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The Smoking Poet
  • Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids
  • United States
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“A fine cigar and good literature ― two of life’s most enduring pleasures.” THE SMOKING POET - SPPRING 2009 Spring is traditionally the time of new beginnings—or perhaps more accurately, a time when that which has grown dormant, comes to lif...
March 9
The Smoking Poet added 18 photos
February 24
ACK...I tried posting this a few days ago, but no go. I will see what I can do in this regard. My old stuff is copyrighted, but not the new, which is most of what I've posted here. My understanding is that you can't submit copyrighted works, and t...
February 24

Profile Information

Hometown:
Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids, Michigan
Relationship Status:
Don't Worry About It
About Me:
Art, Education, Politics, Music, Reading, Romance, Spirituality, Sports, Technology, Travel, Wellness, Writing
More About Me and My World
The Smoking Poet is a literary ezine, circa 2006; Zinta Aistars, editor-in-chief, and J. Conrad Guest, fiction, nonfiction and cigar editor. Each issue has a feature author interview, feature poet, and a selection of poets and writers in many genres. We also have an extensive list of links and resources for writers and cigar aficionados; book reviews, and much more. Come visit and check out submission guidelines and literary updates. Annual contests in prose and poetry with cash prizes, watch for updates.
Website:
http://thesmokingpoet.net
Favorite Music:
Jazz, classical

Second Annual Short Story Contest!


The Smoking Poet Second Annual Short Story Contest Deadline: May 31, 2009

First prize, $200; second prize, $100; third prize, $50. All of the winners will be published in the summer issue of The Smoking Poet, online in mid June, 2009.

An entry fee of $10 per submission is required. Once you have sent in your submission, we will send you the PayPal link for payment with an invoice for your records.

Entries must be submitted as a Word doc file, one per e-mail, in Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced. The author’s name, address, and telephone number must appear in the upper right hand corner. Word count must not exceed 5,000. Please include a bio statement, not to exceed 100 words, in the body of your e-mail.

Submission deadline is May 31, 2009. Please send your submission with the subject line, CONTEST/Last Name to thesmokingpoet@gmail.com If the subject line does not state CONTEST, we will assume it is a general submission. We look forward to reading your best work!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~







It seems a very long time ago when my co-editor and I sat on a bench in Austin, Texas, on a spring-like January evening in 2006, smoking cigars, holding a just purchased crystal ashtray from our fountainhead, Palacio, between us, and enjoying the Texas warmth, unseasonable to two Michiganders, and chatting about something called The Smoking Poet. It was the seed of an idea. It would take until the end of 2006 for us to post the first issue of this literary ezine, a combination of our love for fine cigars and fine literature.

It has been a pleasant surprise—how quickly TSP has grown. In response to our first call for submissions, the stories and essays and poems just kept rolling in, and the level of quality has indeed been fine. There are a great many artists out there in the smoky beyond, names known and unknown, and it has been an inspiration and a pleasure to offer a forum to but a chosen few of you. Those who haven’t (yet) made it onto the TSP pages should remain hopeful. We receive a great many quality submissions, and a response of “pass” does not mean your work is not worthy.

It’s been a grand year. Feature author interviews with such literary shining lights as Dominic Smith, Ingrid Hill, Dorianne Laux, Paul Levinson, Russell Rowland, Sue Miller and Lynn Stegner. Feature poets have included Lori Williams, Aberjhani, Harry Owen, William Doreski. Each and every one of these names has provided us with inspiration to reach for more, from ourselves and from our writers. It has been an honor.

What is to come in TSP’s second year? All I can and will say at this time… is that you can expect great changes. If the first year is one of learning, much has been learned indeed, and expectations are high for year two. This has been a time-consuming venture, with no pay for our literary labors but the wonderful networks we’ve built with so many of you—and the gratification of putting into print so many deserving works. Among other goals is perhaps a dedicated Web site… perhaps a hard print copy of TSP as a magazine, something to keep on your coffee table and bookshelf… perhaps some stylistic and editorial changes, requiring refreshed dedication. We invite you along for wherever that smoky ribbon in the sky leads us… the future is promising.

THE SMOKING POET - DEADLINE: August 31, 2008


Zinta Aistars

Managing Editor


Join our new group at Facebook! Stay attuned to news at our AuthorsDen page and join our network of writers at our well established network on MySpace, too.

Poetry contest coming soon!

