Re: Poetry and Ken (and Tess) OT sort of...

[Guest guest]

Ken-

I feel so badly for you. Your poem is wonderful - but there are alot of

unscrupulous people out there- whose motives are not to promote good poetry but

to make money- and are willing to take the chance to make money out of good but

unwitting writers. Please do not feel foolish. I had a similar thing happen -

don't know whether it was from the organization you cite- it was awhile ago- and

when I got a similar letter I realized it was a scam too.(I think that awards

banquet was in DC but I remember the silver bowl.) My ego was pretty bruised

too. There are no legitimate poetry organizations that I am aware of who award

twenty thousand dollar prizes for one poem- and I suspect if this group actually

awards the prize it is to someone who has paid for it- a vanity press thing.

(If you find out there really is a poetry lottery out there like that - tell

Tess and I too....I suspect we'd be writing up a storm- LOL). Your work is good-

unfortunately that isn't necessarily their motivation -even though your

intentions in entering were legitimate. You owe it to yourself to share with

people with higher motivation.

Let me tell what I have done- because I love poetry too. I belong to a small

poetry group in my city - we workshop one another's poetry -once a month- and

also work with the college and the State Poetry organization. Many states have

similar groups - who promote legitimate contests- and put you in touch with like

minded people. Awards are more like $100 for a grand prize - but the awards are

legitimate and the money is generally not the point. When you win - you know you

have earned the award. There are usually a number of writer's conferences during

the summer often at local colleges and junior colleges. They sometimes offer

scholarship assistance. I would urge you to find out if there are groups or

conferences in your area. If you call your local library or lifetime learning

office in the community I bet they can put you in touch with a group. Don't

worry about the disability- I don't. If you write well and are supportive of

others ( and you are already two for two on that count)and are willing to learn

from peoples praise- and criticism-you will generally find your place. There are

people from all walks of life and health in our group - and all our welcome. I

wish you ( and our wonderful Tess) were in Michigan- you would be welcomed with

open arms. It is a lifesaver for me- I totally forget about work and the RA and

have made a number of wonderful friends- I have even managed to write some

poetry. I would not limit my search to just poetry though Ken. You have written

some wonderful stories and you may want to look at short story writing too. I

have heard way too many scam stories - if you are ever interested in doing

something like that again- let me know- and maybe you can find one that isn't as

$$$ valuable but doesn't scam.

I have written poetry on and off since high school and college- even managed to

publish a few things but am unlikely to make a living at it. I recently have had

a poem included in an anthology -which I am told will come out sometime later

this year. ( Poetry sometimes requires patience). It is a fund raiser (Pax

Christi). I didn't get paid a dime but it is a cause I believe in - and as I was

actually invited to be part of the book ( they didn't solicit poems- but I do

know the editor who knows and has encouraged my writing )- it was really a good

ego boost to be included with poets whose work I love. I have gotten some

rejection slips too - to even things out. There are some places I'd like to go

for conferences too- there is a workshop in Santa Fe- in August- and I still

don't whether summer taxes and bathroom and roof repair won't overwhelm me again

financially (and medical insurance copays and doctor copays). ( Poverty law is

satisfying but does not pay much- but it is a choice I make.) One more piece of

free advice - never never give up your copyright in a poem unless you know who

will publish it.

You guys are probably yawning now - and understand why I write " briefs " for a

living. Just one more suggestion for those readers and writers here. I would

recommend Vassar . She was born with cerebral palsy and went on to become

an accomplished poet and was a laureate from the State of Texas. " W " - our newly

elected prez even gave her an award once- and your right Ken- I'll bet they paid

for her lunch. One of my favorite poems of hers - To Jesus at Easter. I suspect

you can find her online.

BIG BIG Hugs to the guy who writes our kind of poetry and stories- poetry that

encourages us.

-------------- Original message ----------------------

From: kenneth samuelsen <squarehead52@...>

>

> Greetings to all of my friends here. I am sorry I have

> not posted in a long time. I have had the greatest

> accomplishment,followed by the biggest let down I have

> had in many years: Let me explain.

> I guess I REALLY NEED your support right now.

> I am an artist and a writer(as you all know).

> Recently, I submitted a poem th the International

> Library of Poetry.What happened next just blew me

> away! They wrote back to me, and told me that of all

> the thouseands of poems that are submitted to them,

> mine was the finest they ever read. They published a

> new book called " Invoking The Muse " ....and, as you

> open the book, the very first poem you read, the very

> first paage....is mine! They sent me an " award " , a

> paper that says that I recxieved the editors pick of

> the year, congratulating me on my artistic

> ability.Then they sent to me, in the mail, an

> invitation to attend the big gala affair they are

> holding at Disnay World, in Orlando, Florida.They told

> me how I would get the chance to read my poem in front

> of this huge audience, and would probably win the

> grand prize ov 20,000 dollars, and that they were

> going to give me this big silver bowl, on a cherrywood

> base, inscribed with all this praise, and all.

