Today, between the hours of 10:00-11:00 a.m., there was a campus wide alert on the Georgia Perimeter College Campus (Clarkston). While students were busy working on assignments, they were interrupted by GPC staff and security that there had been an Intruder Alert issued on campus and there was an armed gunman on the loose. Just seconds after the alert, the students were ordered to evacuate then abruptly, the alarm was called off and the students were told not to worry and that everything was OK. Many students have reported that they received a text message of the alert sent to their phones. Then business was back as usual. One student approached a GPC security officer and asked him what was the commotion all about and he replied: “It was a false alarm. They didn’t tell us until now. They told us to tell you guys that there was an Intruder Alert because there was an armed gunman on campus and then they told us to tell you that it was a false alarm.”

Why in the first place would they issue a false alarm to that degree, saying that there was an armed gunman on the loose? If there was a false alarm or a fire drill, why didn’t the school send out a notice to students?

About an hour later, something else strange happened on the other side of campus. The location was in GPC’s Student Union. A GPC security officer approached a student and asked her if she could go inside the girl’s bathroom because he suspected there was a female in the bathroom smoking marijuana. When the student asked the officer, why wouldn’t he go check it out, he responded, “Because you’re a female.” The student then replied, “So why not go get a female officer to check it out?” The officer ignored her question and began laughing.

Meanwhile, in the same building, a group of students gathered around a flat TV screen with a microphone to play a game of “Family Feud.” Half of the students at the school appeared to have no clue that there was even a threat to their safety which makes you wonder, HOW SAFE ARE OUR COLLEGE CAMPUSES that an Intruder Alert/Threat can be made and less than ½ of the students and faculty on campus are even aware of it?

Please share your thoughts.

A MAN’S LIFE

Born out of pain

A pain borne from pleasure

He’s become a treasure

Of parents to tame and train

Blossoming as a bud

Having no cares nor worries

Unaware of life’s complexities

He finds everything odd

But little does he know

That soon he’ll come on board

To either ply or soar

On life’s crooked road

In slippery youth

He fails to accept the essence

Of man’s existence

He becomes self-independent

A path to decadence

He has chosen as his essence

In the evening of his life

He begins to regret his past

Seeking solace in the future

Of his budding descendant

A wise old sage, become

Admonishing youths in their prime

Of another regret, prevent

Lo! History has itself repeat

About the Poet

Uzoma Ezeson was born into the middle class family of Mr. Ezeson Sunday of Ebonyi State origin in Nigeria. She grew up living with her family in Aba Metropolis.

She discovered her passion for writing when she was in high school. Her passion was born out of her need to explore the world she is living in order to better the system that drives the progress of mankind, and she couldn’t think of any better way of doing that except through writing. This passion of hers has developed to a positive addiction, one which she seeks to utilize to the fullest.

Uzoma Ezeson is the author of the masterpiece “MY HERO: Learning from the Makers of History.” She also has her articles in leading websites and writing communities.

Having found joy in the art of writing, Uzoma intends to make the best out of it for the benefit of mankind.

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Uzoma: I became aware of my attraction to poetry when I was in high school. I would write little poems and hide them.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Uzoma: The first poem I wrote was “NATURE.” It was an ode to nature. It talks about the beauty and serenity of a natural environment.

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Uzoma: I’m a fan of all poets as long as you exhibit good reasoning. I don’t have a favorite. I adore all poets and their writing styles.

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre?

Uzoma: No, I don’t. I just write what comes into my mind regardless of the genre.

UBAWA: Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Uzoma: Yes. It’s more like it. If you listen to a rap or love song, you’ll realize that they share some elements of poetry, e.g. rhythm, rhyme, pun etc. I can say, a good rap or love song writer has a shot at poetry.

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Uzoma: Actually, I don’t follow or observe any particular style in my writing. Writing with strict rules freaks me out. I just can’t stand strictness in writing. I write as it comes.

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written?

Uzoma: I’m still compiling my first poetry book. I’m not done yet, but expect it soon.

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us.

Uzoma: No. I’ve not tried that neither have I gotten the opportunity to. But I’m looking forward to the day I’ll get that opportunity. It’ll be fun I guess.

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Uzoma: Love! I think love is more than what people think of it these days. It’s not all about feelings or emotions; there are responsibilities and sacrifices attached to love.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Uzoma: *Blushing* I’m still single but I’d love to keep my love life private.

