Novelist James Morrow (Nebula, World Fantasy Award recipient) is interviewed in this issue! That alone is cause to read our second issue over and over again. He honors us with his interview and the world with his novels.
Thank you, James Morrow. His new paperback, "The Philosopher's Apprentice" just came out. As a FAN of his work, all I can say is you won't find many authors who can write in such a literary style, pull the reader along, teach AND entertain at the same time. I can't say enough good things about James Morrow. After reading "The Philosopher's Apprentice," I sincerely believe you will come to the same conclusion.
Jessica Galbreth is interviewed by Sue Babcock. Jessica decorated one of the rooms in the movie Nights in Rodanthe, and had one of her posters in the room she decorated. Her work has appeared in the oracle decks published by Llewellyn, and her website offers EVERYTHING from little blessings to posters and figurines. She began posting her work at online sites in the early days, and was amazed at the interest her work generated. It has sprung into a thriving business, and after visiting her site it is apparent why. Come view her talent at Enchanted Art.
The second artist interviewed this issue warms my heart with his kindness, and inspires me like few others. I present Ivan Ognianov Serbezov, who agreed to be interviewed by me. He has been extremely busy filming a digital feature, but he took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions. His studios in Hollywood and Italy thrive with business, and he is in high demand. I am a big fan of his work. So I am doubly blessed this issue, interviewing James Morrow AND Ivan Ognianov Serbezov.
And we can't forget about the Contests. First, Ivan Ornianov Serbezov graciously let us use his fantastic "A Tale from the Balkans." The winning poetry/proise is "WRITER'S NAME" called "WINNING POEM/PROSE."
Our Poetry Editor Chrissy Davis' new book "Raven's Brew" was published. To celebrate and promote her new book, we had the "Raven's Brew Contest." The winning poet, "POET'S NAME," received Chrissy's book we published his poem "POEM TITLE." The winning author, "WRITER'S NAME," wrote "STORY TITLE." He received "Raven's Brew" for a prize and we published his story, too.
Buy Chrissy Davis' book "Ravens' Brew." Trust me. It's well worth it!
AJ Brown graces our pages again with an article I requested he write for my private web office. He did such a wonderful job, I just HAD to include it in this issue. AJ is the most creative person I know hands down, able to write 10,000 words a day, any day of the week, if he can find the time. His article Creative Rambling and Writer's Block Issues shows how anyone can tap into their own creativity as a writer, artist, and poet.
Dare Kent begins the new column about creativity called "Creativity Column." Dare runs the websites Dare 2b Kreative and Right Brain Yoga and she KNOWS what it takes to not only get your creative juices flowing, she TRAINS you in creativity. Think you're creative? You can be more creative. Writer's block? Let her show you how to tear it down.
When Aaron Webster asked how he could help Liquid Imagination at my web office, he had NO idea what I would ask. Well, I asked and he was shocked... then agreed to help create and promote the Liquid Imagination Screenplay Contest. Having one's private web office at Francis Ford Coppola's "American Zoetrope" means one sure things: writers of screenplays congregate there. What to do with all that talent?
You guessed it. The winning screenplay is "TITLE HERE" by "WRITER'S NAME." It won six months at InkTip.com AND the screenplay is currently being transformed into a novel.
The second place screenplay, "TITLE HERE" by "WRITER'S NAME," not only won bragging rights, it receives a script analysis by Vera Caccioppoli (a $520 value!).
Judges of the screenplay contest were Aaron Webster, Vera Caccioppoli, and Theresa Cecilia Garcia-Newbill. Without them this task would have been impossible. Thanks so much, Aaron, Vera and Theresa. You guys ROCK!!
This issue wouldn't be complete without the FANTASTIC stories of Michelle Garren Flye (Black Dog Alley), David Byron (Electrocuting the Clowns), ANOTHER WRITER (story here), and Michael A. Kechula (I Shall Return) in the story section. These stories are worthy of print publications, and I am sure you'll see their written work in the future, if not here, then elsewhere. They are THAT talented!
I cannot say enough good things about the Poetry section this issue. I can't even describe it. Besides the winning Contest poems, plan to be mesmerized by poets who have caged raw emotion in words.
Finally, I am indebted to Francis Ford Coppola for creating "American Zoetrope." His dream and vision is unsurpassed in this world. Without "American Zoetrope," I would be swimming in a sea of hopeless dreams, unrealized aspirations, and unsatisfying desires.
Now, we are attempting to change the world one mind at a time. We are attempting to merge artwork and stories/poems, creating a new kind of art. Ivan Ognianov Serbezov has this to say about our lofty goals: "John,please let me know if there is anything I can design or visualize I shall be very happy to help where I can. I see you and your project as a patron of writers and artists just like Lorenzo de'Medici did in the Renaissance era!"
Ivan, we're trying, my friend!
Now, I think Sophia wants to steal you away from me, show you the things she and the writers and poets and artists have created using Liquid Imagination.