Dawn Pisturino's Blog

My Writing Journey

A BIG Thank You!

(Created on Canva by Dawn Pisturino)

I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who has supported my writing journey, followed my blog, bought and read my first poetry book, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 – 2023, helped me with the book launch, promoted it, re-blogged my posts, written reviews, conducted interviews, provided promotional photos, offered self-publishing and marketing advice, shared their experiences, and wished me well along the way.

An author cannot do it alone!

Hugs and kisses to you all!

Dawn Pisturino

Author, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 – 2023

Author of the Month for March 2024 on Spillwords Press

Co-Author, Hidden in Childhood: A Poetry Anthology

Co-Author, 2023 Arizona Literary Magazine

Co-Author, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women

May 17, 2024

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

59 Comments »

“Petals of Haiku” Acceptance

(Cover art by Hikari)

I’m pleased to announce that several of my haiku have been accepted for Petals of Haiku: An Anthology, edited by Gabriela Marie Milton and published by Literary Revelations Publishing House. The release is scheduled for May 30th. Gabriela’s books are always works of art, as evidenced by the cover, which was created from artwork painted by the Japanese artist, Hikari.

Petals of Haiku – Foreword


“Literary Revelations invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of “Petals of Haiku: An Anthology.” This superb collection features the work of over 160 talented poets, each contributing four exquisite haiku, in just a few cases only three.

Petals of Haiku is not just an anthology that Literary Revelations is proud to publish. It’s a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of haiku poetry. The spectacular haiku writers featured in this collection bring to life the delicacy of seasons and the profound range of human emotions, from joy to grief, in a way that is both delightful and deeply moving.

“Haiku, the beloved Japanese poetic form, has the power to distill life’s fleeting moments into magical verses. Within the pages of “Petals of Haiku,” you’ll discover both traditional and nontraditional interpretations of this timeless art, each one a masterful display of precision and emotion.

“This anthology is a true feast for the senses, inviting you to pause, reflect, and savor the simple elegance of these poetic gems. Whether you’re a seasoned haiku enthusiast or new to the genre, “Petals of Haiku” will leave an indelible mark, inspiring you to see the world through fresh, enlightened eyes.

“We would be truly honored if you would immerse yourself in this captivating collection. Prepare to be transported, moved, and transformed by the “Petals of Haiku.”

“The art on the cover is done by the award-winning painter Hikari who sets the tone for what awaits inside – a world where words dance off the page and into your heart. The background photo belongs to award-winning Japanese photographer Naoki Kimura and adds another layer of beauty to this already exquisite collection; and the beautiful cover is designed by Iuliana Irimia, a wonderful Montreal artist.”

Gabriela Marie Milton,
Editor, Author, Publisher

Website: Literary Revelations Publishing House


Have a great day!

Dawn Pisturino

Author, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 – 2023

Author of the Month for March 2024 on Spillwords Press

Co-Author, Hidden in Childhood: A Poetry Anthology

Co-Author, 2023 Arizona Literary Magazine

Co-Author, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women

May 16, 2024

Copyright 2024 Gabriela Marie Milton. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

82 Comments »

Thank you, Barbara Harris Leonhard!

(Photo courtesy of Masticadores USA)

I want to give a big THANK YOU to editor extraordinaire Barbara Harris Leonhard for publishing my poem, “Summer Eden,” today on Masticadores USA and sharing my book, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems: 1987 -2023,” with all of her readers. I feel truly honored to be part of the international Masticadores family.

Summer Eden

by Dawn Pisturino

O, would the gaiety of summer last forever,

I would lie content in the summer sun,

Lazing away the hours in pleasant dreams,

Drifting, ever drifting, into nothingness;

And I would not weep for lost tomorrows

Or mourn the passing of yesterdays,

For blue skies are forever,

Timeless, changeless, infinite. . .

Please go HERE to read the rest of the poem.

“Summer Eden” is included in my first poetry collection, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 – 2023, available in paperback and Ebook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Kobo, Lulu, Smashwords, and more!

Thank you for visiting! Have a spectacular day!

Dawn Pisturino

April 15, 2024

Copyright 2024 Masticadores USA. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

40 Comments »

Review of “Ariel’s Song” by Thomas Wikman

(Created on Canva by Dawn Pisturino)

I was so touched this morning to find out that Thomas Wikman, author of The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Lowenhohle (Amazon link https://a.co/d/6M2SdtH), had written a review of my first poetry book. Thomas is a dog lover who writes about his experiences with his Leonberger, Bronco, and the other dogs who form a part of his family. His blog is a delightful read, and I highly recommend it.

Please go HERE to read his touching review and to learn more about Leonbergers – a breed I had never heard of until I discovered his blog.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Dawn Pisturino

April 13, 2024

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

43 Comments »

Paperback Now on Walmart

(Created on Canva by Dawn Pisturino)

I signed a contract with IngramSpark to get my book on Walmart, and I’m pleased to announce that the paperback is now available on Walmart online!

