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Official Home of CJ Heck, Published Author and Barking Spiders Poetry |
Hi, I'm CJ. Welcome to Barking Spiders Poetry!
But, you ask, who the heck is CJ Heck?
And then, with a sigh, you think, "Oh, she writes children's poetry... just like
hundreds of other children's poets out there."
Trust me, I'm not like other children's poets out there. I don't write what I think
children should read, or what I think they want to read. My poetry is unique -- I
write from a child's point of view -- because my own inner child is doing the
writing. That inner child is aware of what children think and wonder about in this
sometimes puzzling world around them. What are children frightened of? What do
they think is funny, or sad? What makes them angry? And, what do children worry
about or look forward to?
I've done a lot of school visits since my first book, "Barking Spiders and Other Such
Stuff", was published in 2000. During my presentations, I've always made it a point
to read a few of the new poems, those that would someday be in the sequel. I
wanted to "try them out" and see if they would fly. I was pleasantly surprised --
children loved them and wanted to know when the sequel would be published.
Now, twelve years later, they have their wish ... click on the books. Read a few
excerpts and I think you'll agree, I'm not like all the rest.
I love writing poetry of all kinds, but my favorite is, and always will be, poetry for
children. There's nothing as powerful as the truth and gentle honesty of a child.
They have such an innocent view of the world and their surroundings, sometimes
with thought-provoking insight. That's what I love writing about, but from their
point of view.
Besides poetry, I'm happy to share some of my children's stories, tongue twisters
and silly poems for children to finish. I offer my books to you on the store page,
autographed and with extras, like bookmarks, stickers, and even a doorknob sign
for a child's bedroom door.
For schools, there's information about inviting me for an author visit and I've
created a special page for my long-time friend, Russell Daily, a gifted children's
poet. I had the pleasure of co-writing some poems with Rusty and they're here, as
well. There's also a special page for my partner, Author Robert Cosmar, and he talks
about his three books.
So, pull up a chair, get comfy, and have a peek. I hope you enjoy yourself and, just
maybe, you'll get reacquainted with your own inner child again.
Hugs,
CJ
"May you always see the world through the eyes of a child." ~CJ Heck |
Website Feedback:
"CJ, Thank you for your input. I read every thing from top to bottom. You have answered all of
my
questions. I'm so tired of sending in my poems to see them blown away with rejection notices
and then watch the same publisher publish boring, pitiful works from others. I've gone about
things allwrong. Everyone who reads my poetry -- at fast food places, beauty shops, etc., can't
wait to read more. They beg me for more. The everyday people, the young teenagers and young
adults are my nitch. Self-publishing and developing more of a following is my key. Thank you for
your energy, suggestions, and your publishing clues. I'm sending my work to the wrong people!
You opened my eyes to many things. Thank you. Your web site really rocks. From a little old lady
with potential ..." Carol Eastman
"Hi CJ,
I am so thrilled to visit your website. Thank you for all the valuable information. The poems are
fantastic! I will come back and read every word.
I have learned by trial and error. I love the writing and learn more about marketing every day.
This has been a slow process for me. However, I have met so many wonderful people along the
way. I am self-published and have had the pleasure of having input in the illustrations. The
printer assigned the (number) and I've learned on your website, that he is probably the
publisher. I am amazed at the cost of printing. WOW, this has been a learning experience. Any
more suggestions about marketing will be appreciated.
I am thankful to call you friend.
Hugs,
Billie Sue"
| "Barking Spiders 2" was a ... |
Libraries and Book Stores
I wish I had more time (and money) for travel. When I crave an adventure, I drive to the
local book store or library. There, I'm transported through time and space and living a whole
different life through someone else's words.
Don't you just love libraries and book stores? I get all warm and fuzzy when I'm surrounded
by books. It's a love which began nearly sixty years ago, when mama took the six of us to the
children's room of the public library for the Saturday morning book readings by Miss Amy.
Even now, I can feel the magic that began the moment mama opened the heavy library door
and herded us into the entrance lobby. With each step up the stairs to the main room, my
imagination came more alive and brimmed with anticipation. The towering shelves rose on
either side of me and books were visible in any direction I turned. I was full of awe and
wonder. There were stories and adventures everywhere, and I wanted to know every one of
them!
Miss Amy always sat in a rocking chair. "The Chosen Book" was in her lap, her hands resting on
top, as she waited for the oval rug below to fill with eager faces. I sat quietly, struggling to
sit still and contain my excitement. What wonderful story had she chosen to read today?
Where would the adventure take me? What people would I meet? Would this story be sad,
or funny, or maybe filled with danger? The truth was, it didn't really matter at all. I knew I
would ride on the author's words, like a magic carpet, to anywhere and everywhere for as long
as the story lasted.
Then, suddenly, it was time. Miss Amy welcomed us to Story Time and, as she slowly opened
"The Chosen Book", the room grew totally silent. With the very first sentence, I was
captured as the world around me disappeared. I was no longer me, sitting cross-legged on a
rug in the children's room of the public library. I was magically transported through the
author's words and I could see the people and places he created right there in my mind!
That's when I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I would write stories and poems
and create that same wonder and love in another child, like me, through my words.
That little girl is all grown up now, and she's an author now. But I still believe in the magic and
I still feel the awe and wonder I knew as a child when I'm surrounded by books in a book
store or library -- and it's always a special treat, when some of the books I'm surrounded by
are mine...
| For my grandsons, Will James and Matthew |
All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced in any form, by any means, other than brief quotations or printed reviews, without prior permission of the author. |
I got the cutest business cards
from Moo! They're smaller than
regular cards. Choose from their
designs or even design one yourself!
from Moo! They're smaller than
regular cards. Choose from their
designs or even design one yourself!
my read shelf:
"There is nothing so powerful as truth." ~Daniel Webster
Many thanks to Veterans Watchdog for two
great articles. Thank you most sincerely.
great articles. Thank you most sincerely.
I want to share a couple of articles on sites by
Danielle Simone, a talented writer and poet. My
thanks to you, Danielle.
Danielle Simone, a talented writer and poet. My
thanks to you, Danielle.
Review:
"I love learning new words, especially when they are
explained with such diaphanous clarity. Whether she talks
of love, children, life, or any other subject, CJ's words are
always clear and harmonious. She makes us forget that
easy to read is hard to write."
~Marc (BookRix)
"I love learning new words, especially when they are
explained with such diaphanous clarity. Whether she talks
of love, children, life, or any other subject, CJ's words are
always clear and harmonious. She makes us forget that
easy to read is hard to write."
~Marc (BookRix)
| Invite a Children's Poet to Your School! |
Book Stores:
My books are available to you through
CreateSpace distributors!
My books are available to you through
CreateSpace distributors!