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The Smoking Poet

THE SMOKING POET - SPRING 2009 Issue - Online Now!

“A fine cigar and good literature ― two of life’s most enduring pleasures.”


THE SMOKING POET - SPPRING 2009




Spring is traditionally the time of new beginnings—or perhaps more accurately, a time when that which has grown dormant, comes to life again. And not just as it was, but renewed, stronger, with the evidence of growth. Not all awakes with a new spring. Some hibernation becomes death. That, too, is as it should be. We leave behind what no longer… Continue

Posted on March 9, 2009 at 9:38pm —

The Smoking Poet

The Smoking Poet Call for Submissions!

THE SMOKING POET: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – FALL 2008!

THE SMOKING POET publishes flash fiction; fiction; nonfiction; poetry; feature author interview; feature poet; feature artist (by invitation only); book and cigar reviews. We publish work that ignites our imagination, inflames our passion, leaves us with a smoky aftertaste. The Smoking Poet also shares an extensive list of links and resources for writers and the cigar aficionado.

Submissions open year round. Send with editor’s attention in su… Continue

Posted on July 14, 2008 at 12:54pm — 2 Comments

The Smoking Poet

The Smoking Poet's First Annual Short Story Contest

The Smoking Poet’s first annual short story contest is open to all writers in any genre.




An entry fee of $10 per submission is required, payment to be made through PayPal.

Continue

Posted on February 1, 2008 at 9:53pm —

The Smoking Poet

The Smoking Poet: Call for Submissions Spring 2008



THE SMOKING POET: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – SPRING 2008

A fine cigar and good literature: two of life's finer pleasures.

THE SMOKING POET publishes flash fiction; fiction; nonfiction; poetry; feature author with novel excerpt; feature poet; book and cigar reviews. We publish work that ignites our imagination,

Continue

Posted on February 1, 2008 at 9:42pm — 1 Comment

Comment Wall (9 comments)

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At 10:04pm on September 14, 2008, Sage Sweetwater said…

Find more photos like this on Welcome to Creative Thinkers International
Hi Zinta,
From the desk of Sage Sweetwater stopping in to say hi and wish you a Happy CTI One Year Anniversary. I hope all is going well for you...I know you're busy preparing for the fall issue of Smoking Poet. We know it will be an interesting mix of literary talent! Keep up the good work...warm mugs of hard cider to you and your gang.

Warmly,
Sage
At 12:54pm on July 14, 2008, Author-Poet Aberjhani said…
Your new issue is slamming and provides quite a summer feast for readers. Thanks for hanging in there to give the world another Smoking Poet winner.

Aberjhani
At 12:26pm on March 22, 2008, Author-Poet Aberjhani said…
Totally loving your latest issue, especially the featured artwork:-)

Aberjhani
At 12:59pm on March 16, 2008, Marlive Harris said…
Thanks so much for the add; I truly appreciate you. I look forward to checking out your profile page. Again thanks!
At 9:43am on February 22, 2008, Art Sun Hernandez said…
Thanks for stopping by and for having me as one of your friends, your site reads as a great place to be part of and I wish to congratulate you on the success it has become. I am sure your hard efforts will pay more dividends in the future. Again thanks for being here....Art Sun...
At 9:22am on February 2, 2008, don dean said…
just saying hi an welcome drop by for a visit im an artist an musician so you can hear my stuff while checking out my slide show an see what you think of my word
At 7:45am on February 2, 2008, Romantic Poetess said…
I regognize you from surfing the net & AD
Have A Groovy Day & I hope you enjoy the video
Embrasse'
Vickie
At 12:45am on February 2, 2008, Author-Poet Aberjhani said…
I thought I smelled the aroma of a fine cigar floating through the hallways of CTI and it appears I was right:-)

Welcome to Creative Thinkers International o' poet of distinguished tastes and literary patron of the arts. I hope our many gifted members will submit their splendid works for your publication consideration. I hope also that you enjoy exploring the site and becoming familiar with your various CTI neighbors.

Aberjhani
At 9:21pm on February 1, 2008, The Smoking Poet said…
Visit our ezine for full submission guidelines - call for submissions and first annual short story contest currently underway.
 
 

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Aberjhani Aberjhani created this Ning Network.

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Author-Poet Aberjhani

Writing the Year 2009 Michael Jackson Legend 1 Reply

Display for Official Michael Jackson OPUS Book on display in London. (Press release photo) The Michael Jackson story has arguably been the most compelling of 2009 and more than once has caused...

