This summer I wrote a poem that my workshop mates called a call to action! I was encouraged to publish it and since there was not time to send it to to any publishers, in the centuries old tradition of poets before me – I’ve self-published it. This being the age of the independent author, I went with a reputable indie publishing company. Only to be come up against technical obstacles. So the actual bound book and eBook files will be late. But thanks to a conversation with an old friend from high school, I’m sending the chapbook into the wild as a PDF. This particular version has a copyright notation that allows the PDF file to be shared. Share widely. Literal: Defining Moments.
Tag Archives: vicki hudson
New Chap Book – Literal: Defining Moments
A new book is coming out very soon. LITERAL: Defining Moments is my first chap book. The poem Literal is a language poem, following the meaning of words and creating a trail for the reader to follow. How often do we use words without thought to actual meaning?
It’s a political poem, because poets have a responsibility to bring the forth what doesn’t work in our world and our society. A deeply personal work, it is one I could not fail to create and keep true to what is integral to the fabric of who I am, an individual of integrity.
The book will be out soon in all the usual distributors. As soon as pre-sale is open, I’ll post it and I do encourage you to at least go read the pre-sale page, that will help boost inventory before the book is on sale in the retail venues.
I wrote this poem while participating in the Napa Valley Writers Conference this summer.
Filed under writing life
Poetry Scouts
May Day has arrived and National Poetry Month comes to another conclusion. The Found Poetry Review once again sponsored a creative and challenging project for production of found poems during the entire month. This was my second time taking part. The concept of poetry “scout” badges was fun and tough at times. I did complete all 30, though more than half in the final hours due to an extremely challenging month in non-literary ways.
During the month of May, all the poems will be visible online. They will go dark come the end of this month. I hope you will check out a few of mine. I’m rather proud of them.
PoMoSco rocked.
Filed under writing life
Three by Five Schedule Update
Three by Five has really taken off this year. The author interview series that highlights a different author or indie publishing professional with five questions (usually) over three – five days during a month has filled up 2015! During this year, you’ll find the following authors highlighted here:
Currently in March is Laurie Kolp. Coming in April is poet Rebecca Foust. In May, Poet and Novelist Mariah E. Wilson. In June, Canadian Poet Carol Stephen. In July, Novel and Memoir author Matthew Pallamary. In August, Poet and Non-fiction author Bernadette Geyer. In September, Hiatus. In October, Fiction and Non-fiction writer Sam Slaughter. In November, Novelist and cinematographer Chase J. Jackson. In December, Memoir author Kelly Kittel. Then, welcoming in 2016, January’s Three by Five will host the 2015 Runner-up and Honorable Mention for this year’s Emerging Writer Prize, Caroline Zarlengo Sposto. The February, 2016 Three by Five featured author will be the 2016 Winner of the Victoria A. Hudson Emerging Writer Prize. In March, Poet Ronnie K. Stephens will lead the rest of 2016. In April 2016, Science Fiction & Fantasy author Edward McKeown.
Don’t let the schedule deter you if interested in being highlighted in the Three by Five interview series. Additionally, occasionally the schedule is open to change in order to highlight an author with a book publishing during a specific month.
Three by Five interviews publish on days that end in three every month. Find out what why an author writes, what inspires them, who they read, and what their writing life is like. Discover their work and maybe find a whole new author to follow and enjoy.
Filed under writing life
National Poetry Month 2015
April is poetry month. Look for poetry around you, on signs, buses, walls, even small pieces of paper a stranger may hand you. This year, I am once again participating with The Found Poetry Review’s sponsored poetry month celebration. For Poetry Month this year, FPR came up with the idea of Poetry Month Scouts. Every day in April, over 200 poets from 43 states and 12 countries will post newly created works using specific guidelines to earn poetry badges. Discover the many ways to create a found poem!
PoMoSco Twitter # PoMoSco
Filed under writing life
Kristen Falso-Capaldi – Three by Five Interview Part III
Welcome to the final installment of an interview with Kristen Falso-Capaldi.
