Crafting Poetry One Syllable at a Time
Posted on September 27, 2018 by Colleen M. Chesebro
Hello everyone! This week I’m thrilled to bring you author and poet, Annette Rochelle Aben. I asked her to pick three or four questions from my huge list HERE. We all aspire to be successful authors and the best way to learn some of the tricks of the trade is to ask questions.
Annette and I go way back… at least four years to the beginning of my blogging journey. We both share a love of poetry, and she has been a participant in my weekly poetry challenge since its inception. As we got to know each other and to grow as friends, we discovered a shared passion for all the magical things in the world. Annette was the first person to recognize the magic inside of me.
She is a great friend and always leads everyone toward the goodness and light in the world. I’m honored to call her a Sister of the Fey, and one of the authors who contribute to our group blog: Sisters of the Fey.Wordpress.com.
I loved her book, Haiku Perspective 2018. Read my review HERE.
Please meet my guest, Annette Rochelle Aben:
Poet, Annette Rochelle Aben
I was born writing! At least this is how it seems. I had the good fortune to be published while a sophomore in high school so continuing the journey by publishing books has been a natural course of events.
It is my pleasure to announce that the book I have just released is # 1 Best Seller! And that is: A Haiku Perspective 2018 which is available in both Kindle and paperback formats! Enjoy celebrating a year of my life as told using the framework of Haiku style poetry.
Angel Messages Two – songs of the heart, is a book filled with beautiful photos and remarkable tanka poetry. People LOVE this book because of the comfort it provides. Many have gifted it to others and been thanked over and over again.
A Tanka Picture Book is exactly as the name suggests. I took photos of a variety of everyday objects, works of art and nature, then wrote a tanka poem for each. I suggest this book for all the right reasons. It will entertain, provoke thought, stimulate conversation and be a great addition to your library!
I have chosen to release my annual haiku collection in time to celebrate National Poetry Month, in April. A Haiku Perspective 2017 is filled with smiles, laughter, wisdom and creativity, all cleverly disguised as haiku poetry. Enjoy!
My book, GO YOU some encouragement when you need it, is a pep-talk in a book! Each page gives you a quick way to start your day, help you through a moment or even provide someone else words that can inspire them to a better life. We can all use a cheerleader, when one isn’t available, this book fits the bill!!
Most of the books I have published here are centered in poetry, Haiku poetry to be exact. Much of the feedback I receive about the haiku poetry is that people can really understand the messages and they appreciate that the poems are short and sweet!
Angel Messages – a wing and a prayer is my first book about Angels. Filled with photos, prayers, poems and prose of and about Angels, this book will delight any Angel lover in your life. Check out the reviews, people are drawn to the inherent inspirational nature of this book and as result is fast becoming their favorite. You can have it right away using the Kindle option or order a paperback copy (or two) and carry it with you wherever you go.
I mentioned that many of my books are filled with my poetry and several of them combine that with my love of taking pictures. Books that feature poetry and photos include Perspective, it’s all about replacing one thought with another, PhoKu, visual perspective haiku and BooKu, Halloween haiku. Perspective has a wide variety of pages that can feature prose, poetry and nature photographs, while PhoKu is filled with the photographs I have taken in nature with Haiku poetry added to them, hence the title: PhoKu. BooKu is a “behind the scenes look at how Halloween decorations feel about their jobs. All three of these books are available in print and Kindle formats.
A Haiku Perspective 2015, and A Haiku Perspective 2016 are haiku poetry books. When I first experimented with the haiku writing format, I have no idea I would enjoy it as much as I do. These days, I am writing haiku daily and finding myself thinking in 17 syllables. You can find these books in both print and Kindle formats
There are several other books planned for release this year alone, So please, check back frequently to see what I have published and share what YOU are doing! Cheers!!
Hi, Colleen. Thanks so much for this interview. It’s always great to meet up with old friends.
Yes, I DO blog and I love having a blog-presence. I believe that my blog is rather subtle where promoting my books is concerned. There is a separate page on my menu for my books where I announce everything from COVER REVEALS to RELEASE INFORMATION.
I do use visuals in my posts that are not connected to my books to help promote the books I have available. And, when there is something nice posted about my books on someone else’s blog, I repost it on mine.
All this being said, the only way I really know if my blog helps to sell books, is from the COMMENTS that my readers leave. For instance, if I am running a SPECIAL PRICE PROMOTION, people will COMMENT and share that they grabbed their copy!
Oh, and there was the time that I was reading the blog of another blogger I follow, and SHE posted a selfie of her and one of my books! I was so amazed because I know she FOLLOWS my blog. Guess I can surmise that this is how she found out about the book.