Tagged: news, music, movie, singers, authors

Started by Author-Poet Aberjhani in The CTI News Room. Last reply by Author-Poet Aberjhani Nov 29.

Doris Anne Beaulieu

Dear Producers

Tagged: Television.Reporters, Press, Directors, Media, Newspapers

Started by Doris Anne Beaulieu in The CTI News Room Nov 23.

Aberjhani

To Walk a Lifetime in Michael Jackson's Moccasins 17 Replies

Michael Jackson in concert around 1995. (photographer unknown) You probably can’t read the words in the note next to the accompanying photo of Michael Jackson, but they were handwritten by the ...

Tagged: African, Music, News, Movie, American

Started by Aberjhani in Music and You. Last reply by Kimmy Van Kooten Nov 16.

SOFIA PEACHES

IF MEN ARE FROM MARS...AND WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS...WHERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE BORN WITH BOTH GENDERS FROM??? 1 Reply

IT MAKES ME WANNA HOLLA AND THROW UP BOTH MY HANDS!!!!FACTS…HUMAN BEINGS, INVENT COMPETIION FOR WOMEN…WOMAN WON RACE… OTHER WOMEN SAY SHE SHOULD NOT WIN BECAUSE SHE IS NOT A WOMAN, BECAUSE SHE HAS ...

Started by SOFIA PEACHES in The CTI News Room. Last reply by Author-Poet Aberjhani Nov 15.

Cassidy David

Get 3 FREE Dissertation Topics Without Spending a Single PENNY!

3 Free Dissertation Topics??? Really??? Well… You must be reading this post just to confirm if the statement is true OR “Free Dissertation Topics” under discussion are those that must have been ove...

Tagged: uk, online, help, writing, topics

Started by Cassidy David in CTI Creative Marketing Tips Aug 20.

The Path of a Creative Thinker at CTI

CREATIVE THINKERS INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES




1. Membership at CTI is free and open to all those interested in either the production or appreciation of the creative arts, to include literature, visual art, dance, music, film, spiritual theory, the social sciences, philosophy, general humanities, scientific inquiry, education in general, and other disciplines intended to enhance the quality of life for all humanity.

2. Materials posted by Members of CTI are their sole responsibility and not that of CTI management or any other member of the CTI site.

3. While recognizing that the work of creative artists is often controversial by its very nature, CTI prohibits and discourages the posting of any overtly obscene and intentionally inflammatory material. These include overt pornography, racist diatribes, religious slander, and any postings promoting discrimination against or the oppression of other human beings.

4. In the interest of stimulating creative growth, we encourage dialogue and even debate. However, Members should avoid leaving intentionally offensive or antagonistic remarks on the pages of Fellow Members. We can disagree and still remain a harmonious community.

5. Explore, grow, share, and enjoy your creative success.

Please remember, these guidelines are likely to evolve as the site itself continues to evolve and develop. We welcome and encourage your input. After all, yours are some of the best minds on the planet so we would be very foolish not to listen to what you have to say.

The CTI Admin Team

CTI SPOTLIGHT ARTISTS

CTI Spotlight Artist Marne L. Kilates, August 16-31, 2008



Marne L. Kilates, the CTI Spotlight Artist for August 16-31, hails from the Philippines and is the highly regarded editor of “Poet’s Picturebook,” an ezine of exceptionally fine art and literature. He is also a translator and the author of several books, including Mostly In

CTI Spotlight Artist Tasha Coleman, August 1-15, 2008



Creative disciplines of virtually every type, from filmmakers and actresses to environmentalists and jazz musicians, are represented at CTI. The poets among us comprise a fairly large number and one of them, Tasha Coleman, is our new CTI Spotlight Artist for August 1-15, 2008. Th…

CTI Spotlight Artist Georg Edvard Mateos, July 16-31, 2008




The CTI Spotlight Artist for July 16-31, 2008, Georg Edvard Mateos, is the celebrated author of four books, including “The Man on the Grassy Knoll” Trilogy, and “Portrait of a Sad Man.” In addition, since December 2005, he has been among the most prolific and popular members writ…

CTI Spotlight Artist Marina, July 1-15, 2008





One of the traditions at CTI that has helped us form a meaningful and yet flexible sense of community is the Spotlight Artist. It is not a competition or popularity contest of any kind but simply a way of drawing greater attention to the creative offerings presented so generously by…

