• I always encounter a certain amount of trepidation when it comes to live reviews. I have resigned myself to the idea that if I do not like what I am listening to, I simply do not say anything, and that mindset is a direct result of an editor once telling me that I could not…

    LIVE & LOCAL: WHEN THE MUSIC BREAKS YOUR SOUL INTO SO MANY PIECES THAT IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT THEM BACK TOGETHER BY RANIA M. M. WATTS
  • I used to have a feature on my blog where I would write reflections of things that I have observed in specific spaces of time. This observation is one from my perspective as a student for the last six years. My father asked me today what I wanted to do when I was done with…

    RESPECT, WITHOUT SILENCE BY RANIA M M WATTS
  • Tornado word thought bubbles surround me dense and compacted depth Kenyon’s OtherwiseFrost’s The Road Not Taken Whitman’s Song of Myself Offer an orator’s optic advance of glances throughout the ages of man intrinsic in nature explode the ornery tempest before a path that yearns for consequential exchanges dipped in cold water alterations provoke the proclivity…

    JANUARY ONYX VOID BY RANIA M M WATTS
  • I am so EXCITED to share with you my interview with Lesley-Ann Jones; I requested this interview not only because I adore an underdog story, but also because, as both a music business student and a poet, I am deeply fascinated by the concepts of minutiae and veracity. I also understand, from a legal standpoint,…

    FEMME FETAL INTERVIEW WITH LOVE, FREDDIE AUTHOR LESLEY-ANN JONES
  • Ok, so here we go, hit play on this link and listen while you read! RiverPerformed by: KinvaraWritten by: Joni MitchellProduced by: Nigel JenkinsSource: Eve Music Ltd. Kinvara’s version of River is haunting, like wandering through a winter landscape where nothing can be fixed and the only choice is to quietly slip away. The track…

  • You will note as you read this review that the tracks start with a mellow vibe, then transition to a harder edge. There is something about music that drips into the veins of our identity and morphs into a myriad of responses. It is fascinating how there are now so many tracks that can be…

  • Rania: “Hi Anna, I’m absolutely thrilled to have you here with me today, I am looking forward to diving down the rabbit hole with you. Let’s begin with my first question: how did you first discover the double bass, and what made you stay with it?“ Anna: “It was really by chance. At my school,…

    FEMME FATALE FRIDAY INTERVIEW WITH ANNA FAHEY!
  • It’s Saturday night, I don’t have the time to sacrifice on preambles as I have two assignments due tomorrow at 11:59 p.m., and a lot of work. I would much rather focus on the music of this review. The songs selected will coat you with a powerful cornucopia of human emotion which spans a few…

  • I had the pleasure of speaking to Singer/Songwriter Kinvara, who incidentally released her take on the classic track I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing today. We discuss a myriad of subjects from Kinvara’s love of various art media, how to cry properly in a theatrical environment, the importance of art on identity, and a…

    DATA GIRLS RABBIT HOLE WITH KINVARA!
  • Join me as I take a deep dive down the rabbit hole with singer-songwriter Lauren Stewart in this candid and colourful instalment of Data Girl’s Rabbit Hole. From an origin in the music industry that would turn most people’s hair grey, to reaching the pinnacle of what it means to be a songwriter—this conversation explores…

    DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE WITH LAUREN STEWART: A DATA GIRL’S INTERVIEW BY RANIA M. M. WATTS
  • Drip, drip, drip, warm salty liquid falls off the peak of a cheek weaponised affection fake accolades of praise proven to rest as faux gauntlets that offer queries of affection that never existed Sunbursts iridescence sunken sorrow an ache which spreads through the complete circumference of a ceramic bowl the sound of shattered pieces bits…

    THE COMMODITY OF JUXTAPOSED TEARS BY RANIA M M WATTS         
  • I’ve been putting off writing this article, which should have been completed a month ago, because of the sheer energy it took to finish an Honours Undergraduate Degree in Behavioural Science over the past four years. From the start of the 2025 winter academic term, I posted a series of weekly poems chronicling the emotional…

    WEEK XIV: ON BEING OUTSPOKEN, HARDASS, SQUISHY, AND THE GLUE THAT HOLDS IT TOGETHER RANIA M M WATTS
  • Over the past four years, I’ve been working toward an undergraduate degree in Behavioural Science, which I completed this month. I mention this because music played a crucial role in helping me succeed and remain focused. Lyrics, melodies, intention, and identity all matter deeply to me, which is why I’m extremely selective about what I…

