Chelsea DeVries's Blog, page 4

#NationalPoetryMonth: In The Library by James W. A. Review

Venturing to check on my own poetry collection at the local library, I happened upon another local poet’s collection. Checking it out, I was immersed in a short narrative poetry experience that reminded me of one of my favorite childhood books that became a movie The NeverEnding Story. 

James W. A. writes of the freedom from rules and counted meter with the poet’s choice of free verse and also shares how that freedom then trickles down to the reader who can then interpret the poem as they see fit even if it differs from the way the poet intended it.

In The Library is a dark poetry narrative that utilizes a main character who’s dialog throughout the book is expressed through poetic stanza and verse, all while utilizing the image of a library to be similar to a graveyard where the main character is asked to read or “remember” 11 different traumatic events.

The library then becomes like the post-traumatic brain and the poetry is the inner workings of coming to terms with said trauma.

It is a different take on poetry but it is unique in it’s own light, and worth a read.

I found it to be hopeful to me as a free verse poet, and I am grateful that on a trip to the library I happened upon In The Library.

#NationalPoetryMonth: Diary of A Romantica by Celia Martinez Review

If you are anything like me, you read poetry to feel something. To feel sad, to feel angry, to resonate with the feeling of heartbreak expressed in a piece. Rarely ever, do I find romantic poetry a genre that I vibe with these days. That is until I happened upon a poet climbing the social media ranks named Celia Martinez.

What struck me most was the absolute effortless delivery with which Martinez delivers her poems, almost like she’s just saying what first comes to mind, and in terms of poetry and the complexity of language barriers, that is a rare find.

Her poetry reads like diary entries but follows a rhyme scheme with themes ranging from future love, past love, love as a concept, romance, fictional men, heartbreak, and themes of anxiety and depression as well.

The absolute best thing about Martinez’s collection is her imagery. You can literally picture two people meeting in the street, the young woman carrying bread. How she blushes when the man speaks to her, wondering if he’s actually addressing her or someone else entirely. It’s like paintings of romantic storylines come to life, and it fills the readers soul with such wonder, curiosity, and even dare I say, fulfillment similar to that of a romance novel you can’t stop reading.

I finished Martinez’s collection in two days simply because I had trouble putting it down like an insatiable romance novel, and that to me is poetry done absolutely right in a time of social media and short attention spans.

Thank you Celia for reminding us all that love is possible even if it hasn’t been returned to us yet.

#NationalPoetryMonth: Notes I Wrote Along The Way by Matthew Gutierrez Review

Have you ever been completely swept off your feet by a book of poetry? I have many many times. The first time it ever happened I was in college and found a poet on Tumblr and I covered my dorm walls with their words.

Yet, recently sitting down to delve into Notes I Wrote Along The Way by Matthew Guttierrez I found myself in that same place, absolutely glued between the covers of his poetry collection, slowly digesting each and every poem as it spoke to my soul as nothing else has. 

As a poet myself, I find that to be an inspiring moment and a revelation of the true talents that poet has as if I feel inspired to write a piece after reading one of theirs then I truly know I was taken on a journey with the poet, and got to metaphorically walk in their shoes.

And sometimes those shoes are quite big, stuck in quicksand, lost and alone, feeling like a failure, heartbroken, grieving or just pondering a unique perspective of the human experience.

Matthew Gutierrez writes of memory, environment, love, sexual desire, dreams, madness, and death but they all speak to something profound and poignant.

Gutierrez’s word choice and imagery are what struck such a chord with me while reading this collection, and it makes me hungry for more work from this poet as I am certain this poet has many more notes that will need be written along the way.

Coming this Wednesday…stay tuned for an interview with Matthew himself.

For more from Matthew Gutierrez, follow him on Instagram @notes2poetry and @matthewjames_g

Follow The Smart Cookie Philes on Instagram to hear Chelsea DeVries read these poems, and to hear Matthew read one as well.

This FREE BOOK REVIEW was done in support of poetry and the arts. The Smart Cookie Philes is a independently owned and woman run company to help all people feel free to espresso themselves. It is a book and music publicity firm offering various marketing services and packages including the new Indie Book Tour Package as seen below.

