Tag: Feature

InkMann Press–The Big Leap

by Kai Mann, posted in Uncategorized

InkMann Press—The Big Leap

Dare to declare who you are. It is not far from the shores of silence to the boundaries of speech. The path is not long, but the way is deep. You must not only walk there, you must be prepared to leap.

Hildegard Von Bingen

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This quote resonates soul deep within me. About a year and a half ago I began to feel like I had this hole inside of me that was profound but that there was this boulder that encompassed the width of it. I couldn’t figure out how to remove the boulder. I knew there was something significant that I had to do and I had to do it now. For if I did not, I was to remain forever stuck. I began to look at my life from the view in which I could see it and although I couldn’t see much, I knew that there was more that life had to offer. Even still there were some effects that I had to remove. It wasn’t as if the life I had was bad. It was good: but I knew that the door had opened to something great. And, if I didn’t step outside that door I would risk everything that I had done up until that point. I decided to leap but before I could, I had to prepare myself first.

When I was in high school I ran track and one of my categories was the long jump. I know that the technique when doing the long jump, the jump itself is only part of the process. So, in preparing to take that leap I knew there were some issues I had to clean up to maximize my distance based on my ability to increase my takeoff speed. I knew the distance between where I was and where I was going was great and I needed the gain of momentum to ensure that I would clear the landing and make it to the other side.

The process or preparation for the jump has been long and arduous. It has been one of soul searching, clearing away of old patterns, and strengthening new ones. The level I was on seem to pale in comparison to where I was going but God had given me a guide. My guide would help me see the path when I couldn’t see where to start. She gave me techniques and drilled me with every ounce of fervor in her being. She coached me into submission and at times I would not like her for it but I knew that I had an obligation to my life to step forward. Often it would give the impression that the runway had moved making it hard to know where to takeoff. I surmised that I was still not ready. I didn’t realize how unprepared I had been for the jump. The exercises were long and grueling but necessary. For some time, it would seem like my feet wanted to move but it was clear they were not ready. The hardest observation in life is wanting to be some place other than where you are but know that you lack the character, stamina, and experience to be anywhere else.

It’s been a year and half and all of the training, technique and preparation is paying off. The distance between where I am and where I want to be is closer than ever. There are still some circuits and drills I am still running but I feel better about the leap and am sure that I can make it.

Author Feature~ Calvin Thompson

by Kai Mann, posted in Uncategorized

IMG_0010 copyThe last time you looked into the mirror, what did you see?

When I look in the mirror I feel as though I am looking into my soul and I see myself on a continuum a reflection of someone that I have known for a long time. I look back over the years and the diverse experiences that I have had and yet I am still here. The entire lifespan and all that it entailed the people that were a part of those experiences the things that I have done saw and the diverse feelings and emotions these are the things that allowed me to be the man that I am.

 

The rich history the thrill of victory the agony of defeat. The laughter the tears the elation the grief. The times when I didn’t know what was going to become of me but yet I sang within myself the hymn how I got over. The eyes truly are the mirror to the soul. How I would look into my eyes and talk to the Lord asking for guidance and deliverance from myself and you know what that is something I still do today.

 

As it is written when I reflect I am always going inward as it is often stated depression is going inward and getting stuck. In contrast in the form of meditation reflection is going inward and getting a resolution. There is a part of us that has to become whole or complete there is a void that we have to resolve or reconcile with that is why reflection or introspection is so important. We must go inward to the depths of our soul to the bottom of our heart to come to a better understanding of our self.

 

The best agent we have for us is ourselves and the most adversity is faced when we go against ourselves. So when I look in the mirror I have to learn to love myself in spite of myself. To encourage myself whether I receive it from others or not. Also to believe in myself whether others believe in me or not. To trust myself and to be true to myself. As it is stated this is not as good as it get know the best is yet to come if I only believe. I know for a fact that God did not bring me this far to leave me alone.

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Bio

Calvin Thompson is a native Detroiter who was influenced by the soulful liberating consciousness of the turbulent yet trans-formative consciousness of the 60’s.  In his writings and his speeches you see and feel the passion of the need for liberation but not of a political genre but the quest for something greater as an awareness of who you really are. That not only do you need economic and political liberation but to truly be free one must go to the next level in your thinking. There is a new day and a new consciousness becoming more apparent today. So in his breakthrough book you can see and feel his passion to take the struggle to new frontiers and beyond the limitations that we impose upon ourselves.