  • Superficial Paradise by Maiasaura—OK, seriously, stay buckled when you listen. This song will take you on a path that induces a cardiac event in the best possible way. Maiasaura engages in crisp, clean, and punctuated notes, with numerous pivots that leave you guessing where the track will go next. With superimposed vocals over high-octane music,…

  • INTERVIEW WITH SINGER/SONGWRITER RITCHI MAGUIRE ON DATA GIRL’S RABBIT HOPE WITH RANIA M M WATTS
  • I don’t think anyone has time to waste on a superfluous intro, so let’s dive right in. Welcome to Data Girl’s Rabbit Hole first review of 2025. Please note that reviews will be written every fourth Friday of the month. If you have something reviewed, email it to datagirlsrabbithole@gmail.com. Now… let the musical games begin!…

    MAIASAURA + TONY MOORE + EMMA SNOWDON + HOTKID + THE DISCARDED + AWAKENING AUTUMN + SLIP~ONS + STRAYLINGS + MOVIELAND + SPUN OUT + RITCHI MAGUIRE = DATA GIRL’S RABBIT HOLE FIRST REVIEW FEATURE OF 2025 BY RANIA M M WATTS
  • HAPPY RELEASE DAY Girls Just Wanna! I am so overjoyed to share my interview with April Rose of Maiasaura. Happy listening everyone. Oh, and when you are done check out Girls Just Wanna on all digital platforms today.

    FEMME FATALE INTERVIEW WITH APRIL ROSE GABRIELLI WITH RANIA M M WATTS ON DATA GIRL’S RABBIT HOLE
  • Every writer wants to scribe magnificent content. However, most writing is found discarded or forgotten. There was a mentality ages ago that printed press would be utilized to line birdcage, papermache, or to wrap fish and chips. Although some words remained seared in the mind, the tactile artifacts are obliterated; there is the odd scrapbook…

    WEEK I: ON WRITING BY RANIA M M WATTS
  • Let’s stop, for a moment, there\’s too much noise.  Let\’s talk about General Microbiology and Immunology since maybe, just maybe it’s the main issue why people still don\’t get it.  I\’ll use simple words. What is a Virus? A microorganism that is smaller than a bacterium that can\’t grow or reproduce apart from a living…

  • I rarely write introductions to blog articles but, felt that this was an important one to address, especially given the current state of global affairs. Philosophically, no one knows what’s going to occur, which is why being able to acknowledge others is very important. As important, as it is to acknowledge Black History in February…

  • i was NEVER a theatrical kid   my preference, to be a siren when the opportunity presented itself to merge d      r          a              m                    a          & m      s      c      u      i hesitantly – yet another trial by fire moment to add to my prosperous repertoire of…

  • The middle of the conversation isn’t exactly an opportune moment to commence an intertwined story of secret details. It’s impossible for a tale to commence with the lack of a start and finale. Eventually all stories unfold as they are either meant to be or forced to. What really irritates me, when a painful conversation…

  • What if society celebrate us every day?! With so much going on nowadays, I decided to write something different from what I had in mind. They call us so many things – housekeepers, directors, producers, screenwriters, novelists, artists, poets, social workers, doctors, scientists, stylists, musicians, engineers, waitresses, secretaries, architects, dentists, psychologists, psychiatrists, teachers, professors, designers, policewomen,…

  • This beautiful painting  by Anna Mazzotta entitled “8:59”  of a woman in a relaxed pose  on a vibrantly adorned bedspread  engaged in a book — is me growing  up.  Except I had a journal  by my side in addition to a novel.   My friends were nonjudgmental  literary characters: Alice, Anne  Shirley, Sarah, Frankenstein,  Lestat and…

  • Take a deep breath open your mouth, poised with the perfect shaped oval O lips. At the ready to allow the freshly escaped notes to exit your chords in the form of a breath, housed in equal confidence and tremendous fear. The challenge of constantly being equipped with the desire to endlessly break the barriers.…

