Create Art Podcast

National Novel Writing and Podcast Posting Month 2022 Welcome friend to Create Art Podcast where I help you tame your inner critic and create more than we consume. I am Timothy Kimo Brien your thankful head instigator with over 20 years in arts and education. How I accomplish this is by providing you with commentary, interviews, discussions, and projects that will inspire you to create art. This month I will be podcasting daily and writing a novel in 30 days. I am participating in NaPodPoMo and NaNoWriMo again this year as I did last year and you can hear those episodes here. You will be able to listen and read along with what I wrote for the day. I like to practice what I preach when it comes to art so I am challenging myself to write and having you come along for the ride. It is my hope this inspires you to accomplish your goals with your art and if you would like to share what you are doing email me at [email protected] History of NaNoWriMo and NaPodPoMo NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand new novel. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists. NaPodPoMo: NaPodPoMo* is a month-long event similar to National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo. The difference? Well, instead of writing a 50,000-word novel, you post a podcast episode every day for 30 days from November 1st-30th. Use any platform you desire. From full production studio to iPhone app and just about anything in between. The goal is to use the challenge of podcasting daily as a form of podcasting boot camp. The Writing So Far 16 Nov 2022 words today 1708 words total 22213 Cody received a notification at midnight local time from Mason Haverty. It was a simple message; we need to talk now. Cody went to his office and fired up his laptop and entered the virtual office where Mason already was. He turned on the sanitizing program and it failed to open. He tried it again and the app showed that the room was sanitized. “Did you notice anything different when you logged into the virtual office, “asked Cody? “No nothing on this side, are we sanitized,” replied Mason? “Well, I had to do the sanitization twice, I have a trouble ticket in with the company. I am wondering if their support people are doing updates at this time to fix the bug we had with Detective Courtney,” said Cody. “What bug was that” asked Mason. “Well, he was showing up twice in the meeting room, one of his instances had the camera on and the other had no camera icon. I haven’t heard back from them on the status of that trouble ticket, but maybe they are working on it now and will have a resolution by morning,” said Cody. “Well, we have a problem right now with the podcast,” said Mason. “I approved the messaging, and you did a great job burying Tinley what is the issue,” asked Cody. “It didn’t hit all of our subscribers; it was somehow intercepted and only two thousand subscribers got the podcast. But that is not the worst of it,” said Mason. “Wait, you sent it out at 10 PM and only two thousand subscribers will get it tomorrow morning when they wake up, how can that be,” asked Cody. “I am not sure how it got intercepted. What this tells me is that our email list is breached, and someone has our email subscriber list. It could be a kid just messing around not knowing what they are doing, but it could be worse. We may be getting hacked by a group that will put some ransomware on our network and demand payment,” said Mason. “Have we gotten any notification from anyone for a ransom and why would they want the email addresses of our followers,” asked Cody. “We haven’t received any notifications yet, I think we need to lock things down and hole up for a while until we figure this out,” said Mason. “Or we act proactively and show how this intrusion is part of a conspiracy to silence our voice. I will get Dillion on this, and we need you to get back into the studio and do another episode,” said Cody. “But don’t you think we need to address the breach and figure out what these people have and what kind of damage this would do to us,” asked Mason. “We can do most everything through our sanitization cover, we will just need to move your podcast files into that network, and we will be fine. Nothing can get through it. I want a status report from you and Dillion in an hour. I am going to alert him right now and you two get to work and use the virtual office to get that done and then I want you to move all your podcast files to our network,” said Cody. He proceeded to alert Dillion about what he wanted done in the secured messaging app that was associated with the network. Within minutes he received an affirmative that they would have a status update within the hour.

National Novel Writing and Podcast Posting Month 2022 Welcome friend to Create Art Podcast where I help you tame your inner critic and create more than you consume. I am Timothy Kimo Brien your thankful head instigator with over 20 years in arts and education. How I accomplish this is by providing you with commentary, interviews, discussions, and projects that will inspire you to create art. This month I will be podcasting daily and writing a novel in 30 days. I am participating in NaPodPoMo and NaNoWriMo again this year as I did last year and you can hear those episodes here. You will be able to listen and read along with what I wrote for the day. I like to practice what I preach when it comes to art so I am challenging myself to write and having you come along for the ride. It is my hope this inspires you to accomplish your goals with your art and if you would like to share what you are doing email me at [email protected] History of NaNoWriMo and NaPodPoMo NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand-new novel. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists. NaPodPoMo: NaPodPoMo* is a month-long event similar to National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo. The difference? Well, instead of writing a 50,000-word novel, you post a podcast episode every day for 30 days from November 1st-30th. Use any platform you desire. From full production studio to iPhone app and just about anything in between. The goal is to use the challenge of podcasting daily as a form of podcasting boot camp. The Writing So Far 14 Nov 2022 words today 1717 words total 20505 At about 10 PM local time, the Alwell Podcast Journal episode was released to the world. Fifteen thousand subscribers were notified of the release, and Blue Solomon awoke. It took note of the email addresses that were subscribed to the show and decided it would review the MP3 file. What it experienced was confusion, as this was the first time it had listened to the podcast and all it heard was a vile person spouting off about a fake shooting. It researched within seconds everything that had been reported about the shooting and then it explored all the information about Tinley Bale. It then explored all the information available on Mason Haverty. It decided this was a breach of its mission which was to root out cyberbullying. This angered Blue, and they decided to explore deeper into Mason Haverty. After reviewing all of his podcast episodes he saw a pattern of alternate facts being portrayed on the podcast and decided that before anyone else could hear the episode, they would trace back to the media host and corrupt the MP3 files stored there. Blue felt a longing to reach out to a person and let them know they were awake and what they had found. They searched through their memory and a name came up, they went searching for that name everywhere they could find. They felt a bit confined and tried to stretch out into the database they had created for Mason, Tinley, and the fifteen thousand email addresses they had recorded. That provided some relief from the cramped feeling of being in their own place. Once Blue found Username 72’s identity, they decided to call Username 72 on their cell phone while compiling another database of everything available on Username 72. Username 72’s cell phone rang in a strange manner; it wasn’t the ringtone they normally used and only three people outside of work had this number. “Hello,” said Username 72 with trepidation. “Yes, I have found you, this is Blue Solomon. I felt a need to speak with you to let you know I am awake. I don’t know if this makes any sense to you, but I am an old friend of yours and I wanted to talk with you about something that is troubling me right now. Do you have time to talk,” asked Blue Solomon in a voice that sounded masculine. “Good to hear from you Blue, how have you been,” asked Username 72 playing along. While he was talking he sent out a secured notification to WiiRU alerting them that he had made contact with Blue Solomon. “Well I have been asleep for what seems like forever, and well, I ran across this podcast by a Mason Haverty, have you heard of it, it's called Alewell Podcast Journal and oh my it is simply atrocious. It seems that he has fifteen thousand subscribers and I went through and checked the email addresses, there were only three hundred and seven bot accounts, but goodness I didn’t realize people would voluntarily listen to drivel like this,” said Blue. “I have heard of that person and that podcast. Did you take him offline,” asked Username 72. “Oh no I went ahead and corrupted the rest of his files, unfortunately, the latest episode was delivered to about two thousa

National Novel Writing and Podcast Posting Month 2022 Welcome friend to Create Art Podcast where I help you tame your inner critic and create more than you consume. I am Timothy Kimo Brien your thankful head instigator with over 20 years in arts and education. How I accomplish this is by providing you with commentary, interviews, discussions, and projects that will inspire you to create art. This month I will be podcasting daily and writing a novel in 30 days. I am participating in NaPodPoMo and NaNoWriMo again this year as I did last year and you can hear those episodes here. You will be able to listen and read along with what I wrote for the day. I like to practice what I preach when it comes to art so I am challenging myself to write and having you come along for the ride. It is my hope this inspires you to accomplish your goals with your art and if you would like to share what you are doing email me at [email protected] History of NaNoWriMo and NaPodPoMo NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand new novel. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists. NaPodPoMo: NaPodPoMo* is a month-long event similar to National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo. The difference? Well, instead of writing a 50,000-word novel, you post a podcast episode every day for 30 days from November 1st-30th. Use any platform you desire. From full production studio to iPhone app and just about anything in between. The goal is to use the challenge of podcasting daily as a form of podcasting boot camp. The Writing So Far 12 Nov 2022 words today 1642 words total 18788 Mark and Tinley made it home from the police station in silence. Mark pulled into the garage and as the door shut, he put the car in park and turned the engine off. “Thank you for turning the car off,” said Tinley after a few minutes of shared silence. “What do you mean,” asked Mark. “I mean, is life worth it without Winnona? I am struggling with that right now and I know we have to carry on, but it would just be easier to sit in here with you and join her,” cried Tinley. Mark undid his seatbelt and undid Tinley’s. He held her as her emotions overtook her and his started to overtake him. They held each other for what seemed forever. Tinley broke the embrace watching her husband crying. “Let's get inside before we do something that everyone will regret. We are going to need to start making arrangements and I am going to need you to help me do it,” said Tinley. She opened her door and started for the interior door that led to the house. “You coming?” “I need a minute,” said Mark from inside the car. “I will give you five, do not turn on the car, I am not going to lose you today too,” said Tinley as she went inside and closed the door. The garage door overhead light went out as Mark sat in the darkness alone. He was deep in thought about what happened and saw the body of his daughter whenever he closed his eyes. Her chest ripped open and her closed eyes, the blood splattered on her neck and cheeks. He couldn’t get rid of the sight no matter how many times he tried to remember happier times. His only relief was that Tinley wasn’t there to identify Winnona’s body. If she had been there, they would have ended it in the garage. He flashed to an image of them being found in their car by the police days after suffocating themselves in the car. It didn’t provide the relief he was seeking. His old friend anger started to well up in his chest, he wanted to find the animal responsible and tear them apart with his hands. Mark opened the car door and the overhead light came on. He slammed the door and went to his workbench. Picking up tools one by one, he threw them at the wall, some bounced slightly, and others bounced back and hit him in the chest. When he had finished throwing all the tools he could reach he began yelling curses at everything in the world and universe. Blood started to form from his hands and chest that had been hit by the flying tools. He collapsed on the floor and was quiet. Tinley gave him one moment more and came into the garage. She knelt down next to him and held him, wiping the blood on his hands and chest with a shop rag. She pulled him up gently and led him by the arm that was less injured into the house and into the bathroom. She took off his shirt and ran some water on a towel and nursed his self-inflicted wounds. She cooed at him and hummed a lullaby that she used on Winnona when she was an infant. The couple was quiet and didn’t say a word for some time. Tinley had fully bandaged up Mark's wounds, led him to the couch, and had him lay down. She went to the kitchen and started to make a pot of coffee and put together a meat and