VAH: What does it mean to you to have been selected as the Victoria A. Hudson Emerging Writer Prize winner this year?
KFC: I am beyond excited to be the recipient of this year’s Emerging Writer Prize. It means so much to me to be recognized for my writing ability and to be able to attend one of the best writer’s conferences in the country.
VAH: Any goals for the conference?
KFC: I’d love to find an agent for my novel, but I’ll feel fulfilled with advice and critique on my pitch and the first page of my manuscript.
VAH: Kristen it was great meeting you at the conference. I hope it the experience was all you hoped for and you have good luck with the agents you spoke with.
Let’d get back to writing. When the page is blank what gets you writing?
KFC: Sometimes there is nothing scarier than a blank page; that said, I just write. It’s like jumping into the ocean when I first get to the beach. If I think about it too much, I’ll never get to ride the waves. I just jump in and write without worrying too much about where the story is going. I know from past experience that I will end up with a messy first draft that I can then edit into something I’m not embarrassed to show to someone else.
VAH: What is your “process” when working on a new piece of writing?
KFC: I often just think of a first line and start writing. I very rarely outline, though I sometimes make notes about where the story is going if I get a brainstorm and have to stop for the day. I try not to abandon stories, though I might work on two pieces at once (usually different genres, like a screenplay and a short story). If I hit a spot of writer’s block, I try to write through it or jump to another piece I’m working on.
VAH: Do you have a submission system or plan?
KFC: I try to send as much of my work into the universe as I can. I send my stories to literary journals and contests, and I’m currently pitching my novel to agents. One of my students told me recently that she doesn’t enter contests because it makes her sad when she doesn’t win. Sure, you can’t fail if you don’t try, but you can’t succeed either.
VAH: What does your typical writing day include?
KFC: I get up every morning at 5:00 a.m., feed my cat, Scout, and feed myself, then I sit down and write for about 45 minutes before I have to get ready for work. I often don’t get time to write again till the following morning, so I try not to fret too much about what I’m writing – I just get the words out. It may not seem like a lot of time, but in a year and a half, I’ve written a generous handful of flash fiction, two screenplays, seven short stories, a final draft of a novel and a first draft of a new novel.
VAH: What words of wisdom do you have for the emerging writer?
KFC: Make writing a priority. This is something I didn’t do for many years, and it’s no surprise I got very little accomplished. Once it became important to me, I saw a huge change in both my craft and my confidence. Another piece of advice I’d give is to experiment with various genres. This is something I tell my high school creative writing students. For example, poetry and flash fiction teach us to be powerful in a small amount of words, script writing helps us focus on dialogue and visualize movement, and memoirs are great for helping us find pearls of truth buried in the subconscious.
VAH: Thanks Kristen for taking time out of your busy schedule for Three by Five.
Find Kristen on:
“ You always stop writing eventually,” my inner voice said. “Wouldn’t you rather make cheese…I’m going to make some coffee now. It’s very early, and I’ve got lots to say before I leave for work.”
Kristen Falso-Capaldi is a writer, musician and public high school teacher. The latter position has led her to believe she could run a small country if given the opportunity. She is the singer and lyricist for a folk/acoustic duo Kristen & J, she has finished a novel and has co-written a screenplay, Teachers: The Movie, which was an official selection for the 2014 Houston Comedy Film Festival. Kristen’s short story, “Of Man and Mouse” was published in the December 2013 issue of Underground Voices magazine, and several of her micro-fiction pieces have received accolades in various contests. Kristen lives in a small town in northern Rhode Island with her husband and cat.
Three by Five publishes on the days that end in three.
Filed under writing life
Readers – What Would You Add?
In 2011, No Red Pen: Writers, Writing Groups & Critique was published just in time for that year’s San Francisco Writers Conference. Now I’m looking at completing a revised 3rd edition. I’m interested in what readers of No Red Pen think was missing in the original book or what could use a little more depth of discussion. Now’s your chance to let me know by using the feedback form below. 