  • the inception of my terrain does not house the simplest ingredient. a raw hue riddled world where solids merge within textured formations. This beautiful scarf design by Furious Gooseis the inspiration behind my poem! can you picture a melange of forest, emerald, lime, and sea-foam. combined with sheens of ocean, indigo, navy, royal. one must…

  • When route 66 was established in 1926, I don’t think the individuals who named it, would come to realise its iconic potential.  I know, a poem is a very unconventional method   to promote a brand, I genuinely believe in – but nevertheless I will continue to proceed. Have you ever met an individual who…

  • As most of you who are familiar with my work know — I rarely participate in poetry prompts. But, I can’t help it with regards to the cluster f*ck of brilliant prompts offered up by Bax Law aka @planetbax2.0 on Instagram.  There was something about this list that compelled me to completely hash it out.…

  • As you all know throughout the year, I relish posting poetry from those who I\’ve come to genuinely respect as writers on their birthday. Now, that being said, please join me in wishing my dear friend Monice aka @nakedwithahangover a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I asked Monice for some of her favourite poems, to post today. …

  • I was recently discussing with a colleague how hard it is dealing with all the incessant small talk that comes with working in our day-jobs, a patient-facing industry. Our days often consist of having the same conversations over and over again about the same topics: the weather, our weekend plans, any holidays coming up. It…

  • Zachary\’s work is transcendent… I received an email with a video art-piece that kept my constant focus; through glazed eyes with a myriad of tears on the moving images of my laptop’s monitor. “Forget me not, as my tether is clipped.” By Artist Zachary Fabri is a short black and white Art piece that should…

  • Whether it’s skydiving out of a plane, paragliding across a valley, or trapezing through the air on a swing, each person should experience the thrill of extreme adventure at least once in their lifetime. The term, extreme adventure, has been classified as “pursuits characterized of high speeds and of high risk” (Encyclopedia Britannica). Here’s an insider…

  • POEM 1 Your hair hosts a reckless rose  That cannot disguise  The blue stance of unflinching eyes Beneath a red imperial  There are mines pinned in your throat That make you more  Than a handsome construction And I am weighted  In the advantage To recognize you without name  It is in the way  You wring your…

  • When I first started writing, my focus was not interviews it was Poetry. My heart is heavily steeped in writing now, it’s finally time for me to finish my 5th book entitled Verity and focus exclusively on all future endeavours. I wanted my last interview, for the foreseeable future on CCIQ Press to be with…

  • There’s something about the impact of a strong English teacher – for some reason they tend to foster in us a little more self esteem when it comes to writing prosperity. To be encouraged, to simply express yourself from a teacher, could give a student the break they need. In order to see what is…

  • My life has truly been riddled with adversity, but not much personal cultural diversity. What I mean to say, my parents ensured that I experienced a myriad of cultures via travel exposure — taking my carcass all over this wide world. Never taking for granted how others live in their unique worlds and always respecting…

  • When I first started to write poetry, there was nothing short about any of my pieces, my work tended to be very long, imaginative, and drawn out riddled with infinite detail.  In fact, my first collection of Micro Poetry entitled Cockroach Blueprint taught me that I really can say what I want to, without being…

  • Decades ago, I had the idea to print my own poetry books on this fancy blue cloud card stock, not the fluffy kind of clouds — more like cirrus marbleised clouds.  The shades blended blue, white, and grey together. And, to bind the book I used this beautiful thin royal blue ribbon.  It was the…

  • \”The less we say about it the better. Make it up as we go along.Feet on the ground, head in the sky. It\’s okay, I know nothing\’s wrong.\” My wife and I are too young to have had the opportunity to see Talking Heads live before their hiatus and eventual breakup in the late 80’s/early…

  • I’ve spent the majority of my life advocating for those who could not for themselves – I’ve always felt that victims should never be silenced and ALWAYS heard. The frightening concept is that they are so rarely heard, unless its from the grave as a statistic.  It’s remarkable how people will not listen until it…

  • When I had decided to undergo my year long poetry challenge steeped in the nothing but art, I was not sure which artists I was going to showcase via my writing — as there were a plethora of amazing artists out there.   I was EXTREMELY picky with the artists that I selected, each one brilliant…

  • I\’ve been a MASSIVE movie buff since I was a child, exposed to the big screen. There\’s nothing like hunkering down with a tub of double buttered popcorn, (I don\’t know if you\’ve ever had double buttered popcorn but, it is beyond decadent especially since, the majority of the time when you nearly complete half…