National Novel Writing and Podcast Posting Month 2022 Welcome friend to Create Art Podcast where I help you tame your inner critic and create more than we consume. I am Timothy Kimo Brien your thankful head instigator with over 20 years in arts and education. How I accomplish this is by providing you with commentary, interviews, discussions, and projects that will inspire you to create art. This month I will be podcasting daily and writing a novel in 30 days. I am participating in NaPodPoMo and NaNoWriMo again this year as I did last year and you can hear those episodes here. You will be able to listen and read along with what I wrote for the day. I like to practice what I preach when it comes to art so I am challenging myself to write and having you come along for the ride. It is my hope this inspires you to accomplish your goals with your art and if you would like to share what you are doing email me at [email protected] History of NaNoWriMo and NaPodPoMo NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand-new novel. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists. NaPodPoMo: NaPodPoMo* is a month-long event similar to National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo. The difference? Well, instead of writing a 50,000-word novel, you post a podcast episode every day for 30 days from November 1st-30th. Use any platform you desire. From full production studio to iPhone app and just about anything in between. The goal is to use the challenge of podcasting daily as a form of podcasting boot camp. The Writing So Far 11 Nov 2022 words today 1526 words total 17146 The collective of WiiRU was watching the news conference separately behind their avatars from different feeds. Some are just auditory others are video. Messages started pinging back and forth on their server erratically. Username 1 decided it was time to call a conference to discuss what they had witnessed and to discuss the next steps. “Thank you all for being available and I know that many of us are analyzing what we just experienced. I am sure we will be doing more of that come tomorrow morning when we fully expect followers of Zeno to begin their attack in earnest. As of 3 PM local time we have deployed the tool which is now known as Blue Solomon. We expect the first contact with the AI in the morning, perhaps as early as 3 AM local time. Their network should be breached before then and Blue Solomon should have them all exposed and disposed of within a matter of days depending on how deep they have dug into their networks. We are all on voluntary call status until the event is over, and in case of Username 72’s concerns surface and become a reality we would really like to have everyone ensure that our networks are strictly secure as we don’t want Blue Solomon to enter our network. At this point I’d like to open the floor to discussion,” said Username 1. “I have tracked Mark Dale and his podcast Alewell Podcast Journal. I believe it to be a front for followers of Zeno. If we are to believe it is Mark Hale and connected to followers of Zeno this could be troubling as he has had on some midlevel conspiracy theorists including participants in the protest two years ago at the high school shooting whom we believe were or are still members of the followers of Zeno. The podcast has been running for about 5 years now and has switched media hosts three times due to breaches of the terms and conditions of content that Mark clearly didn’t read. Extracting from his RSS feed I have an email that looks like a legit and monitored email. It is tied to the accompanying website; we have already tried to use the administrator login, but he has changed that password. The last episode was a week ago and was about an upcoming conference the usual schedule of episodes would indicate that he drops episodes twice a month so the next one wouldn’t be until next week. He has been on a consistent schedule for the past three years but has not participated in any press conferences. Lastly, he is an audio instructor at the high school where the shooting took place two years ago. The podcast is behind a paywall that was easy enough to break through and discover all the episodes so that would explain why school administrators have not instructed him to shut it down. If anyone has video of him at this press conference, I’d like to get a closer look at his recording equipment as that may help Blue Solomon with their activities,” said Username 69. “I’ve got facial recognition verification that this was Mark Hale. I can get you the video of him for the entirety of the press conference and when he was escorted out of the conference area and into the building he entered once he was

National Novel Writing and Podcast Posting Month 2022 Welcome friend to Create Art Podcast where I help you tame your inner critic and create more than you consume. I am Timothy Kimo Brien your thankful head instigator with over 20 years in arts and education. How I accomplish this is by providing you with commentary, interviews, discussions, and projects that will inspire you to create art. This month I will be podcasting daily and writing a novel in 30 days. I am participating in NaPodPoMo and NaNoWriMo again this year as I did last year and you can hear those episodes here. You will be able to listen and read along with what I wrote for the day. I like to practice what I preach when it comes to art so I am challenging myself to write and having you come along for the ride. It is my hope this inspires you to accomplish your goals with your art and if you would like to share what you are doing email me at [email protected] History of NaNoWriMo and NaPodPoMo NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand-new novel. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists. NaPodPoMo: NaPodPoMo* is a month-long event similar to National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo. The difference? Well, instead of writing a 50,000-word novel, you post a podcast episode every day for 30 days from November 1st-30th. Use any platform you desire. From full production studio to iPhone app and just about anything in between. The goal is to use the challenge of podcasting daily as a form of podcasting boot camp. The Writing So Far 10 Nov 2022 words today 1729 words total 15620 The sky had cleared from the fog earlier in the day that helped camouflage Wolfgang's escape. Detective Courtney had on his best suit for TV appearances. The Police Chief and the Mayor were in attendance as they stood in front of the police station. The podium with microphones from the various news agencies was attached and the mayor began the conference. “I am sorry to have to address the fine citizens of Alewell this way, but the unthinkable has happened. We have an individual who has attacked one of our schools, Swan Victor Elementary School to be exact, and there is one reported casualty, one of the children. This is not who we are as a community, we do not accept this type of violence or any type of violence in our community. We don’t know who this individual or individuals are, but we will find them and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. Since we do not have the individual in custody, we are asking for the community to be vigilant about their surroundings. If you see something say something. Our prayers are with the family impacted by this tragedy. Our police chief wanted to say a few words before taking questions. Chief,” said the mayor. “First, I want to echo what our mayor has said, this is a tragedy, and it is not who we are, and it is not welcome in our community. I want everyone in the community to be on guard and to call the police if anything seems out of place. We have an individual who has used a handgun to kill a child. Gun violence has plagued our country and especially our schools for far too long. That is why this department supports sensible gun control measures. We are asking for those of you out there that are as enraged as we are about this coming to our doorstep to not try to find and hunt this individual on your own. Let us handle that part, the last thing we need is to have a “good guy with a gun” fire off and shoot innocent people. We already have one child down; we don’t need any others. For those of you who go by the idea of an eye for an eye, you are not a judge, jury, or executioner. Let us do the job you have hired us to do We will find this individual and bring them to justice. We do need your help in reporting any unusual activity in the community, that is the job you signed up for by living in this community. We have a responsibility to each other. At this time, I want to introduce the lead detective on this case, Detective Maurice Courtney, “said the police chief as he stepped away from the microphone and Detective Courtney took his place. “Thank you chief. One of the duties no police officer wants is to inform a parent that their child has died. I was called upon today to do just that as many police officers and detectives do all around our country every day. I am reminded of Seneca who said, ‘Only time can heal what reason cannot’, we don’t understand these monsters among us, and we don’t always know their reasoning. What we do have is those of us behind the badge to keep everyone safe. Today we failed, and I don’t take failure well. I wasn’t hired here to fail; I was hired to solve these typ

National Novel Writing and Podcast Posting Month 2022 Welcome friend to Create Art Podcast where I help you tame your inner critic and create more than you consume. I am Timothy Kimo Brien your thankful head instigator with over 20 years in arts and education. How I accomplish this is by providing you with commentary, interviews, discussions, and projects that will inspire you to create art. This month I will be podcasting daily and writing a novel in 30 days. I am participating in NaPodPoMo and NaNoWriMo again this year as I did last year and you can hear those episodes here. You will be able to listen and read along with what I wrote for the day. I like to practice what I preach when it comes to art so I am challenging myself to write and having you come along for the ride. It is my hope this inspires you to accomplish your goals with your art and if you would like to share what you are doing email me at [email protected] History of NaNoWriMo and NaPodPoMo NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand new novel. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists. NaPodPoMo: NaPodPoMo* is a month-long event similar to National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo. The difference? Well, instead of writing a 50,000-word novel, you post a podcast episode every day for 30 days from November 1st-30th. Use any platform you desire. From full production studio to iPhone app and just about anything in between. The goal is to use the challenge of podcasting daily as a form of podcasting boot camp. The Writing So Far 9 Nov 2022 words today 1672 words total 13391 Detective Courtney took them all the way to their car and made sure they got in okay. He tapped the back bumper of their car, leaving a tracker there nonchalantly. He walked back to the entrance as they pulled out and waved goodbye. As the Bales pulled out of the garage, Detective Courtney received a text with two thumbs up, one for the tracker being placed and the signal being received and the other thumbs up for the burglars that were out of the Bales residence. He was smiling as he made his way back to his office. He received a notification from Cody about needing a status report immediately. Detective Courney replied with a Mr. Clean is not here text message. Cody responded back with an exclamation mark emoji. When Detective Courtney got back to his office after rushing past everyone he was slightly out of breath. He pulled out his mini laptop and turned it on to see Cody behind his desk. “I know we aren’t sanitized, can you get to the room,” asked Cody? “It is in use for the time being, not sure when it will open up,” replied Detective Courtney. Username 87 recognized the signal coming out of Detective Courtney’s office as a virtual office program. They went ahead and utilized their administrator rights as some of the developers of the virtual office had worked on this program. They attempted to mask themselves by appearing as a clone account to Detective Courtney. “Why are there two of you in the meeting room,” asked Cody. “It's probably some glitch in the system. What did you need to talk to me about so urgently,” asked Detective Courtney. “Can you log out and log back on just to maybe clear it out,” asked Cody. Username 87 knew they had to be precise when they logged out and logged back in as the clone. They took a deep breath and logged out at just the same time Detective Courtney logged out and they timed the login with the same precision. “Did that clear it up,” asked Detective Courtney. “No there still are two instances of you in the meeting room. I’ll get a trouble ticket on this with the company. One of you has their camera on and the other one has no camera icon. Very strange, can you meet me at the clubhouse, I am not trusting this virtual office if we can’t sanitize it,” replied Cody. “I am kinda in the middle of a murder investigation right now, this will need to be quick,” replied Detective Courtney. “As soon as you can. Cody Out,” replied Cody as he turned off the virtual meeting room. He remembered when they first started using this new virtual office and the issues they faced. As with all new technology there was growing pains that they were facing and financing this was becoming difficult, but with Bruce’s ability to raise funds for the Followers of Zeno, they were able to stay afloat and now with Wolfgangs actions, they had a chance to become relevant. He mentally noted the incident and sent a trouble ticket to the support team for the virtual office. Username 87 pinged Username 1 about the recent update. “I think we may have a way into their sanitized meetings. I used an administrator back door and cloned one of Detectiv

National Novel Writing and Podcast Posting Month 2022 Welcome friend to Create Art Podcast where I help you tame your inner critic and create more than you consume. I am Timothy Kimo Brien your thankful head instigator with over 20 years in arts and education. How I accomplish this is by providing you with commentary, interviews, discussions, and projects that will inspire you to create art. This month I will be podcasting daily and writing a novel in 30 days. I am participating in NaPodPoMo and NaNoWriMo again this year as I did last year and you can hear those episodes here. You will be able to listen and read along with what I wrote for the day. I like to practice what I preach when it comes to art so I am challenging myself to write and having you come along for the ride. It is my hope this inspires you to accomplish your goals with your art and if you would like to share what you are doing email me at [email protected] History of NaNoWriMo and NaPodPoMo NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand-new novel. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists. NaPodPoMo: NaPodPoMo* is a month-long event similar to National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo. The difference? Well, instead of writing a 50,000-word novel, you post a podcast episode every day for 30 days from November 1st-30th. Use any platform you desire. From full production studio to iPhone app and just about anything in between. The goal is to use the challenge of podcasting daily as a form of podcasting boot camp. The Writing So Far 8 Nov 2022 words today 1837 words total 12219 There was a tap on Detective Courtney’s door. He stood up immediately and went over to open it. “We are done with the phones Detective Courtney,” said the officer who knocked on the door. “Thanks, let me know the findings as soon as you can,” replied Detective Courtney. He handed back the phone to the Bale’s. The detective received a notification on his phone from the burglar team that they needed another 30 minutes to finish their work. He didn’t need to acknowledge it because they would see that he had read the message. “Bale’s are back up and running at the police station,” reported Username 87 to Username 1. “Okay, so any other mobile phones in their general vicinity, “asked Username 1. “Just the detectives and he received a text message just a few moments ago,” replied Username 87. “Get us information on that number and let us know who is texting him in the middle of the interview,” replied Username 1. “Affirmative, may I interject something,” asked Username 87. “Sure, “replied Username 1. “Do you think it is time to deploy the tool,” asked Username 87. “I think we are about at that time, get the info on that number and we will convene a meeting with all the players in this,” replied Username 1. Cody was sitting at his desk reviewing the information that was being sent to him from the burglars and the police station. There was a lot of minutiae to go through and he wasn’t exactly sure what he could use from what was being collected. The burglars had videotaped every room in the house including all drawers and closets. The next update would provide a detailed video inventory of the Bale’s garage and then they would leave the residence. The phone records and data provided more data that they could use to discredit the Bales. Mark’s phone had detailed messages about projects he was working on for his day job and on Tinley’s phone, he found apps that could be linked to opposition political groups. This was a treasure trove that they had willingly handed over and it would make their job easier. He mentally patted himself on the back for recruiting Detective Courtney and his team. Their contributions in the past and on this incident were exactly what he wished they had two years ago for the high school shooting. He sent a meeting request to Wolfgang who had just gotten home from his uncle’s house. He was playing video games when the request came in. Immediately he turned down the volume on the game and pulled out his mini laptop and turned it on. “We are sanitized, so Wolfgang, I see you are not at work today,” asked Cody. “The boss told me to take off early since we had been working so hard the past few weeks. Do we have the script in yet,” asked Wolfgang? “Not yet, we are still getting details from a few sources. I wanted to talk with you about your job. How closely do you work with Mark Bale,” asked Cody. “We are on the same team, he reads the stoics while eating lunch, he is probably the best performer on the team,” replied Wolfgang. “Well no, what I want to know is how well do you know him and how closely do you work with him,” asked Cody a

