Chelsea DeVries's Blog, page 3
October 15, 2023
PressRelease: Tampa Native Releases Brand New Poetry Collection Celebrating Trials and Triumphs of Human Experience
For Immediate Release
October 15, 2023
Chelsea DeVries
Publicist
chelseadevries@thesmartcookiephiles.com
Tampa Native Releases Brand New Poetry Collection Celebrating Trials and Triumphs of Human Experience
Tampa, FL native James W. A. releases his sophomore collection Desolation & Epiphany. The book officially released on October 1, 2023 with a release party being held at Coppertail Brewing Company in Tampa, FL. The book is available on Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes and Noble. To see pictures from his festive release party, visit https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx8MkXwsnmh/?img_index=1.
About the book: “Welcome to a wondrous display of
beauty, vanity, humor, and sorrow, a tragedy of squander and a comedy of enlightenment.”
James W. A. Desolation & Epiphany
In his sophomore title and first pure poetry collection, James W. A. explores the duality
found in the journey of one’s soul. Drawing from his own history, observations, and
imagination, he conjures the misery of younger days, the peace of more mature ones,
and the meanings of life and love in both. Found within these pages are stories,
musings, dreams, hopes, and emotions that show a progression from sorrow into joy,
and the shades of each in the other. Pour a glass, open your heart, and prepare to
venture forth with the titular concepts to experience for yourself the darkness of
Desolation and the triumphant elation of Epiphany.
About the Author: James W. A. was born, raised, and lives in the Tampa Bay area in Florida. After graduating from the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg’s Honors College, he
published his first book, In the Library, in 2015. Since then, he has honed his ever-
evolving, contemporary style, both creatively and as a professional content writer. While
moving away from the dark subjects of younger days, James W. A. seeks to use his
experiences, joys, sorrows, and wonders he sees in the world around him to lead others
to truth and beauty and share meaningful stories to last the ages. The author is available for interviews, readings, appearances, and features. For bookings and information, contact his publicist at chelseadevries@thesmartcookiephiles.com
To download James W.A’s current press kit or to hire the Smart Cookie for your PR needs, visit https://thesmartcookiephiles.com/tsc-pr/
August 23, 2023
Leverage These Services to Streamline Your Business Operations
Guest Post by Gloria Martinez
If you run a small business, one of your primary concerns is undoubtedly keeping overhead
costs low. However, you shouldn’t let your desire to cut expenses keep you from investing in
useful services that could streamline your business operations and improve customer
satisfaction. The right services can even help boost the bottom line. Read on for a roundup
of paid and free services you can leverage to enhance your business’ day-to-day work,
courtesy of The Smart Cookie Philes.
Virtual Assistants
Business life is full of tedious tasks, like answering emails, scheduling meetings, and
processing invoices. These little jobs can add up to a lot of hours and interrupt your daily
workflow. Instead of handling them yourself, outsource them to a virtual assistant service.
We Work explains that a virtual assistant can manage various jobs, from arranging travel to
scheduling appointments. When you have someone else to take care of these issues, you
can focus on more important tasks, like taking care of your customers.
Customer Service Providers
There are also tools and services that can help you streamline customer service and keep
your clients happy. One option is to outsource your customer service completely. Another
option is to invest in in-house tools that simplify your customer service replies. A
comprehensive customer support platform might include a self-help portal with frequently
asked questions and answers, a chatbot to address basic queries, and a community
management forum where customers can address each other’s questions.
IT Management
These days, technology is an integral part of any business’ operations. You probably use a
variety of software and hardware tools, not to mention email, the internet, and more. Instead
of having an in-house IT team, consider outsourcing your IT management services. There
are also free and low-cost tools you can use to simplify your IT management. G2 provides a
roundup of options, including ZenDesk, FreshService, and SysAid.
