,
Charles has found great pleasure in expressing himself through gentle and often
times bone-chilling poetry. "I am definitely on two sides of the
spectrum," says Banks Jr. on his diverse writing tones. "There is a
tender side I reveal, one that is hopeful and endlessly romantic and
sensual," he says with a smile. "But there is THAT other side. You
know, the one where I can conspire to kill my own mother on the paper, and then
actually write the murder scene," he concludes with a serious tone and the
arch of his brow.
Beginning his writing career officially in 2008, at the age of 19, he self-published his first collection of poetry A Rose in the Name of Love, featuring Poet/Songwriter Jocelyn Him. Eight months later Charles followed with his second collection, Angel's Passion, writing as Black Angel, a candid, more outspoken side of himself. "If there is one distinction between Curiosity and Black Angel, that is it. As Black Angel, I force myself to say exactly what is on my mind. I never bite my tongue. As Curiosity, I tend to be a tad reserved, with the exception of 'The Inevitable.' That piece is really more of a Black Angel piece. It certainly has the elements I utilize as Black Angel."
Just after Christmas of last year (2009) PublishAmerica published Charles' third collection of poetry, The Flower That Wasn't Meant to Blossom, essentially an ode to his adolescence. Revealing his first encounter with love and becoming an adult, Charles paints wonderful images of admiration and optimism for the future. "It took three years to officially write that book. But unofficially, it took seven, as the material in that collection ranges from when I was 13, until I graduated high school." The book was set to release in the fall of 2007 but creative differences with the publishing agency doomed the project. Then, released as a Lulu.com project in 2008, Charles pulled the book off the shelves in just two weeks, citing that it was hastily put together and hurried. "I definitely learned a lot during that whole phase. I have to take my time when writing. Also, I had many more choices creatively to choose from. The first two books, I left myself with little wiggle room to create. But with T.F.T.W.M.T.B I had many directions to go in, as I had 120 pieces of material to choose from."
Now Charles is back officially, with his fourth collection of poetry, Room for Improvement. "This picks off where A Rose in the Name of Love left off. I am writing as Curiosity and Black Angel. There are two parts to this book with two very different tones but they compliment each other extremely well. Addiction is the catalyst for this collection."
Beginning his writing career officially in 2008, at the age of 19, he self-published his first collection of poetry A Rose in the Name of Love, featuring Poet/Songwriter Jocelyn Him. Eight months later Charles followed with his second collection, Angel's Passion, writing as Black Angel, a candid, more outspoken side of himself. "If there is one distinction between Curiosity and Black Angel, that is it. As Black Angel, I force myself to say exactly what is on my mind. I never bite my tongue. As Curiosity, I tend to be a tad reserved, with the exception of 'The Inevitable.' That piece is really more of a Black Angel piece. It certainly has the elements I utilize as Black Angel."
Just after Christmas of last year (2009) PublishAmerica published Charles' third collection of poetry, The Flower That Wasn't Meant to Blossom, essentially an ode to his adolescence. Revealing his first encounter with love and becoming an adult, Charles paints wonderful images of admiration and optimism for the future. "It took three years to officially write that book. But unofficially, it took seven, as the material in that collection ranges from when I was 13, until I graduated high school." The book was set to release in the fall of 2007 but creative differences with the publishing agency doomed the project. Then, released as a Lulu.com project in 2008, Charles pulled the book off the shelves in just two weeks, citing that it was hastily put together and hurried. "I definitely learned a lot during that whole phase. I have to take my time when writing. Also, I had many more choices creatively to choose from. The first two books, I left myself with little wiggle room to create. But with T.F.T.W.M.T.B I had many directions to go in, as I had 120 pieces of material to choose from."
Now Charles is back officially, with his fourth collection of poetry, Room for Improvement. "This picks off where A Rose in the Name of Love left off. I am writing as Curiosity and Black Angel. There are two parts to this book with two very different tones but they compliment each other extremely well. Addiction is the catalyst for this collection."