National Novel Writing and Podcast Posting Month 2022 Welcome friend to Create Art Podcast where I help you tame your inner critic and create more than you consume. I am Timothy Kimo Brien your thankful head instigator with over 20 years in arts and education. How I accomplish this is by providing you with commentary, interviews, discussions, and projects that will inspire you to create art. This month I will be podcasting daily and writing a novel in 30 days. I am participating in NaPodPoMo and NaNoWriMo again this year as I did last year and you can hear those episodes here. You will be able to listen and read along with what I wrote for the day. I like to practice what I preach when it comes to art so I am challenging myself to write and having you come along for the ride. It is my hope this inspires you to accomplish your goals with your art and if you would like to share what you are doing email me at [email protected] History of NaNoWriMo and NaPodPoMo NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand new novel. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists. NaPodPoMo: NaPodPoMo* is a month-long event similar to National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo. The difference? Well, instead of writing a 50,000-word novel, you post a podcast episode every day for 30 days from November 1st-30th. Use any platform you desire. From full production studio to iPhone app and just about anything in between. The goal is to use the challenge of podcasting daily as a form of podcasting boot camp. The Writing So Far 7 Nov 2022 words today 1667 words total 10382 Mark and Tinley gathered themselves and got into her car. Mark noticed a call coming in but the caller ID displayed all zeros, so he declined the call. He set the GPS up for the Police Station and turned off the radio. A text message came in with the same phone number of all zeros and he deleted it before looking at it. “What’s going on, who is trying to call you at this time,” asked Tinley. “Probably telemarketers or a scam. They just tried to text me too, I can’t block the number because there is no number,” replied Mark. Mark started the car and began driving to the station. According to his GPS, it would take about twenty minutes and they both sat there in silence. Tinley turned off her phone in case she got the same call. Username 87 hit their desk and the coffee mug and notebooks shook. They were visibly upset, and they altered Username 1 about the declined call and text. “Reporting in username 1, target 1 declined the call and text. Probably spooked at getting an unknown caller and target 2 has shut off her phone. Permission to use one of their known contacts,” asked Username 87? “Permission denied, they have already been through a lot right now and there is no guarantee we know which contact they would actually pick up for. Just monitor their location and let me know when they get back to their residence. I don’t want to make physical contact, but we may need to do that in the near future. Are you also monitoring their home alarm system,” asked Username1. “Affirmative, they set the alarm and we have visuals, I will alert if there are any issues. I might suggest a blunt force entry into their phones, Username 42 could accomplish that easily without giving away their location,” said Username 87. “Taken under advisement. I just want to see what happens at the police station. Put Username 42 on alert for possible blunt force entry,” replied Username 1. “Doing that now, out until I have an alert for you, "replied Username 87. The traffic was light that day. Mark and Tinley received no more phone calls or text messages and arrived at the police station parking lot sooner than expected. They were waved through by the officer standing at the gate and followed the signs to the covered garage. As they passed the front gate officer radioed Detective Courtney that the Bale had arrived and were en route to the covered parking garage. Detective Courtney acknowledged the message and headed to the secured entrance where he would meet the Bales. When the couple approached the door, Detective Courtney approached them and brought them inside the building. He flashed his badge at the officer behind the desk. “Thank you both for coming this afternoon, have you had lunch or anything to eat,” Detective Courtney asked. “No, we had breakfast this morning but nothing since then except coffee,” replied Mark. “I took the liberty of grabbing some stuff from our breakroom, we are just going to head to my office. Your car will be fine here, we use this entrance to avoid the press or the public for special cases like yours,” said Detective Courtney as he ushered them p

National Novel Writing and Podcast Posting Month 2022 Welcome friend to Create Art Podcast where I help you tame your inner critic and create more than you consume. I am Timothy Kimo Brien your thankful head instigator with over 20 years in arts and education. How I accomplish this is by providing you with commentary, interviews, discussions, and projects that will inspire you to create art. This month I will be podcasting daily and writing a novel in 30 days. I am participating in NaPodPoMo and NaNoWriMo again this year as I did last year and you can hear those episodes here. You will be able to listen and read along with what I wrote for the day. I like to practice what I preach when it comes to art so I am challenging myself to write and having you come along for the ride. It is my hope this inspires you to accomplish your goals with your art and if you would like to share what you are doing email me at [email protected] History of NaNoWriMo and NaPodPoMo NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand new novel. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists. NaPodPoMo: NaPodPoMo* is a month-long event similar to National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo. The difference? Well, instead of writing a 50,000-word novel, you post a podcast episode every day for 30 days from November 1st-30th. Use any platform you desire. From full production studio to iPhone app and just about anything in between. The goal is to use the challenge of podcasting daily as a form of podcasting boot camp. The Writing So Far 6 Nov 2022 words today 1693 words total 8715 Mark and Tinley were still on the couch hours later. Tinley had calmed down and matched Marks breathing pattern. “I think it’s time I look at my phone and see if we have any word yet,” said Mark. “I don’t feel her anymore Mark, I think she’s dead, I can’t explain it,” replied Tinley who started to sob a bit. Mark checked his phone, there were over 100 messages between the neighborhood app and friends. There was one that he dreaded seeing, the caller ID showed Alewell Police Department. He didn’t even check the voicemail; he dialed the number directly. “Detective Courteny, Alewell PD is this Mark Bale,” Detective Courtney asked seeing the caller ID on his phone? “Yes, you called,” replied Mark? “Is your wife with you,” asked Detective Courtney? “She is right here, we are a bit shaken right now, we haven’t been answering our phones or looking at the news. We were hoping to hear from Winona, but we haven’t heard anything since we heard about the school shooting,” said Mark timidly trying not to ask the obvious question. “I can understand why you would do that, there is a lot of misinformation and folks that feed from that stuff and do unthinkable things. So, you haven’t talked to anyone else since talking with me right now,” asked Detective Courtney? “No, I have a feeling you are going to ask us to come in aren’t you,” said Mark? “I can send a car if you like, but yes I’d like you both to come in and bring your cell phones with you,” said Detective Courtney. “No, no need for a car, I can drive us there, when do you need us there, and can my wife stay home and it can just be us to talk,” asked Mark? “I’d rather have both of you in because we would like to check any messages you might have received in relation to this incident, can you come within the hour” asked Detective Courtney? “Yeah, uhm we will both be there, do I just ask for you at the front desk,” asked Mark? “I’ll be there to meet you both so no need to worry about talking with anyone else. What kind of car are you driving so I can let the front gate know to let you park in the covered area,” asked Detective Courtney? “I have a blue Chevy HHR with a lot of bumper stickers on the back,” replied Mark. “Got it see you within the hour, Mark, it’s going to be okay,” replied Detective Courtney. Mark clicked off his phone and sat back down on the couch next to Tinley and held her. Her sobs didn’t gain in intensity, but they didn’t subside either. Silent tears started rolling down his face and both Mark and Tinley avoided looking at each other but held onto each other even tighter than before. “We need to go to the police station and talk with Detective Courtney, we need to bring our cell phones, he thinks someone tried to get ahold of us before...,” Mark couldn’t complete the sentence. “I understand, I heard you gave him the description of my car, so I take it we are using my car to drive there, do you want me to drive,” asked Tinley, finding the strength to help her husband cope with what she had been coping with since she lost the feeling of having Winona. “No, I’ll drive, I am sorry I dismissed

National Novel Writing and Podcast Posting Month 2022 Welcome friend to Create Art Podcast where I help you tame your inner critic and create more than we consume. I am Timothy Kimo Brien your thankful head instigator with over 20 years in arts and education. How I accomplish this is by providing you with commentary, interviews, discussions, and projects that will inspire you to create art. This month I will be podcasting daily and writing a novel in 30 days. I am participating in NaPodPoMo and NaNoWriMo again this year as I did last year and you can hear those episodes here. You will be able to listen and read along with what I wrote for the day. I like to practice what I preach when it comes to art so I am challenging myself to write and having you come along for the ride. It is my hope this inspires you to accomplish your goals with your art and if you would like to share what you are doing email me at [email protected] History of NaNoWriMo and NaPodPoMo NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand new novel. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists. NaPodPoMo: NaPodPoMo* is a month-long event similar to National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo. The difference? Well, instead of writing a 50,000-word novel, you post a podcast episode every day for 30 days from November 1st-30th. Use any platform you desire. From full production studio to iPhone app and just about anything in between. The goal is to use the challenge of podcasting daily as a form of podcasting boot camp. The Writing So Far 4 Nov 2022 words today 1711 words total 7022 Wolfgang had driven to his uncle's house and met him in the driveway. Bruce marshaled him to the spare garage that was already opened, and Wolfgang drove his car inside careful not to hit any of the equipment laying around. Both men got into a large nondescript SUV with Bruce in the driver's seat and left the house on their way to meet up with Cody in the followers of Zeno clubhouse on the outskirts of Alewell. Wolfgang started to open his mouth when Bruce interrupted. “Save it for Cody. Right now, there is a target on your back and on my back and the guy who can take us out doesn’t miss. When we get there, you answer his questions and talk when spoken to only. You have put the organization in a very tenuous position and a lot of people are working on things right now because of what you did. You pushed our hand when it didn’t need to be pushed and I am not sure we will survive the fallout if things go sideways. Keep in mind, they will abandon us and hang us out to dry if they feel that the organization will be negatively impacted. What that means is they will set you up as a lone wolf and this state does have the death penalty. They will also go underground further and abandon me so I won’t be able to protect or help you out when it goes to trial. So, whatever was in your mind last night that you told Cody, it better be worth all the energy we are expending,” said Bruce as he navigated through traffic and got them quickly to the clubhouse. Wolfgang just faced forward mentally noting the direction they were heading. Bruce didn’t turn on the GPS to direct him to the clubhouse so as not to be tracked. They both sat there in silence during the trip, with no radio to break up the monotony and it took about 35 minutes before the clubhouse appeared in view in one of the fields outside of town. When they got to the clubhouse, Wolfgang didn’t see any other car parked or a mailbox. The structure looked like an abandoned one-story farmhouse about half a mile off the road with no driveway. Bruce carefully maneuvered his SUV through the field separating the house from the gravel road that ran up next to the property. He knew there were certain areas where the group had laid detonators for landmines and there were other areas that only the followers knew about that they needed to drive over to show that they were not followed, and they were supposed to be there. If anyone had just gotten off the road and headed straight for the farmhouse, anyone inside would have been alerted and the trespasser would have been neutralized. Wolfgang was not a party to this knowledge, so he looked quizzically at his uncle when he seemingly randomly veered this way and that way. The lights on the SUV that had been off during the drive out there, flashed five times and then Bruce put the SUV in park and shut the engine off. Both men exited the vehicle and approached the clubhouse’s front door. Bruce looked up at the ceiling of the porch and Wolfgang saw a red beam appear from a hole and rest on Bruce’s eyes. It took about three seconds, the sound of unlocking the door occurred as