Search Engine Optimization Services
A website can be a valuable tool to attract potential clients and share essential information
about your business with them. However, if nobody sees your website, it might as well not
exist. Search engine optimization services are the answer. SEO helps improve your site’s
Google rankings so it’s easier for people to find. Providers like RAD SEO can take care of
the optimization process for you, handling everything from initial setup to maintenance.
Managing Contracts
If your business requires distributors and suppliers – or the help of freelancers, for that
matter – you’re going to have to spend a lot of time dealing with contracts. It’s essential that
these contracts be clear and easy to access, so digitizing them is a great way to make things
a little easier on yourself. You can also use free apps to sign these contracts online; click for
more information.
Business Registration Services
If you haven’t yet registered your business as a formal legal entity, it’s a smart idea to do so.
Registering a limited liability company, LLC, helps to protect your personal liability in case of
legal issues and provides tax advantages. Instead of doing the legal paperwork on your own,
try a business formation service. It’s effective and cheaper than hiring a pricey attorney. You
can read reviews of LLC services online.
Human Resources Services
Your business relies on employees. However, finding those employees is tricky. You need
people who are responsible and good workers and who share your company’s values and
culture. A recruiting service can help simplify the process of finding the perfect fit. According
to SHRM, this can save you money in the long term. Plus, you’ll save time when you don’t
have to sift through resumes and do interviews yourself.
Sometimes you have to spend money to save money. The services above are the perfect
example. By investing in these tools, you can streamline operations and boost the bottom
line. From managing contracts to LLC registration services, many tools can help remove
operational bottlenecks and enhance your business workflow.
The Smart Cookie Philes has the marketing skills to help you get ahead. Reach out
today to get started!
July 16, 2023
#PressRelease: Sticks and Stones Now available in Audiobook Format
For Immediate Release
July 17, 2023
Chelsea DeVries
Publicist
chelseadevries@thesmartcookiephiles.com
Sticks and Stones Now available in Audiobook Format
Put together by Audiobook Network, the poetry collection Sticks and Stones that won book of the year in Poetry by OnlineBookclub.org is now available in audiobook format on various audio retailers. The Full Story Edition with themes of mental health and loving the person you are is narrated on the audiobook version by Ashton Haughen. Her voice work adds a personal and pulling perspective to the poetry that packs even more power than when read individually by the reader in either e-book and hardcover format. You can purchase the audiobook on Audible, Amazon, and Itunes. It’s run time is three hours and three minutes and was officially published on July 11, 2023. Fall in love with the raw honest and emotional words of the poet while also learning to accept your own truths and relearning and empowering yourself to love yourself for exactly who you are.
About The Book: In Sticks and Stones, DeVries paints a poetic picture of rising above toxicity, love found and love lost, and delves into what it means to find strength in the human spirit. Through poetry, the reader finds a voice of strength and the rebuilding of one’s heart a home with all the sticks and stones thrown upon it. Newly expanded with more full color photos, 41 new poems, and a rewrite of Drowning in An Ocean of No Tomorrows, DeVries shows a full poetic picture of turning pain into poetry in order so you can rise above whatever is pulling you under.
About the Author: Chelsea DeVries wanted to be a writer at the age of 7. Her first publishing credit came at the age of 14 with a poem in a student anthology. She then wrote nonstop while doing IB classes in high school. She published two YA novels while still in high school which after over 10 years she rewrote as a NA romance that she looks to put out as her next publication.She is a seeker of justice and uses her words to free this world’s outcasted, peculiar, and underdogs from the chains that bind them. When not writing she runs and does PR for authors and musicians with her bookish brand The Smart Cookie Philes. Though she’s Florida born and raised, she has New Jersey in her veins. She currently lives in Hudson, FL with her squad of two dogs.You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @chelsealynnpoetry, and her squad at @dasquad26. In October 2020, DeVries was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome which is a form of Autism.