Here’s the link:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ariel-s-Song-Published-Poems-1987-2023-Paperback-9798218387860/5579752375

Walmart isn’t the first place I think of to buy books, but what the heck! Anything is worth a try, right? My husband and I like to browse Barnes & Noble when we go to Henderson/Las Vegas. I buy books on Amazon, too. In Flagstaff, I like to visit Barnes & Noble and Bookman’s Used Books.

Where do you enjoy browsing and buying books?

Dawn Pisturino

April 12, 2024

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Walmart, and other fine retailers and platforms.

(Graphic by Michelle Ayon Navajas of Poetry by Mich – Thanks, Michelle!

44 Comments »

Ebook Now on Fable

(Created on Canva by Dawn Pisturino)

I’ve been absent the last couple of days because I injured my back. The pain was terrible, and I could barely walk. I’ve been resting and taking muscle relaxers and ibuprofen. I’m much better now. And our spring weather finally seems sustainable. It’s 73 degrees, sunny, and clear. I sat on the porch last night until 8 pm and watched the stars come out.

~

The exciting news is that my Ebook of Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 -2023, is now available on a new book club social networking platform called Fable. The company is based in Palo Alto, California (Silicon Valley.) I never heard of it until Draft2Digital emailed me and let me know that my book could be listed there. Of course, I agreed. Here’s the link:

http://www.fable.co/book/9798218385620 (the .co is correct)

Have a beautiful, sunshiny day!

Dawn Pisturino

April 11, 2024

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

34 Comments »

Paperback NOW on Barnes & Noble

(Created on Canva by Dawn Pisturino)

With National Poetry Month in full swing, I’m pleased to share that my first poetry book, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 – 2023, is now available in paperback on Barnes & Noble.

Here’s the link:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ariels-song-dawn-pisturino/1145034267

Also available on Amazon and in the Lulu Bookstore.

Have a beautiful spring day! Happy Solar Eclipse!

Dawn Pisturino

April 8, 2024

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

54 Comments »

Review of “Ariel’s Song” by Kym Gordon Moore

(Graphic by Kym Gordon Moore)

My friend and mentor, Kym Gordon Moore of From Behind the Pen, has written a lovely review of my first poetry book, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 – 2023, on her popular blog. When she contacted me about doing a review, she immediately reminded me that now that I’m a real writer, I have to post my picture—not an avatar—on my blog and across my social media accounts. And I needed to update my social media links. Since Kym is a force of nature, I immediately hopped to it and spent hours updating my social media accounts and author website. Thank you, dear Kym, for your advice, input, friendship, and lovely words!

The Poetic Melody of Ariel’s Song by Dawn Pisturino

by Kym Gordon Moore

“After grabbing my copy of Dawn Pisturino’s debut poetry collection, Ariel’s Song, which is dedicated to her daughter Ariel Therese Pisturino, you are drawn into the loving and tender emotions of the rumination her heart emits. . .”

Please go HERE to read her review.

Available on Amazon Kindle.

(Photo by Nigel Byng of Helping You to Succeed – Thank you, Nigel!)

Thanks for visiting!

Dawn Pisturino

March 28, 2024

73 Comments »

Selma’s Review of “Ariel’s Song” 3/23/24

(Graphic by Selma Martin) Dawn Pisturino–Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987-2023

Poet extraordinaire Selma Martin was the first person to tell me she had read my book. She kindly offered to share her knowledge and experience about book promotion (her first poetry book, In the Shadow of Rainbows, debuted in 2023). Here is the review she posted on her website on March 22nd and 23rd, 2024. Don’t forget to view the wonderful slide show she put together with quotes from my poems. Thank you, Selma, for your feedback, advice, input, and support!

~

When, Despite The Busy-ness, You Find Ways To Support

Just the other day I told you how Spring had arrived in my area, but today I’m not
sure of that. We had sleet in the morning that turned to rain. And boy, is it cold!
And boy, am I busy this weekend!! But we will survive this too.

Hello friends. Hold on to spring if you can.

~

Today I wish to give you a heads-up on the newest book debuting. And for once I’ll
let these few screenshots speak for themselves. I promise you, you won’t want to
miss this.

In a post later this week, I’ll talk more about the much anticipated Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987-2023–a spectacular poetry collection by our very own Dawn Pisturino of Dawn Pisturino’s Blog. . .

~

Please click HERE to read the rest of the review.

~

Available on Amazon Kindle.

(Graphic by Nigel Byng of Helping You to Succeed – Thank you, Nigel!)

Thank you for visiting!

Dawn Pisturino

March 27, 2024

Copyright 2024 Selma Martin. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

40 Comments »

Interview with Poet Selma Martin 3/25/24

(Photo by Dawn Pisturino. Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.)

Poet extraordinaire Selma Martin conducted my first interview for my first book of poetry, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 – 2023. The interview is live right now on her website.

To Incentivize: An Exclusive Interview With Dawn Pisturino

a new published

Author in the house,

Author of Ariel’s Song,
Dawn Pisturino.
Photo provided by Dawn.

I went investigating for you.

Please click HERE to read the rest of the interview.

I thank you, Selma, from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and support!

Dawn Pisturino

March 25, 2024

Copyright 2024 Selma Martin. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

32 Comments »