Consider tipping Chelsea for her work on this piece at the following link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/CDeVries26

Brand New Indie Author Tour Package

It’s a new package i offer with my book and music publicity firm The Smart Cookie Philes. I would basically find 20 bloggers to review and feature your book that are genre specific and 10 Instagrammers to review and feature your book.

All for $400. I would also make a custom graphic that i feature on my website to help promote you that i would cross feature across all my social media platforms.

If interested, please email Chelsea to get started.

#TampaPro2023: Carpe Fucking Diem…30 years of Skatepark of Tampa

It’s my favorite time of year. It’s Tampa Pro season y’all. Urethane wheels on concrete. Free beer. Open bar. Pro skaters so close you can ask them for a selfie. The buzzing of a tattoo needle mixed with old school hip-hop.

I am no stranger to Tampa Pro. I have been attending since 2006 but am well aware Skatepark of Tampa has been helping the local Tampa community have a safe space to be completely themselves since 1993.

Back in 2006, I went to Skatepark of Tampa for the first time that March. At that time, Tampa Pro was still a homegrown event. So all they had out back was a hot dog cart and a cooler with drinks. No open bar sponspored by Monster Energy. No vendor tents. It was very local and for the locals still but you could sense that something was building the platform when Rob Dydrek decided to shoot his indie film about skateboarding for skateboarders, “Street Dreams” right there later in 2006.

Back in 2006, I was just starting to get into skateboarding. I didn’t realize the gravity of what Tampa Pro meant to the skateboarding world and barely knew any pros when I was there as I was a newbie enthusiast at that time but I definitely knew Ryan Sheckler was going to blow up and become a household name in skateboarding as well as pop culture. Look at that cute young face. It was made for reality tv.

But the surreal moments I had at Tampa Pro in 2006, led me to come back for another year in 2007 where I met Jereme Rogers. I mean, he left skateboarding to forge a rap career but in this day and time, Jereme Rogers was one of the top in the sport.

From here, I took about 3 years off Tampa Pro because I was kind of focused on other things, and also wanted to make sure I really liked skateboarding for skateboarding, and not just because I had a long-term crush on one of the professionals.

Turns out, my love was with skateboarding and not with that young man who ended up marrying someone else so I returned to Tampa Pro in 2010.

Look at young T-Puds.

Look at Nyjah back when he had dreads…

2010 was when Chaz Ortiz was on top of his game…don’t know why I never see him at the Pro anymore but he needs to come out.

2010 Chris Cole who came back out and skated the contest this year. Can you believe it?

The last Tampa Pro I seen Mr. Sheckler at was 2019 but he’s building his own board company now. Told you he would be a household name and a pop culture icon.

As you can see from the previous collage…each year that I’ve ever come out to Tampa Pro has been a good vibe and a good time and this year was no exception.

The first pro I spotted this year was Chris Cole which had me hyped since I haven’t seen him at the Pro in a few years although I believe in 2021 or 2022, he was a judge of the contest instead of a competitor.

When you walked into the event this year, they gave out a gift bag for the 30 year celebration. It was a nice assortment of stuff.

From here, my guest and I decided to grab a drink and just explore the courtyard.

Here’s some cool shots from Friday’s practice.

One thing you will always see is the skaters all joking and bonding with one another. I’ve rarely ever seen one pro show animosity to one another, only love and comraderie.

All in all, visiting Skatepark of Tampa is always a good time, good vibes, and an all around good experience. You learn so much about your local community, and you witness a community that loves and supports all people. And that’s definitely one I can get behind.

@chelsealynnpoetry

Tampa Pro 2023 was and always is a fucking good vibe. happy 30 years @spottampa #30yearsofspot #fyp #skateboarding #thankyouskateboarding #tampapro

♬ This Is a Work of Art (Sketchy) – Dubskie

Some practice footage from Friday. Yup, skateboarding is a work of art.

Congratulations Skatepark of Tampa on 30 years! That’s amazing. You and I are almost the same age.

Must have been a divine connection for sure. Thanks for always hooking me up with surreal moments, unforgettable interactions with pros and amateurs alike, and for always allowing me to be completely myself in a world that outside those warehouse walls is harsh, hard, and increasingly very very pressing. Love you guys. Thanks for allowing me to carpe fucking diem!