For this author’s latest press kit, you can download it below.
chelsea-devries-press-kit-3DownloadJuly 3, 2023
Tips You Need to Know to Start a Successful Home Business
Starting a home-based business can be an exciting adventure. You can be your own boss, set your own hours, and work from the comfort of your own home. However, before you start your new venture, there are some important things to consider.
Research Legal Requirements
Before starting any home-based business, it’s important to research the legal requirements in your area. Depending on the type of business you plan to run, you may need to obtain a license or permit. You should also check with your local zoning department to make sure your home is zoned for the type of business you plan to run.
Create a Business Plan
A solid business plan is key to the success of any home-based business. Your plan should include a detailed description of your business, target market analysis, marketing strategies, financial projections, and more. It’s important to spend time developing your plan, as it will provide a roadmap for your business and help you stay focused.
Time Management Strategies
When running a home-based business, it can be easy to get distracted and lose track of time. That’s why it’s important to develop effective time management strategies. This might include setting specific work hours, creating a daily to-do list, and avoiding distractions like social media and television during work hours.
Your Workspace
Having a designated workspace in your home is essential for running a successful home-based business. This space should be quiet, free from distractions, and equipped with all the necessary tools and equipment. By having a dedicated workspace, you’ll be able to focus on your work and avoid the distractions of everyday life.
Financial Management Strategy
Managing finances is a crucial aspect of running any business, and home-based businesses are no exception. To ensure success, it’s essential to establish a strong plan for managing business finances. This plan might involve opening a separate business bank account, tracking expenses, and creating a budget to ensure that your home-based business remains financially stable.
Networking and Marketing
Networking and marketing are key components of any successful home-based business. You’ll need to build a strong network of contacts, including potential clients, suppliers, and other businesses in your industry. You should also begin marketing your business by creating a website, social media pages, and other marketing materials.
Quality Content
As part of your marketing plan, you should focus on providing effective content on your website. This might include blog posts, tutorials, videos, and more. By providing valuable content, you’ll be able to attract potential customers and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Financial Record-Keeping
For any business, keeping accurate financial records is critical. You’ll need to track income and expenses, invoices, receipts, and more. By keeping careful records, you’ll be able to accurately track the financial health of your business and make informed decisions.
Working With PDFs
Running a home-based business often involves sharing files with clients or collaborators, which can be made easier by using a PDF file converter. By utilizing free PDF tools, you can ensure that everyone has access to the necessary files. This may involve converting Word documents to PDFs or compressing large files for easy sharing.
In conclusion, starting a home-based business can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to do your research and develop a solid plan before launching your new venture. By focusing on legal requirements, time management, finances, networking, and marketing, you’ll be on your way to success in no time.
May 24, 2023
Words That Stick
Check out this poem!
Toxic waste
blackened paste
words that stick
hearts defaced
By sludge abused
forever bruised
beneath the crusting
phrases used
Unclean thing
how they cling
defy attempts
to shield the sting
Leprosy
our legacy
every man’s
dark felony
Guard the tongue
from speaking dung
words once said
can’t be unsung
Copyright ©2020 Mary Grace van der Kroef
April 30, 2023
How Entrepreneurs Can Harness Digital Innovation To Propel Their Business Forward
Guest Post by Gloria Martinez
How Entrepreneurs Can Harness Digital Innovation to Propel Their Businesses Forward
In a world where technology is changing at breakneck speeds, entrepreneurs must continually innovate if they hope to keep up with the competition. Thankfully, digital innovation provides numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses like never before. In this article, The Smart Cookie Philes explores the ways entrepreneurs can leverage digital innovation to take their businesses to the next level.
Use Data Analytics
Data analytics is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs looking to gain insights into their customer base, streamline operations, and make better business decisions. By analyzing data from web traffic, social media, and sales, entrepreneurs can gain a better understanding of their market and create marketing strategies tailored to their customers’ needs. With the help of analytics software, entrepreneurs can track key metrics such as conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, and customer lifetime value to make informed decisions about investments in marketing, customer retention, and product development.