  • In 1994 I had to opportunity to attend the Juno Awards at the O’Keefe Centre, which had undergone several metamorphosis name changes from its original opening on October 1, 1960.  From 1996 to 2007 it was the Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts, from 2007 to 2019 the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, and…

  • If I am to be completely honest, I NEVER truly felt that I belonged in our contemporary world. My idiosyncratic character feels strongly that I was indeed born too late, I’m a perpetual idealist. Our society has no room for rose coloured glasses — as the majority of humans undergo a metamorphosis as they age…

  • Medusa was never a fraud – I can’t  even begin to contemplate the painful  metamorphosis that transformed  a beautiful creature into something  so hideous and monstrous.  It’s those  Original Artwork By Valisa Bernardino. Based on mycreature entitled Frankenstein\’s Pheomedu  who wish to feast on the essence  of others who are on an opposite  path to…

  • Whenever I ask the superpower question, most answer with a really cool ability – Joseph A. Federico was one of the few who really brought it back to writing and advocacy. (Which honestly fills my eyes with tears, as so many wonderful writers are constantly overlooked and taken advantage of – especially when they have…

  • It’s really quite remarkable how capital T trauma can move us to create impactful pieces of art, that can be used as vehicles to assist ourselves through our personal struggles.  Kevin Zoldan did just that, after suffering from a stroke he created this truly beautiful graphic novel entitled Unbroken, Illustrated by Bax. I’m not going…

  • This is one birthday celebration, that I don’t even know where to begin. I had avoided Instagram for a very long time. I did not think that I even wanted an Instagram account but, in 2015 I gave in and decided to be brave and open an account.  I’m glad I did because not only…

  • As the founder of CCIQ Press, I thought that it would be a whimsical idea for my team and I to acknowledge our favourite creators of artisanal expression through the last decade!  Strap in, below are some truly remarkable individuals worthy of exploration! A new decade should afford us more artistic inventions that originate via…

  • All of these tracks have touched my heart or mind in some way, either with meaningful lyrics or with their beautiful melodies, often with both. Some people think electronic music is soulless these days; I would counter such thoughts by saying to them: you are not looking hard enough. Thank you Rania for giving me…

  • There’s a very enchanting quality to the lightlessness. To be frank elements of darkness will embrace the pure pitch.  It’s actually quite odd, I’ve now facilitated a few interviews where the writers preferred genre falls into the category of Noir. A place I’ve been EXTREMELY comfortable exploring since the age of 13.  There is something…

  • You know, the majority of artists or poets I’ve interviewed dabble in more than one art medium.  I honestly find it fascinating how the brain, a complex piece of equipment in our human body can reach the optimal level of expression — regardless of tools.  Ryan King, writes poetry/songs, plays music, and paints these incredible…

  • I have so many things that I would like to say in this post. By the time this article is done I imagine it to look like a busy spectacle. Nevertheless, there are a few things I wanted to write to lighten my cerebellum and commit it to paper (or word processor). None of these…

  • I’ve honesty never been one to relish the concept of boxing or wrestling fights.  However, if you introduce the element of a Martial Art I am honestly prepared to watch.  I really don’t know why but there is such elegance and refinement with regards to feasting upon battles.  After I had graduated from secondary school,…

  • I’ve interviewed many individuals over the last six years and none of them ever sent me an art piece riddled with whimsy and EXTREME quirkiness.  When I read Bax’s responses to my questions, I began laughing hysterically – what he did to these questions no one has EVER done. Bax basically turned my query into…

  • I\’ve known Sonja for years now, housed inside her soul, one of the most delicate poets I\’ve met, who is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects. Sonja\’s writing is genuinely thoughtful.  The manner in which she writes truly comes off as altruistic, with each poem Sonja shares, regardless of subject.  Sonja\’s journey is constantly showcased…

  • When I first published Cockroach Blueprint, I had intended for this tiny collection, well not tiny it does house a 101 different & unique methodologies on how to kill these pesky nuisances — in micro format.  That being said, where was I? Oh yes, I was saying, I desired for this book to be used…