 

As evident in his writings is a recurring theme that it is our time. We can and will be transformed by the renewal of our mind. If there is any one that knows the value of experiencing an transformation it is the writer himself. Having experienced tragedy and triumph toils and snares having gone through the mental health care system during early adulthood and to return to that system as a health care provider. To have achieved a degree in Psychology as well as doing extensive independent research in the area of motivation and personal development. Additionally to be appointed to the title of Minister so not only he does bring years of experience to his writings in the area of Psychology but he fuses or infuse his writing with a wealth of spiritual insight as well.

Stay Connected to Calvin Thompson:

website: Calvin Thompson

Twitter: Calcutta417

Facebook: Calvin Thompson 

Author Feature ~ Dr. Debraha Watson

by Kai Mann, posted in Uncategorized

photo (1)What is your writing process?

I primarily write as the narrator or observer. That way I see all and know all and can analyze the thoughts and emotions of my characters.  I probably developed this style of writing as a result of listening to the oral stories told by my elders as they sat shuckin’ and jivin’ on the front porch or gossiping around the kitchen table.  I started writing as a child in a little pink diary that had a lock and key. Over the years I graduated to legal pads and pencils, typewriters, word processors, PC’s and the iPad.  I love to write in the early morning before the sun comes up.  The spirits are busy at that time and they whisper in my ear as the refrigerator hums in the background.  I love writing in silence, on any writable surface but I can also take myself away in a crowded room if a character is insistent on making an entrance.  Sometimes it starts with one word, a sentence or If I’m lucky an entire paragraph.  I love developing characters.  Some I find on the city streets, in my classroom, in the church and in my dreams.   I admit I’m not disciplined in terms of writing every day.  However, when I do decide to tell a story I allow my soul to open up and I ask the Spirit to guide my thoughts and emotions to deliver a positive message.  I do agree with the writer E.B. White who said “A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.”

 

Bio

Dr. Watson holds a Doctorate in Adult and Higher Education from Capella University; a Master of Arts in Adult and Higher Education from Morehead State University;  and a Master of Science in General Administration from Central Michigan University. She has been invited to speak at numerous workshops and conventions throughout the United States and Canada.  Most recently, she was featured on the LGBT Radio Nation Show the topic being Intergenerational Communication.  Dr. Watson has also been a guest on the Rhonda Sciortino radio show Crack the Code and the Detroit Area Agency on Aging Senior Solutions Radio Show.

As an author, Dr. Watson shares her personal foster care journey having spent twelve years in the system in her memoir; If Not For Dreams: Memories of a Foster Child and is also anthologized in Growing Up in the Care of Strangers edited by Waln K. Brown and John r. Seita. She frames her discussion to educate, motivate and provide insight to the challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care.  She also penned a novella, Dancing Under the Same Moon and has been featured in several other publications.

Another creative outlet is contemporary abstract art.  Dr. Watson states” the creator gives us many talents.  Whether it’s writing or painting I take myself out of the way and trust the creative process.” Her work has been shown at the Detroit Artist Market, National Conference of Artist Gallery, Jo’s Gallery and The Juanita Ford Gallery and the Charles H, Wright African American Museum.

Since her retirement, she has ventured into yet another genre, film making. Starting a production company, Reel Women Speak is dedicated to impacting the lives of women through visual media. Women will have the opportunity to become empowered, enhance and develop their quality of life and recalibrate their future, thereby strengthening families and transforming communities. Collective Voices: Wisdom of our Lesbian Elders is her first independent film.  Dr. Watson states that “whether it’s in my writing, art or film I have a deep need to recollect traditions and generational legacy, this perhaps comes from listening to stories from my elders specifically, African American women sitting, laughing, talking on porch steps or around the kitchen table.”

Debraha Watson describes herself as a mother of two adult children, a film maker, poet, short story writer, essayist, editor and retired higher education administrator.  “I can be driven or complacent.  Insecure or egotistical like all living creatures I am passing through stages.  I am recovering, discovering and growing.”

If Not for DreamsDancing Under The Same Moon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay Connected to Dr. Debraha Watson

Twitter: @watson_debraha

Facebook: Reel Women Speak 

YouTube: Reel Women Speak TV

 

Poet Feature~ David L. Watkins

by Kai Mann, posted in Uncategorized

A Young Man’s Advice

I told my friends, “My girl’s pregnant – looks like I’m gonna be a father.”

Pookie shook his head and said, “You still with her; why bother?”

The fellas all joined Pookie with laughter and derision.