Additionally, I have a survey that asks about individual experiences with writing groups and critique. Please take a few minutes and give your thoughts and opinions by participating in the Creative Writing Critique Experiences.
Thanks for your feedback and for participating in the survey.
While you’re at it, have you signed up for the newsletter yet?
Filed under writing life
Kristen Falso-Capaldi – Three by Five Interview Part II
Welcome to the second installment of an interview with Kristen Falso-Capaldi.
VAH: Kristen, do you have a favorite literary character?
KFC: There are so many, but I love Scout from To Kill A Mockingbird. I love how Harper Lee captured the perfect blend of innocence and precociousness in creating the character. I even named my cat after her. A close second would be Jay Gatsby, because I can’t help but feel bad for the guy, and I so want things to end differently for him every time I read the novel.
VAH: What about a favorite author?
KFC: Tim O’Brien, author of The Things They Carried because I’ve never read anyone who could make death by land-mine explosion sound magical and heavenly. I’m also going to go with Fitzgerald, because his description of New York City seen from the Queensboro Bridge gives me chills every time I read it.
VAH: Well, you’ve got me curious to go read Tim O’Brien now. What is the most memorable book, story or poem you’ve read?
KFC: I’m a huge fan of Ursula Le Guin’s short story, “The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas,” Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World” and Barry Lopez’s “Emory Bear Hands’ Birds” because all three stories are fantastic and impossible with deeper meanings that we could discuss forever. I guess you could say I like magical realism.
VAH: And Do you have a favorite book, poem, or story?
KFC: I would say The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, because he writes about war in such a poetic way, he makes me want to cry. My favorite poem is actually the lyrics to the Simon and Garfunkel song “America,” because Paul Simon managed to capture so much longing in so few words. Plus, he briefly makes the moon a third character in the narrative, and that’s just cool.
VAH: Which reader are you – always finish what you started or put it down and move on if you don’t like it?
KFC: I have to finish everything, even if it’s awful. I think it’s because I’m an English teacher and I feel like a fraud if I don’t finish every book I start.
VAH: For a long time, I was the same way. I felt like I betrayed someone by not completing what I was reading. Now though, time compels me to move on!
Find Kristen on:
“ You always stop writing eventually,” my inner voice said. “Wouldn’t you rather make cheese…I’m going to make some coffee now. It’s very early, and I’ve got lots to say before I leave for work.”
Kristen Falso-Capaldi is a writer, musician and public high school teacher. The latter position has led her to believe she could run a small country if given the opportunity. She is the singer and lyricist for a folk/acoustic duo Kristen & J, she has finished a novel and has co-written a screenplay, Teachers: The Movie, which was an official selection for the 2014 Houston Comedy Film Festival. Kristen’s short story, “Of Man and Mouse” was published in the December 2013 issue of Underground Voices magazine, and several of her micro-fiction pieces have received accolades in various contests. Kristen lives in a small town in northern Rhode Island with her husband and cat.
Three by Five publishes on the days that end in three. Return for more with Kristen Falso-Capaldi then.
Filed under writing life
Literary Piracy Grrrrrr!
My thinking was, as much as I think my chap book Chow and book No Red Pen: Writers, Writing Groups & Critique are enjoyable (Chow) or useful as a resource (No Red Pen) these works are not well known. I’m a small fish in the ocean of publishing, traditional or otherwise. Who would pirate my books? So when I first saw Molly Greene had posted Has your eBook Been Pirated, I didn’t read it. Then when part two was posted and the topic came across my email for the second time, I thought I’d check it out.
Who would pirate my eBooks?
Well, I’ll tell you who – General eBooks. And the reality, they don’t care about my books or yours or anyones. They care about who would use General eBooks’ website to download books because when their site is accessed, reportedly what is also downloaded is malware. So, STAY AWAY FROM GENERAL eBOOKS! If not because you have integrity and won’t read a pirated copy of someone else’s hard work, then because you are smart enough to know that malware will attack your system, steal your passwords, and infiltrate your public and personal life and potentially your finances too.
