Monday, November 8, 2010

PERFORMANCE: “Words, Music and Moving Pictures”

PERFORMANCE: “Words, Music and Moving Pictures”
Sat, Nov 13, 7:00pm; FREE, tickets at door
Location: Launchpad, 721 Franklin Ave, Bklyn
Subways: 2/3/4/5 to Franklin Ave; C to Franklin Ave

Three NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Boot Camp graduates present their work: Documentarian and multimedia artist Ryan Murdock presents “Project: Butte, America,” a multimedia essay about Butte’s mining past and its questionable legacy. Playing the role of a subjective tour guide, Murdock narrates this combination folk-history-and-cautionary tale to live music.

Poets Liliana Almendarez and Wanda Phipps read from their work. Almendarez offers both new poems and pieces from her book, A Scorched Page (lulu.com); Phipps reads from Wake-Up Calls: 66 Morning Poems (Soft Skull Press), Field of Wanting: Poems of Desire (BlazeVOX[books]) and Silent Picture Recognize the World, a collection-in-process. Stephen B. Antonakos, a frequent collaborator, accompanies her with original compositions performed on the guitar.
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Hey folks,
Friday’s reading at Bowery Poetry Club had a sweet turn out. Thank you to all who attended. I told my sister Vick afterwards, there is always a moment during a reading when I can hear people intently listening to my words. I love the reciprocal nature of a reading where I get immediate “feedback” after sharing my work. It’s amazing to put this work out to a new audience.

Next reading is at Launchpad in Brooklyn, on Saturday at 7 pm.

Best,

Lily~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2010 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

I fully admit that for a good long while there I was “a bit” of a tormented writer working on my play. I see that perfectly clear right now. I finally let go of the death grip I’ve had on trying to complete the play and now I’m working on my very first science fiction novel. The tormented writer is gone and I’ve been enjoying the writing process again. Yep, you read that right…I’m actually enjoying the process. Let me say it again for the back row to hear it…I really love sitting down and writing again.

No more hemming and hawing, pacing in front of my computer trying to convince myself to sit in the chair and write. Instead, I’ve been sneaking a note here, a paragraph there, 1,000 words one day, 500 words the next and it’s coming along. The story is very rough but I know it’s a first draft. The story just needs to come out first. No holds bar. I won’t even go into what it’s about yet ‘cause it’s still in the newbie phase.

In fact, that’s one of the reasons I haven’t written on my blog more consistently. Working on this story, well it’s got me working…no drama, no pitching small fits over not knowing what to do next. I just sit there and I follow the story thread. That’s it. On most days, I really enjoy it.

So what has me doing this complete 180? I’ve been reading Stephen King’s book, On Writing and his words pried open and let some fresh air into this writer’s suffocating room. It’s shaken out the fearful writer and given me a good talking to. Now every night after work, I go home, eat some dinner and then try to hit a goal of 2,000 words. I haven’t quite made that goal yet but I’ve come close with 1,700 words one night earlier this week. Then I have a feeling of satisfaction like nothing else. The reality is I don’t know if what I’m writing is even any good but at this point in the process it doesn’t even matter. I think I’m finally hitting my stride. Thank goodness, I thought for sure I would have to come up with a plan B before I opened King’s book up. Screw Plan B, I’m going home to write.

P.S. Reading happening on Friday...check out 10.23 entry for details.  Peace

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2010 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Serenity Now!!!

I went and walked around a bit for lunch. It’s a mild sunny day but I didn’t go very far, Times Square is packed with tourists today.* sigh * Yes, I know they are good for the economy of New York City but must they all stand in large groups of clustered walls. I am developing a new dash and slide walking method to get through the throngs of people. It just doesn’t make for a relaxing walk. Since I only had 30 minutes…I was out there just long enough to get some air, grab a quick sandwich and go back to the office. I really miss smoking, on days like this I really want one.

Anyhoo, as I was walking back to the office a woman passed me in a blue polka dot dress and Durango boots. It was a cute look, the dainty feminine dress juxtaposed against the squared toe boots. A flight of fancy and she seemed to be pulling it off as she took long strides down the street carrying with her a lime green messenger bag. She was not shy about color or making a statement. If I wore that same outfit, I don’t think I could pull it off. You have to have a certain bravado and carefree air about you to do that and get away with it. Even if I wasn’t working at a finance company, I know my tendency is plain jane black and grey clothing. Occasionally, I will have a moment of wanting color with some crazy pattern. I digress, I went off on this tangent and now I don’t know what my point is.

Ah yes, a walk around Times Square is neither relaxing nor much for clearing the cobwebs. Instead, it puts me in a bit of a bad mood. I came back grumpier than when I left. So much for getting some air. I think I may have to come up with a Holo-Band to escape for awhile. For all those Caprica fans…you know what I mean.

Peace,
L~


All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2010 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.