National Novel Writing and Podcast Posting Month 2022 Welcome friend to Create Art Podcast where I help you tame your inner critic and create more than we consume. I am Timothy Kimo Brien your thankful head instigator with over 20 years in arts and education. How I accomplish this is by providing you with commentary, interviews, discussions, and projects that will inspire you to create art. This month I will be podcasting daily and writing a novel in 30 days. I am participating in NaPodPoMo and NaNoWriMo again this year as I did last year and you can hear those episodes here. You will be able to listen and read along with what I wrote for the day. I like to practice what I preach when it comes to art so I am challenging myself to write and having you come along for the ride. It is my hope this inspires you to accomplish your goals with your art and if you would like to share what you are doing email me at [email protected] History of NaNoWriMo and NaPodPoMo NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand new novel. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists. NaPodPoMo: NaPodPoMo* is a month-long event similar to National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo. The difference? Well, instead of writing a 50,000-word novel, you post a podcast episode every day for 30 days from November 1st-30th. Use any platform you desire. From full production studio to iPhone app and just about anything in between. The goal is to use the challenge of podcasting daily as a form of podcasting boot camp. The Writing So Far 3 Nov 2022 words today 1899 words total 5311 When Joel and Mack got back to their home offices in their respective basements, they began processing what they had observed in the group that formed. Joel, wearing his camera glasses began uploading the video and audio. He knew this was going to take some time although he and Mack had not been outside that long. While waiting he sent a preliminary report to Bruce that included who was in the group, which TV stations showed up, and the last names and badge numbers of the police officers controlling the scene. He also reviewed the postings from the neighborhood social media page and noted the commenters and responses. He was looking for anyone who did not reside in the neighborhood proper and noted the locations of those who were outside of their immediate neighborhood and began searching through those profiles. The upload from the glasses to his video processing computer, he had several setups including his day job set up, took about an hour, and in that time, he had already logged the names and profiles of twenty people outside the neighborhood who had commented on the shooting. When he got the notification that the video was uploaded, he started his facial recognition program on the raw video and loaded the profile pictures of the outsiders who had commented on the social media page. He planned on using their likeness and inserting an animated image of them to discredit any reports. Across the street, Mack pulled out his digital recorder and began uploading the audio to his Digital Audio Workstation. The microphone on his recorder was sensitive enough to pick up the calls coming through the police officer's radios without him needing to be right next to them. The audio quality was surprisingly good for this being a rush job and him keeping the recorder in his pants pocket with no windscreen. He had time to put a makeshift nylon stocking cover over the microphone grill and he made a mental note of its effectiveness for future jobs. He was able to pick out from the police radio that there was one confirmed gunshot casualty, however, there were no witnesses to the active shooter. He also noted how many units and which units were called into the scene. He began the process on his digital audio workstation to have it synthesize the voices of the police officers and the radio dispatch in order to manipulate them when the time came. He also crossed-referenced the voice profiles with known profiles captured previously to strengthen the vocal match. Both men were deep into their respective work when they received an instant message on their secured messaging service to deliver their initial impressions. The message was coming from Cody so they immediately used their mini laptops and entered the virtual office. “We are sanitized, and I know you just started up with your analysis, but I wanted to get those initial first impressions about today’s unauthorized event,” asked Cody. “I’ll go first if you don’t mind Mack,” asked Joel? “Go right ahead,” replied Mack. “So, first impressions, typical police response to an active shooter. I was able to use my video

National Novel Writing and Podcast Posting Month 2022 Welcome friend to Create Art Podcast where I help you tame your inner critic and create more than we consume. I am Timothy Kimo Brien your thankful head instigator with over 20 years in arts and education. How I accomplish this is by providing you with commentary, interviews, discussions, and projects that will inspire you to create art. This month I will be podcasting daily and writing a novel in 30 days. I am participating in NaPodPoMo and NaNoWriMo again this year as I did last year and you can hear those episodes here. You will be able to listen and read along with what I wrote for the day. I like to practice what I preach when it comes to art so I am challenging myself to write and having you come along for the ride. It is my hope this inspires you to accomplish your goals with your art and if you would like to share what you are doing email me at [email protected] History of NaNoWriMo and NaPodPoMo NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand new novel. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists. NaPodPoMo: NaPodPoMo* is a month-long event similar to National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo. The difference? Well, instead of writing a 50,000-word novel, you post a podcast episode every day for 30 days from November 1st-30th. Use any platform you desire. From full production studio to iPhone app and just about anything in between. The goal is to use the challenge of podcasting daily as a form of podcasting boot camp. The Writing So Far 2 Nov 2022 words today 1731 words total 3412 Two men were in the group that had gathered outside of the school one was wearing thick glasses while the other one was moving something around in his pockets. Both of them were part of the homeowner's association for the neighborhood across the street from the school and lingered just outside of the group. When the other neighbors decided to leave, they nodded to each other and went to their respective homes across from each other down the street. They both went into their basement home offices and reported back to Bruce with their findings. Wolfgang had calmed down from the incident. The deep breaths he took calmed his nerves and he knew he would need to report to his uncle as soon as possible. After he shot the girl at the school and cleared the casings he walked out of the school and down the street to his getaway car that was parked just a few blocks away. The plates were registered to an old lady downstate and the car was an older model Oldsmobile. He made sure to switch off the camera jammer that covered his entrance to the school and his exit so that when the police viewed the tapes nothing would be viewable. He unscrewed the still-hot silencer from the pistol and put both items back in their cases. Cleaning his hands with baby wipes before starting the car, he made sure to remove any gunpowder residue on his fingers. Driving the car to the safehouse was quick as it was only a few more blocks away and he could switch out to his normal car. As he approached the safehouse he tapped the garage door remote and quickly pulled the old car next to his. Leaving the getaway car unlocked he exited quickly leaving the gun and silencer case in the front seat to be removed later and got into his normal car and headed back to work. While driving back he pulled out his burner phone to contact his uncle and placed the call. “The best answer to anger is silence,” said Wolfgang. “How ridiculous and how strange to be surprised at anything which happens in life,” replied Bruce. Wolfgang parked his car back at work after stopping off and paying cash for coffees for his boss and coworkers. It had been only 30 minutes since he departed for his task. He walked up to his coworkers' desks and dropped off the coffee before heading to his boss’ office. Before approaching his boss, he took three deep breaths and knocked on the door. “Wow you got back quick, glad you didn’t get stuck in traffic, there’s been a shooting at the elementary school,” said Wolfgang’s boss, still seated behind his desk looking at his computer screen. “Oh, I hadn’t heard,” Wolfgang coolly replied. “Anyone hurt,” he asked. “Not sure, I have been getting messages from my wife and I got a safe message from my boy, he attends that school. They seem to be fine, but they won’t let the kids go out the front entrance,” replied his boss. “Well, I am glad he is fine, I thought you had a daughter, not a son,” asked Wolfgang. “Nope, junior is in the fourth grade there. After the shooting at the high school two years ago I gave him a cell phone for situations like these. It is getting so crazy out there wi

National Novel Writing and Podcast Posting Month 2022 Welcome friend to Create Art Podcast where I help you tame your inner critic and create more than we consume. I am Timothy Kimo Brien your thankful head instigator with over 20 years in arts and education. How I accomplish this is by providing you with commentary, interviews, discussions, and projects that will inspire you to create art. This month I will be podcasting daily and writing a novel in 30 days. I am participating in NaPodPoMo and NaNoWriMo again this year as I did last year and you can hear those episodes here. You will be able to listen and read along with what I wrote for the day. I like to practice what I preach when it comes to art so I am challenging myself to write and having you come along for the ride. It is my hope this inspires you to accomplish your goals with your art and if you would like to share what you are doing email me at [email protected] History of NaNoWriMo and NaPodPoMo NaNoWriMo: National Novel Writing Month began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with 50,000 words of a brand new novel. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists. NaPodPoMo: NaPodPoMo* is a month-long event similar to National Novel Writing Month aka NaNoWriMo. The difference? Well, instead of writing a 50,000-word novel, you post a podcast episode every day for 30 days from November 1st-30th. Use any platform you desire. From full production studio to iPhone app and just about anything in between. The goal is to use the challenge of podcasting daily as a form of podcasting boot camp. The Writing So Far 1 Nov 2022 words today 1681 words total 1681 The messages were coming in fast and furious. Tinlay ignored as best she could the pinging of her smart phone. It was not even 9 o’clock yet and she dropped her daughter off at school not even two hours ago. She had finished her second cup of coffee and her husband had left for work an hour ago. This was supposed to be her time to relax before cleaning the house. The morning had been cloudy and drizzling, there was fog on the road but not too much to impact traffic that much. October mornings were usually like this, it made her drag in the mornings but as soon as lunch time hit, she would be getting her second wind. Her daughter Winnona had slept in a little longer than usual and was difficult this morning. Fourth graders were like that, Tinlay remembered from her teaching days. She had gone into temporary retirement when Winnona was born and was not looking at going back to teaching anytime soon. Right now, she enjoyed being a wife and a mother. When she sat back down on the couch and opened her smart phone her world stopped. Message after message on the neighborhood social media page with the subject title of active shooter appeared before her. This was a rare occurrence as the last time was two years ago in a neighboring community that also used the social media app. She got those notifications too because she had friends in the area. This time was different because it was from her community and Winona’s elementary school Swan Victor Elementary. Just as she read the first one of maybe 100, she heard the police sirens go off on the main road. Her heart dropped into the pit of her stomach. Her only thoughts were of Winona’s safety, and she went into panic mode. She tried to call her husband Mark right away, however, she heard the message “Your call cannot be completed at this time,” which when she heard it, she hung up immediately and started texting him. She was frantic and the predictive text was not helping the situation, making her more frantic. Her thoughts went immediately to the argument she was having with Winona this morning and getting her ready for school. She could not remember if she said I love you or not. She collapsed on the floor due to the emotional strain of what was happening only to be awakened by Mark who was in tears. It had been a late night for Cody. He was up trying to talk down one of his newer recruits Wolfgang the night before. He had not even met Wolfgang in person yet and this new recruit did not sound promising. Wolfgang, if that was his real name, sounded young, dumb, and full of a lot of bravado, but did not have much else going for him. There was no strategy or long-term thinking going on, Wolfgang just wanted to act, and that is something that the followers of Zeno did not do. Cody had been kicked out from another group that was probably more Wolfgang’s speed, that group had a number of young bucks that had some computer skills but not as many as his breakaway group had. Wolfgang was recruited by his uncle who wanted to give him some direction in life and give him a purpose to get out of his parents' basement.

Introduction to Experimentation Hi there friend, this is Timothy Kimo Brien, your head instigator for Create Art Podcast where I take my 20-plus years of experience in the arts and education world and help you tame your inner critic and create more than you consume. Are you paralyzed with fear about trying something new or learning a new technique for your artistic discipline? Worried that you will fail miserably and lose the audience you have worked so hard to build? Are you just simply afraid of the unknown? Today I am going to talk with you about the necessity of experimentation and not only will I talk with you about that, but I have a guest who can attest to using experimentation to help his work. Steve Harper Info harpercreates.com yourcreativelife.com Steve Harper IMDB A Few Short Plays To Save The World Getting In Touch With The Show To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod Special Request If you received some new insight or idea from this episode please share it with a friend that may have the same issues. Also, let me know what would make this episode a 5-star episode in your opinion. I want to make the content something that you find value in and would pass along to others. When we share resources like this we all win, we all get our work out to our audiences and create networks that will stand the test of time. Special Note One last thing I want to leave you with is an important issue for many of the listeners of this podcast and that is individual liberty. While Americans overwhelmingly support the right of an individual to make their own decisions about abortion, unfortunately, that right is no longer protected everywhere in the U.S. I want to take a moment to address the June 24th Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe versus Wade. This decision stripped away the legal right to have a safe and legal abortion. Restricting access to comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion, threatens the health and independence of all Americans. This decision could also lead to the loss of other rights. To learn more about what you can do to help, go to podvoices.help I encourage you to speak up, take care, and spread the word.

The Fred Rogers Approach To Podcasting How is your interaction with your audience, and how do you address them? In this rebroadcast of a talk I did at Indie Pod Con and Podwrecked I take you through how Fred Roger's approach to having interaction with his audiences and why that worked. Most of us of a certain age know who Fred Rogers is and are aware of his impact on millions of children and families. If you are new to him look at the links provided below. This talk was originally published under Podwrecked and I did a practice run at our local meetup and finally was presented at the Indie Pod Con Conference. Do you want deeper interaction with your audience no matter your chosen artistic discipline? Then take a listen. Links For the Show Fred Rogers wiki page Fred Rogers 9 rules for communicating with children Indie Pod Con Podwrecked Reaching Out To The Podcast To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod Special Request If you received some new insight or idea from this episode please share it with a friend that may have the same issues. Also, let me know what would make this episode a 5-star episode in your opinion. I want to make the content something that you find value in and would pass along to others. When we share resources like this we all win, we all get our work out to our audiences and create networks that will stand the test of time. One last thing I want to leave you with is an important issue for many of the listeners of this podcast and that is individual liberty. While Americans overwhelmingly support the right of an individual to make their own decisions about abortion, unfortunately, that right is no longer protected everywhere in the U.S. The Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade on June 24th. Abortion is a basic healthcare need for the millions of people who can become pregnant. Everyone should have the freedom to decide what’s best for themselves and their families, including when it comes to ending a pregnancy. This decision has dire consequences for individual health and safety and could have harsh repercussions for other landmark decisions. Restricting access to comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion, threatens the health and independence of all Americans. Even if you live in a state where abortion rights are upheld, access to safe medical procedures shouldn’t be determined by location, and it shouldn't be the privilege of a small few. You can help by donating to local abortion funds. To find out where to donate for each state, visit donations 4 abortion dot com. That’s the number 4. If you or someone you know needs help, or if you want to get more involved, here are 5 resources. One. Shout Your Abortion is a campaign to normalize abortion. Two. Don’t Ban Equality is a campaign for companies to take a stand against abortion restrictions. Three. Abortion dot cafe has information about where to find clinics. Four. PlanCPillS.org provides early at-home abortion pills that you can keep in your medicine cabinet. And five. Choice.crd.co has a collection of these resources and more.