I softly spoke, “This ain’t  no joke. I’ve come to my decision.

I’m the oldest on this block, so let me put in my two cents.”

The fellas sat in silence, but the atmosphere was tense.

I waited for a moment…my head was tilted skyward.

“First of all, my brothers-I promised-I gave my word.

I said ‘Baby, stick with me. My life is in reversal’

She said, ‘It’s got to be real. It’s not just a rehearsal’

So, listen to me fellas. She’s the only one.

And what they found on the ultra sound – Ima have a son !

(Do the right thing for her and the child that she’s carried)

So, fellas, let me tell you…your boy secretly got married.”

Moondog took out his toothpick. He said, “Your son ain’t royalty.”

I replied, “He may not wear a crown, but I will show him loyalty.

I wish my dad had been there during my growing years.

Maybe he could have helped me to stop these flowing tears.”

Eightball looked shocked; his head was cocked.

He asked me, “Man, you’ve cried?!”

I nodded as I told them all, “At times I wished I’d died.

Frustration and depression – just words that mean you’re sad.

I’m just sayin’ I’ve been prayin’ that I could see my dad.

He was still young when he left us. But that is where he failed.

Mom couldn’t compete. He loved the street.

But that street life had him jailed.

The streets had him hooked every way he looked.

He was bruised and accused and finally booked.

And now he’s doing thirty years, so don’t tell me I can’t shed tears.

So I’m gonna treat my son as if he were nobility.

I’ll help his mama all I can for his upward mobility.

And if he wants to join a gym or club, I’ll tell him, ‘Sign up- ’cause the

worst thing you can do, son, is end up in a line-up’.

I’ll help him with his history, his science and his diction.

But most of all: advice, to avoid a court conviction.

The fellas left me by myself. I hope they listened well to me.

‘Cause I’m the oldest on this block…that the guards call Cell Block D.

 

david's picAuthor: David L. Watkins

Publisher: DLW Publishing

Website: http://dlwpublishing.com/

Genre: Children’s Books

Twitter: @davidwatkins617

Amazon Author Page: David L. Watkins

Facebook Page: BooksbyDavid

Benny and the Basketball BullyABC Series

Writing Feature ~ Kelly Greene

by Kai Mann, posted in Uncategorized

Kelly Head ShotHeart of a Writer

Have you ever met a writer? Do you know any personally? If so, good! If not, even better! They say only a writer can totally understand another writer, which is true.  However, I am going to do you a favor. I am going to give you a gift of insight into a Writer’s heart.

On the outside, Writers are hard to spot. We like all the things most other people like. You might spot us with a notepad in tow. You never know what ideas might hit us during our travels.  A building, a fountain, or an ordinary lamp can turn into a 500 page novel. We are very observant. Details are a must! We have to use words to tell a story in full color. It is quite possible that a writer saw you in your favorite shirt one day and your shirt was later worn by the love interest in the story. The way you wore that shirt was true inspiration.

Inspiration is key for us Writers. Don’t believe me? Let one of us fall in love with you. The unexpected love notes left on your car or attached to a beautiful gift blow you away. Sentences formed with the technique of a craftsman laced with their feelings for you, give you a literary embrace. Our provocative paragraphs seduce you before and after each date. You will become our muse. Our latest projects will reek of the happiness you have brought us. When a Writer is in love, it shows. For every Writer, passion is everything.

A Writer’s heart is pure passion. It guides us. It motivates us. It is common for a Writer to lose sense of time while writing. There is no greater joy for a Writer than when the passion in their hearts ignites the gift in their hands. From there is where you, the reader benefits. For we give the fruits of our passion to you. That is what is in the Heart of a Writer.

 

K. Greene

 

website: http://hollaifyouhearme.com

Follow Kelly on Twitter @KellyGLive72

Like Kelly’s page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Kelly.AlphaNegro.Greene

 

The Red Remote Show

by Kai Mann, posted in 30 Day Notice, 30 Day Notice Book

Literary Voice and I would like to invite you to come down to UDetroit Cafe on  Wednesday night, August 8th at 8pm for a live taping of the Red Remote TV Show where I will be featured!  The Red Remote TV show is shot live at UDetroit Cafe in Harmonie Park in Detroit. I will be discussing my book “30 Day Notice”!

I will also be on hand before and after to meet you and sign copies of my book!! There is no cover and a full bar.  Come on down and meet me and don’t forget to get your copy of “30 Day Notice”!! If you cannot make it, the show will be streamed live on UStream.com