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ATL Pride Part IV: Erotic Poetry and the Literary Cafe
Damn it feels like I'm NEVER going to finish talking about ATL Pride!
Short versions:
One night while I was in Atlanta, I participated in the erotic poetry slam. Imani Evans and Duncan Teague from Adodi Muse were the MCs. I wasn't going to go -- I think I was tired or something -- but then this light skinneded dude named Malachi told me and Callis that we should go. And I was like but I don't have anything to read...then I remembered YES THE HELL I DO!!!!
You see, Lazarus has some poems in it -- certainly, I had better poems at home, but the ones in Lazarus are pretty good.
Malachi was one of the first readers -- he was good! But tell me why he left when he was finished? I was like hell to the naw. (Maybe he snuck into the back, but I didn't see him.)
This one girl was really good -- actually, everyone there was really good, but one of my favorites was this girl/woman Ayanna (sp). I think her stage name was red summer or something. I know, I am just BAD with names. But she was good.
For those of you who read Lazarus, I read two of Savion's poems: "Recognize" from the first few pages of the novel and then the untitled one he reads to Adrian at the end of the first section.
They went over pretty well, but as usual with my poetry, nobody really claps, shouts, ays UMMPH! real loud or anything like that. I don't think my poetry is "deep" but maybe it is more thought provoking than it is theatrical.
The good thing about participating in the reading is that it was an extra, free venue in which to showcase my writing. It was also good practive for the Literary Cafe.
Ahhh...the Literary Cafe. Fred Smith has already blogged about it, but I will reiterate a message to our fellow writers: You MUST be respectful of time limits. It was completely unfair that some writers took twenty minutes or more when we were alotted 5-7 minutes. Tell me why I only sold two books at the event? I was LIVID after it was over.
My friend Dwayne (the Sigma) told me how proud of me he was, that I made excellent choices in excerpts and my presentation was great. But I can't help to wonder how many connections I might have made if there was more time at the end to mix and mingle with the attendees. Because it was soooooo long, many people got up and left before the final author.
But at least I got to meet Jojapeach from GreekChat. She is cool as hell!
And it's not like the event was a failure -- I actually thought it was really successful, artistically. I am glad I finally got to meet Dayne Avery. It was good seeing Laurinda Brown again. And meeting Eric Ware and Toy Styles was cool. Oh yeah, and James Earl Hardy! He was very very nice -- not at all how I thought he MIGHT be. I hope I get to see him whenever he does a DC leg of his tour.
After it was over, me, Eric, Fred, and Justin (a vendor and friend of Eric) went to this trendy place called Shout for dinner. I had sushi and hated it....ugh....but it was no one's fault, I just really didn't care for sushi as I thought I would. And hell, I'm not gonna sit there and let the raw fish slide down my throat. Ick.
And so ends my next-to-last essay about ATL Pride. Some time this week I will write about why NON-PROFIT Prides are important. Have a great week in the meantime.
Posted by Rashid on September 12, 2005 6:44 AM
Comments
A good entry about ATL as usual Frat! Yeah, some of the authors in the Literary Cafe were too long which deprived some of the guests of the authors at the end of the program who were really good. You should email a comment to the In The Life ATL staff as constructive feedback if you haven't already. Meanwhile, you personal/professional photographer stayed no matter what to record your moment - LOL! Shem hotep!
Commented by Fratman1906 on September 12, 2005 12:43 PM
Just wanted to let you know that I've been enjoying your posts about ATL. Sounds like you all had a really great time. It's been some time since I wrote some erotic poetry....Don't get me started. LOL! I know I would've been ticked off about the Literary Cafe. It comes down to respect and consideration for the other authors and the guests. Do your do in the time allotted and get off the stage. That's all I have to say about that. Take care man.
Commented by BuddahDesmond on September 13, 2005 3:49 AM
I got a shout out without asking for it! Preshate it, folk! (Just a little ATL to leave you with.)
You were write about the writers not obeying the time limits. I'm sitting with my friend trying to be patient because I wanted to see Rashid do his thing. I know folks want to share their baby that they labored to produce, but some folks bordered on ridiculous. After sitting through one sista's presentation, I no longer considered buying her work. Why should I? She gave a summary of each chapter.... I'm glad I got a chance to buy your work from you personally. Read in two days flat (couldn't put it down).
Commented by sunshyne1922 BKA jojapeach on September 15, 2005 5:47 PM
this atl pride must've been great cuz everyone is giving it rave views ... be sure to check out my blog!
Commented by Clay on September 15, 2005 11:22 PM
Rahsid, a friend happened to be googling my name and found this blog. I thought I would take the opp to say...I hate that you had such a questionable time at some Pride events. I have to agree that the Literary Cafe (which is in its 3rd year was too long this year). Mostly because it is growing and authors are starting to send requests to be a part of it. But hopefully you will not be so discouraged as to not try again.
As for Speakfire! I enjoyed your work...I hope you come back to that as well. Maybe you can volunteer to help make them both more successful. The founder and creator of the Lit Cafe is zconway1@bellsouth.net. I will share your feedback with her as well. Take care brotha. Peace Out!
Commented by Imani Warrior Poetess on November 11, 2005 6:34 PM