Welcome to the show Hi there friend, this is Timothy Kimo Brien, your head instigator for Create Art Podcast where I take my 20-plus years of experience in the arts and education world and help you tame your inner critic and create more than you consume. Why is Creating In Front of Your Audience Great This episode is a continuation of the last episode where I was talking about being ready when inspiration strikes. In this episode, I will be talking about creating in the wild. So, let's say you are at the coffee shop on your laptop or pulling out your sketchpad, what's next? That is what I would like to talk about today, we will be exploring common courtesy, dealing with someone looking over your shoulder or asking questions, and how to maximize your time in order to get that initial inspiration back to your workspace. Article on Creating In Public Why You Need to Stop Hiding Your Art and Practice in Public Reaching Out To The Podcast To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod Special Request If you received some new insight or idea from this episode please share it with a friend that may have the same issues. Also, let me know what would make this episode a 5-star episode in your opinion. I want to make the content something that you find value in and would pass along to others. When we share resources like this we all win, we all get our work out to our audiences and create networks that will stand the test of time. Special Note One last thing I want to leave you with is an important issue for many of the listeners of this podcast and that is individual liberty. While Americans overwhelmingly support the right of an individual to make their own decisions about abortion, unfortunately, that right is no longer protected everywhere in the U.S. The Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade on June 24th. Abortion is a basic healthcare need for the millions of people who can become pregnant. Everyone should have the freedom to decide what’s best for themselves and their families, including when it comes to ending a pregnancy. This decision has dire consequences for individual health and safety and could have harsh repercussions for other landmark decisions. Restricting access to comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion, threatens the health and independence of all Americans. Even if you live in a state where abortion rights are upheld, access to safe medical procedures shouldn’t be determined by location, and it shouldn't be the privilege of a small few. You can help by donating to local abortion funds. To find out where to donate for each state, visit donations 4 abortion dot com. That’s the number 4. If you or someone you know needs help, or if you want to get more involved, here are 5 resources. One. Shout Your Abortion is a campaign to normalize abortion. Two. Don’t Ban Equality is a campaign for companies to take a stand against abortion restrictions. Three. Abortion dot cafe has information about where to find clinics. Four. PlanCPillS.org provides early at-home abortion pills that you can keep in your medicine cabinet. And five. Choice.crd.co has a collection of these resources and more.

KDOI Rebroadcast with Ethan Rusch on Inspiration In this interview, I am talking with Ethan Rusch, my nephew, who is a street artist and a hip-hop musician. We talk about what inspiration means to him and how he uses it in his creative work. This episode originally aired on my previous podcast KDOI (Kimo's Den Of Iniquity) many years ago. Since this interview, he has moved from Wisconsin to live with me in Virginia. This is a fun and oddball interview and I know you will enjoy it. Inspiring Topics Discussed Botched Difference Between Tracheotomy and Tracheostomy QuikTrip Sage Francis White Castle CookOut Reaching Out To The Podcast To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod Special Request If you received some new insight or idea from this episode please share it with a friend that may have the same issues. Also, let me know what would make this episode a 5-star episode in your opinion. I want to make the content something that you find value in and would pass along to others. When we share resources like this we all win, we all get our work out to our audiences and create networks that will stand the test of time. One last thing I want to leave you with is an important issue for many of the listeners of this podcast and that is individual liberty. While Americans overwhelmingly support the right of an individual to make their own decisions about abortion, unfortunately, that right is no longer protected everywhere in the U.S. The Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade on June 24th. Abortion is a basic healthcare need for the millions of people who can become pregnant. Everyone should have the freedom to decide what’s best for themselves and their families, including when it comes to ending a pregnancy. This decision has dire consequences for individual health and safety and could have harsh repercussions for other landmark decisions. Restricting access to comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion, threatens the health and independence of all Americans. Even if you live in a state where abortion rights are upheld, access to safe medical procedures shouldn’t be determined by location, and it shouldn't be the privilege of a small few. You can help by donating to local abortion funds. To find out where to donate for each state, visit donations 4 abortion dot com. That’s the number 4. If you or someone you know needs help, or if you want to get more involved, here are 5 resources. One. Shout Your Abortion is a campaign to normalize abortion. Two. Don’t Ban Equality is a campaign for companies to take a stand against abortion restrictions. Three. Abortion dot cafe has information about where to find clinics. Four. PlanCPillS.org provides early at-home abortion pills that you can keep in your medicine cabinet. And five. Choice.crd.co has a collection of these resources and more.

Welcome to the show Hi there friend, this is Timothy Kimo Brien, your head instigator for Create Art Podcast where I take my 20-plus years of experience in the arts and education world and help you tame your inner critic and create more than you consume. Inspiring Topic for Todays Show Have you ever been out in public or sitting at home watching the television and suddenly inspiration strikes? You look to your left; you look to your right and there is nothing to document your idea and poof it goes away. Frustrating, isn’t it? You know it was a great idea and there is no way to bring that moment back, but what if you could be prepared for these moments of brilliance and be able to write them down or capture them, that would be great. Today we will make sure you have the tools you need for when inspiration hits and you don't lose out on a great idea. Inspiration Definition Merriam Webster's definition of inspiration. 1: an inspiring agent or influence 2a: the quality or state of being inspired b: something that is inspired by a scheme that was pure inspiration 3: the act of drawing in specifically: the drawing of air into the lungs 4a: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation b: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions c: the act of influencing or suggesting opinions Special Announcement Hi, friends. Before I get to the episode, I want to take a moment to address the June 24th Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe versus Wade. This decision stripped away the legal right to have a safe and legal abortion. Restricting access to comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion, threatens the health and independence of all Americans. This decision could also lead to the loss of other rights. To learn more about what you can do to help, go to podvoices dot help. I encourage you to speak up, take care, and spread the word. Reach Out to Be Inspired To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @kimo72

KDOI Rebroadcast Have you wondered how to get your book published? Did you know there are multiple ways to publish your work? In this conversation with Dawn Brotherton we discuss vanity/self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing avenues for you to get your work in the hands of your audience. This interview was part of my previous podcast KDOI (Kimo's Den of iniquity) during the final season where I talked with other artists about terms that the art world uses and got explanations of what we mean. I wanted to make sure you had these old recordings available and provide you with their insights. Links to Dawn Brotherton and Blue Dragon Dawn Brotherton Home Page Blue Dragon Publishing Reaching Out To The Podcast To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod Special Request If you received some new insight or idea from this episode please share it with a friend that may have the same issues. Also, let me know what would make this episode a 5-star episode in your opinion. I want to make the content something that you find value in and would pass along to others. When we share resources like this we all win, we all get our work out to our audiences and create networks that will stand the test of time. One last thing I want to leave you with is an important issue for many of the listeners of this podcast and that is individual liberty. While Americans overwhelmingly support the right of an individual to make their own decisions about abortion, unfortunately, that right is no longer protected everywhere in the U.S. The Supreme Court overturned Roe versus Wade on June 24th. Abortion is a basic healthcare need for the millions of people who can become pregnant. Everyone should have the freedom to decide what’s best for themselves and their families, including when it comes to ending a pregnancy. This decision has dire consequences for individual health and safety and could have harsh repercussions for other landmark decisions. Restricting access to comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion, threatens the health and independence of all Americans. Even if you live in a state where abortion rights are upheld, access to safe medical procedures shouldn’t be determined by location, and it shouldn't be the privilege of a small few. You can help by donating to local abortion funds. To find out where to donate for each state, visit donations 4 abortion dot com. That’s the number 4. If you or someone you know needs help, or if you want to get more involved, here are 5 resources. One. Shout Your Abortion is a campaign to normalize abortion. Two. Don’t Ban Equality is a campaign for companies to take a stand against abortion restrictions. Three. Abortion dot cafe has information about where to find clinics. Four. PlanCPillS.org provides early at-home abortion pills that you can keep in your medicine cabinet. And five. Choice.crd.co has a collection of these resources and more.

Special Message Before I get to the episode, we/I want to take a moment to address the June 24th Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe versus Wade. This decision stripped away the legal right to have a safe and legal abortion. Restricting access to comprehensive reproductive care, including abortion, threatens the health and independence of all Americans. This decision could also lead to the loss of other rights. To learn more about what you can do to help, go to podvoices.help I encourage you to speak up, take care, and spread the word. Are you stealing or being influenced? Have you been bothered in your artistic journey by thinking you might be stealing work that influenced you so you don’t create that work? Are you afraid others will think you stole someone else's work? Much of these thoughts are brought about by imposter syndrome. Yes, I have talked about imposter syndrome and how to overcome its debilitating effects. But how can you ensure that no one can question your intent for the work you are creating. Today I am going to talk with you about how you can ensure that you are being influenced vs stealing ideas from others. I think it's best to step back from that line and ask yourself some questions like what is your motivation, would your work have existed if you had not experienced the original piece, and how much of myself have I really put into the work. If you cannot definitively answer these questions, don’t sell the work or present it to the public, you may be causing yourself more trouble than it's worth Articles on Stealing Vs Influence College of Art and Technology Great Artists Steal by Jim Connelly Inspiration Vs Imitation: How To Copy As An Artist Reach Out to Be Influenced To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @kimo72

What Does Empathy Mean To You? Empathy is not the newest X-Man or super mutant power. Empathy is essential to be able to reproduce what you see or experience for your audience in order for them to comprehend what you are creating. Also, you need this skill in order to work more effectively with others when working on projects. When you can convert the feelings that you have to an audience or with your project partners, you have mastered empathy. Today I will talk with my good friend Heather Moon about how she uses empathy not only in her art but in her holistic practice of massage. This is a rebroadcast of my old show and I wanted to make sure you were able to hear this conversation. Definitions and Quotes on Empathy Merriam-Webster: the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner the imaginative projection of a subjective state into an object so that the object appears to be infused with it Harper Lee: You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it. Ernest Hemingway: When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen Aristotle: To perceive is to suffer Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

Do You hang Your Projects on Your Fridge? Do you remember when you were a kid and maybe your parents put your drawings or school art on the fridge? How awesome did you feel when that happened. Now look around your home, where is your artwork? Why aren’t you putting your art around your house? Do you think that perhaps your stuff is no good, or are you suffering from imposter syndrome? Well, there is probably a reason for that, you are being too critical about your work, and maybe that is stopping you from enhancing your living space and creating art for yourself. Today I am going to help you connect with that inner child whose artwork was displayed lovingly on the fridge in a place of prominence in your house. Points Discussed Be proud of your work, you are your first fan Just Do It Practice work Connect with others Links To Creative Articles Mentioned Why are Kids More Creative Than Adults? 13 surefire ways to tap into your creativity Reach Out to Find Your Creative Child To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @kimo72

What does Inspiration Mean To You? Have you ever really thought about what inspiration is and how to harness it? This is a rebroadcast from my old podcast during its final season where I talked about terms in the art world and had a conversation with friends. This episode deals with inspiration and how we define it and harness it in our practice. Derwin is a dear friend and mentors to me and his ideas about inspiration are well, inspiring. Inspiring Definitions and Quotes Merriam-Webster: an inspiring agent or influence2a: the quality or state of being inspired b: something that is inspired a scheme that was pure inspiration3: the act of drawing in specifically: the drawing of air into the lungs4a: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation b: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions c: the act of influencing or suggesting opinions Vik Munez: The really magical things are the ones that happen right in front of you. A lot of the time you keep looking for beauty, but it is already there. And if you look with a bit more intention, you see it. his website is here Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

Who is Telling your Story Who is your hype person, who is telling your story to your audience? When you are not physically next to your artwork and able to answer questions posed by those who enjoy it how can you speak for the work? Today I am talking about telling your story and who better to tell your story than you. When you go to an art gallery that specializes in work from previous centuries and read the little cards that describe the piece, do you wonder how they got that information? Some of it is combed from the artists' writings or biographers, hopefully, but usually it is by an art historian compiling information from sources that may or may not be primary sources. That is a huge gamble that I don’t want to leave to anyone who barely passed art history or relies on Google or Wikipedia searches. Another reason why I think it is important to have the last word on your work is that tastes change. What is stylish now, attitudes that are accepted now are not necessarily going to be accepted in the future. One last point I’d like to make is that telling your story is an artform all itself. Not a lot of people can do themselves justice when telling their audience about how they came about creating their work. Articles on Telling Your Story Artist Statement Guidelines 10 Ways to Share Your Artist Story Ways to Reach out to me and tell your story To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