CTI Spotlight Artist BlackBirdHyperdrive, June 16-30, 2008



One thing that has not changed at Creative Thinkers International is the sheer abundance of creative individuals and types that populate the CTI community. One of those individuals is the poet known as BlackBirdHyperDrive, our CTI Spotlight Artist for June 16-30. A visit to BlackBir…

CTI Spotlight Artist Marlive Harris, June 1-15, 2008



Our CTI Spotlight Artist for June 1-15, 2008, Marlive Harris, not only maintains a powerful literary presence on Creative Thinkers International but through her Grits.com site exercises such a presence all over the Internet. Among the many qualities that make Ms. Harris unique, valued…

CTI Spotlight Artist Robert M, May 16-31, 2008




Versatility is a quality we have come to associate with many of our members and Robert M, our new CTI Spotlight Artist, is one of the most versatile among us. The fortunate visitor to Robert’s profile page gains entry into a world of eclectic musical compositions ranging from classic…

CTI Spotlight Artist Vickie L. McColley, May 1-15, 2008

Vickie L. McColley "The Romantic Poetess"

As everybody knows, diversity is one of our primary strengths at CTI and the members of our community represent cultures from all over the world. They also represent individuals at different stages of their creative careers and de…

CTI Spotlight Artist Poetry Life & Times April 16-30, 2008


Our friends at Poetry Life and Times have featured a number of CTI’s members in their e-zine and, on top of that, have now been one of the great champions of modern poetry for some ten years. They actually have the archives to prove it! Their current issue not only honors on…

CTI Spotlight Artist Luther E. Vann April 1-15, 2008

(photo of Luther E. Vann by John Schmidt)

Often described as a poet who utilizes visual art to write his poems, Luther E. Vann is an acclaimed artist who was fortunate enough to receive some of his first art instructions from recognized masters of the Harlem Renaissance.…

News from the United Nations

Postal industry generates less than 1 per cent of global emissions, UN agency says

The postal industry annually generates at least 26 million tons of carbon dioxide, accounting for less than 1 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions, the United Nations Universal Postal Union (UPU) announced today in its first such global inventory.

Prosecutor of UN-backed tribunal meets Lebanese Justice Minister

The Prosecutor of the United Nations-backed tribunal set up to try the perpetrators of recent political killings in Lebanon, including the February 2005 murder of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, met today with the country’s Justice Minister.

UN officials deplore latest deadly attack in Somali capital

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has led United Nations condemnation of today’s suicide attack at a graduation ceremony for medical students in Somalia’s war-scarred capital, Mogadishu, which has claimed at least 15 lives.

New report urges more investment to slash maternal and newborn deaths - UN

The more than four million maternal and newborn deaths occurring annually in developing countries could be dramatically reduced if the world doubled investment in family planning and pregnancy-related care to $24.6 billion, according to a new report released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Guttmacher Institute.

Funding, commitment gaps threaten gains in curbing measles deaths, UN warns

Global measles deaths have fallen by 78 per cent within the past decade, with vaccinations saving some 4.3 million lives, but the disease could make a deadly comeback if funding and political will are not sustained, a United Nations-backed study warned today.

Empowering people with disabilities vital for achieving development targets - Ban

Efforts to achieve global development targets must include improving living standards and quality of life for everyone, including the world’s 800 million people with disabilities, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Women still suffer discrimination 30 years after global treaty banned it - UN chief

Thirty years after an international treaty banning discrimination against women came into force, women and girls are still suffering from the scourge, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned today.

Google and UNESCO team up to provide virtual tours of World Heritage sites

Internet users can now explore World Heritage sites such as France’s Palace of Versailles and the United Kingdom’s Stonehenge online thanks to a new partnership between the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Internet search giant Google.

UN war crimes courts call for greater efforts to seize indicted ringleaders

Top officials of the United Nations war crimes tribunals today called for Serbia’s "critical" cooperation in capturing the two remaining top fugitives accused of atrocities in the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s and denounced Kenya for failing to cooperate in the case of a major suspect in the Rwandan genocide of 1994.

UN stands ready to help least developed countries weather global economic crisis

The United Nations agency entrusted with accelerating sustainable industrial development in poorer states today pledged to help the world’s 49 least developed countries (LDCs), 33 of them in Africa, to withstand global financial crisis.
 

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