Create a Mobile App
With the majority of internet traffic now coming from mobile devices, having a mobile app is essential for entrepreneurs looking to reach audiences on the move. A mobile app can improve customer engagement, build brand loyalty, and generate new revenue streams. By partnering with a mobile app development agency or using one of the many no-code app builders available online, entrepreneurs can create their own custom apps tailored to their business needs.
Adopt AI
Artificial intelligence is no longer just the province of science fiction. Today, AI-powered tools can help entrepreneurs automate routine tasks, improve customer service, and gain valuable insights into their market. Chatbots, for example, can provide customers with round-the-clock support, while AI-powered analytics tools can sift through vast amounts of data to identify trends and make informed recommendations.
Work With IT Specialists
Behind every successful digital business is a team of IT specialists who provide the necessary expertise to create, deploy, and maintain digital solutions. By partnering with an experienced IT services provider, entrepreneurs can access cutting-edge technology solutions and expert advice on how to implement them. From custom software development to cloud hosting, IT specialists can help entrepreneurs stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Use Automation Tools
Automation tools can help entrepreneurs streamline routine tasks, such as email marketing, social media management, and customer service, freeing up time to focus on high-level business strategy. With the help of automation tools, entrepreneurs can create personalized marketing campaigns, respond to customer inquiries in real time, and implement workflows that increase efficiency and drive growth.
Create Marketing Materials
If you want to create marketing materials that stand out from the crowd, consider using a PDF-to-JPG converter. With this tool, you can easily turn existing PDF files into high-quality JPEG images that can be used in a variety of marketing materials, such as social media posts, email newsletters, and brochures. By converting PDFs to JPEGs, you can ensure that your marketing materials are visually appealing and easy to share across different platforms. Check it out today and see how it can take your marketing efforts to the next level.
In conclusion, digital innovation provides a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. By using data analytics, creating a mobile app, adopting AI, working with IT specialists, using automation tools, and using a PDF-to-JPG converter to create marketing materials, entrepreneurs can stay ahead of the curve in the constantly evolving digital landscape. The key is to remain agile, embrace new technology, and stay on top of emerging trends. With the right mindset and the right tools at their disposal, entrepreneurs can build successful businesses that thrive in the digital age.
April 25, 2023
Poetic Perspective: James. W. A.
Today we have the pleasure and privilege of sitting down for virtual coffee with poet and author of In the Library James W.A. Read our review here.
What was your purpose behind writing In The Library?
Originally, In the Library actually started out as my college thesis for undergrad before it was
published as a separate book. At the time, I was graduating from the honors program at the
University of South Florida St. Petersburg and a requirement was to write and defend a thesis
related to one’s respective field of study. I was a psychology major, but towards the end of my
degree I had decided not to pursue that career further, particularly because I wasn’t really
enjoying the research side of the field.
In talking with my director about this, he recommended that I write something creative instead of
science-related, and since I’ve always loved poetry, I asked if I could write a poetry book
instead. He agreed, with the stipulation that it had to showcase some psychological
phenomenon and provide some fresh insights to it. After I graduated, I tweaked what would
become the book a little further to make it a little more readable for the average person and add
some parts I thought were missing from the original version. A few months later, I decided to
self-publish and the rest is history.
As to why I chose the story and themes that I did, it fascinated me that even though every
person suffers, there are so many different ways of dealing with said pain. The variance is
almost endless, but I really wanted to showcase both healthy and unhealthy coping
mechanisms and dig into this concept a little more. Ironically, I was going through my own dark
time, so writing the book itself was a catharsis for me and a way to vent pain that I was going
through in a productive, creative way.
What’s your favorite thing about visiting your local library?
