Literary Structures (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: I just love the thought of books being like structures we, as readers, get invited to explore.] A simple pen touched to a blank canvas page      can lay the foundation for a new chapter             in many textual lives—                        born from words to breathe                              upon each reading

Book Review: The City of Dreaming Books by Walter Moers

Walter Moers’ The City of Dreaming Books is a novel-length declaration of adoration to the writing craft and all its creative possibilities. This fantasy, written in a humorous spirit reminiscent of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams, takes us to the vast world of Zamonia, and follows a young Lindworm (basically a dinosaur-like being) named Optimus

A Character Named Metafiction (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: Another highly experimental piece, based on the literary genre of metafiction.] A character named Metafiction     is aware she is a character named Metafiction who     lives within the margined boundaries of this poem           much like a happy robin           safe inside her nest high in a tree This

A Brief Glimpse at The Los Angeles Review of Books

Website: https://lareviewofbooks.org The Los Angeles Review of Books (LARB) is a solid literary review magazine, covering titles throughout the United States and throughout the world. Founded by Tom Lutz in 2011, their website is a treasure trove of articles, essays, and much more about such subjects as the literary world, art, and culture. As their

An Old Face (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: Rhythm clocks are amazing.] Last night                               I helped to repair an old clock     that had stood still on our piano for too many years                protected by a glass dome                                               cleaned by a simple rag            to reveal a grand old face with hands                                    like twirled ribbons

A Forest Trip with Robin Goodfellow (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: Robin Goodfellow is one of my favorite characters in fiction. He just has so much lore and history behind him, and oftentimes good-natured wit.] When in want of an ancient companion   deep in the forests among      the ash         and oak            and thorn Perhaps Robin Goodfellow would

A Character of a Poem

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: I love experimenting with different types of characters.] I am a character   born from the words of this poem        a fiction given textual life by a writer My existence is a mystery to me             Who am I at this very moment but a voice?                    Do I

Imitated Traits: To Friends and Family Members (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: I’ve learned a great deal from friends and family, and that makes its way into my works.] I hope             it will be all right           as a writer     to borrow a few traits from you            or perhaps not so much borrow                    . . . as imitate Such

Dreams and Passions (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: I hope everyone finds their truest dreams and passions.] Dreams are the stars we can glimpse   among heavens were others have flown   carried by wings crafted with great care        to ride the updrafts to destinations        implanted in the hearts of viewers        like tiny seeds for

Snatches of Creativity (A Poem)

By Joyce Jacobo [Author’s Note: I remember hearing that the mark of a good writer is the ability to set pen to paper even amid the insanity of life. At least, it certainly comes in handy most of the time.] I would love to sit at home and write for a while    except there