> Then came the let down: I had to pay to register,

> for my wife and I. It costs 1100 dollars. Then, on top

> of that, I had to pay my way my own transportation

> down there,my own lodging,my own food, my own way INTO

> Disney!

> I called them on the telephone, and they said if I

> didn't show up, I recieved nothing. I e-mailed them,

> explaining I was disabled, living on a fixed income,

> with not one spare dollar left for anything....They

> never even bothered to e-mail me back. What really

> slays me is when a person opens a book, contemplating

> buying it, the first few pages the person reads

> determines whether or not they buy it...and THE VERY

> FIRST PAGE IN THE BOOK IS MINE!

> It hurts me deeply to know that they scammed

> me.They used me. Yes, so my poetry is beautiful, but

> it is usually written as gifts for people,gifts from

> my heart, and they used my poem just to sell more

> books!I have no way to register,no way to get there,

> no way to stay there...and these people must surely be

> cold, to not even e-mail me back, when I explained my

> situation to them.

> My only consolation is that all YOU people care...I

> guess God didn't want me to go. There has to be a

> reason why that I don't understand. So, I have

> deccided to share with YOU, all the people who have

> said they care for me, what this poem was.I am NOT

> like other men. I am sensitive, and caring, and feel

> love....I also am deeply hurt by these " people " ....and

> any words of support you can offer would be greatly

> appreciated,becayse I am really feeling lower than low

> right now....so low, I haven't even got on this ol'

> computer. So...Here is the poem that was acclaimed,

> and given first page...big deal!

>

> *** The love you have inside you

> was not love put there to stay,

> for, love isn't even friendship....

> until you give it away.

> 'Tis better to give your love away,

> just to watch it fall.....

> than to know you had the chance to give..

> and didn't try at all.***

> sen

> from the new book " Invoking The Muse "

>

> I am really feeling down and badly...any

> words you could give me would help...I just don't

> understand how people can be so mean, and so uncaring.

> Sometimes, I feel like I just don't belong in this

> world, I just don't " fit in " What good am I ? Why is

> so much of the world only concerned with how much

> money they can make, even if it hurts someone? I just

> don't understand!What's wrong with me, that I am not

> the same way? Am I flawed? I gotta go, I can't see

> thru the tears(guess I'm just a wimp),and I'm getting

> the keys all wet. I hope you all liked the poem. I

> give it to you all, from my heart. love, ken

> lately, so just

> > worried about

> > you. I hope things are going alright your way, Tawny

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Ken-

I feel so badly for you. Your poem is wonderful - but there are alot of

unscrupulous people out there- whose motives are not to promote good poetry but

to make money- and are willing to take the chance to make money out of good but

unwitting writers. Please do not feel foolish. I had a similar thing happen -

don't know whether it was from the organization you cite- it was awhile ago- and

when I got a similar letter I realized it was a scam too.(I think that awards

banquet was in DC but I remember the silver bowl.) My ego was pretty bruised

too. There are no legitimate poetry organizations that I am aware of who award

twenty thousand dollar prizes for one poem- and I suspect if this group actually

awards the prize it is to someone who has paid for it- a vanity press thing.

(If you find out there really is a poetry lottery out there like that - tell

Tess and I too....I suspect we'd be writing up a storm- LOL). Your work is good-

unfortunately that isn't necessarily their motivation -even though your

intentions in entering were legitimate. You owe it to yourself to share with

people with higher motivation.

Let me tell what I have done- because I love poetry too. I belong to a small

poetry group in my city - we workshop one another's poetry -once a month- and

also work with the college and the State Poetry organization. Many states have

similar groups - who promote legitimate contests- and put you in touch with like

minded people. Awards are more like $100 for a grand prize - but the awards are

legitimate and the money is generally not the point. When you win - you know you

have earned the award. There are usually a number of writer's conferences during

the summer often at local colleges and junior colleges. They sometimes offer

scholarship assistance. I would urge you to find out if there are groups or

conferences in your area. If you call your local library or lifetime learning

office in the community I bet they can put you in touch with a group. Don't

worry about the disability- I don't. If you write well and are supportive of

others ( and you are already two for two on that count)and are willing to learn

from peoples praise- and criticism-you will generally find your place. There are

people from all walks of life and health in our group - and all our welcome. I

wish you ( and our wonderful Tess) were in Michigan- you would be welcomed with

open arms. It is a lifesaver for me- I totally forget about work and the RA and

have made a number of wonderful friends- I have even managed to write some

poetry. I would not limit my search to just poetry though Ken. You have written

some wonderful stories and you may want to look at short story writing too. I

have heard way too many scam stories - if you are ever interested in doing

something like that again- let me know- and maybe you can find one that isn't as

$$$ valuable but doesn't scam.