  • You know, I can appreciate how Dana Dane Bolton’s guilty pleasure is heartbreak. As a matter of fact there are 14 degrees of love in the Arabic Language which include: Al-Hawa (Attraction), Al-Sabwa (Amusement), Al-Shaghaf (Passion), Al-Wajd (Preoccupation), Al-Kalaf (Infatuation),  Al-\’Oshok (Adulation), Al-Najwa (Heartburn), Al-Shawq (Longing), Al-Wasab (Excruciating pain), Al-Istikana (Submissiveness), Al-Wodd (Friendliness), Al-Kholla (Unification),…

  • When I am reminded of the old fashion rotary phones, I think of a scene from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s where Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) & Paul Varjak (George Peppard) walked into Tiffany’s to purchase an item under $10.00. Holly & Paul had been offered a sterling silver telephone dialer for $6.95. I thought…

  • During my time at the Toronto People with AIDS Foundation, I worked with numerous clients that had never felt comfortable in their own skin. Because, they knew on the inside that they were not living their truest life, most actually felt like liars.  Meaning, knowing that you may like members of the same sex but,…

  • The elements of war, strife of one who has suffered at the hands of ensconced destruction. Tragedy leads to crimson hues, there is no human dignity – it’s released into a Sarlacc Pit of injustice, lack lustre demise, and sardonic anguish.  How do you think you would feel in the underbelly of a metallic screeched…

  • When I’m usually moved by something artisanal, that strikes a chord with me I tend to share it.  Especially, if what I am reading or looking at reminds me of so many iconic graphic novels or movies.  So, this turn events took place… On Saturday, I posted my interview with Artist Zuzu, someone had shared…

  • If I were to draw my inner soul, well let’s put it this way it would be one cluster f@ck of a mess. I’m so infatuated by Artists, the level of depth they’re able to extract from their minds eye and commit it to paper – consistently astounds me. When I look at Zuzu’s work,…

  • Writing a very complex character is no easy feat. Think, won’t you? A human, with feelings, a heartbeat, sexual preference, limbs, a thought process…how do you break that down? Do you write what to know? The answer? Maybe. You can write what you know, because at the very core, you’re human. However, you’re a writer…

  • A while back, I was scrolling through Instagram and found an incredibly thoughtful poem about how writing made this one particular writer feel. I thought that it was such a valid concept, in fact one that I’ve never asked in my interviews ever — up until recently.  To be able to express one’s self through…

  • We have become a “politically correct” society. But are we a truly kind hearted, loving, or respectful one?I was reading updated Twitter rules of conduct recently.  While I am happy and very supportive of the guidelines they are implementing,  I am saddened they have to specify in such detail what are proper or improper subjects to speak…

  • It\’s official, On December 13, Tony Moore will release his new Christmas song Santa\’s My Mum. In the meantime Tony has organised a beautiful video for us. I must admit, the sweetness to this piece is quite touching. It truly does bring up a plethora of childhood memories related to Christmas.  My mother was ALWAYS…

  • There was no reason as to why it occurred. When I shimmied through the door, catching up on the shag carpet, I saw her. With bangs bunched, yet sparsely divided across her forehead, she smiled wide. I knew she wasn’t supposed to be here. The couch was pitted where she lay. I was expecting way…

  • Dance, Humanity, Culture, Unite… When I was 3 ½ – 4 years of age my mother took me to see Swan Lake preformed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal. I clearly remember watching the ballet performance from under my chair (well how would you expect a 4 year old to behave at a fancy…

  • Simon! I’ve NEVER, written about you not for lack of love — it’s honestly painful beyond words. If you were still alive we’d be celebrating your 60’s! It’s truly unfair!!! The cruelty of life  took you away too soon – stories continued without you – I saw your face in every shade of ocean green…

  • For more information on Artemis please check out the bio on the Quill Fated Scribes Page in addition to Ari\’s Secret Grotto.

