Dawn Pisturino's Blog

My Writing Journey

Patricia Furstenberg’s Review of “Ariel’s Song”

(Back cover) Amazon link: https://a.co/d/i8OoaWP

I want to thank author/poet Patricia Furstenberg for her wonderful review of my first poetry book, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 -2023, on Goodreads. She is an excellent writer who has published numerous books for children and adults. To learn more about her, click on the link below:

Patricia Furstenberg

Author of 56 books, 109 followers on Goodreads

April 13, 2024

“I enjoyed Dawn Pisturino’s poems included in her debut poetry book “Ariel’s Song” so very much!

The volume offers a diverse array of styles and themes that will definitely appeal to various readers. One will enjoy sharp limericks as well as haunting sonnets, the anthology exploring a rich spectrum of emotions but how else, Dawn Pisturino is a passionate poet. Each poem resonates with rich imagery and evocative storytelling. Readers will be happy to immerse themselves in Ariel’s world of longing and enchantment, as have I

Two poems stood out for me.

“Ariel Sings” has stood out for me as a captivating and evocative piece. The poem weaves imagery and emotion to create a sense of enchantment and longing. The portrayal of Ariel, with her lusty song and web of intrigue, draws the reader into a spellbinding narrative. The repetition of “I do not want to go” reinforces the speaker’s reluctance to leave Ariel’s enchanting presence, highlighting the power of her storytelling and song.
The imagery of Ariel folding her wings and whispering the speaker’s release is particularly poignant, conveying a sense of bittersweet farewell. Despite the longing to stay, the inevitability of parting is acknowledged, adding depth to the poem’s themes of desire and transience. The final stanza, with Ariel rising into the light and the speaker left alone in shadow, leaves a lingering impression of loss and longing.

“Sonnet to The Moon” resonated with me for its vivid imagery and evocative portrayal of the moon’s allure. The speaker’s longing for the yellow moon at the end of summer captures a sense of nostalgia and yearning for fleeting beauty. The contrast between the stars on their velvet bed and milky-white winter sets a poignant tone highlighting nature’s splendor. The autumn setting with its sweet yet pungent air adds depth to the poem’s mood, evoking a sense of melancholy and introspection. The imagery of the moon’s “big, round fulness” frozen brightly in the eastern sky and the desire to touch its silky-smooth face imbues the poem with a sense of longing and reverence. “Sonnet to The Moon” captivated me with its lyrical language and emotional resonance, reminding me to contemplate more often the beauty and beauty and uniqueness of nature’s many moments and facets.

A poetry debut volume not to be missed.”

You can visit her website at: Patricia Furstenberg

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

Official Author Website: http://www.dawnpisturino.org

May 20, 2024

Copyright 2024 Patricia Furstenberg. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.




15 Comments »

Ernie Federspiel’s Review of “Ariel’s Song”

(Graphic created by Nigel Byng at Helping You to Succeed. Thanks, Nigel!)

I want to thank Ernie Federspiel of Dawgy Daddy Responds for his wonderful reviews of my first poetry book, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 – 2023. He wrote his first one on Amazon:

Ernest L. Federspiel

5.0 out of 5 stars Dawn Pastrino’s book “Ariel’s Song”

Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2024

Verified Purchase

“This book of poetry will grab your attention from the first page and hold it until you’re finished. The feelings pop out of the pages.”

~

Today, he posted a more detailed review on his website:

“Disappointment isn’t a word that should be used in this review as the author has provided a class act book of poetry that finds us engaged in laughter along with poems that make you stop and think or more importantly want to read them again. . .”

Please visit Ernie’s website, Dawgy Daddy Responds, to read the rest of the review. Thank you!

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 19, 2024

Copyright 2024 Ernie Federspiel. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

34 Comments »

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 »

“R.I.P., Joseph” on Chewers & Masticadores

(Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com)

I’m pleased to share that my poem, “R.I.P., Joseph,” has been published today on Chewers & Masticadores. I want to thank J. Re Crivello and Nolxcha Fox for publishing it. Please visit Chewers and show them your support. Thanks!