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Uzoma: Both. One can be good at something but if the person does not get the opportunity to exhibit his talent, he won’t be seen. On the other hand, the first step to becoming successful is to choose to become successful. Both of them work hand in hand.

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Uzoma: I get inspiration from everything and everybody around me. I might just see something or listen to someone talking and get inspired. I do get ideas from movies and songs too. As for my latest poem, the idea just popped in my head and I started writing.

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Uzoma: The first thing I would do would be to change the way I saw myself when I was a kid. I would have loved to be more confident and bold in exploring my talents. Also, I would have loved to study more.

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Uzoma: I’m watching movies (I like watching movies), listening to music or reading.

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Uzoma: My typical day starts with going to work, taking care of household chores in the evening when I’m back from work and writing at night (If I’m still awake).

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Uzoma: My perfect day would be seeing all my chores done and relaxing in a garden or by a body of water (lake, river or beach) writing, getting all the screaming voices in my head out on a paper and not worrying about my job.

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Uzoma: I try to put my life and house in order and get some quality rest. I like writing on weekends too.

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Uzoma: I don’t club. I prefer hanging out, going on trips, picnics and expeditions.

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Uzoma: I would love to visit Venice. Water is always very refreshing for me and I would love to go with my ‘One and only’ and a small group of friends.

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Uzoma: The biggest challenge of my life was the issue of low self-esteem. When I was young, I always had this feeling of inferiority – you know, like others are better than me and I couldn’t be better off. I get upset when people say I’m not good at something so I try as much to prove them wrong. I got to realize that I’m unique, although I’m not good at everything, I’m still unique and that I don’t have to wish to be like anyone. I shouldn’t be afraid of failing because when you fail, you get to learn more. The most successful ones are the ones who fail and learn their lessons. Since then, I love daring difficult things. I’m no longer afraid of whom I am and I don’t bother much about what other people think of me as long as I’m on the right track.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Uzoma: Well, I’m a shy person. I watch a lot of movies. I don’t like long conversation on the phone; I prefer text messages.

UBAWA: Do you host contests or giveaways?

Uzoma: Not yet.

UBAWA: Any upcoming events that we should know about?

Uzoma: Not really. I’m working on my poems.

Stay connected with Uzoma:

Website: www.uzywhyte.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/uzywhyte

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/uzywhyte

POUNDS

Are you gaining?

Yes I am.

I'm gaining momentum.

Confidence,

More self-awareness,

And strength.

Why is my weight so important to you?

You don't have to carry it.

Does it make you feel bad

that despite my weight

I still look good?

No need to tell me what I look like

By using your cheap way of insulting me

Because I look in the mirror every day

I see myself

You can't and won't bring me down

Because I am beautiful

Even when I'm round.

About the Poet

Robin M. Bellamy is a native of Conway, South Carolina. She currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Francis Marion University and a Master’s degree in Business from Webster University. She is the author of "A Collection of Poetry: Matters of the Heart, Revealed," "Grandma's Brooch," and "Bare My Soul." Robin has always had a passion for writing and she feels blessed to be able to share her words with others, while living out her dreams. She's also used that same passion to escape the pain associated with depression. Robin hopes to encourage those who may be going through similar situations. In utilizing her literary platform, she hopes to reach the masses!!

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Robin: The first time I realized my attraction to poetry was in high school. I had an excellent English teacher my freshman year who took an interest in me and my writings. She really helped to motivate me.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Robin: The very first poem I ever wrote was in high school. It focused on the lack of my father's presence in my life. It was very strong and to the point. It was filled with so much emotion, and I felt so much better when I put it all on paper.

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Robin: My favorite poet is Maya Angelou. She's so talented, and her writings not only inspire me, they help to educate me even more about subjects I may not know a lot about. She is also a woman of great integrity, and I too would like to have that same integrity.

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre?

Robin: Sometimes I think in terms of genre, and sometimes I don't. There are many times when I just let the words flow.

UBAWA:  Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Robin: I do agree to an extent especially when your poetry rhymes. The one thing that is very common among the poems and songs are the strong feelings that they exhibit.

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Robin: I don't just use one style/technique when writing. I do tend to write more free verse poetry though than anything else.

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written?

Robin: "A Collection of Poetry: Matters of the Heart, Revealed" and "Bare My Soul" (a combination of poetry/inspirational readings)

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us.

Robin: To date, I haven't performed any poetry pieces on stage, but I hope that I'll have those opportunities in the future.

