Vocal Expressions

This is the first time I’m reading anything by Jessica Hawkins and it won’t be the last. This novel takes you on a sexy, edgy, emotional, conflict of morals, and erotic journey.  So, let’s meet Lola Winters, a waitress who works with her boyfriend/manager, Johnny at Hey Joe, a bar located on the Sunset Strip. Hey Joe used to be a vibrant hangout spot with bands playing, but now there’s an empty stage, a few regulars and not enough customers to keep the doors open for long.  One night, Lola goes outside the bar to handle a rowdy group of drivers revving their car engines and disturbing the customers inside. With a swift kick, she puts a dent in one of the driver’s cars. After everyone leaves including Johnny who comes outside to act as muscle, Lola locks eyes with Beau Olivier, a wealthy businessman. His attractiveness (green almond-shaped, watchful eyes, his tall, straight back and swagger) pulls her in and the chemistry between them is undeniable. Beau flirts with her even though she

April is child abuse prevention month the month set aside to try and end child abuse.   Parents have many responsibilities when educating their children about life. One of the most important conversations to have with your child is a conversation about body safety. What is body safety you ask? Body safety is teaching your children that their body is their own and if anyone touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable you want to know as soon as possible. This one piece of information can save your child from childhood sexual abuse and is key to abuse prevention. I think parents overthink this topic, get scared, and then do not say anything to their children. This is the worst thing a parent can do. The best way to prevent child abuse is to talk about it before it happens not after.  The steps to prevent child abuse are easy. Know who is watching your children, educate your child about body safety rules, respond quickly if your child self discloses information that someon

Poet’s Bio:   Ruth Ticktin coordinated international programs, advised and taught English in Washington, DC and Maryland since 1977. From Madison and Chicago, graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Ruth writes poetry and fiction. Always sharing stories, she is an author: Was, Am, Going ; Recollections in Poetry & Flash (New Bay Books, 2022.) co-editor: Psalms for Contemplation (Poetica Publishing 2020.) co-author: What's Ahead? (Pro Lingua Learning 2013.) contributor: Maryland Bards 2023, 2024 & Gathering (Local Gem Press.) BarBar; Literary Heist; Wild Word; Straylight & more.   Deliah Lawrence: What tips would you give to aspiring poets?   Ruth Ticktin: When you have a picture in your mind, write down the words and don’t be concerned with the form that first emerges on paper or screen.   At times you will hear the words like a song and write in a rhythm. Other moments after having a visceral reaction to a scene you will need to recreate that action in

Poet’s Bio: Pat Valdata is a poet and novelist. Her poetry book about women aviation pioneers, Where No Man Can Touch , won the 2015 Donald Justice Poetry Prize. A revised edition of this book was published in June 2023 (Wind Canyon Books) and won third prize from the Delaware Press Association. Her poetry has appeared in anthologies and literary magazines including Ecotone , Ekphrastic Review , Italian Americana , Little Patuxent Review , North American Review , Passager , and Valparaiso Poetry Review.  She has received three Individual Artist Awards in poetry from the Maryland State Arts Council, two nominations for the Pushcart Prize, and a grant from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. She lives in Crisfield, Maryland, with her husband, Bob Schreiber, and a rescue poodle named Junior. Information about all her books is on her website: www.patvaldata.com .  Deliah Lawrence: Is there any particular poet, author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

Poet’s Bio: Dr. Brittany Soul is a Las Vegas native and award -winning singer-songwriter/poet who has more than enough luster to shine even in the city of lights. Brittany Soul is a leading lady in the Spoken Word/Neo-Soul genres and often merges jazz, poetry, R&B and gospel. Ms. Soul is the true embodiment of an all-in-one artist. Brittany Soul is such a light in the artist-realm with experience throughout her career as a Drum majorette, flutist, author, choreographer, choir president, musical theater Lead and actress, curator, host, speaker and producer. Brittany, the soulstress, is no stranger to the balance of creativity and business when it comes to leadership in entertainment.   Being a fifteen-time award-winning singer/songwriter/ performer, her gifts consistently make room for her. She has been elected to receive an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Elbon Solutions College of Ministry. She’s been afforded opportunities to express or minister at various platforms acr