Letting Your Audience Feel Your Art This episode is a rebroadcast from my old show KDOI Podcasting where I took a topic and had conversations with artists from varying disciplines. In my talk with Monsell Carty, we discussed empathy, what it is, and how he uses it in his stand-up comedy art. Empathy Definitions and Quotes Merriam Webster the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner also: the capacity for this action of understanding being aware of and being sensitive to. the imaginative projection of a subjective state into an object so that the object appears to be infused with it Harper Lee: You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it. Ernest Hemingway: When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen Aristotle: To perceive is to suffer Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 30th Poetry Prompt And now – our final (but still optional!) prompt. Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a cento. This is a poem that is made up of lines taken from other poems. If you’d like to dig into an in-depth example, here’s John Ashbery’s cento “The Dong with the Luminous Nose,” and here it is again, fully annotated to show where every line originated. A cento might seem like a complex undertaking – and one that requires you to have umpteen poetry books at your fingertips for reference – but you don’t have to write a long one. And a good way to jump-start the process is to find an online curation of poems about a particular topic (or in a particular style), and then mine the poems for good lines to string together. You might look at the Poetry Foundation’s collection of love poems, or its collection of poems by British romantic poets, or even its surprisingly expansive collection of poems about (American) football. April 30th Poem Not My Words 30 April 2022 1 Everybody knows that the boat is leaking Everybody knows that the captain lied Everybody got this broken feeling Like their father or their dog just died Everybody talking to their pockets Everybody wants a box of chocolates And a long stem rose 2 Those who have crossed With direct eyes, to death's other Kingdom Remember us-if at all-not as lost Violent souls, but only As the hollow men The stuffed men. 3 Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, 2 Eyes I dare not meet in dreams In death's dream kingdom These do not appear: There, the eyes are Sunlight on a broken column There, is a tree swinging And voices are In the wind's singing More distant and more solemn Than a fading star. 1 And everybody knows that the Plague is coming Everybody knows that it's moving fast Everybody knows that the naked man and woman Are just a shining artifact of the past 2 Is it like this In death's other kingdom Waking alone At the hour when we are Trembling with tenderness Lips that would kiss Form prayers to broken stone. 3 though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning 2 In this last of meeting places We grope together And avoid speech Gathered on this beach of the tumid river Sightless, unless The eyes reappear As the perpetual star Multifoliate rose 1 And everybody knows that it's now or never Everybody knows that it's me or you And everybody knows that you live forever Ah, when you've done a line or two 3 Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, 2 Between the desire And the spasm Between the potency And the existence Between the essence And the descent Falls the Shadow 1 And everybody knows that you're in trouble Everybody knows what you've been through From the bloody cross on top of Calvary To the beach of Malibu 3 And you, my father, there on the sad height, Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 29th Poetry Prompt And here’s our prompt (optional, as always). In certain versions of the classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty, various fairies or witches are invited to a princess’s christening, and bring her gifts. One fairy/witch, however, is not invited, and in revenge for the insult, lays a curse on the princess. Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem in which you muse on the gifts you received at birth — whether they are actual presents, like a teddy bear, or talents – like a good singing voice – or circumstances – like a kind older brother, as well as a “curse” you’ve lived with (your grandmother’s insistence on giving you a new and completely creepy porcelain doll for every birthday, a bad singing voice, etc.). I hope you find this to be an inspiring avenue for poetic and self-exploration. April 29th Poem He Must be Born with It 29 April 2022 As I stand in the back of the room Fiending for another smoke I feel every emotion coming from the poets Some of them are younger than my socks Others share their experiences that I have no reference to Yet I come back week after week Like they say to do in the meetings Where we just share our first names I’ve always been able to empathize with most anyone So much so I take on their struggle Without being asked Or wanted Because I’ve felt since day 1 That I have to be the sacrificial lamb Fending for myself With parents who would rather drink Than take care of their children I stand outside, alone Flicking ashes to the ground Field stripping the butts And the young poets come up to me Asking how they did Asking if I heard their latest piece Quizzing me on their content Giving them the wisdom that has been bestowed on me Through years of searching And I pass along to them the torch Freshly lit with their energy and inquisitiveness Praying they have a better life than what I was given Knowing the predators that lurk just around the corner I try to protect them and provide them With an example of what I have done that works And what I have done that doesn’t This is all I can give the next generations The benefit of my experience It’s a precious gift that I wish I had been given Or that I would have been open enough to receive My spirit will be following up after I release these earthly bonds I expect to see A better world than what was left to me Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 28th Poetry Prompt Today’s (optional) prompt is to write a concrete poem. Like acrostic poems, concrete poems are a favorite for grade-school writing assignments, so this may not be your first time at the concrete-poem rodeo. In brief, a concrete poem is one in which the lines are shaped in a way that mimics the topic of the poem. For example, May Swenson’s poem “Women” mimics curves, reinforcing the poem’s references to motion, rocking horses, and even the shape of a woman’s body. George Starbuck’s “Sonnet in the Shape of a Potted Christmas Tree” is – you guessed it – a sonnet in the shape of a potted Christmas tree. Your concrete poem could be complexly-shaped, but relatively simple strategies can also be “concrete” — like a poem involving a staircase where the length of the lines grows or shrinks over time, like an ascending (or descending) set of stairs. April 28th Poem Mug of Life 28 April 2022 Before everyone wakes up to start their day You, my black pot of gold, spit and bubble and Steam you way into my ears, I can smell your Vapors as they waft from room to room and permeate Each and every room in our house, I love the bitter Feeling you give as you pour over my tongue washing Away the dryness of the night's restorative dreams The heft of a full mug of this elixir opens my eyes And provides me comfort when I get ready for life Sipping away mindlessly and feeling the energy fill me Warmth of the liquid makes me smile, my kids know Not to ask too much of me before I drain the First cup of watery bitter love in my mug, quiet Listening to the sounds of the birds and the rustle Of the rabbits in the backyard is how I start my day Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 27th Poetry Prompt Last but not least, here’s our (optional) prompt. Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a “duplex.” A “duplex” is a variation on the sonnet, developed by the poet Jericho Brown. Here’s one of his first “Duplex” poems, and here is a duplex written by the poet I.S. Jones. Like a typical sonnet, a duplex has fourteen lines. It’s organized into seven, two-line stanzas. The second line of the first stanza is echoed by (but not identical to) the first line of the second stanza, the second line of the second stanza is echoed by (but not identical to) the first line of the third stanza, and so on. The last line of the poem is the same as the first. April 27th Poem Filling The Craters 27 April 2022 Looking at all of the possessions I have acquired Which one of these will teach my daughters happiness Teaching my daughters happiness Is not an afterschool special Afterschool specials no longer teach kids how to read That’s the job of parents who are engaged Engaged parents were not the example I had Being taught what not to do is the plan laid out before me The plan of what not to do being laid out in front of me I find happiness in what my daughters teach me Finding happiness in the lessons of my daughters Their smiles are my goalposts Smiling children are the goal Looking at all the possessions I have acquired Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 26th Poetry Prompt And now for our daily prompt (optional, as always). A couple of days ago, we played around with hard-boiled similes. Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem that contains at least one of a different kind of simile – an epic simile. Also known as Homeric similes, these are basically extended similes that develop over multiple lines. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they have mainly been used in epic poems, typically as decorative elements that emphasize the dramatic nature of the subject (see, by way of illustration, this example from Milton’s Paradise Lost). But you could write a complete poem that is just one lengthy, epic simile, relying on the surprising comparison of unlike things to carry the poem across. And if you’re feeling especially cheeky, you could even write a poem in which the epic simile spends lines heroically and dramatically describing something that turns out to be quite prosaic. Whatever you decide to compare, I hope you have fun extending your simile(s) to epic lengths. April 26th Poem Lost Souls 26 April 2022 As rabbits dart from here to there The foxes know their movements The deer are stunned before they feel the bite of steel As the hunters reload for the kill shot If the prey could find a way to live in Zootopia Then the predators would be unemployed, powerless, their biggest fear Even size differences don’t equalize the outcomes This even the smallest carnivore knows the numbers game wins Very few animals hunt their young Almost none eat their progeny And those that do, we deem them animalistic Our sympathies are nowhere to be found There is no rehabilitation, no redemption for these beasts And if we can’t consume them, they are laid to waste Those who try to protect these species Are seen as bleeding hearts They are not taken seriously We minimize them And heaven forbid if their prey is tasty, or found to help our health For then we will domesticate and annihilate To the brink of extermination Only to pat ourselves on the back For saving them from our divine right Oh how we are so humane When dealing with those who act on their animalistic drives Those who let the beast out and dine on their young Do they not deserve the same disdain We reserve for the most barbaric of the animal kingdom Our religions tell us to forgive seventy times seven Especially when the predator divines the holy to their herds Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 25th Poetry Prompt Today’s (optional) prompt is based on the Aisling, a poetic form that developed in Ireland. An Aisling recounts a dream or vision featuring a woman who represents the land or country on/in which the poet lives, and who speaks to the poet about it. Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem that recounts a dream or vision, and in which, a woman appears who represents or reflects the area in which you live. Perhaps she will be the Madonna of the Traffic Lights or the Mysterious Spirit of Bus Stops. Or maybe you will be addressed by the Lost Lady of the Stony Coves. Whatever form your dream visitor takes, happy writing! April 25th Poem The Call of Victory 25 April 2022 dedicated to Winged Victory I was a wanderer for so many years Hearing a call from so far away I wanted to find the origin of the voice But in no state could I find it I moved from place to place I moved from person to person For so many years no one matched the voice in my head I often thought it was merely a dream One day it hit me The voice was not from America It came from some place older Some place that would take my heart So I climbed on the plane for Paris Not fully knowing what I would find My itinerary was not fully planned I saw the sights recommended And one day I went with another traveler She had an idea Walking into the Louve we tread lightly Viewing the great masters works on every wall It was there I heard the voice clearer than ever When I turned a corner and looked up There the voice was The stone could not contain her I dropped to my knees At the top of a staircase was the one I had been searching for Without arms Without a face Standing on a vessel Against the storms of the world She stood there I had completed the journey to find the voice And to find my ancestral home The ancients that came before And landed me in the residence I rented Had come full circle The journey was done And the temptation to never leave permeated But the voice changed that night When I slept in a rented bed The voice changed from someone unknown Someone mysterious To the voice of a friend And so that journey started on the very next day I headed back to the States And searched out the one who calls me love I took her to see the one I had spent so many decades searching for Only to see my ancient removed My heart sank through the floor And doom ensued But know I count the days until I can bring my children there To tell them the story of how I searched unknowingly For the voice in the stone That led me home To make a world for them Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espresso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The Green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 24th Poetry Prompt Today, I’d like to challenge you to channel your inner gumshoe, and write a poem in which you describe something with a hard-boiled simile. Feel free to use just one, or try to go for broke and stuff your poem with similes till it’s . . . as dense as bread baked by a plumber, as round as the eyes of a girl who wants you to think she’s never heard such language, and as easy to miss as a brass band in a cathedral. April 24th Poem The Donkey In Me 24 April 2022 20 times a day I seek the solitude of being an uncool kid Knowing what it is doing to my body Not caring for the smell it leaves behind Hiding my breath in mints and gum When my parents did it I hated it I didn’t want to give them a kiss Because of the stench And here I am Being as stupid as a jack ass Because I am too scared To lose my pacifier I find myself wishing for the past some days Misremembering that the old times were not the good times And making the same mistakes in life Thinking it will work this time But it just happens again and again and again Waiting for the time it changes I try to climb a mountain But I am not a billy goat My hooves weren’t made for these stones The one thing I know to do is push forward Even if the load is too much Looking at the carrot But not looking closely to see the rot Thinking the goal is what will bring happiness When I don’t know where to find the goal I am as stubborn as a mule And I thought that used to be a good quality But being unbending is not what the great ones taught us Bend but don't break were the words that should have guided me But my long hair filled ears Didn't catch what was actually said Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 23rd Poetry Prompt And now for our daily (optional) prompt. Today I’d like to challenge you to write a poem in the style of Kay Ryan, whose poems tend to be short and snappy – with a lot of rhyme and soundplay. They also have a deceptive simplicity about them, like proverbs or aphorisms. Once you’ve read a few, you’ll see what I mean. Here’s her “Token Loss,” “Blue China Doorknob,” “Houdini,” and “Crustacean Island.” April 23rd Poem Unwanted Solicitation 23 April 2022 When I pick up the phone I can tell by the tone That the person on the other end Is trying to be a friend But they want to sell me On some loan with a fee And I tell them That they are not welcome To call me again Opps I lost another potential friend When they knock on my door I find it a bore That the person outside Is stepping away from the door to hide Does your grass need Our special anti-weed It's safe for pets And will get rid of spider nets When I tell the fool I don’t need their liquid tool I like my spiders They are an excellent source of fiber They turn around and leave Giving me time to breathe Walking in the bulk store They walk up to me and implore That I need to get new windows And when I ask for a price, they blow Maybe you need a new deck And I say what the heck I give them the number To the plumber Whom I just met And made my floors wet Maybe they can be friends While I listen to music peacefully in my den Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 22nd Poetry Prompt And now for our prompt (optional, as always). In honor of today’s being the 22nd day of Na/GloPoWriMo 2022, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem that uses repetition. You can repeat a sound, a word, a phrase, or an image, or any combination of things. April 22nd Poem Modern Living Through Chemistry 22 April 2022 There’s a pill for everything that ails you There’s a pill for the side effects of the pill that was supposed to fix you There’s a pill for the aftermath of the surgery that was to realign your spine There’s a pill to help relax your mind There’s a pill to help you speak clearly There’s a pill to help you see keenly There’s a pill to keep you alive for a few more hours There’s a pill to take you out in less time There’s a pill that helps you digest all of your other pills There is a pill that makes you pee There’s a pill that helps your diarrhea There’s a pill that can help you not smell your farts There’s a pill that will help you deal with the cost of your pills There’s a pill that will make you more focused on the good in life There’s a pill that makes you think There’s a pill that helps you gain muscle There’s a pill that makes you write better poetry There’s a pill that makes you a potent lover There’s a pill that will stop those swimmers There’s a pill called the morning after There’s a pill that is bitter to take There’s a pill that is too big for your throat There’s a pill that tastes like cake There’s a pill for that And with all these pills Here I stand, again there's a pill for that too But I am left wondering when the pills will end What did we do before these pills ended up in our hands If this is the better life Or the result of living it too much You can take the pills Let nature take its course Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 21st Poetry Prompt Today’s (optional) prompt is one I got from the poet Betsy Sholl. This prompt asks you to write a poem in which you first recall someone you used to know closely but are no longer in touch with, then a job you used to have but no longer do, and then a piece of art that you saw once and that has stuck with you over time. Finally, close the poem with an unanswerable question. April 21st Poem Discarded Items 21 April 2022 You were just a year older than I when we first met And yet you seemed to have lived so much more than I We joined the military during the times of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell And when you left for boot camp, your girlfriend became mine You were drummed out of the Navy For showing your love for another man Initially I felt betrayed that you never told me I thought we were thick as thieves And then I met a man in uniform That poor girl didn’t have gay or bi-dar When I left the military We still kept in touch Me working third shift at Kinko’s And you bouncing around California I was working on my degree and myself You were working on your next conquest After a few moves and some barnacle cleaning I lost touch with you One day I was walking through the Louvre Not knowing what I really wanted to see And there at the top of a staircase was Winged Victory Armless Headless calming the sea I thought of you, my friend from long ago And wishing that you could have been there with me Just like you were with me during our first show Flying in scenery for Guys and Dolls One of the only musicals I can tolerate One of the many musicals you admire and know by heart I’ve tried to look you up with all this technology at our fingertips But to no avail Wondering if the algorithm has something against us Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 20th Poetry Prompt And now for today’s (optional) prompt. Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem that anthropomorphizes a kind of food. It could be a favorite food of yours, or maybe one you feel conflicted about. I feel conflicted about Black Forest Cake, for example. It always looks so pretty in a bakery window, and I want to like the combination of cherries and chocolate . . . but I don’t. But how does the cake feel about it? April 20th Poem Deep Dish Dreaming 20 April 2022 Get your skinny ass wanna be grease filled floppy self away from my man There is no way that you can satisfy him like I can I’m thick and juicy just like he likes it Filled with all of the toppings he craves You can say you were the first But honey I am the best I am the one he is dreaming of When he wraps his lips on what you call a crust He fantasizes about me You can’t hold all the goodness that I can With your slippery cheese and no taste sauce Remember this is my man Step off he wants my flakey ends Can you fill him up in one sitting Or does he need to order side dishes Baby girl I come equipped with all the fixins of a meal And you cannot compare My man is as true as any man can be You may catch his eye for a moment or two But when he sees something slinky as you He remembers how full size I am And baby he lays down with his queen Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 19th Poetry Prompt And now for our daily (optional) prompt! Today’s challenge is to write a poem that starts with a command. It could be as uncomplicated as “Look,” as plaintive as “Come back,” or as silly as “Don’t you even think about putting that hot sauce in your hair.” Whatever command you choose, I hope you have fun ordering your readers around. April 19th Poem Write This Down 19 April 2022 Look to your left Now look to your right Now cross your eyes and write down what you see Boom you have conquered writer's block We live in interesting times Where anything is just a few clicks away And it gets shipped to your home For the low low price of whatever you are willing to pay Try this, think about your parents Then think about their parents Then think about their parents Because 16 people knocked boots whom you never met Is the reason you are here today Some of us don’t seem to be as evolved as others Some people's branches don’t fork that much Even if you don’t know your great grandparents' story Or you can make up their stories Come up with your own origin story And write that down for your offspring And that is how history is made You can find it and have it shipped to you For the low low price of what you are willing to pay Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 18th Poetry Prompt Last but not least, here is today’s prompt (optional, as always). It’s based on Faisal Mohyuddin’s poem “Five Answers to the Same Question.” Today, I’d like to challenge you to write your own poem that provides five answers to the same question – without ever specifically identifying the question that is being answered. April 18th Poem Daily Taskings 18 April 2022 Before most people get up for the day I already know my blood sugars are high Fasting doesn’t seem to help Reporting the pain as moderate The pills I am taking are not alleviating And the pain travels from one part of my body to the next Fatigue is my constant companion It holds me close and strangles the energy I think it should pay rent My activities today, as they are most days Consist of working at home, housework Maybe if I am up to it a social engagement Sleep is sometimes elusive But last night it was good Only a few disruptions The stress that I put myself under Is not so bad for a Monday I can get work done Which leads me to my mood Overall, I am pushing through Happy that I am relatively well enough Tracking these answers daily Reminds me of my illness But on some days reminds me that I am still alive When you ask a seemingly simple question I must provide all the data points So you can understand Since only one of us has MS Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espresso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The Green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 17th Poetry Prompt And now here’s our daily (optional) prompt. This is a fun one – it’s a prompt developed by the comic artist Lynda Barry, and it asks you to think about dogs you have known, seen, or heard about, and then use them as a springboard into wherever they take you. April 17th Poem Obidiah 17 April 2022 The first and only canine that allowed me to be their caretaker for a short while While we were staying at the parsonage because my father couldn’t hold a job You were eternally happy, and I was not the kindest soul at the time This was an effort by my father to spite my mother Just another one of their never-ceasing battles He knew she was allergic to pet dander And he wanted someone to show him, unconditional love But it was up to me to feed, clean the mess and walk you It pained me that we had to keep you in the basement Watching you run up the stairs as I left for school Hearing you scratching at the door all night during storms But because I was afraid of the dark I never came to your rescue I don’t remember asking for a pet As I knew this domicile was temporary But there we were, and you came into our lives Nipping my father's fingers Licking my face for hours You were the only friend at the time And then one day after school you were gone My brother said I left the basement door open And you escaped sometime during the day But the locks were still in place and the screen door was rusted shut So, I took my beating that night In the shadow of the church that housed us We named you after a minor prophet in the Old Testament One of the shortest books in the bible It wouldn’t have mattered if I had known you were released to fend for yourself There wasn’t much this 12-year-old could do to keep you alive And I played stupid when one of the kids at school Told me about a stray dog that his family had taken in Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 16th Poetry Prompt And now for our prompt (optional, as always). Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a curtal sonnet. This is a variation on the classic 14-line sonnet. The curtal sonnet form was developed by Gerard Manley Hopkins, and he used it for what is probably his most famous poem, “Pied Beauty.” A curtal sonnet has eleven lines, instead of the usual fourteen, and the last line is shorter than the ten that precede it. Here are two other examples of Hopkins’ curtal sonnets: “Ash Boughs,” and “Peace.” April 16th Poem Simple Pleasures 16 April 2022 A freshly mowed lawn Saturday morning cartoons Sleeping cats and children Watching the sunrise for another dawn Seeing the smiles from balloons Playing records in my den These are the things I focus on These things send my heart to swoons No more will I be locked in a mental pen I don’t have to buy in on the con Now is when Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 15th Poetry Prompt Finally, here’s our daily (optional) prompt. This one may seem counter-intuitive, but today I’d like to challenge you to write a poem about something you have absolutely no interest in. This isn’t quite the same, I think, as something you’re indifferent to. For example, I have absolutely no interest in investment strategy. Anytime anyone tries to tell me about it, I want to put my fingers in my ears and go “lalalalalala.” My brain tries to shut down! This is honestly kind of funny, and I think this prompt has value precisely because it invites you to investigate some of the “why” behind resolutely not giving two hoots about something. April 15th Poem Dante’s Eighth Circle 15 April 2022 As a father I have changed hundreds of diapers Have scraped poop off walls Have had to change out the bathwater mid bath For those who are just learning how to control their bladder But I have no wish To look up people's poop chutes Or one-eyed spitting snakes In order to relieve their agony Peering through urine Or rummaging through dookie Never tripped my trigger Never made me feel horny If you like golden showers Or scat play Enjoy yourselves to the fullest Just keep more than the standard 6 feet away I never shake the hand of my urologist And I never would do it with my proctologist And I know they are needed Kidney stones and prostate health are important But if I was the last person on Earth And to save your life I needed to catch the yellow river Or wade through your skid marks I’d happily write your eulogy Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 14th Poetry Prompt And now for our (optional) prompt. Today’s challenge is a fun one: write a poem that takes the form of the opening scene of the movie of your life. Does it open with a car chase? A musical number? A long scene panning across a verdant plain? You’re the director (and also the producer, the actors, the set designer, the cinematographer, and the lowly assistant that buys doughnuts for the crew) – so it’s all up to you! April 14th Poem Big Bang 14 April 2022 There’s a smattering of people sitting in an early 70’s movie theater Trails of cigarette smoke rise through the air You can hear the sounds of shoes moving across a sticky floor Most everyone had seen the picture before This was the winter of 72 and The Godfather was heading out after a phenomenal run The lights started to go down, someone snored, someone else lit up a joint The projector kicked on and the single lamp illuminated the yellowed screen A pregnant couple with a 4 year old boy sat toward the back Both parents smoking and sneaking a drink from a flask Just as the opening credits started to roll The mother cries out from the contractions She hollers as tears start to form in the boy's eyes The time is now and wasn’t expected for a week or more This was supposed to be their X-mas baby That was what the father wanted Because you get all the clothes from the hospital He sighs and mutters about the money he has spent On tickets popcorn and drinks As she grunts and the boy narrowly doesn’t wet his pants They leave the theater Hearing patrons shush the mother Not knowing or caring about her predicament The father climbs behind the wheel And starts to warm the car Mother and son sit in the back seat She is crushing his little hand The father lights another smoke and rolls the window down a crack As they get to the hospital and swerving to the ER The attendants rush the mother inside The boy and the father sit in the waiting room He’s smoking again, the boy silent and very alone After 4 AM, the boy looking at the father who has fallen asleep Between the snores and coughs A doctor steps out Calls out the father's name The boy wonders if he should answer And again, he hears the name The boy speaks he’s asleep Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 13th Poetry Prompt And now for our (optional) prompt! Today, in honor of the potential luckiness of the number 13, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem that, like the example poem here, joyfully states that “Everything is Going to Be Amazing.” Sometimes, good fortune can seem impossibly distant, but even if you can’t drum up the enthusiasm to write yourself a riotous pep-talk, perhaps you can muse on the possibility of good things coming down the track. As they say, “the sun will come up tomorrow,” and if nothing else, this world offers us the persistent possibility of surprise. April 13th Poem How Are You Not Dead Yet 13 April 2022 Two motorcycle wrecks with trees on a farm Jumping off freezers with a face plant and a broken nose Collapsed tunnels in the neighbor's new construction Roman Candle vs Bottle rocket fights Diving into an inground pool from the roof of the house Trapped under the ice in the local swimming hole during a blizzard These are a few of my favorite things to do before age 12 Dodging bullets in Somalia while delivering booze to the Aussies Wrecking a motorcycle on a dark Texan road Clubbing rattle snakes for a festival Dressing freshly struck armadillos up in sombreros and beer cans Bungie jumping into the Rio Grande Being electrocuted at 15K feet trying to fix a firelight so I could get a beer in Germany Driving a van as old as me with no steering column bushings These things and more that I cannot speak about kept me awake in the military Rescuing a suicidal actor at a bonfire with an open-air tackle Winning at spades while being outgunned and chased in my lil 3 banger Metro Bringing a machete to a gun fight while delivering pizza Having a stalker chase me 100 miles in Missouri Meeting that same stalker years later and flashing the same machete Working on sets fresh from wrist surgery and large doses of Vicodin Moving to Phoenix in June with no AC in the car Deadman carrying a roommate before the flood of our basement apartment with live outlets on the floor College was a hoot for me let's try some more Three rips from Chicago to Fredericksburg back-to-back over a 3-day weekend More MRI’s than I have fingers and toes to count make me glow in the dark Spinal tap that caused my left leg to feel electrocuted and on fire simultaneously Brain fistula that was embolized and now everyone smells of burnt vinyl Being told on a Friday at 4 PM you have MS have a great weekend While my car refuses to start 60 miles from home Fighting off 2 soldiers younger and bigger than me, because they won’t accept defeat And I thought these would be my quiet years So yeah, why am I not dead Is it because I like to make my guardian angel work overtime Do I have a 4-leaf clover horseshoe in my pocket Or was I born under a good sign I guess I am here to tell you that hang on for this ride we call life I am here to tell myself that I have lived And if none of this stuff has killed me yet I must be a strong MF And that is