I have fond memories as a child going to the local library and seeing a bunch of cool new
people or things that I wouldn’t have otherwise. During the summer especially, ours often had a
wide range of speakers and events (I can remember a reptile expert and a magician in
particular) that I think at a young age helped instill in me an openness to experience by being
exposed to new and creative things. That’s definitely one thing I think is important: to have an
area where ideas are brought forth and shared.
As an adult, I think what makes libraries stand out is that they’re free to the public and offer so
much. I’ve heard it said once that libraries are the only indoor venue left you can hang out at
without any expectation of spending money and I think that’s huge. With all the busyness of life
and the Florida heat, having a quiet, cool place to relax in while also learning and growing is
incredibly undervalued.
3. What do you hope people gain from In The Library?
As I alluded a little bit to earlier, when I was writing In the Library I was going through a bit of a
dark time in my life and that shows in the dark themes of the book. That said, the point of it
wasn’t to simply make other people suffer or elicit a sad reaction. Rather, it was my hope that
people who read this book recognize their own pain, their own sorrow, and gain the resolve to
overcome it in the best way they need.
Some of my characters, like the Child, deal with things in a healthy way, and that’s great, I want
others to learn from that. Some characters, like the Degenerate and the Captive, don’t however
and I want readers that are doing the same to see that reflection and do better or avoid such
coping mechanisms if they’re tempted. There’s admittedly not a lot of hope in this book, but
sometimes life can feel hopeless too and at the very least I want readers that feel this way, who
feel that no matter how they try to deal with their pain it’s not enough, to not feel as alone and to
know that there’s always a better way forward.
It’s funny you ask because this is something I’ve been asking myself a lot lately. It’s been awhile
since In the Library came out and I’ve put my writing career on and off the back burner at
different times. I never stopped writing though and poetry is something that I truly love and want
to pursue.
Lately, I’ve been really trying to get back out there and share some poetry at open mics around
Tampa Bay, especially as my writing is much more in alignment with my current headspace and
beliefs now. I don’t know exactly what the future holds for me, and I’m by no means chasing
fame, but if I can share my stories, my dreams, my poems with as many people as I can, I think
I’ll call it a win.
Any new books currently in the works?
As a matter of fact there is! It’s hard to believe it’s been a little over 8 years since my first book
came out, but in that time I’ve been fairly consistently writing more stand-alone poems. I’ve
amassed enough now and have a solid enough of a theme that I want to publish them into a
true collection, rather than write another narrative like In the Library was. I don’t want to give
away too many details yet, but I hope to announce something relatively soon and have a
release by the end of the year.
Who are some of your favorite poets?
As far as contemporary poetry goes, Billy Collins has to be my top favorite. I love how he is
whimsical sometimes and then really drives it home other times. E.E. Cummings is another,
obviously less contemporary, favorite poet of mine and actually one of the main reasons I chose
the pen name that I did. Sometimes I get the urge to read some classical poetry, in which case I
usually go back to Petrarch, whom I’ve kind of had a love-hate relationship with over the years.
poet?
There was definitely one series of events that led me to become a poet and it happened in
middle school. One day after school, I was in the library (ironically, no connection to the book)
and the school librarian recommended a book of poetry to me to read. I don’t remember the title
of the book, nor why it was even suggested to me in the first place, but I was intrigued.
In class not too long after that, we read “The Highwayman” by Alfred Noyes and it moved me
deeply. From that day on, I fell in love with poetry and knew I wanted to write some of my own,
to impact others the same way that poem impacted me. Obviously I had a lot to learn, I still do,
but that was the avenue I chose to express my own emotions and ideals and I’ve never really
looked back since.Anything else you want to share with my readers about poetry or your writing career?
I think if I had to give some kind of advice or insight into writing poetry, for your readers that are
poets or aspiring poets themselves, I would say to not be afraid to write. No matter what stage
you are at, art, poetry, is always worth creating and has a place in the world. Don’t be afraid of
rejection, of course, but also don’t be afraid of yourself. Don’t be afraid to reach into the darkest
or the brightest parts of your heart to create something that’s real and something that’s
beautiful.