How to Create a Multi-Purpose Room That Could Also Function as a Home Studio

GUEST POST BY KATIE CONROY

Since we spend so much time at home, it makes sense to think of ways to use our properties to the max. And if we can do what we love to do from home, too, then why not? So if you’re a creative like Chelsea DeVries, here’s how to create the home studio of your dreams.

Pick a room, any room

You’ll need some space to do your hobby, whether that’s music, dance, writing, or art. ● Any room could potentially do for your at-home studio, but it should ideally be separate from your living quarters. ● You may need to upgrade the room with particular renovations to make it more livable. For an attic studio, the ceiling may need to be redone. A ballpark range for a ceiling install should be easy enough to find online. Make sure it is practical Whether you have a small or large space to work with, you have to make it practical. ● Organize your home studio in such a way that everything has its place. Implement an organizational system that’ll prevent you from having to look for things when you need them. ● Ensure your studio is practical from a budgeting point of view too. For example, if you can repurpose old containers, shelves, and furniture, then this can save you money in the long run. ● Proper lighting for your home studio is essential to help you see every detail. ● Inspiration is key. Feel more calm and relaxed in your home studio by painting your walls warm, muted colors. Safety first

Besides being a practical space, your home studio should also be safe to use. ● Ensure that you have ample ventilation. Adequate fresh air will help prevent stale and musty odors from developing, as well as prevent the build-up of mold. ● You should have adequate space to work or perform in. So, clear away any items that might get in your way.

Benefits of having an at-home studio

There are many benefits to having your studio at home, including unlimited time to perfect your passion. ● You can make it as comfortable as you like. So choose furniture that will help you do what you do best. ● It’s easy on the pocket. Look at it this way; you don’t have to fork out cash to enroll at an art studio to get the practice you need. ● Another added advantage of having a home studio is that you can practice as much as you want whenever you want. ● You can increase your home’s resale value depending on the upgrades you’ve made to it. For example, if you’ve managed to transform an awkward nook into something magical, you can be sure this concept will resonate with the buyer. ● You can even do an additional side hustle from your home studio. Your at-home studio is sure to work out well if you make it suitable for you and what you like to do, whatever that art form may be.

#PressRelease: Author of Sticks and Stones wins Finalist place in Art Contest

For Immediate Release

September 4, 2022

Chelsea DeVries

Publicist

chelseadevries@thesmartcookiephiles.com

Author of Sticks and Stones wins Finalist place in Art Contest

Chelsea DeVries, author of Sticks and Stones: Full Story Edition, was recently named a finalist in a Art Show International Figurative art contest. Her piece “Drowning in an Ocean of No Tomorrows” was awarded the prize.

For more on the list of winner’s, visit here. To purchase this art piece, visit the author’s etsy shop here.

Author Bio: 

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 Art Show International: A virtual online art gallery soon to be housed in a physical location in Los Angeles, CA. check out artshowinternational.com for more information.

Creatives: How to Get Your Work SeenBeing a creative entr...

Creatives: How to Get Your Work Seen

Being a creative entrepreneur is a unique and challenging experience where uncertainty can be a constant obstacle. Succeeding in a field such as art, fashion, music, or writing requires that people see and engage with your work, and achieving this can be challenging. By taking the right steps and being willing to leave your comfort zone, you can have the creative career you’ve always dreamed of.

You Need an Audience

For your work to go anywhere important, you’ll have to get it in front of the right people. If you create visual art or clothing, starting with local shows and events can help you get your feet wet and reduce anxiety about how your work will be received. These initial audiences can also give you a good sense of how your work may be interpreted and help you tweak aspects that aren’t resonating. Consider submitting work to trusted publications and contests too. Network and collaborate with fellow creators to share contacts and networks and speed up this process.

A Business Can Legitimize You

As you grow in your craft and attract more customers or clients, you’ll encounter tax requirements and other legal restrictions that make it beneficial to have an LLC. Structuring your business as an LLC empowers you to do business under a protected name and can reduce your personal liability in case your business faces legal or financial difficulties. LLCs also yield tax benefits. Each state has its own rules for LLC formation, so check the rules in your state.