Ladyaslan Presents Charles Banks, Jr:
LadyaslanDDTTRH:
Do you think Duran Duran deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Charles
Banks, Jr: ? I think the Hall of Fame is biased to begin with. I mean, what
does it really mean to be inducted into the Hall of Fame? Is it a moment of
validation? I don't know. Duran Duran definitely deserves recognition for their
body of work. Anytime someone sells over 100 million records worldwide, the
impression is strong.
LadyaslanDDTTRH:
Tell the fans why you decided poetry to be the way you express your soul? Tell
us about yourself and your writing?
Charles
Banks, Jr:
Well, I
began writing when I was nine, but I started writing poetry when I was
thirteen. I had my first girlfriend when I was thirteen and she actually
inspired a lot of my poetry early on. Most poets would say that poetry is
therapeutic, and I'd concur with that. I write some of my best work when I'm
angered or saddened. I'm just a normal guy, really. I like reading and watching
movies on the weekends. My television is always stuck to Lifetime. Nothing like
a good Lifetime movie, right? I'm a huge baseball fan, college football, and
basketball. Though I don't have much time to go out and get into many
endeavors. I'm always working on a project.
LadyaslanDDTTRH:
What is your favorite Duran Duran song and video?
Charles Banks, Jr: Night Versions: The Essential Duran Duran. The whole album I can play. It's one of the few albums I can stand playing through.
LadyaslanDDTTRH:
What contributions do you feel Duran Duran has made to the world of music and
fashion and their philanthropist efforts in the past 30 yrs?
Charles
Banks, Jr: They have encouraged raciness. They seem not to be afraid to hold
back in their art, which is something inspirational to all artists. It
coincides with my philosophy. I believe that if an artist is holding back then
the artist is not, and should not be called an artist. An artist to me is
someone who has total command over his or her art—meaning, they aren't afraid
of challenging one's "comfortability."
LadyaslanDDTTRH:
How would you describe your style of writing to new fans who have never heard
your poems before?
Charles
Banks, Jr:
Honest.
I try as best I can to be honest. I draw so much from my personal life, that it
becomes a bit unnerving at times. I've tried, on occasion, to distance myself
from each poem. But it never works quite the way I expect. So now, I've learned
to just accept who I am as an artist and navigate my progression through that
wide hallway. There is a wide spectrum of themes and tones in my poetry: from
romance poems to more candid, some would say spiteful, literary assaults on
those who are on my "shit list." Yes, I can kill my own mother on the
paper and have no conscious about it. But there's a purpose to my literary
madness.
LadyaslanDDTTRH:
Could you briefly describe your writing process….How long have you been
writing? What did you all do prior to being a word artist?
Charles
Banks, Jr:
That's
a tough one. With each book I've written, the process changes. I remember when
I was writing my first book a few years ago, I would write a poem a day. I
would come to class two hours prior and I'd scribble on the blackboard. During
the writing of my second book, I found myself going to a nearby park, sitting
at a picnic table, and I'd admire the small pond and the ducks swimming. One of
my favorite poems I wrote there, "The Ducks at the Lake." I'd also
find myself writing lines on my forearm because I didn't have any paper nearby.
I'd have Sharpie scribbles up and down my forearm. I do remember getting a
couple of perplexed glances on the bus trips home. Good times, though.
LadyaslanDDTTRH:
If you could have a sit down with any member of Duran Duran today who would it
be and what would be topic of discussion?
Charles
Banks, Jr: I'd probably have a sit down with Warren Cuccurullo. Just
because I really like the guitar! I'd probably inquire about some of his
inspirations.
LadyaslanDDTTRH:
If you could have your pick of artists to collaborate with who would you all
pick to write with?
Charles
Banks, Jr: I'm not sure. For now, I'd like to explore myself as an artist. But
I am certainly open to the idea of doing collaboration. I mean, James Patterson
always does it!