I have written poetry on and off since high school and college- even managed to

publish a few things but am unlikely to make a living at it. I recently have had

a poem included in an anthology -which I am told will come out sometime later

this year. ( Poetry sometimes requires patience). It is a fund raiser (Pax

Christi). I didn't get paid a dime but it is a cause I believe in - and as I was

actually invited to be part of the book ( they didn't solicit poems- but I do

know the editor who knows and has encouraged my writing )- it was really a good

ego boost to be included with poets whose work I love. I have gotten some

rejection slips too - to even things out. There are some places I'd like to go

for conferences too- there is a workshop in Santa Fe- in August- and I still

don't whether summer taxes and bathroom and roof repair won't overwhelm me again

financially (and medical insurance copays and doctor copays). ( Poverty law is

satisfying but does not pay much- but it is a choice I make.) One more piece of

free advice - never never give up your copyright in a poem unless you know who

will publish it.

You guys are probably yawning now - and understand why I write " briefs " for a

living. Just one more suggestion for those readers and writers here. I would

recommend Vassar . She was born with cerebral palsy and went on to become

an accomplished poet and was a laureate from the State of Texas. " W " - our newly

elected prez even gave her an award once- and your right Ken- I'll bet they paid

for her lunch. One of my favorite poems of hers - To Jesus at Easter. I suspect

you can find her online.

BIG BIG Hugs to the guy who writes our kind of poetry and stories- poetry that

encourages us.

-------------- Original message ----------------------

From: kenneth samuelsen <squarehead52@...>

>

> Greetings to all of my friends here. I am sorry I have

> not posted in a long time. I have had the greatest

> accomplishment,followed by the biggest let down I have

> had in many years: Let me explain.

> I guess I REALLY NEED your support right now.

> I am an artist and a writer(as you all know).

> Recently, I submitted a poem th the International

> Library of Poetry.What happened next just blew me

> away! They wrote back to me, and told me that of all

> the thouseands of poems that are submitted to them,

> mine was the finest they ever read. They published a

> new book called " Invoking The Muse " ....and, as you

> open the book, the very first poem you read, the very

> first paage....is mine! They sent me an " award " , a

> paper that says that I recxieved the editors pick of

> the year, congratulating me on my artistic

> ability.Then they sent to me, in the mail, an

> invitation to attend the big gala affair they are

> holding at Disnay World, in Orlando, Florida.They told

> me how I would get the chance to read my poem in front

> of this huge audience, and would probably win the

> grand prize ov 20,000 dollars, and that they were

> going to give me this big silver bowl, on a cherrywood

> base, inscribed with all this praise, and all.

> Then came the let down: I had to pay to register,

> for my wife and I. It costs 1100 dollars. Then, on top

> of that, I had to pay my way my own transportation

> down there,my own lodging,my own food, my own way INTO

> Disney!

> I called them on the telephone, and they said if I

> didn't show up, I recieved nothing. I e-mailed them,

> explaining I was disabled, living on a fixed income,

> with not one spare dollar left for anything....They

> never even bothered to e-mail me back. What really

> slays me is when a person opens a book, contemplating

> buying it, the first few pages the person reads

> determines whether or not they buy it...and THE VERY

> FIRST PAGE IN THE BOOK IS MINE!

> It hurts me deeply to know that they scammed

> me.They used me. Yes, so my poetry is beautiful, but

> it is usually written as gifts for people,gifts from

> my heart, and they used my poem just to sell more

> books!I have no way to register,no way to get there,

> no way to stay there...and these people must surely be

> cold, to not even e-mail me back, when I explained my

> situation to them.

> My only consolation is that all YOU people care...I

> guess God didn't want me to go. There has to be a

> reason why that I don't understand. So, I have

> deccided to share with YOU, all the people who have

> said they care for me, what this poem was.I am NOT

> like other men. I am sensitive, and caring, and feel

> love....I also am deeply hurt by these " people " ....and

> any words of support you can offer would be greatly

> appreciated,becayse I am really feeling lower than low

> right now....so low, I haven't even got on this ol'

> computer. So...Here is the poem that was acclaimed,

> and given first page...big deal!

>

> *** The love you have inside you

> was not love put there to stay,

> for, love isn't even friendship....

> until you give it away.

> 'Tis better to give your love away,

> just to watch it fall.....

> than to know you had the chance to give..

> and didn't try at all.***

> sen

> from the new book " Invoking The Muse "

>

> I am really feeling down and badly...any

> words you could give me would help...I just don't

> understand how people can be so mean, and so uncaring.

> Sometimes, I feel like I just don't belong in this

> world, I just don't " fit in " What good am I ? Why is

> so much of the world only concerned with how much

> money they can make, even if it hurts someone? I just

> don't understand!What's wrong with me, that I am not

> the same way? Am I flawed? I gotta go, I can't see

> thru the tears(guess I'm just a wimp),and I'm getting

> the keys all wet. I hope you all liked the poem. I

> give it to you all, from my heart. love, ken

> lately, so just

> > worried about

> > you. I hope things are going alright your way, Tawny

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>