Gee, as I ponder this, I would like to say that MOST PEOPLE can be writers. I feel writing is a teachable skill. Learning sentence and paragraph structure is something composition classes teach us in school. However, I believe there is a BIG DIFFERENCE between being a writer and being a storyteller. Storytelling can be taught as well. Just ask any stage actor – every time they don their costume they tell a story through the presentation of the script. If a writer can tell a story through their writing, well that’s the pinnacle of the craft.
ALL of them! Of the 12 books I have available right now, I designed all the covers. From staging the photographs (if need be) to choosing the colors and title placement, I made them happen. The first few, I used templates provided by the now defunct, CREATE SPACE but one day I decided they were too restrictive, so I learned how to create them using PIC MONKEY and PUBLISHER. *the only book that does not boast one of own photos, is CHOOSE, the 2-step plan. I asked a friend of mine to take the photo because she had the visuals. I told her what I wanted, and she delivered.
Absolutely! I have been blessed to work in several careers that have brought me so much joy; TELEVISION BROADCASTING, JOURNALISM, and PERFORMING. Through my volunteer efforts, I was able to be a part of formulating recycling legislation for the State of Michigan. Artwork of mine has been included in the SWAG BAGS for the red-carpet guests of events such as The Sundance Film Festival, The Canadian Country Music Awards and The ESPY’s. AND, I have been inspired to create and publish a dozen books of my own, one of which is a #1 BEST SELLER. I have been loved and loved in return.
Heavens to Betsy, I hope so. Can you imagine being a writer and feeling there is nothing else to write? I mean, hello, just poison the wine right now. There have been experiences in my life that I feel would make great books.
This, of course, means I have to become a more proficient storyteller. The ideas are there, and I have even gotten some notes together which gives me hope. Guess I’ll have to allow my fears to motivate me as opposed to holding me back and kick it into gear! When this all comes together, I promise to let you know.
Facebook: Annette Rochelle Aben Communicates
Twitter: @YouAretheExpert
Blog: http://www.annetterochelleaben.wordpress.com
Blog: http://www.themagichappensnow.com
Thanks for stopping by to meet Annette. See you next week! ❤
Category: author interviewsTags: #poetry, Annette Rochelle Aben, Author Interviews, poet, Sisters of the Fey Member, The Magic Happens Show
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
“A good poem is a contribution to reality. The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it. A good poem helps to change the shape of the universe, helps to extend everyone’s knowledge of himself and the world around him.”
—Dylan Thomas
Click: What is a Rhyme Scheme?
Disclaimer: My book review posts contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I earn a small commission to fund my reading habit if you use the links on my book reviews to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me supplied in books that I can review. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. Thank you.
This website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Colleen M. Chesebro is an American Poet who loves crafting paranormal fantasy and magical realism, cross-genre flash fiction, syllabic poetry, and creative nonfiction. Colleen sponsors a weekly syllabic poetry challenge, called Tanka Tuesday, on wordcraftpoetry.com where participants learn how to write traditional and current forms of haiku, senryu, haiga, tanka, gogyohka, tanka prose, renga, solo-renga, haibun, cinquain, Etheree, nonet, and shadorma poetry. Colleen's syllabic poetry has appeared in the Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal, and in “Hedgerow, a journal of small poems.” She’s won numerous awards from participating in the Carrot Ranch Rodeo, a yearly flash fiction contest sponsored by carrotranch.com. In 2020, she won first place in the Carrot Ranch Folk Tale or Fable category, with her story called “Why Wolf Howls at the Moon.” Colleen is a Sister of the Fey, where she pursues a pagan path through her writing. When she is not writing, she is reading. She also loves gardening and crocheting old-fashioned doilies into works of art.
Great interview! Oh, I do love Annette, another of my dear blog sisters!!!!
Annette is such a wonderful being, a really caring blogger and an amazing writer. I love all her motivational posts!!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Sis! ❤ This was such fun. I hope you have picked YOUR questions to answer.
