Tag: writing

Announcements, poetry, writing

ANNOUNCEMENT: Fine Lines Winter Conference

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

📣 Announcement: Fine Lines Literary Journal Winter Conference – “It Matters”

Join us for an enriching literary experience at the Fine Lines Literary Journal Winter Conference – “It Matters”! Hosted by the esteemed David Martin, this event promises two days of inspiration and insight into the world of writing.

📅 Date and Time:

  • January 20 & 21
  • 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST

📍 Location:
Virtual Conference

✨ Featured Presenters:
Zaneta Varnado Johns
Chanah Wizenberg
Rita Paskowitz
Bernadette Stockwell

🎙️ Host:
David Martin – A seasoned literary enthusiast and your guide throughout the conference.

📝 Key Conference Points:

  • Writing Inspiration: Ignite your creativity and discover new avenues for expression.
  • Goal Setting: Learn practical strategies to set and achieve your writing goals.
  • Exploration of What Matters: Delve into the profound aspects of storytelling and find meaning in your narrative.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with like-minded writers, gain valuable insights, and explore the essence of why “It Matters” in your writing journey.

🎟️ Registration:
Secure your spot by registering at FineLines.org and be part of a community passionate about the art of writing.

Fine Lines Literary Journal welcomes you to a thought-provoking and transformative winter conference. Let your words matter! 📚✨

Register: FineLines.org

For inquiries, please contact David.Martin@finelines.org

Announcements

ANNOUNCEMENT: What Matters, A Year of Discovery

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

🌸 Garden of Neuro Institute-A Safe and Brave Space for Women- Presents: What Matters Journal – Introductory Session with Zaneta Varnado Johns 🌸

Greetings, beautiful souls! 🌺

Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery with the Garden of Neuro Institute as we launch our year-long exploration into the realms of mental wellness, self-care, gratitude, and mindfulness. Join us for the Introduction to What Matters Journal with Zaneta Varnado Johns, the visionary behind this empowering tool for personal growth.

Event Details:
📅 Date: January 9, 2024
🕒 Time: noon EST
📍 Location: Online – Register via EventBrite

Agenda:
✨ Welcome and Opening Introductions
✨ Insights from Zaneta Varnado Johns on Creating the “What Matters” Journal
✨ Understanding the Year-Long Journey of Discovery
✨ Guided Tour of the Journal’s Features and Sections
✨ Q&A Session with Zaneta Varnado Johns
✨ Deciding on Your Monthly Commitment

About the What Matters Journal:
The What Matters Journal is not just a journal; it’s a companion on your path to self-discovery and holistic well-being. Crafted by Zaneta Varnado Johns, this journal serves as a weekly guide to nurture your mind, body, and soul. Join us to explore its features:

🌿 Inspiring Open Poem: “What Matters” – a lesson in compassion for yourself and others.
🌸 Weekly Emotional Forecast: Reflect on what matters to you and why.
🌼 Prioritize Your Life: Delve into spiritual, physical, creative, relationship, intellectual, and financial aspects.
🌈 Opportunities for Growth: Assess goals, reflect, and track your progress.
🖌️ Mindfulness Art and Writing Prompts: Enhance peaceful thought and awareness.
🎨 Beautiful Art Pieces: Reflect on your monthly journey and express gratitude.

Features:
📅 Undated: Tailor it to your personal needs.
📏 Perfect Size: 6×9 inches with ample writing space on premium paper.
📖 Thoughtful Design: Quotes, prompts, and artistic expressions throughout.
📅 Reflection Pages: End of Week, End of Month, and End of Year.

Make a Difference – Gift the What Matters Journal:
Share the brilliance of this 240-page, 6×9 inch journal with your loved ones. Be a guiding light on their journey towards self-care, gratitude, and compassion.

Let’s embark on this transformative journey together. RSVP now, and let the What Matters Journal be your guide to a year of discovery!

To register, go to the EventBrite link below, reserve your spot in the Garden of Neuro Institute’s sacred space.

Register on Eventbrite
poetry, Poets & Events

The Book Launch for Encore: A Collection of Poetry is Coming Soon!

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

It is with great excitement that we announce the Book Launch for Encore: A Collection of Poetry by Zaneta “Zan” Varnado Johns will be on Sunday, October 15 at 3 p.m. EST

Joining Zan are prolific poets and writers, Chyrel J. Jackson, Sarfraz Ahmed, Jill Sharon Kimmelman, and Elizabeth O. Ogunmodede.

Be sure to sign up with Eventbrite to get your ticket.

Register on Eventbrite

Have you picked up your copy of Encore? If not, check out ZanExpressions for access to your preferred copy, be it an autographed version or direct purchase from an online store.

Announcements, Book Announcements, Celebrations, poetry, Poets & Events

FEATURE: Zaneta Varnado Johns “Let Your Poetry Shine” on WSATV

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

Zaneta Varnado Johns shares her poetic experiences and talks about her prolific works with the Women Speakers Association TV.

In the video Johns shared about a poem by none other than Nikki Giovanni and how this experience encouraged her poetic life. Of course, I had to go find a video, so here you go: Nikki Giovanni recites Ego Tripping

Be sure to get your copy of Encore: A Collection of Poetry. It’s available in print and eBook. If you would like an autographed copy go to: ZanExpressions

Encore is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Better World Books, BookShop (for ordering from independent stores, and Thrift Books

Announcements, art, poetry, prose, writing

ANNOUNCEMENT! Dear Heart has been published!

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

Before computers, we wrote letters. My mother’s letters were like little novellas, several pages long. Her family members and friends loved to get her “books.” Letters from mom were heartfelt and brought tears of love. As her pen moved passionately across the pages, sometimes her clear, blue eyes would well up. Letters were her release. They were her way of expressing herself in ways she could not voice. Occasionally, she would write letters to people out of anger and then tear them up. These could have been to politicians, relatives, and those are the ones I knew about. She would express her heart’s desire, open up her soul, and pour out her thoughts.

While I did not have the beautiful penmanship of my mother, I learned that the pen was my power. Some of my letters were releases which I destroyed. At age 15, I even wrote one about the need for a doctor in our little town. The letter and story was published in the newspaper.

As a writer and a poet, I write as if my words are letters to the world, perhaps to express the desires of my heart. Other times I write to simply write.

When we do express our desires within our heart this has a way of stirring up thoughts and even action plans to make things happen. They could be acceptances of things that can’t be changed, but often are steps toward courage to make something happen.

I posed this question and requested to others: What is the desire in your heart? This is my challenge to you. I would like to read about the desires in your heart in the “Dear Heart” anthology of letters, poetry, art, photography, and whatever ways helps you express your passion.

There was a caveat to this. In honor of my mother, the expressions were to be sent to me via good old fashioned snail mail.

Now, it is my pleasure to bring to you these beautiful heartfelt responses via Dear Heart.

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

Contributirs: Alice Taylor, Chyrel J. Jackson, Danielle Martin, Jia-Li Yang, Jill Sharon Kimmelman, Jodi Lynn Nehring, Karen Monteith, Max H. Tomey, Nanci Arvizu, Pratibha Savani, Rebecca Herz, Richa Dinesh Sharma, Robin Klammer, Sarah Ryan, Shiela Denise Scott, Steve Anc, Terri Michels, and Zaneta Varnado Johns.

Special Shout out to Kay Doiron for the cover art and to Zan Johns for her wonderful editing skills.

Get your copy today on Amazon