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Robin: The first thing that comes to mind when I think of love is God, because He is love. I don't believe it's possible to have the other attributes of love without His presence. He makes everything possible.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Robin: I'm currently single.

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Robin: I think success is a little bit of chance and choice. When we make choices to become successful, it often leads to chances of a lifetime that will carry us right through the doors we need to make a mark on this world.

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Robin: My life in general has led me to write most of my poems. Hearing about other people's experiences has also been a part of that process. The poem "Pounds" was written from my own experience, because I have battled with my weight for years, and people haven't always said kind things to me regarding it.

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Robin: The most important thing that comes to mind is that I would have spent less time being concerned about whether others loved me. I would have spent that energy loving myself. I'm learning to take care of myself more and to cherish the one life that I have been given. More importantly, I'm learning to love "me."

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Robin: When I'm not writing, I think about writing a lot. I work diligently to improve myself and to accomplish other things.

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Robin: Before I write a poem, I like to think about it intensely. I think about a variety of subjects, how I'm feeling at the moment, and everything that would make it a great poem. Sometimes I'll start writing, and then I'll scratch through it, and start over. It all depends. Sometimes I can write a poem quickly, and then sometimes it takes a while. If I have a thought that I don't want to forget, I'll jot it down, and put the rest of the pieces to it later.

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Robin: The "perfect day" for me would be to go someplace I've always wanted to go. Some of those places include: Paris, Italy, the French Riviera, and Hawaii. I would just absorb every moment of being there. I would go on a few tours, take lots of pictures to include in a scrapbook, enjoy a couple of good meals, and whatever else comes up. That would be my "perfect day."

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Robin: I enjoy relaxing on the weekends. This may consist of watching a good movie, writing, reading, or spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy attending church on Sundays.

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Robin: I hang out with my friends and family at family gatherings, restaurants, malls, or the movies. I don't really hang out at clubs, but I do enjoy going to a jazz club every now and then.

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Robin: I would visit the French Riviera in the Southeast corner of France. I would go with my mom, because she and I have always talked about going there. I know it would be an enjoyable trip.

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Robin: The challenge that I've had to overcome is depression. I have suffered from it for years, and a great deal of my writing has come from that pain. I've used my passion for writing to get through those tough times when I experienced self-esteem issues. I'm still a work in progress, but with God's help, prayer, and friends and family, I am overcoming it every day.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Robin: I've always wanted to be a news anchor, or so I thought I did. I had the opportunity to work at a television station, and I realized it wasn't quite what I thought it would be. It's a very dog-eat-dog industry.

UBAWA: Do you host contests or giveaways?

Robin: At the present time, I do not host contests or giveaways, but I would like to in the future.

UBAWA: Any upcoming events that we should know about?

Robin: Currently, I don't have any upcoming events per se, but I have written a novel, and I hope to have it published later this year.

Stay connected with Robin:

Facebook: Robin M. Bellamy's Books

Twitter: author813

The authoress of ‘Messages in My Spirit’ Julia A. Burruss, affectionately known as “Jubee,” was born and raised in the City of Wilmington, Delaware with an innate gift of writing poetry and short stories. Her work has afforded her opportunities to write poems, letters, and speeches for many occasions - captivating her intended audiences.

A 1977 graduate of Pierre S. DuPont High School, she obtained her associate’s degree in Medical Secretarial Science from Harris Careers Institute; a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Springfield College; and a master’s degree in Administration of Justice from Wilmington University.

Jubee worked as an administrative assistant for over twenty years and functioned as a wedding coordinator and event planner throughout the tri-state area for more than 15 years before starting her own business which she calls, Exquisite Expressions by Jubee, a self-owned business specializing in event planning, bridal consultations and coordinating weddings of various ethnic backgrounds and religions. She prides herself on playing an important role in the many lives she has touched during her field in education as an educator and student advisor.

Jubee has been honored with such titles as first runner-up in the Miss Black America of Delaware pageant and recipient of the Miss Positivity Award, as well as second runner up for Miss Black Galaxy of America. She is a member of Omnia Bona Inc. - Delaware Chapter; board member, past president and instructor of the East Side Steppers Drill Team Corporation; Creative Mentoring; State of Delaware CASA; American Association of Bridal Consultants and National Association of Wedding Professionals. She finds joy in praise dancing and ministering to the hearing impaired through song.

