Vocal Expressions

I’m a huge fan of Dexter the TV series where Dexter Morgan is a blood spatter expert by day and a vigilante by night. So, I was immediately drawn to the premise of this novel where Dr. Robert McKenzie is a highly skilled ER doctor (St. Jude’s Hospital) by day and a vigilante by night.  When we first meet Dr. McKenzie, he bumped heads with the new ER social worker, Sharon Reede. A transplant from Indiana to New York City, Sharon was idealistic and always went above and beyond in getting the services the patients needed (e.g., emergency Medicaid, rehab programs, placement at a shelter, etc.).  Everyone had a bet she wouldn’t last long in an environment where the patients were sometimes hostile, the staff were mostly unfriendly especially Dr. Jerk-Off McKenzie - always sarcastic, crude, and dismissive – the type of person you would want to punch in the face. However, this was a façade for Robert to hide that he truly cared. He would give money to folks anonymously, pay for the...

Poet’s Bio: Poet Brenda Bunting, she/her is the author of Poems of Love and Violence In Between Life and Death (1st and 2nd editions).  She is an award-winning orator whose work has appeared in numerous publications online and in print. She hosts poetry events and has been the featured poet at live events, virtually, on television, and blog radio.    Brenda is a poetry workshop facilitator and spoken word artist who advocates for racial, social, and environmental justice. Brenda has a BA in English and is completing her Master of Teaching at NYU. She is a literary leader of Prince Georges County Maryland, a life member of the Kentucky State Poetry Society and certified Life Coach. Brenda is working to complete her next books of poetry. Check out her artist page on Facebook at   FreeThinker Poet Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to be a poet? Brenda Bunting: I started writing poetry when I was 12 years old, over 40 years ago. Poetry provided the creative cl...

Poet’s Bio: Mildred M. Stokes is author of two published works:  Romancing the Beautiful Divine, A Joy Embrace Story Devotional —a book of Inspirational descriptions and in part, Autobiography. Another is I Can Hear You Better With My Glasses On! — her first full book of poetry.   Philosophy-wise for this dedicated author: writing is a catharsis—a comfort and investment of labor which focuses on voicing openly and boldly stories, even whispers—that must be spoken and heard.  Her literary affiliations include Black Writers' Guild of Maryland, Life Journeys Writers Guild, and Short Story Book Club. Mildred completed master’s programs at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and at Towson University. In addition, Mildred is a Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist who advocates for full body wellness and lifestyle renewal.  Contact Info: info@emmejoywrites.com mildredmstokes@gmail.com Books: Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles.com, and Outskirts Press.com  ...

Poet's Bio: Tonya Camille was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, and is one of three triplets. She received her associate degree in Drama and Speech from Georgia State Perimeter College and a bachelor's degree in Theatre and Performance Studies from Kennesaw State University. Her first open mic experience occurred at The Coffee Spot, located in Jonesboro, GA, in 2007. She has been performing ever since. Tonya is a yogi and is active in her community.   Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to be a poet? Tonya Camille: Saul Williams inspired me to become a poet. When I was a senior at Kennesaw State University, a good friend invited me to attend an event where he was due to perform. I wasn't familiar with his work so the night before, she lent me her copy of Dead Emcee Scrolls: The Lost Teachings of Hip-Hop to familiarize myself with his work. The next day I saw him in action. His writings moved me, and seeing him in his greatness, left me speechless. At that moment, I fell ...

Poet’s Bio: Gregory D. Yancey, Esq., a graduate of the Georgetown University Law Center, is an attorney, minister, author, and activist. Mr. Yancey has practiced law as an associate; inhouse counsel; and principal owner of The Fighting Lawyer, LLC . His practice has ventured into a wide foray of areas such as Civil Litigation; Criminal Defenses; Entertainment Law; Business Transactions; Family Law; and other practice areas.  He has authored Trials of the Christian Lawyer (spiritual devotion) and Law School Boot Camp (textbook). On May 1, 2022, he will launch a new company, Undaunted Sweat, LLC which is aptly named for the fearless efforts and bold undertakings behind Why Wolves Howl at the Moon (children’s book) and The Supreme I See: The Deracinated States of America? (novel).  Mr. Yancey says that his greatest success and joy are captured in family photos with his wife, Jewell; his son, Gregory, II; and his stepdaughter, Cora.  Deliah Lawrence: What inspired y...