  • An Elaboration, Part I An elaboration Brought to you, by me From the ones who did the hurting (Mostly myself, if I\’m being honest) Let\’s start at the beginning Tear me apart piece by piece Take this tapestry down thread by thread (I was never good at seeing the big picture) A little girl with…

  • There is a native valley Below the hardness that hems With dreams of manipulated lines And an innate ability to threaten The serenade of a branched and rooted air of article That returns my riven face To the exasperated wait for a reflection In the tinted murk of glass I am an ugly woman. I press…

  • I was tremendously fortunate, to have received advance copies of both Eric Keegan’s chaps itty bits vol. 1 & 2 and, I must say they are FABULOUS!!!  Not only does Erik scribe various writing styles from micro pieces to soulful dialogues, itty bits also simultaneously houses diverse themes and content.  Eric’s work as he says…

  • Aurora Cypress rainbowsripple at midnightstreaking skymagnetic raysimply mirage waving lighthousein foghaunting invitationof illusion jade reflectionflips me upside downquestioning directionI revel in newdimensions. Pursuit We skirt the edgeof elevations.Weathering storms;a whiteout ensues,frost bite,hypothermia,gasping thin altitude. Climbers anchoreda thin line.One slip off a precariousledge to the end. A glorious escapadeto plant a tattered flagin rocky soil.A small…

  • Casey Dean is a true feminist and an exceptional Poet who constantly stands up against wrong or abusive treatment of women. Honestly, it’s obvious that Casey tries to make a world a better place via education as oppose to attacking or laying blame.  Moreover, Casey is indeed a strong advocate for the acknowledgement of one’s…

  • I was messaging with Allison yesterday about her letter sign making machine, that she utilizes to ensure perfect lines and edges for the DIY projects she creates. It brought back very vivid memories  regarding one finding its way in my parents’ home — when I was a teenager. I was in awe of the clean…

  • I have no idea where in the world you live, all I know is what I see outside my window. ALL I SEE IS WHITE!!!!! Winter Solstice has not yet even made its official appearance nevertheless – it’s bloody icy.  I must admit looking out my studio window I see fluffs of snow, haphazardly displayed…

  • Fun loving and experimental are two words I would use to describe Casandra.  I remember one Monday night, Cas’s usual to read poetry live on @yellowpenguinnyc.  Cas had decided to use a psychedelic filter that outlined her body in multicoloured light as she read.  I must admit, it was trippy but, also trance inducing —  while…

  • I am so sad to say that this is the last of the individual interviews series with The Summer of Secrets Authors: Ruin Me by Christina Hart, Hate Me by Cynthia A. Rodriguez, and Teach Me by J.R. Rogue. These girls are so infinitely kind and very humble!  I requested a plethora of questions and they…

  • I must admit, I’m not only drawn to strong and innovative writers but; also, those who have faced adversity and have come out stronger on the other side.  I’ve been sitting here for the last half hour with my cursor taunting me — as I am trying to hard to find the right words as…

  • Last week; Thursday, Friday & Saturday featured my 3-Way interview with: Christina Hart, Cynthia A. Rodriguez, and J.R. Rogue. This weekend, I\’ll be showcasing their individual interviews.  As I\’ve already interviewed Christina, I asked if she had time to a quick follow up. I always find Christina\’s answers to be fascinating and consistently entertaining.  Christina…

  • Capital T trauma surrounds many, that invisible dark indigo blue-black cloud that constantly hangs slightly over your head — as the beads of thought bubbles, escalated crescendo to painful residual thoughts.  It’s not a pleasant emotion to experience at all. Over the last couple of days, there has been an ongoing dialogue with regards to…

  • For Immediate Release   CEMENT.COVERED.INK.QUILLS HAS TRANSFORMED INTO CCIQ PRESS ~November 2019~ CCIQ is pleased to announce that numerous and grandiose changes are currently in progress.  The remarkable and well-established blog has constantly and consistently provided the community with creative, innovative, and quality content for over 5 years. Recently, a new feature has been implemented to…

  • “Meghann’s music exhibits not only strong musicality but also lyrics that profoundly hit my personal angels/demons. The best way for me to describe it I suppose, is for my readers to contemplate the delicate demeanour of a ballerina. Completely and utterly consumed with poise on the exterior with an immense brave face yet on the…

  • Now for my final 3-way interview from the talented writers that brought us: The Summer of Secrets Part 1-3. J.R. Rogue, wrote the final book of the series — Teach Me.  You know there is something to be said about popularity and humility.  I’ve never met someone with so many followers who is truly so down to earth…

  • My first introduction to the writing of Cynthia A. Rodriguez came from a Facebook post I saw regarding Cynthia and J.R. visiting Christina.  And oh boy was I ever delighted by my discovery.  Christina really has flawless taste with regards to suggesting writers. And, fun loving Cynthia does not disappoint. To be honest when I feel riddled…