As far as my own writing journey goes, I hope you’ll join me on it by following my various social
media outlets, links to which can be found on my website at https://thejameswa.com/ . I’m going
to be making some big changes soon to this website and there are some great things in the
works for later this year, so I would love to have you all aboard for that.
Thank you Chelsea for this space to speak about In the Library and my writing career and I
hope you
April 23, 2023
Poetic Perspective with Antonio Eramo
Today we have the privilege and honor of sitting down for virtual coffee with best-selling poet Antonio Eramo.
His book is in the Top 100 in all 3 Kindle Categories, and even in the Top 20 in 2 categories with more than 168 reviews.
My review of his book is available on Instagram here.
What was your purpose behind writing Cicadas SerenadeCicadas Serenade was written to be my own version of “song of myself” (Thoreau). My song, like the song of the Cicada, is loud and can be perceived as annoying…but it is nonetheless natural and beautiful in its own right. As far as purpose goes…well, it serves the same purpose as any song within nature, it means everything and nothing at the same time.
2. What’s your favorite thing about nature?
My favorite thing about nature is that it almost mocks man in its perfection. Every lesson I have ever learned I can see expressed in nature…and there is a great irony that we can only see the wisdom of nature after our own failures.
3. What do you hope people gain from Cicadas Serenade?
I hope to gain several things from this book. The number 1 thing would be understanding. Although the manner I express myself isn’t straightforward, I hope that those close to me can read between the lines and understand the overarching meanings. The number 2 thing I hope to gain is a bit of traction within the poetry community. The poetry community is oversaturated and it is very difficult to stand out or be heard. I am hoping that this book can help usher in a return to form for poetry. Most modern poetry is full of bromides and bad line breaks, and I think the reader deserves a bit more than surface level thoughts masquerading as a poem (insta-poetry).
4. As a poet and a writer, where do you see your career going next?
As a poet, I see myself slowly climbing the ranks on amazon and establishing my work as an indie publisher. I am adamantly against big name publishers, so I do not see myself submitting to any of them anytime soon. I do not foresee myself ever being able to live off my work as a poet, which is definitely a blessing in disguise…I feel that if you treat art like a job/career then the work suffers
5. Any new books currently in the works?
I have a new book out called “The Day Prior” which features AI artwork. Most people have been using AI to create art…but I was more curious as to how ai interprets art. I plugged each poem in as the input and had an ai generator interpret the poetry and create a corresponding image. The point of the collection is to analyze the process of interpreting art. In general we have a major issue with something I like to call the “coerced consensus”…in school we interpret things as we are told to interpret them…likewise, ai can only interpret things based on its algorithm (how it is told to interpret). I am curious to see if the images impact the readers ability to interpret the poetry and if it influences their perceptions before they even read.
6. Who are some of your favorite poets?
T.S. Eliot and Robert Frost
7. Who inspired you to become a poet or was there a pivotal moment that made you become a poet?
I don’t really remember what kicked off my fascination with words, but I do recall that it was a sudden snap. One day I just started writing poems.
8. Anything else you want to share with my readers about poetry or your writing career?
A bit of advice for anyone new to poetry…learn the forms and learn poetic devices before embarking on the journey. After you learn the rules you can break them…but for the love of god, learn them first.
April 20, 2023
Poetic Perspective with Matthew Gutierrez
Today, we have the honor and privilege of sitting down for virtual coffee with Matthew Gutierrez, author of Notes I Wrote Along The Way. A review of it can be found here.
What was the exact moment you decided to begin writing Notes I Wrote Along The Way?I had been writing for years before 2019, so I had quite the collection, but in 2019 it dawned upon me that
I should release them into the world so others may enjoy them and not keep them locked in my computer.One of my favorites from the collection is Universal Control? Can you tell us more about the backstory
behind the piece?