LikeLike
All done… Post scheduled in a couple of weeks 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sis! ❤ This was such fun. I hope you are picking out your questions and will be featured here, soon! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
All scheduled already!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s my own magical ability. LOL! 💜🦄🔮
LikeLiked by 1 person
💜💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ritu. I do love my Annette. She sends out her love and light for all to see and feel. ❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh she does indeed sis 💜
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you for reblogging, Charles! Most kind of you, sir. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hugs for sharing, Charles. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊. You’re welcome
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and commented:
Lovely to see Annette Rochelle Aben having a conversation with Colleen Chesebro this morning. Two amazingly talented and generous writers. Both share our work unstintingly and are an example of how blogworld works effectively to promote each other and support. Please head over and find out more about Annette.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hugs for sharing, Sally. ❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thank you sharing, Sally! We are all looped together in a band of respect and encouragement. I am honored. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely to see you both here together… and fantastic interview Annette… love to you both. Sally ♥
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Sally. Annette is very special to me. A lovely person who always has a sunny attitude. ❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 3 people
She does bring sunlight into all our lives… ♥♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Sister Sally! I imagine you will have your questions picked out and be in the spotlight here soon, yourself. Hope so. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, yes. You will hear from her soon. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hot dog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Already booked for December 6th Annette – working on my answers at the moment…hugsx♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Sally, Colleen, Debby and Annette, What a inspiring bunch of ‘gals’ you are! Hugs. x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Joy. We’re just having fun. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the love you are sending. It is received and returned. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having been interviewed by Colleen, I know how many questions she offers. I think it’s fun just seeing which questions people choose. Their answers are the icing on the cake. So nice learning more about you, Annette. And Colleen, once again, thanks for providing this forum.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Staci. Thanks so much for stopping by. Aren’t these fun? Lots of fun information. Annette is a gem. ❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know, right? There were so many questions, that I was pretty sure I could pick a few that maybe no one had ever asked me before. I am honored you enjoyed this and look forward to seeing what questions YOU choose! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Excellent interview Colleen and Annette. Enjoyed the question about blogging and selling books. Thanks, you two.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome, John. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, John! I have to say that people who don’t blog, might not understand its value and perhaps I am underestimating. But when I saw Charlotte post that photo (and others since, where she has taken my book with her as she travels Europe performing) I was gobsmacked. Cheers!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, that was a great photo.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pingback: Conversations With Colleen: Meet Author & Poet, Annette Rochelle Aben | Annette Rochelle Aben
Another fabulous interview. Really enjoying this series of posts.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, kind sir! We will be seeing yours here soon, I hope! Cheers
LikeLiked by 2 people
I believe you will.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Craig. It’s fun learning more about each other and our writing processes. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great interview! 🙂 Congratulations on all of your accomplishments, Annette. I love your poetry and look forward to more great renderings from you! Sharing… xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, dear Bette! ❤ I am blessed woman, to be sure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hugs and love to you, Betty. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
How wonderful to read about Annette here and learn more about her and her writing. Blogging is just so amazing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Darlene. I believe this is akin to a world-wide sorority or fraternity. And the fact that there are so many out there who enjoy the connections, makes it that much more enjoyable. Are you ready to submit your answers here? Looking forward to reading more about YOU!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the nudge. xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great connections bring us all together. 😍❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Annette and Colleen. I love learning more about other authors. I really enjoy Annette’s posts. 🌼
LikeLiked by 3 people
aw, Lady B, I am honored, thank you. So, Colleen has YOU scheduled, I imagine. I shall look forward to reading more about you too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, gosh. Me too. She’s been instrumental in my spiritual journey. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
So nice to see Annette and her books featured here, Colleen. This post has reminded me that I have her Number 1 best seller and best I get it read now.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Awesome! Thank you, Robbie. I hope you enjoy A Haiku Perspective 2018. I really did enjoy putting that together. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Robbie. I love that book. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a lovely interview Annette. Your character really shines through in this. I love the poison the wine line!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Marje! Yeah, well there are times a woman’s gotta do, what a woman’s gotta do, eh? ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fab interview my Fey sisters! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, beautiful! Are you coming up soon here yourself?
LikeLiked by 2 people
I sure am ❤ xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great fun. Happy to show you all off! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on firefly465 and commented:
Colleen interviewing Annette.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for sharing, Sis. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, sis. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nice interview. Oh, and about that other blogger posting a selfie with your book, she is followed by over 2 million people! She might not have had that many followers then, but you can be sure that a lot of people saw your book. (Charlotte is a very nice person 🙂 ) Enjoyed the interview 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Oh yes, it has only been a year since I released that book. One of the reasons why I was so surprised, was because of how busy she is, how many people follow her AND that she actually DOES follow and comment on my blog. I agree she is a doll, like the daughter, or grand daughter I never had. Thanks for stopping by, Trent, I appreciate the support! have you picked out YOUR questions yet?
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’ll pick my questions soon – I just had a guest post here so I want others to benefit from Colleen’s kindness before I come back 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is a wonderful interview with the poet, writer, and blogger Annette Rochelle Aben!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much for sharing. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Charles, most kind of you to share!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Ladies ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks for the share. ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many congratulations on all those published books, Annette. I predict many, many more from you. You’re an ambassador for the world of writing and blogging.
Wishing you both a joyful weekend full of creativity. 🍂
Hugs.
LikeLiked by 3 people
So sweet, Hugh. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I do enjoy the book writing. We’ll see where it goes from here. ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
Heavens to Betsy … what a great interview!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
LOL! Annette’s the star, for sure! 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
You sir, are making me blush… thank you, Andy-Drew
LikeLiked by 2 people
I always love reading about Annette. She has such a warmth about everything!! So happy to call her my friend and sister!! ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Miss. Dorinda! ❤ Thank you so much. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re very welcome, Annette ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
I couldn’t agree with you more. Hugs and love, Dorinda. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people