RodneysPoetry.com

I am desperately trying to get back to blogging and trying to incooperate another element into posting on my website. Unfortunately I have been busy with a number of projects and it has been quite time consuming to say the least, but I am attempting to balance things out a bit more than what they have been. My third collection of poetry is just a few months from release and I also have a cd that I have been working for a moment.

 My new show on BlogTalkRadio.com debuted on Septemeber 4, 2008 at 10 a.m. est. The first show kind of served as a introductory platform simply with me giving an overview of what I plan to do with this wonderful outlet. I candidly shared a fewpieces from my book and spoke about upcoming projects. On the next broadcast which will be September 7, 2008 at 2:00p.m. I plan to share some recorded pieces, play music by up and coming artist and take a few calls. Right now the show is only a half hour long. I will do a live broadcast a least twice a week. The tentative dates will be listed. The shows will be available to download as well as listen to directly after the aired broadcast. You can access the show directly from my web site by going to the home page and clicking on J.L.R. Online or you can go to blogtalkradio.com/soulschooltheofficialword 

Within the past month or so, I have been diligently working on a few new creative ventures. One of which that I am proud to say is my next book. I am just about done with this new collection of poetry. It will be in tribute to classic soul music (ranging from the 1960's up to the 1980's with a few honorable mention artist of today).  I had written a number of poems in memory and dedicated  to various recording artists that I grew up listening to. For those who read my previous book "Thoughts: a thousand times over . . ." I mentioned in the introduction a number of influences that literally caused me to write poetry. My love of music was mentioned and cited for being highly influential. If all goes well, the new book should be in print sometime next month. I have also been recording and hope to have a full length project finished soon. I am still reading manuscripts that have been submitted to me, so if I have yours please be patient and give me just a little more time. Once again, I have to thank all who have been greatly supportive in purchasing the book, visiting the website, sending friend requests on myspace or facebook, as well as the continued encouragement. A special thank you to two locations in particular in my area that have continued to show an abundance of support for my endeavors, Dobie's Convenience Store as well as Hick's Place both located in Waverly, VA. If you are ever in the area, please stop by their stores. You can even tell them that I sent you, lol. Well, I promise to keep it going (this writing thing) so stay tuned prayerfully there is so much more to come. May God Bless and Protect all of You.

-Rodney

Friday night July 25, 2208 8pm - 10pm

The Event is FREE to the public

For Information on This Event Call (804) 675-4101 or Log on to www.RichmondOutreachCenter.com

The Location for this Event is:

6255 Warwick Road Richmond, VA 23224 (Turn at Race Way store on Midlothian)

On July 10, 2008, At the Appomattox Regional Library in Hopewell, VA, I had the very wonderful opportunity to meet one of the poets and educators that I admire the most: Nikki Giovanni. I was so taken by her demeanor and her genuine warm spirit. She was very encouraging as I handed her one of my books that she graciously accepted. Ms. Giovanni shared her recent published children's books with the audience in attendance.

I used to spend hours wondering and wishing to hurry the aging process. When I was 10, I wanted to be 12. When I was 12, I wanted to 14 and so forth.  All in the process of desiring to get older, I always envisioned myself being at greater heights. My dreams have always been BIG. I used to wonder what it would be like to be famous. To be adored by many and have fans all over the world. I used to imagine that moment when all would anxiously await the moment to hear me to speak. I always believed that I would say something that needed to be heard. I would think about that moment that the world would hear Rodney O'Neil Jones. When I found writing (more so poetry), I found a necessary outlet for an awkward young man coming of age (and thinking beyond the confines of small town living) to speak. It became so important for me whether I would be heard by 1 or 1,000. I started to get to know myself. I realized that I was born to be different and I should embrace that difference. For so long, I was afraid to share my most intimate secrets with anyone let alone write it down. Then life had it's way to cause me to scream and vent. I endured my fair share of pain, let-downs, heart ache, grief, etc. It took a long time for me to see that God gave me the wonderful outlet of writing to deal with life. Up until that point I had never really considered it from that perspective. Today I thank God for it and I'm grateful that I can still dream in spite of what life sometimes entails. This is just the beginning of the turning point of my life. There is so much I have to say. I am greatly thankful for all of my supporters thus far who have chosen to hear me out. I am forever a dreamer and my dreams will always be GIGANTIC.

I want to first start off by welcoming all of you to my website. It has been a blessing to find a wonderful meduim such as this to be able to share a creative endeavor with all of you. This experience has been great for me. I have had the desire to publish a collection of poetry for so long now. I have written hundreds (maybe even thousands) of poems within the years so I plan to continue to share my works with the masses. I appreciate all of the love and support from all who have visited the site, purchased a book (directly from me or online), sent an email, attended a spoken word or poetry reading function, and for every prayer and encouraging word rendered. This has been a very truimphant time for me however it has also been a trying time. A few people have shown their true colors (for whatever reasons) as well as lack luster reception of some of the local media outlets.

This collection did not just mark my full length debut collection, but it was also in observation of the celebration of poetry. Poetry is a wonderful artform that allows freedom with the transmission of ideas socially and emotionally. It genuinely provides a voice for all. I enjoy reading poetry as well as writing it. However anything that can be negatively associated with an artform seems to be concentrated on. On a day to day basis, I see that in particular with music. It is my goal and objective to cause people to think when they read or hear my works. I am very opened with expression, however I try to express myself in a tasteful manner. As I deal with human emotions, then I will speak it as I feel it. I do realize that you can't please the world.

Some will relate to what I am saying and render the thumbs up. Whereas some will have more to say than need be. I can't thank God enough for the courage, the will, the drive, and the need to do this. I ask for your continued support on upcoming projects and endeavors. There will be a second printing of this collection (due out no later than next month) that I am hoping will be more appealing in appearance as I try to get to the point of selling in retail stores regionally (and eventually nationwide). I am also in the process of recording my first spoken word cd. Please check my site regularly for updates on upcoming material, spoken word perfomances, and events.   Once Again, Welcome to my website and May God Bless and Protect all of you.

By the way, please sign the guestbook. I love hearing your words and I invite all comments.