Honestly, the cost of my eBooks is not all the much and there are quite a few coupons out in the wild for free downloads and really, if you are that financially strapped, I’ll spot you a coupon to download the book.
What have I learned from this – yes, even a small time, independent emerging author can find her works on a pirate’s website. What will I do from here on out? Formally register copyright on anything I independently publish.
And thanks to Molly Greene for hosting Kathryn Goldman’s posts about the piracy and to Kathryn Goldman for her assistance in getting my work off the pirate ship. Sign up for her free report for digital artist on how to protect their work and found out what you can do to protect your digital work. And if you still aren’t sure about registering YOUR copyright, read this post by Kathryn Goldman on Why and How to Copyright Your Self-Published Book.
Filed under writing life
Kristen Falso-Capaldi – Three by Five Interview Part I
This month Three by Five’s guest is Kristen Falso-Capaldi, who will attend the San Francisco Writers Conference February 12 – 15 as the recipient of the Victoria A. Hudson Emerging Writer Prize.
VAH: Your response to the “why I write” prompt echoed in my mind when I was reading the submissions for the Emerging Writer Prize. That will post on the site later. But if you had only a few words, how would you respond to the question, Why do you write?
KFC: Honestly, I write because it feels good. It’s by no means easy, but it feels pretty magical to create people and places and have them come together to mean something and hopefully touch someone or at least make someone see the world in a new way.
VAH: Why did you become a writer and when did that seem true for you?
KFC: I think I’ve always been a writer. I was the kid with lots of imaginary friends, and I grew into an adult who spends a good percentage of my time inside my head. I have been writing on and off for years, but it wasn’t until 2012 when I attended my first writer’s conference – the Ocean State Summer Writing Conference at my alma mater – and joined a writer’s group that I started feeling like a real writer. I began writing daily in August of 2013 and have been going strong ever since.
VAH: Is there anything or anyone that you’d say influenced your development as a writer?
KFC: My sixth grade teacher, Mr. Swann encouraged me to write my first novel, Why Me? by teaching my best friend (also the book’s illustrator) and me the art of book binding. My high school English teacher Mrs. Sweeney, paid me a compliment on an essay I wrote comparing The Great Gatsby, Death of a Salesman and The Glass Menagerie. I had worked so hard on it, and I remember thinking it was so great that she recognized that.
VAH: Our early teachers so often have such far reaching impact upon us. Mine was my third grade teacher, Mrs. Worthy. What do you remember about your first story or poem?
KFC: My earliest writing memory is of a short story called “The Easter Celebration,” which I wrote after rereading Charlotte’s Web for the umpteenth time. All I can remember is that it involved talking barnyard animals and it received an honorable mention in a short story contest sponsored by the 4H Club. I was maybe nine or ten. I believe I illustrated it as well, though I can’t draw at all.
VAH: And what would you say is your favorite piece that you’ve written so far?
KFC: I’m proud of a flash fiction piece I wrote called “Importance,” which was recently included in The FlashDogs Anthology.
Find Kristen on:
“ You always stop writing eventually,” my inner voice said. “Wouldn’t you rather make cheese…I’m going to make some coffee now. It’s very early, and I’ve got lots to say before I leave for work.”
Kristen Falso-Capaldi is a writer, musician and public high school teacher. The latter position has led her to believe she could run a small country if given the opportunity. She is the singer and lyricist for a folk/acoustic duo Kristen & J, she has finished a novel and has co-written a screenplay, Teachers: The Movie, which was an official selection for the 2014 Houston Comedy Film Festival. Kristen’s short story, “Of Man and Mouse” was published in the December 2013 issue of Underground Voices magazine, and several of her micro-fiction pieces have received accolades in various contests. Kristen lives in a small town in northern Rhode Island with her husband and cat.
Filed under writing life
Vicki Hudson 