R.I.P., Joseph

by Dawn Pisturino

You lay in your coffin

Like a big wax doll,

Your skin shiny and cold,

A cold like I never felt before.

~

And where is the warmth?

And where is the laughter?

I did not love you, no,

But I never wished for this. . .

Please click HERE to read the rest of the poem.

Have a beautiful spring day! Life is worth living!

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 10, 2024

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

67 Comments »

Lauren Scott’s Book Review of “Ariel’s Song”

(Created on Canva by Dawn Pisturino)

Hello!

I was pleasantly surprised this morning when poet Lauren Scott notified me that she had posted a review of my book on her website. I thank her from the bottom of my heart. I feel honored and touched by her generosity. Thank you, Lauren, for your beautiful and humbling review!

Ariel’s Song by Dawn Pisturino is a beautiful and evocative collection of sixty-five poems – a collection that she lovingly dedicates to her daughter whose name is Ariel. The poems were written over a period of three decades touching on topics of love, family, children, death, nature, and the unique. Some rhyme and others are free in their styles from traditional sonnets that invited me to contemplate, to twisted limericks that made me laugh. I had many favorites, but I’m sharing snippets from a few, otherwise, this review would turn into a novel. . .”

Please go HERE to read the rest of the review.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!

Dawn Pisturino

May 3, 2024

Copyright 2024 Lauren Scott. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

44 Comments »

The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

(Created on Canva by Dawn Pisturino)

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12th, and books make perfect gifts!

Ariel’s Song is a collection of intensely personal poems written between 1987 and 2023 that features various styles and themes, from twisted limericks that make you laugh to traditional sonnets that make you think and feel the world around you. There is something for everyone to enjoy: dark poems, love poems, nature poems, funny poems, poems about death and grief, poems about abuse and heartache, children’s poems, and experimental poems.

Author website: http://www.dawnpisturino.org

My most active social media links:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dawn.pisturino

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/people/Dawn-Pisturino-author/61557762414334

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/dawnpisturino

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/dawnpisturino/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-pisturino-a15498123/

Medium: http://www.medium.com/@dawnpisturino

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dawnpisturino/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WriterArizona

Reddit: http://www.reddit.com/user/Rare_Scare/

Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/arizonawriter

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 2, 2024

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

12 Comments »

“Hungry Dog” on Hotel Masticadores

(Photo by Jeroen Bosch on Unsplash)

I’m pleased to announce that my poem, “Hungry Dog,” has been published today on Hotel Masticadores. Thank you, Michelle, for publishing it! Please visit Hotel and show them your support. This is a very short and brutal poem, so I will only share the opening words:

Hungry Dog

by Dawn Pisturino

My heart

Is the bone you gnaw on

Like a hungry dog. . .

~

Please click HERE to read the rest of the poem. Thank you!

Dawn Pisturino

May 1, 2024

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

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

34 Comments »

“Supernatural” on Masticadores USA

(Photo by Akira Hojo on Unsplash)

I’m thrilled to announce that my poem, “Supernatural,” has been published today on Masticadores USA. I want to thank Barbara Harris Leonhard for publishing it. Please visit Masticadores USA and show them your support. Thanks!

Supernatural

by Dawn Pisturino

When you held my hand

your fingers felt limp and cold

like a corpse reaching out from its coffin.

When you called me dear

your voice sounded thin and hollow

distant and indistinct

like a shadow calling out from beyond the grave. . .

Please click HERE to read the rest of the poem.

Thank you!

Happy Earth Day!

Dawn Pisturino

April 22, 2024

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

71 Comments »

Spillwords Press “Author of the Month” Interview

(Courtesy of Spillwords Press)

As most of you know, I was voted Author of the Month for March 2024 on Spillwords Press — thanks to all of you! Today, my interview with them is live. Check it out here:

Interview Q & A with Dawn Pisturino

Thank you so much! Have a beautiful, flower-filled April day! Our cactuses are already starting to bloom. And while you’re at it, please check out my author website: https://www.dawnpisturino.org.

Dawn Pisturino

April 18, 2024

Copyright 2024 Spillwords Press. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

92 Comments »