This poem speaks about the complete control that the universe has over all living things; the universe
maintains complete control, and we are subject to the twist and turns that are thrown our way. I believe
that our existence is part of the universe’s plan and we must all play a part and complete a purpose to that
plan.
I have written screenplays, short stories and currently I am working on more poetry and a longer fiction
piece that will become a novel.Do you plan to write another poetry collection? If so, do you know what the themes may be?
I am currently working on writing more poetry and editing and rewriting pieces that I already have picked
out for my next collection. I want the next book to be more personal, more direct about pieces of my life
and things that have happened in my life. The themes will remain the same as the first collection, I like to
focus on the universe, a higher power, love, life and death.Who inspires you most in your life?
I inspire myself… my life inspires me and the people that come In and out of my life inspire me in some
manner. Life is full or inspiration and sparks ideas to write.Who are some of your favorite poets?
I would say that I am a fan of Pablo Neruda, John Keats, Langston Hughes, Sylvia Plath, Phillip B.
Williams, Roger Reeves.
7.What’s your favorite thing about poetry?
I love poetry because you can find the right words for a poem that you cannot seem to discover when
speaking to another human being. I started writing poetry due to the lack of courage I had to say a few
things on my mind. I found it easier to write them as poems instead.
The state of being abstract. I hear often, in my MFA program, that I can be a bit too abstract, and I need to
be more grounded and concrete when writing a poem. While I am working on being more focused on
describing a scene, I do believe that I am that poet and have to stay true to what I do.
April 12, 2023
#PressRelease: Sticks and Stones Mental Health Month Tour!
For Immediate Release
April 12, 2023
Chelsea DeVries
Publicist
chelseadevries@thesmartcookiephiles.com
Sticks and Stones Mental Health Month Tour
Chelsea DeVries, author of Sticks and Stones, is going on a 3 stop book tour. On May 6, 2023, DeVries will appear at the Community Appreciation Event at the Gulf View Square Mall, 9409 US 19 Port Richey, FL 34668, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. She will be selling her poetry stanza artwork and copies of her award-winning poetry collection Sticks and Stones.
On May 10, 2023, DeVries will appear at the Spring Hill Library 9220 Spring Hill Drive Spring Hill, FL 34608 from 3-5 p.m. for a poetry reading and presentation of her collection Sticks and Stones: Full Story Edition. On May 24, 2023 DeVries will appear at New Port Richey Public Library 5939 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652 from 3-5 p.m. Books will be available to purchase at this event on May 24. Past appearances for Sticks and Stones Poetry readings include Centenniel Park Library, Hudson Library, and Neat Coffee Bar. For more information about each event, please email chelseadevries@thesmartcookiephiles.com
About The Author: Chelsea DeVries wanted to be a writer at the age of 7. Her first publishing credit came at the age of 14 with a poem in a student anthology. She then wrote nonstop while doing IB classes in high school. She published two YA novels while still in high school which after over 10 years she rewrote as a NA romance that she looks to put out as her next publication.She is a seeker of justice and uses her words to free this world’s outcasted, peculiar, and underdogs from the chains that bind them. When not writing she runs and does PR for authors and musicians with her bookish brand The Smart Cookie Philes. Though she’s Florida born and raised, she has New Jersey in her veins. She currently lives in Port Richey, FL with her squad of two dogs.You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @chelsealynnpoetry, and her squad at @dasquad26. In October 2020, DeVries was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome which is a form of Autism.
About The Book: In Sticks and Stones, DeVries paints a poetic picture of rising above toxicity, love found and love lost, and delves into what it means to find strength in the human spirit. Through poetry, the reader finds a voice of strength and the rebuilding of one’s heart a home with all the sticks and stones thrown upon it. Newly expanded with more full color photos, 41 new poems, and a rewrite of Drowning in An Ocean of No Tomorrows, DeVries shows a full poetic picture of turning pain into poetry in order so you can rise above whatever is pulling you under.