  • Poetry has ALWAYS been my wheelhouse, so when I see writers scribing both Poetry & Novels, I tend to get jealous, as they are two extremely unique writing competencies that genuinely promote diversity. Now, to see three writers doing that together – working on the same story while creating three different characters and point of…

  • On All Hallow\’s Eve, I relish the concept of posting things that could potentially cause nightmares! And The Pumpkin\’s Lament by Josh Dale is truly perfect for fueling the inertia to put you in a very creatively haunted mood. Perhaps like thinking about lobotomies from One Flew Over the Cuckoo\’s Nest or maybe a psychotic writer…

  • the underworld is a truly dangerous place which houses, not only the most despicable souls but those who are so broken. they no longer have an idea as to why they are trapped to begin with. everything ends up so turned around and upside down – a three dimensional labyrinth that spans tree branch direction…

  • Dearest Bookworms,I\’m scribing this email through blurred eyes,  they are not tears of sorrow but — joy.  I did not think that I was going to receive the level of support that I have when I first created CCIQ.  My  name has undergone a number of evolutions, from: hourglassartisan.com, raniawatts.com, cementcoveredquills.blogpot.com, cementcoveredinkquills.blogspot.com to our final…

  • Years ago, when I changed my website platform, I thought all the content moved with me… I was so wrong; I’d lost one of the of the loveliest interviews I’d ever done.  Thankfully, I reached out to ILONA, hoping she had the original content as my email account had been deleted with my blog.  I was…

  • Well it’s that time again: Fall decluttering season! (First cousin to Spring cleaning) Aaah! With hands on hips I look around assessing how to prioritize this foreboding task. I contemplate the strategy of organizing drawers, emptying cabinets, revamping closets, and straightening up of shelves with a spirit vacillating between the “rolling up of sleeve with…

  •  Kelly has wild amber red hair that totally reminded me of one of my favourite Disney Princesses, Merida.  I noticed how it flowed in the wind, her jovial massive welcoming smile in the pictures — that had been taken during that visit.  I have a very odd gift; at times I let my imagination flow…

  • Guest Writer, Liz Lugo is a bilingual poet originally from Puerto Rico. She’s a microbiologist, editor, and short stories writer, and founder of the Smaeralit collection.  Currently, she’s in her thesis for her master’s degree in Professional Screenwriting.  Liz is trilingual in English, Spanish, Italian, and is learning ASL.   She has an extreme fascination for…

  • About 5 years ago, I thought I was going to simply facilitate a fascinating interview with a Singer/Songwriter who’d literally inspired me through my formative years — not make a lifelong friend, which I genuinely did and am so eternally grateful for!! On October 6, 2014, I posted my first interview with Singer/Songwriter, Mentor, Teacher…Tony…

  • When I was a child there were two things I wanted to pursue: writing poetry and helping others.  As a Poet my world was open to boundless expression – nothing was held back.  You are left to your own devices to simply: bleed, cry or sweat on the perfectly poised parchment, desiring the use of…

  • How sad is it when you go out and about in your local city, scanning the area as it undergoes new development changes and while you assess the shopping district, you become disheartened that your favorite little consignment shop is gone and closed down. The even more discouraging realization is that this is happening frequently…

  • A couple of years ago, I had decided to take on a year long poetry challenge based on the work of twelve artists.  One of those creatives was Rebecca Belmore who is NOT only and Interdisciplinary Anishinaabekwe Artist but, also a strong advocate for First Nation Rights and awareness movement.  I mention this because when…

  • There are two qualities that I so genuinely appreciate in another human being; a warrior spirit, survivors’ endurance and riddled with raw honest talent.  Ok, make it three idiosyncratic characteristics. I just feel that writing is such a personal release – especially when writing about difficult subjects.  I genuinely believe that specks of our soul…

  • This series focuses on heroes that live around us, next to us, even in our own homes. I won’t call them “regular people” because they are not. They carry something special and unique about them — an internal light and energy that makes others eventually understand that they’re in the presence of a mind and heart…