Jubee is the mother of Arricka Burruss and grand-mother of Julianna Burruss whom she refers to as her “pride” and her “joy.”

Jubee’s titles include:

The Way I See It

Messages in My Spirit

Emotions under Arrest

Eya Teach Me about God

Don't Hang With People God Did Not Send You

Lord, Please Dress Me Today

About “The Way I See It”

God does not look at people or things the way we so often see them. We, as humans are very visual by nature, thus being moved, inspired, influenced or distracted by what we see. And because of that, many can see an identical object, or person, and bear different opinions and views.

The Way I See It is a small, but meaningful, collection of thought-provoking, motivational and inspirational messages written to encourage, empower and uplift your spirit. It is designed to awaken the taste buds of your life by creating a palatable flavor for living. It will broaden your horizons and enhance your vision so that you can see things clearer, and hopefully differently, than what most over-look or take for granted.

These messages are in no way to state that my views are the correct answers to life’s daily encounters, but only to introduce you to a different perspective of how others may view things. Be mindful each day to season your life with essences of kindness, understanding, forgiveness and love and keep in mind that no matter how we may see things, what truly matters is how GOD sees us.

UBAWA: When did you first decide you wanted to become an author?

Jubee: In 2010 when one of my former high school teachers read some of my work and declared over me that there was a book inside of me and I need to write it.

UBAWA: How did you decide on the idea for your 1st book? 2nd book? 3rd book, etc?

Jubee: My first book that was published became a reality after writing daily inspirational messages and sending them out to my family and friends via email messages. After doing this for over two years, both the vision and title came to me one night in my sleep. As a result "Messages in My Spirit" was birthed.

My book "The Way I See It" is an over-flow of the material from my first book. It bears the same flow, style and logic.

My children’s books (Eya Teach Me About God, Lord Please Dress Me Today, and Don't Hang With People God Did Not Send You) were written as lessons and messages to my grand-daughter. My sister, Jackie, has encouraged me to get them in print so others could teach their children the lessons as well.

"Emotions under Arrest" is my only book of poetry; and it was life, it self, that was my inspiration for that book.

UBAWA: How long did it take you to complete your first book? What was the process like?

Jubee: It took about two years to write my first book since the initial thought for my writings was not meant to be a book, but rather daily motivational messages.

UBAWA: What’s so rewarding about writing books and being an author?

Jubee: I think the most rewarding part about writing and being an author is that it allows a wide range of people you can reach and share your thoughts and talent with that you might not otherwise have had the opportunity to reach. I get an overwhelming joy when I get feedback on how my work has helped enrich, empower and inspire others.

UBAWA: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up?

Jubee: No, I haven't reached that point yet and I pray I never do.

UBAWA: There’s more to being an author than writing a book. How do you manage to handle the business side of things?

Jubee: I have a very multi-talented family and we seize every opportunity we get to help one another. My mom is an incredible woman when it comes to handling her financial affairs. She has helped me in the area of bookkeeping and my siblings have helped by way of promoting and sales production. It became a new adventure for my family to add another link to our family chain of love and support we have for one another.

UBAWA: Do you have an editor or do you edit your own books?

Jubee: I have three people who I have edit my work - an educator, a minister and a friend. They read both for clarity and understanding as well as grammar. It's an on-going learning experience that I openly welcome.

UBAWA: Who does the cover art for your book(s)?

Jubee: For each of my books I have designed the covers. I am learning though that the cover is what draws a person to your book but it is the content that keeps them interested in it.

UBAWA: Do you ever encounter writer’s block? How do you get past it?

Jubee: I do a lot and when it happens, I just walk away and engage myself in something else. Once I return, I see things a little differently and I am able to restart with a new and refreshed outlook.

UBAWA: How often do you write?

Jubee: I write something every day, whether I use it immediately or not. I keep a file of what I call - Just My Thoughts and frequently go back and pull from it to write something new or to enhance something already written.

UBAWA: Tell us about your last book signing.

Jubee: I had an Impromptu book signing at the location of a former place of employment and found it to be more personal - warm and welcoming. I felt the love and support of those I had worked with and the individuals who happen to be on sight at the time. I enjoy the smaller, intimate settings as you get to take time and hear the different opinions and stories as to how your work affects others.

UBAWA: Beside social media, what other methods are you using to get the word out about your book(s)?

Jubee: I have sent complimentary copies to many different places such as schools, churches, local book stores, etc. I even sent copies to Steve Harvey and Oprah Winfrey. Prayerfully one day, I will receive a response from one or both of them but until then, I will keep sending them copies of each book I write.

