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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 bored sigh, you think, "Oh, she writes children's poetry, just like
hundreds of other children's poets out there."
Well, I'm sure 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 -- just
ask anyone who's familiar with it. 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 the sometimes puzzling world around them. What are
children frightened of? What do they think is funny, or sad, and what makes them
most angry? And, what do children worry about and 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. They wanted to know when the sequel would be published --
and so did their teachers.
Now, twelve years later, they have their wish ... click on the books. Read a few
excerpts and you'll see, 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 is 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. I love looking at that truthful innocence and
writing about it 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 book 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 my school visits; a contact page, a bio,
articles for writers, 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 two books.
So, pull up a chair, get comfy, and have a look. I hope you enjoy yourself and, just
maybe, get reacquainted with your own child within 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 ... |
One Summer Morning
I woke up this morning to a snowstorm that must have begun last night, because there
are several inches already on the ground. It's pretty, but at my age, I've grown weary of
the cold and snow. Southern climates are starting to appeal to me more each year.
Anyway, as I was having my coffee, I thought about a hot summer day years ago...
It had been a long, hot, sticky summer. I was driving home from Walmart one morning
and already it was promising to be another sweltering day. A few blocks from home, I
saw a small homemade lemonade stand that was set up in the grass along the sidewalk.
It reminded me of how we used to make bookcases, back in the late 60's, to hold a
stereo system. It consisted of two cinder blocks piled one on top of the other at each
end, with a wide board laying across the top.
A large hand printed sign was taped to the front of the board and hanging down. It was
perfect for the little stand, printed in crooked capital letters with crayon -- even the
'N's" and "E's" in the word LEMONADE were printed backwards, which added to the
mystique. It was so adorable, I just couldn't resist. I parked my car and bought a glass
for fifteen cents and told them they could keep the change from my quarter.
Jacob, (8), and Sissy, (6), took their business very seriously. With loving teamwork,
Sissy held the plastic cup, while Jacob poured in the lemonade from the pitcher.
Playing my part as a satisfied customer, I drank ALL of my lemonade -- even though
there wasn't NEARLY enough sugar in it.
I couldn't stop thinking about the little lemonade stand and its entrepreneurs. There
was a poem in there, somewhere, and I eventually gave my imagination free reign.
Here it is, and there's a special little twist at the end.
The Lemonade Stand
(from the book, "Barking Spiders 2")
by CJ Heck
Get your ice cold glass of lemonade!
Hurry, 'fore it's gone.
We made it just this morning.
See the table that it's on?
We promise that you'll like it
and there's sugar in it, too --
not like it was the other day
when mom and dad said "Ewwwww."
Get your ice cold glass of lemonade!
Boy, grownups sure are funny --
they smile a lot at little kids
who are trying to make money.
Thank you, ma'am, and thank you, sir,
you've helped us out a bunch.
Sissy, let's go make some more.
It's almost time for lunch.
Get your ice cold glass of lemonade!
Only fifteen cents a glass!
We've got to make more money
and we've got to make it fast.
Daddy said it wouldn't work,
that people wouldn't stop.
They'd hurry right on past us
and then they'd laugh a lot.
One last glass of lemonade!
This was so much fun!
Let's get this table put away
and then we've got to run.
Sissy look ... it's snowing!
But that will be all right.
Now we have money for presents
and Santa Claus comes tonight.
Oh, and even thinking about that summer day, my cheeks still ache from the
lemon-sour pucker.
| 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. |
Note to Bookstores:
My books are available to you! Please
order through CreateSpace!
My books are available to you! Please
order through CreateSpace!
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.
Wow, featured author. Thanks, Whizbuzz!
A huge thank you to Kindlenookebooks. You did a
great job and I appreciate the article you posted:
"Do You Know What a Barking Spider Is?"
great job and I appreciate the article you posted:
"Do You Know What a Barking Spider Is?"
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.