  • A couple of months ago, I read an article about how writing saved the life of Alicia Cook.  I can totally relate to that as writing, more specifically writing poetry has genuinely rescued me from certain death many a time.  To be able to express yourself fully, and drain your spirit of the angst and…

  • This past week Children’s Author & Poet Linda Lokhee had become the architect to her own unique poetic style called the Lokhee Flip 4 – check out her Instagram @lindalokheeauthor for more details. Moreover, please study it as it will be utilized for this years Mini Poetry Olympics in February 2020.    Now, that being…

  • Dearest Bookworms — CCIQ is undergoing a metamorphosis!  I’ve invited 2 of the most competent and talented writers;  Sonja Mabel McClure and Artemis Skye McNeil to join me in creating an even more fascinating blog experience. Each of these ladies brings her own unique style and quality as writers who truly understand the verity of…

  • Funny little side story before I get into this interview, oddly enough it’s Jeremy M. Tolbert’s interview — I am posting today – links to my present day.  Yesterday, I was in the middle of a DM with another Poet, Myers-Briggs testing was mentioned during our conversation.  I had completely forgotten what my specific initials…

  • I remember one time I was watching a spotlight on Stevie Nicks, she had said she never wanted to have children — as it would remove her from her path of being a true artist.  As much as I love Stevie Nicks, I totally respectfully disagree with her in this instance.  (Stevie later on actually…

  • For those of you who do not know I\’ve been a supporter of Christina Hart\’s work for years. I\’ve both reviewed Christina\’s work and interviewed her as well for CCIQ.  But, what you to not know is that Christina has been a HUGE supporter of mine too — anytime I need books or spoken verse…

  • Last Friday evening, my disappearing chapbook entitled Candy Maze (Vol 1 & 2) was published by Really Serious Literature, only available to read on Instagram.  I was so intrigued by the idea of a disappearing chapbook I felt genuinely compelled to ask its founder C.C. Hannett for an interview for CCIQ!  The idea of a…

  • Last year when Tony Moore gave me the idea to start the Poetry Olympics, I did not realize what was about to happen for the second year.  We had settled on printed and ebook prizes – then I received a DM from one beautiful Hildur Höglind.  Hildur had just completed the most incredible EP entitled…

  • I’ve loved comics as long as I can remember — the way the heavily inked thin parchment used feel to my fingertips.  Although the page was thin the ink made it feel slightly heavier – especially boxes of nothing but black. I never quite appreciated the process of drawing and the inking of work until…

  • Having a publishing company or printing press has been a dream of mine for probably about the last ten years.  I’ve been heavily steeped in poetry, probably all the way to my plain boring brown optics. But there is something to be said about the creation process.  From simple air molecules that surround us, thoughts…

  • One of my dear friends Medina and her partner Ryan own the newest cereal café to grace the roads of Hamilton NJ called Spoony Sweets.  It is a business built on respect but mostly love, I’m saying this because you need to comprehend the full history of why it is that I asked Min for…

  • Over the last couple of years Premier League soccer has taken over my life — whenever I want to watch the television — there was always a game streaming from the U.K during ridiculously early hours.  Needless to say, I’ve learned to really appreciate the sport of soccer. Something, I know for a fact that…

  • When you receive a DM asking for your home address from someone who has grown to become a dear friend – you don’t ask why you just provide your details.   And that’s exactly what I did, when the beautiful Sonja Mabel McClure requested mine.  I had no idea what she was sending… when I received…

  • When I was in grade 11 my Computer Programming teacher basically kicked me out of her class.  We were supposed to be learning how to program our computer to say the words “thank” and “you” through some bizarre computer language that constantly through me for a loop!  I really detested that class. I tried but consistently…

  • I don’t care what kind of music you sing!  Chances are, I will listen to it regardless of genre, music has consistently played an incredible role in my life here on earth.  I believe my life was saved between writing, singing and listening to different musical styles.  There are certain voices that always induce goosebumps…

  • You know, life can be a really tricky thing when you go over the years in your mind,  how certain memories speak to us and we never know why until we receive ubiquitous signs of our past — at times guiding our future.  As I said in my first interview with UK based Singer/Songwriter Tony Moore,…

  • did you ever want to write something down on a piece of paper — style is of no consequence as long as it falls into the category of poetry. that moves you into a complete state of emotional disharmony – to the point that writing is the only sacrament offered to you in church —…

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