LadyaslanDDTTRH:
Anything you would like to share with the fans?
Charles
Banks, Jr: Not too much. My ultimate goal in life is to place a relatable
book in the hands of every reader. A good book can do wonders to the reader—it
can be orgasmic! It's really a beautiful thing, ART! I hope people can embrace
mine.
FOLLOW CHARLES BANKS JR AT:
Facebook.com:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001119248973&sk=wall
WordPress.com:
http://charlesbanksjr.wordpress.com/
http://charlesbanksjr.wordpress.com/
Interview done by Anitra DeLorenzo AKA Ladyaslan
http://www.facebook.com/witchpot23?sk=wall
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Poem: Constant (By Charles Banks, Jr. Writing as Black Angel)
CONSTANT
The steady lectures
the constant badgering
the continual
bickering,
is it worth the fight
to continue on with
the battle of love?
The perpetual arguments
the stagnant nature of our aftermath,
is it worth the fight
to continue on with
our battle of love?
The uniform of her hair
swishing back and forth,
the nonstop pointing and blame,
is it worth the fight
to continue on with
our battle of love?
The unwavering battle of love,
the monotonous river flowing down the way.
The incessant fussing and hollering,
is it worth the fight
to continue on with
our battle of love?
© Written by Charles Banks, Jr., Writing as BLACK
ANGEL
Excerpt from page 96 of A
Rose in the Name of Love featuring
Jocelyn Him
Published in the Anthology Collected Whispers by Poetry.com.
A Rose in the Name of
Love is available online now at
- Lulu.com
- Amazon.com!!!!
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Poem: I Cry (By Charles Banks, Jr. Writing as Curiosity)
I CRY
I cry for you
I cry for me
I cry for us.
I cry for love
I cry when you are absent
I cry buckets of tears.
I cry
I cry
I cry
Hear my cry
Please, heed my cry.
I swear, my tears are genuine.
I cry
I cry
I cry
Boy, do I cry!
I weep!
I wail!
© 2011 By Charles Banks, Jr. Writing as CURIOSITY
Excerpt from the Upcoming collection of Poetry ETERNAL MEASURES
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More information on Poet Charles Banks, Jr. on Facebook.com and Wordpress.com
Photo art taken from:
http://www.kurdiu.org/en/hawal/jihan.php?page=9
Poem: Silent Mirror (By Charles Banks, Jr.)
Silent Mirror
Why are you so judgmental?
Always smiling your little sunshine grin?
Why can't you just mind your own damn business?
Mirror, mirror on the wall,
why do you reveal the worst images
of them all?
In the graceful peaks of dawn
you disclose a private side of me-
a side that no one should know
sits at the pit of my existence.
Why do you judge me so hardly, Mirror?
Someone is going to railroad you one of these days.
When you least expect it, someone you know well
will strike you and shatter you into a thousand
prickly pieces of pathetic sadness.
Your judgmental brow is always arched at me, Mirror?
But why?
Why, Mirror?
Oh, why?
You remain silent, Mirror!
© 2011 By Charles Banks, Jr. Writing as BLACK ANGEL
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More information on Poet Charles Banks, Jr., on Facebook.com now
Just click the following link! http://charlesbanksjr.wordpress.com/
Photo art taken from:
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Poem: Shattered Glass Bottle (By Charles Banks, Jr.)
SHATTERED GLASS BOTTLE
Glass is shattering at this present moment.
Shush! Can you hear it?
It’s the spirit of a fallen man,
A cry for aid.
But no one hears the broken shards.
No one hear its impact against the mighty wall.
No one hears its tiny remains make sympathetic keyboard notes.
Formally a stout Vodka bottle
But now a million reflections of a lost man.
Its contents comfort him,
A deceiving console.
So, can you hear it?
The spirit of a fallen man?
It cries out in a melancholy plea.
Shush! Listen and you might faintly hear
The muted screams.