UBAWA: As a Woman of Color, what inspires you the most?

Jubee: I believe I am most inspired by other women of color who have pushed beyond the color barriers and accomplished so much of what was said would and could not be done. I look at many of them and say to myself "That too can be me" and I push myself beyond limits and expectations.

UBAWA: Who is your biggest influence?

Jubee: I am influenced by so many members of my family (each unique and impacting in their own way for different areas of my life). From my mom, daughter, siblings, aunts and uncles,  to my cousins, nieces nephews and granddaughter....they all influence me.

UBAWA: Have you ever done something in the past you regret? How did you get through it?

Jubee: Of course...I'm human (lol). But seriously, I have often regretted being so controversial to many things. I never want to fit the societal mold. I always felt the need to "challenge the system" so to speak and do things my way. So much of it has backfired but on the other hand so much of it opened new doors for me. I pray daily for strength, guidance, wisdom and the gift of discernment.

UBAWA: How do you get through the tough times in life when life throws what it throws at you?

Jubee: I do a lot of soul-searching and praying and I ask that the purpose behind the situation be revealed as well as a way to make it work out in my favor. I seek out others who I feel may be equipped in both knowledge and experience to help me. I use a lot of that down time to write (which allows me an opportunity to vent and release).

UBAWA: What is one goal you want to accomplish for yourself in 2013?

Jubee: I would really like to accomplish my goal of setting up a scholarship fund for a student suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia to help with educational needs. I have been working with some others over the past several months trying to tweak it. Hopefully you'll be hearing about it soon.

UBAWA: What do you have planned next?

Jubee: My next book should be back from the printer and hopefully all will be well enough to begin the sales for it.

UBAWA: How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?

Jubee: I can be reached at exexbyjubee@comcast.net

Date: 2/25/13
Writer’s Name: Sheri Harrigan
Title: Quality Matters in the Long Run

In order to be a successful self-published author one must face reality. A self- published author bears the cost of every aspect of their career. As a self-published author I look at the expenses as an investment. Publishing books is a business and should be treated as such. Some authors do and some don’t. I believe in quality over quantity. There is no rush to publish a book!

One of the most costly expenses is editing. Depending on the edit and the type of edit, editing may cost between $200-$3,000. Proofreading is a part of editing but a manuscript needs more than that. Seeing that editing is so expensive some people skip this step and self- edit. That is not a good idea especially when editors don’t even edit their own work!

The manuscript has to be formatted after you type it out. You can do it yourself using Microsoft Word or the much fancier program InDesign ($600). Or you can pay someone to do it. Paperbacks and E-Books do not get formatted the same. So if you plan to publish both they have to be formatted separately. This can cost $125 or more for a paperback and $60 or more for an e-book.

Marketing and promotion is up to the author, unless you have a contract with your publisher who says that they will handle it. Marketing and promotion includes things such as a website, a logo, banners, postcards, bookmarks and business cards. Do you need them all? I say yes but it’s up to the individual author. Social Media is great to promote yourself but what happens when you are outside and someone asks where they can find you or your book. Customers don’t like searching for things and a sale will be lost. Depending on where you go or who designs your items expect to pay $100 - $2000.

In order to obtain paperbacks you have to have a printer. The printer you use depends on how many books you want. If you want a large print run then you may need a different company than the author who prints on demand. The cost of books varies depending on size, page length, colors and whether you want hard or soft cover books.

If you plan to ship out books or promotional items expect to pay those fees plus extra for security of your package. UPS, FedEx and USPS all offer a variety of prices for shipping. Check to see which one fits your budget and packaging needs.

Book covers are a must. Depending on the designer you may spend between $100-500 on a cover. And if you publish both print and e-books you need two covers. Beware of people claiming to be cover designers. You want someone who has experience.

Last but not least you have your miscellaneous expenses that are a must. The copyright is $35 for electronic registration and $55 for paper registration. It can be obtained from copyright.gov. If you print paperbacks you need ISBN numbers. The numbers can be brought from http://isbn.org/standards/home/index.asp. If you plan to publish more than one book then the best purchase is 10 for $250. 1 ISBN costs $125.

After looking over all the expenses and fees and you still want to be a self-published author great. But don’t skimp on any of the above things because you don’t have the funds. Like I said there is no rush to publish. Quality matters in the long run!