Poetry Day: My Carnation

Happy September, folks!

I know it's been awhile, but I've been busy working on various things: a couple of new novels, a book series, a spin-off of Camp Aconyte, and the materials for my potential publishers, just to name a few.  While I have you good readers roped in, I thought I'd keep your interest by introducing a post I like to simply call "Poetry Day".  This is when I post a poem of my own for your consideration and reading pleasure.  Granted, I'm no Poe, but I'd like to think there's some inspiration buried under the emotive muck.

This is the first true poem I've ever written, entitled "My Carnation".  I wrote it in high school, and even entered it into the school's "Poetry Slam" contest (no, sadly, it didn't place).  I got the inspiration from the custom of my high school (and perhaps many others), during homecoming, to give a white carnation to the one you plan on asking to homecoming.  Typically, the Homecoming Dance is (from what I've been told) supposed to be easy to get a date for.  With this in mind, you can understand where my sadness comes from in the making of this poem.

I hope you enjoy my work, and let it be a mere preview of things to come.  Thank you for your time, and for your eyes.



MY CARNATION

Searching for so very long

And crossing every nation

Desperately to try to find

My sweet divine carnation

All the others have their own

And make the declaration

Deepening my strong desire

For my own carnation

My life is empty, void of life

A bad to worse gradation

But it would seem much brighter

If I had my own carnation

Sadly though, I am alone

Mankind’s abomination

And no one seems to want to be

My beautiful carnation

Myself at best, I am a weed

I face the degradation

Of loneliness in the garden

Of the cold and cruel carnation

I have no hopes, I have no prayers

But dreams are my salvation

For in my dreams, I have waiting

My love, my all, My Carnation

     -- J. A. G. 

Humble Beginnings

Greetings, ladies and gentlemen, esteemed readers and lexophiles alike.  Welcome to my blog!  After strong suggestion, it was decided that I branch out and network more in order for my work to be reached, so here we are.

For those who know me not, let me explain.  I am an amateur novelist, and I am on the cusp of making my next big publication.  My first published work is a novella called Camp Aconyte, released in 2008.  I have just finished my second manuscript, and I am currently building a reputation by establishing my "platform", so to speak.  This is where I will provide you with updates on my progress, as well as little snippets of my work for your personal enjoyment.  I will be buckling down on making myself into a celebrity within my small community, and if you are interested in taking a ride, follow along!

Camp Aconyte, my first published novella, was released in 2008, as I said.  The story centers around an awkward young man named Jerry Riker, who takes a trip to summer camp with his obnoxious younger brother Quentin, and meets the girl of his dreams, Lisa Sable.  The camp seems normal enough, but when night falls, something prowls the campgrounds.  Something stalking the young campers, waiting for the perfect opportunity to attack, kill, and feed.  Something with a pair of horrific yellow eyes . . . .

I, being a foolish kid close to graduating high school, made the mistake of rushing into the publishing process, and submitted my manuscript to a vanity press in Maryland.  Needless to say, it wasn't the success I dreamed it would be, but the experience has taught me many valuable things.  The most important of these things: when searching for a publisher, do it right.  Therefore, here we are, you reading a bit of my history, and me providing you with enough worthy material to gain your fandom.

The process has been strenuous, and will surely continue to be so, but I am determined to make my dreams a reality.  And to all who read, I am truly grateful for your support, and if you are interested, feel free to pick up your own copy of Camp Aconyte, by J. A. George, at any online bookstore.  I, meanwhile, will continue to strive on my quest for status, spreading the word of my endeavors and building the reputation I need to break through in the business.  I will keep you up to date on all that goes on, and when my manuscript is submitted to a publisher, I will make sure you all know the details.

That's all for now.  I must begin marketing my work, and because my next manuscript is set in high school, I need to get in touch with all the high schools in my area.  With any luck, I might be welcomed to speak on behalf of my manuscript and gain notoriety.  Wish me luck!

Thank you for your time, and for your eyes.

     -- J. A. G.