© 2011 By Charles Banks, Jr. Writing as BLACK ANGEL
Published in “Don’t Forget the ChapStick” by Bank Heavy Press
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Thursday, August 4, 2011
BEYOND BAROQUE POETRY SUBMISSION (SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 DEADLINE)
Beyond Baroque, one of the United States' leading independent Literary/Arts Centers, is currently accepting submissions for its annual poetry competition. Check out the submissions guidelines, rummage through your own collection of poems, and see if you have one that just may be good enough to be published!
Just in:
ATTENTION POETS:
BEYOND BAROQUE’S ANNUAL POETRY CONTEST IS UNDERWAY!
L.A.’s preeminent literary center conducted its first-ever competition in 2010.
Last year’s success has enabled us to increase the prizes:
BEYOND BAROQUE’S ANNUAL POETRY CONTEST IS UNDERWAY!
L.A.’s preeminent literary center conducted its first-ever competition in 2010.
Last year’s success has enabled us to increase the prizes:
$1,000, $500, $250
Final judge is JOYCE JENKINS, editor/publisher of POETRY FLASH.
Winners will be published in the Flash and honored, along with five runners-up,
at an October 16th reading/reception at Beyond Baroque.
Winners will be published in the Flash and honored, along with five runners-up,
at an October 16th reading/reception at Beyond Baroque.
Entry deadline: SEPTEMBER 1, 2011 (postmarked)
CONTEST RULES
1. Submit up to three unpublished poems, 40 line limit per poem.
2. All themes and styles welcome.
3. No ID on poems; poet’s name, address, phone, e-mail address
and poem titles on cover sheet.
4. Send entries, including $15 entry fee, to Beyond Baroque Contest,
681 Venice Blvd.,Venice, CA 90291 (snail mail only).
5. Checks payable to Beyond Baroque.
6. No SASE. Poems not returned.
7. Open to CA residents only.
___________________________________________
BEYOND MUSIC is a new and innovative series promoting music specifically of genres outside (beyond) those that are more commonly heard at commercial venues, such as clubs. Although it is primarily a curated series, proposals may be submitted by sending a CD accompanied by a description of performers and technical requirements to Beyond Music at Beyond Baroque. Please do not email your information with links to a website where your music can be heard. Beyond Baroque appreciates proposals it receives from composers and performers; however, please be advised that limited series dates for the current season and dates already scheduled for future seasons prevent Beyond Music from programming everything of interest. We hope you will come and enjoy the series.
Check our web calendar for the music events listings.
CONTEST RULES
1. Submit up to three unpublished poems, 40 line limit per poem.
2. All themes and styles welcome.
3. No ID on poems; poet’s name, address, phone, e-mail address
and poem titles on cover sheet.
4. Send entries, including $15 entry fee, to Beyond Baroque Contest,
681 Venice Blvd.,Venice, CA 90291 (snail mail only).
5. Checks payable to Beyond Baroque.
6. No SASE. Poems not returned.
7. Open to CA residents only.
___________________________________________
BEYOND MUSIC is a new and innovative series promoting music specifically of genres outside (beyond) those that are more commonly heard at commercial venues, such as clubs. Although it is primarily a curated series, proposals may be submitted by sending a CD accompanied by a description of performers and technical requirements to Beyond Music at Beyond Baroque. Please do not email your information with links to a website where your music can be heard. Beyond Baroque appreciates proposals it receives from composers and performers; however, please be advised that limited series dates for the current season and dates already scheduled for future seasons prevent Beyond Music from programming everything of interest. We hope you will come and enjoy the series.
Check our web calendar for the music events listings.
MORE INFORMATION ONLINE AT: http://www.beyondbaroque.org/
THE PRECEDING INFORMATION WAS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CAUTION TAPE POETRY VIA BEYOND BAROQUE'S HOMEPAGE!
Beyond Baroque Literary/ Arts Center - All Rights Reserved - 2011
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