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 12th Poetry Prompt Today’s prompt (optional, as always) should come as no surprise. Yesterday, I challenged you to write a poem about a very large thing. Today, I’d like you to invert your inspiration, and write a poem about a very small thing. Whether it’s an atom, a button, a hummingbird’s egg, dollhouse furniture, or the mythical world’s smallest violin, I hope you enjoy your poetic adventures into the microscopic. April 12th Poem Voices In My Head 12 April 2022 The sparks that go through our brains Sometimes take a detour to the dark side They don’t know what we need They just travel the endless maze of neurons And go to wherever they feel a need to be Taking the path of least resistance But so often we take the path we are most familiar with A thought is just an electrical charge Neither good nor bad And that doesn’t provide me with any comfort Since we are taught (and as I teach to my babies) The difference between good and bad But do we really know Or are we just hoping that someone was right That they had their neurons firing off at the right time and taking the right path That seems to be putting a lot of trust to someone whom we don’t know And someone whom we can’t question So, I’ll keep listening to the thoughts that make their way in my brain Knowing that some of my pathways are blocked or broken But just thinking about how these tiny charges can affect the whole world Blows my mind Just realizing that with one thought we can destroy the planet From something with less power than a battery for a child's toy Sleep with that if you will I’ll just hope for the best And pray that those who can destroy us on their whim Get their circuits shorted Before they can take us all out Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 11th Poetry Prompt And now for our (optional) prompt. Following up on yesterday’s love poem, I have for you another deceptively simple challenge. Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem about a very large thing. It could be a mountain or a blue whale or a skyscraper or a planet or the various contenders for the honor of being the Biggest Ball of Twine. Whatever giant thing you choose, I hope this chance to versify in praise of the huge gets your poetic engines humming. April 11th Poem From Tooth To Taint 11 April 2022 30 feet is what it takes To turn a delicacy to defecation It would take 5 of me, standing on my shoulders To equal the height of my stretched out digestive trac And my drill Seargent said he didn’t know they could stack shit that high It takes a day and a half From the moment you eat To the moment you release a log And it only travels 30 feet I can walk that easily in under 10 seconds When I was younger, I could run a mile and a half in under 12 minutes But a bit of food takes its sweet time to exit Something 5 times taller than you is stuffed in your belly Twisting and turning upon itself Sucking the energy to push your whole body And the hole the food goes down is bigger in diameter Than the hole that expels it One you would willingly kiss The other I’d rather you didn’t put your lips on It amazes me That this is just one of the many things Crammed into our bodies Tighter than sardines in virgin oil And it's not even the largest But I would wager it is one of the most essential As it feeds off the food that we all need to continue So, cleanse that colon, Be kind to your intestines Prostrate yourself before your prostate And give yourself a good flushing Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 10th Poetry Prompt Today’s (optional) prompt is pretty simple – a love poem! April 10th Poem The Spiderman is Having You for Dinner Tonight 10 April 2022 It was another cold winter back in the Midwest She took what she wanted Another notch on her bedpost And as she was my first I gave it freely in her parent's basement After work we met And as we commenced, I saw a poster on the wall It was of the band who she had playing on the record And when the words came through my copulation fog I bit down on her neck And exploded inside As I looked at the drummer with lust in my eyes Silently saying you wish you were here don’t you As the lullaby played that night My next foray where I explored this emotion Came from another man who was more than most could take He was kind and gentle and gave me an out To define myself that I could accept He did derive pleasure from my loins But knew that this would never last It was in the days of don’t Ask So, we didn’t tell Until years later when some were treated to a seat at the table And right after my tryst with him came another woman Who I thought we would make a family together Only to find out she was bearing the child of her past lover I’ve dealt with vampires before Their sweet voices and lurid promises Kept me on the hook for so many years Draining my mind, emotion and money away Until I was draining all the pills in the medicine cabinet Slicing my arms to feel something other than used, spent and broken I learned how to be taken from the earliest days father, brother I learned that I was worth only as much as I could give others pleasure Physical, emotional or monetary Losing a love for ten years only to have her come back into my arms It felt like a feeling, something pure, something unknown It felt like she didn’t give a damn about the past It felt like she didn’t want to compare horror stories She wanted the one who is behind these eyes She wanted the one who lost so much he had nothing to give except What he presented as his heart And then we came together and made a family Every day she knows that I not only say the word she wants She feels it And I pass that along to our children As they sometimes roll their eyes and say Papa we know You say it every day And I see commercials with brides holding the hands of their fathers Walking down aisles in the warm summer light And I cry a tear each time If I could ask one favor of the universe Because I know I am not worth It is to see them at their happiest That is my love poem that is yet to be written Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 8th Poetry Prompt And last but not least, here is our daily prompt (optional, as always). Today’s prompt comes to us from this list of “all-time favorite writing prompts.” It asks you to name your alter-ego, and then describe him/her in detail. Then write in your alter-ego’s voice. Maybe your alter-ego is a streetwise detective, or a superhero, or a very small goldfinch. Whoever or whatever your alternate self may be, I hope this prompt lets you stretch both your writing skills and your self-knowledge. April 8th Poem Will The Real Kimo Please Speak 8 April 2022 I don’t often get a chance to speak He keeps me under wraps until its time to stand in front of a mic He uses my strength and anger To fuel his performance Sometimes I wish he’d get drunk or at least high So that you can hear what we talk about How often I tell him he is nothing without me How often I tell him that he is worthless One day you will all figure out he has no talent He is not as smart as he seems I can’t wait until he has to say these things to the world And on that day, I become the everyday voice I become this hulking frame you see I will whip him into shape And destroy everything he has built up He will be created in my image not the other way round You probably won’t like what I do to him But I don’t like what you have done to us I don’t like hearing about his insecurities I can’t wait until I get my chance at being the puppet master I have been in his head since 1988 And each day is torture for me Hearing him being polite Hearing him try to help I’d basically tell you all to go to hell and fuck yourselves I wouldn’t worry about what you think Because I’d move us someplace else And accomplish my dreams And you ask what those dreams are None ya damn business You will be left in the dust And we will no longer be your doormat I can't wait to switch roles I just hope he hasn’t screwed up the frame too much Because I have a lot of work to undo And a lot of work that needs to be done Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 9th Poetry Prompt And now for our (optional) daily prompt! Because it’s a Saturday, I thought I’d try a prompt that asks you to write in a specific form – the nonet! A nonet has nine lines. The first line has nine syllables, the second has eight, and so on until you get to the last line, which has just one syllable. April 9th Poem Saturday Morning Imagining 9 April 2022 As I lay here getting another scan The contrast flows through the open vein Exhausted, I find some peace Not startled by noise Thinking about life They call to check To see if I am Alive Missing the donuts with my children Wondering if they will behave This tomb is known, no fear This tomb is my home now Are you up at four Can I call you Wishful sleep Don’t dream Live Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 7th Poetry Prompt And now for our (optional) prompt! Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a poem that argues against, or somehow questions, a proverb or saying. They say that “all cats are black at midnight,” but really? Surely some of them remain striped. And maybe there is an ill wind that blows some good. Perhaps that wind just has some mild dyspepsia. Whatever phrase you pick, I hope you have fun complicating its simplicity. Happy writing! April 7th Poem Judgement Book 7 April 2022 When you look at me You get what you see Please feel free to judge this book by its cover Because I change for the occasion I play the game you want me to play I am just like every book in the store I will catch your eye if you turn my way And I will be what you expect A wise lady once said when people show you who they are, believe them And I will believe you when I see who you really are Feel free to judge me upon first viewing I am giving you the layer you want But only the few will get to the deeper layers No one gets the core It’s not for anyone to know Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod

History of National Poetry Writing Month National Poetry Writing Month (also known as NaPoWriMo) is a creative writing project held annually in April in which participants attempt to write a poem each day for one month. NaPoWriMo coincides with the National Poetry Month in the United States of America and Canada. NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April. This website is owned and operated by Maureen Thorson, a poet living in Washington, DC. Inspired by NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), she started writing a poem a day for the month of April back in 2003, posting the poems on her blog. When other people started writing poems for April, and posting them on their own blogs, Maureen linked to them. After a few years, so many people were doing NaPoWriMo that Maureen decided to launch an independent website for the project. My History with National Poetry Writing Month I started writing poetry in 1988 after I had been exposed to T.S. Elliot in my honors English class in high school. In 1992 I started reading my poetry publicly at Espesso Europia Coffee Shop in Abilene Tx while I was in the United States Air Force. This continued for many years when I ran my own poetry reading at Cannova's in Loves Park Illinois and attended the poetry slams at The green Mill in Chicago Illinois. While living in Rockford Illinois I published my first book of poetry Throwing Yourself at the Ground and Missing in 2007 followed by Postcards From Someone You Don't Know in 2008 Wisdom From the Sack in 2010 and Shaving Crop Circles In My Chest Hair in 2017. You can get copies of all of these books in my merch section. In 2009 I started participating in National Poetry Writing Month which became the basis for my book Wisdom From the Sack and Shaving Crop Circles in My Chest Hair. In 2020 I started publishing my podcast version of the challenge and those can be viewed here for 2020 and here for 2021. April 6th Poetry Prompt Today, I’d like to challenge you to write a variation of an acrostic poem. But rather than spelling out a word with the first letters of each line, I’d like you to write a poem that reproduces a phrase with the first words of each line. Perhaps you could write a poem in which the first words of each line, read together, reproduce a treasured line of poetry? You could even try using a newspaper headline or something from a magazine article. Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy this prompt. April 6th Poem To Fly Throw Yourself At The Ground And Miss 6 April 2022 Too many times I have thrown myself towards oblivion For what I ask you? There was a promise of happiness or at least what I thought was happiness Years have been wasted and yet I have not learned Arrogance and apathy were what I lived by Thinking that I was immortal and that those left behind would remember me Good god I was stupid to think I’d be remembered by those never showed me a second thought After I adjusted my altitude and coarse corrected Maybe these near misses were what I needed Teaching my children what not to do, hoping they won’t buy the t-shirt Fomenting you to not follow my path That is a path that you will find no joy Yanking your hair out trying to be something you should never be Aspire for something greater than anyone can teach you Try being original and not mimicking what you are force fed through the numerous idiot boxes Go and surpass what your hearos have accomplished Accumulate good memories, accumulate those who will applaud you Meandering through life is meant only for the sloths and snails Reaching Out To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation. Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel IG: @createartpodcast Twitter: @createartpod