Marketing Is Key

You must believe in your brand if you want others to support and invest in it. Marketing your work can be nerve-wracking, but it’s necessary to expand awareness of your brand. One way to help make your work more marketable is to create a quality logo. A logo gives potential customers brand awareness and differentiates you from other artists and competitor businesses. Hiring someone to design a logo can be expensive, but online tools are available that allow you to do it yourself for free. Select icons, insert words in a variety of styles, and choose colors that resonate with your brand.

You Need Space To Work

Having a consistent and peaceful place to work on your craft is invaluable for growing as a creative. Instead of renting an external space, consider updating an old/unused room into a new multipurpose room to suit your needs. This is a great way to save money and potentially add value to your home. After making any significant improvements to your property, record these changes so the home might appraise for a higher value when the time comes to sell it. Be mindful of the costs of potential renovations and how much space you really need.

Believe in Yourself

Putting your work out there is scary and takes confidence and resilience. Consider starting a business to simplify the financial aspects. Design a logo to increase brand awareness, and use creative marketing techniques to attract attention and stand out. For additional help with marketing your creative endeavors, contact The Smart Cookie Philes.

#BookReview: Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Why are we so scared of what is different?

We judge. We shun. We shut out. We close our minds to what we don’t understand but yet we could learn so much from someone who leads a life in an unorthodox way or thinks differently than us.

Kya is the pariah of the marshes of the North Carolina Bayou. Forced to raise herself when her family leaves her alone in a shack near the bayou and she must learn the art of human survival. The entire town doesn’t rush to help her but instead believes the absolute worst of her, and outside of a fisherman’s wharf style shop near the bayou, she learns to survive one pot of grits at a time.

The plot and character cadence reminded me of a Bayou version of Little House on the Prairie at first, but unlike Laura Ingalls, Kya’s closest friends are the beachside seagulls.

My favorite aspects of this story were how the author chose to entwine nature and poetry throughout which kept me reading, along with this heart-wrenching pull in my soul to see Kya grow stronger and stronger as the pages turned.

It reads like a good murder mystery but with the strong emotive pull of poetic prose, with a love against all odds storyline thrown in. The descriptions of the marshlands were my favorite and spoke to the author’s background in Zoology and Animal Behavior.

The moral of Where The Crawdads Sing to me is not to use one aspect of someone’s identity to box them in or come to conclusions about them. There is treasure -curious humans that we are- hidden in the depths. The depths of the Bayou, the depths of a poem, and the depths of any human soul.

Sometimes you must dare to venture forth an uncharted path to find the treasures of life, even precious human life.

This review was written for no compensation and is originally written in response to the reading of Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. If you enjoyed this review, feel free to buy me a coffee.

#PressRelease: Author of ‘Sticks & Stones’ Interviewed on Podcast Themed Around Resilience

For Immediate Release

June 23, 2022

Chelsea DeVries, Publicist

chelseadevries@thesmartcookiephiles.com

Author of ‘Sticks & Stones’ Interviewed on Podcast Themed Around Resilience

Chou Hallegra, mental health consultant and owner of grace & hope consulting, recently interviewed Chelsea DeVries on The Grace & Hope Consulting Podcast. The 17 minute episode is focused on DeVries’s experience working in a toxic workplace and how it impacted her mental health but yet she found the strength to overcome from that experience by writing and compiling her poetry collection Sticks and Stones: Full Story Edition. This episode is available here or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

About The Podcast: This podcast is an outreach marketing effort expanded on Grace & Hope Consulting, LLC is a person-centered and community-focused company providing mental health, personal development, and inclusion supports to individuals, families, organizations, churches, and communities. Through con

sulting, counseling, coaching, training, writing, and publishing, we help individuals achieve mental and emotional wellness, reach their full potential, and live fulfilling lives. We are committed to promoting social-emotional learning, human potential, diversity, inclusion and belonging. Find out more at www.graceandhopeconsulting.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 @onegirlrevolution26_, and her squad at @dasquad26. In October 2020, DeVries was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome which is a form of Autism.