Dennis R. Boyd, Jr.  (photo provided) Dennis R. Boyd, Jr., known as D.J. writes with a realism and down-to-earth sensibilities that are refreshing and unpredictable. Boyd has lived a life that could be a character in the classic literature that he continues to enjoy reading. While we are just teasing you, his bio and full story is coming in aaduna's upcoming issue. Here is a brief excerpt, from the opening of his short story, "Michael:" Annie sipped her latte and lit a cigarette. “Why the hell am I wasting such a beautiful Saturday morning talking to someone I really don’t like, about something I really don’t want to talk about,” she wondered in silence. She exhaled a lungful of smoke into the waking city above and died another tiny, private death. Across from her, Caroline slouched and chomped at her bagel like a cow chewing cud, gnashing and smacking on the same bite for her customary twenty-eight chews. It was the number recommended in some magazine ar...

Danielle Boodoo-Fortuné is a poet and artist.   As an artist, she creates vibrant multi-colored and subtle hued work that is mystical, romantic and enchanting.   Danielle will exhibit several images in the winter/spring 2014 issue so we will tease you with only one of her pieces: "The Deer Goddess," Danielle Boodoo-Fortuné (c) 2014                                                     You have a visual delight coming at you in a few days and you will remember Boodoo-Fortuné.                                          ...

Spring has sprung!  Meet Ivan de Monbrison and Shelby Settles Harper, aaduna contributors featured in our upcoming Winter/Spring 2014 issue. Artist, Ivan de Monbrison’s work bristles with innovation, intelligence and subtle nuances.   His work requires a second contemplative look to appreciate how he easily juxtaposes diverse imagery into an elegant scene.   His work challenges and places you in the vortex of his imagination.   His latest works will grace the Kuta Gallery in the winter/spring 2014 issue and you will be able to observe how his poetry frames the visual acuity of his artistic projects. Here is an image from his forthcoming exhibition in aaduna : "eyes in the sky," Ivan de Monbrison, digital work, Paris 2013 (c)                                    ...

Tamara J. Madison Tamara J. Madison returns to aaduna after an impressive 2013. Her seminal work, “Kentucky Curdled…poetry & essay” was published in print, as well as a poetry audiobook, which is available at www.cdbaby.com/tamarajmadison. She also launched TamTalk!!!, her weekly newsletter of creative inspiration & motivation reachable via her website. Never one to rest on her laurels, Tamara is currently working on a new manuscript and in her words, engaged in “REVISONS, REVISIONS, REVISION!” Two of her works will grace the winter/spring 2014 issue, “Ode to the Breast” and “soul poetica.” Make sure you read them. Visit: Tamara J. Madison, M.F.A. Writer, Poet, Performer, Creative Consultant, Creator of TamBiz!!! and TamTalk!!! http://www.tamarajmadison.com Order Kentucky Curdled or Collard County, a collection of short stories or her solo album of performance poetry, “Naked Voice.” Her works make excellent gifts. See her website for further information. ...

We thought you might be interested in the creative folks we are presenting for your reading enjoyment and eventual sharing and discussions with friends, family and associates.  The winter/spring 2014 issue proudly presents the following writers and artists: Poetry from Berkeley , California Erika Donald out of Strongsville , Ohio Christine M. Donofrio hanging in San Diego , California Christopher H. Gorrie settled in Bethesda , Maryland Shelby Settles Harper from Hong Kong Dr. Ho Cheung (Peter) Lee relocated to Atlanta , Georgia and returning to aaduna Tamara J. Madison out of North Java, New York Edward Mendes residing in San Jose , California Noorulain Noor living in Richmond, Indiana Joann Quiñones residing in Columbia, South Carolina Dr. Ernest Williamson, III Fiction out of Tilton , Illinois : Dennis R. Boyd, Jr. residing in The Bronx, New York : B. Lynn Carter living in Bethesda , Maryland : Shelby...

OK...we have been dormant for the past few weeks...sorry about that...but we are now back and encourage you to watch for all the updates that will start to flow your way. First up...Lifshin! Lyn Lifshin’s new poetry book titled “Malala” is now available.   Lyn Lifshin   (photo provided) aaduna featured Lyn’s work in its Second Anniversary, winter/spring 2013 issue.    Click Here Here are some comments pertaining to Lyn’s new book and then enjoy complimentary poems from “Malala.” Once more Lyn Lifshin, the American queen of the small press scene for the last forty years, makes her voice heard, this time in support of Malala Yousafzai, an innocent Pakistani school girl who in 2008 at a press conference in Peshawar asked why the Taliban was taking away her right to basic education. What religion or ideology can justify the attempt to murder a l5 year old girl who speaks out for education? This new book by Lyn Lifshin is both brave and innovative. ...

No, we are not talking about the Winter Olympics  or the new host of NBC’s late night talk show.   I guess we do have opinions about both events.   Nevertheless, let us move on to what we consider "more pertinent literary news." Theodora Ravago, Web Designer (photo provided) We are getting ready to present the third anniversary issue of aaduna.   With grant support from the Sovereign Foundation, the web site is being re-designed by Syracuse , New York based web site designer, Theodora Ravago. This anniversary issue will officially re-open the visual arts galleries premiering images from an artist  based in Trinidad-Tobago and also featuring new work from former contributors based in Paris , France and Warrenton , Oregon .   We will promote and publicize the artists and writers featured in the next issue in a week or so.   Check back with “aadunanotes”…more information is on its way!   Now, besides the anniversary issue, here is mo...