J. Expressions Pop Up Bookshop

J. Expressions is hosting its first event series Reading (W)Riting Remedy! Each Thursday this month from 6:30-8:30 at the Chapel of Three Sisters on the York College campus, there will be a different literary events featuring authors and writers from the southeast Queens area! 

J. Expressions’ next spotlight interview is with author and publisher Malcolm Boyd, who recently moved to Queens from California and is getting to know our literary scenes here and still getting used to our weather :-) . 

1) Tell the readers a bit about yourself -- what inspired you to start writing, the style(s) of writing that you do and the books you've published?

Always enjoyed writing, but I never considered myself a good enough writer to publish.  With the creation of the “Mann Walker Adventure” series, it took on a life of its own, and I felt that it was something I could share. In addition, after years of writing, I realized that I actually enjoyed it, and decided to reinvent myself as a fully committed author. I enjoy writing crime fiction, sci-fi, and am open to any style or genre, as well as having a very large collection of my own poetry.  In fact, I have a novel in publication at the moment, ”One Way In, No Way Out” (the first book in the Mann Walker series), as well as a children’s book, “My First Train.”  

2)  How did you create Three-Legged Elephant Publishing and what's the story behind the name?

Three-Legged Elephant Publishing [TLEP] started as a necessity for myself, and it became apparent that it was something that would work for other new/unpublished authors.  After a bad experience with my original publisher, I tried the self-publishing route but discovered that without the support of a major publisher/imprint, it is almost impossible to get into larger bookstores or even some of the smaller ones. I decided to start my own publishing company to help myself – and other new authors - get through what I call ‘’The Publishing Maze”: the technical nuts and bolts and fine print that is part and parcel of a professionally-produced book.  Without someone to assist a new author in this process, it can be unnecessarily time-consuming, confusing, and very costly!

The TLEP name: It is from a ridiculous story that I created while ago on a long phone call with my sister…and it kinda snowballed from that point.  However, there is a unique meaning to the name, but I will only give the unique answer if you ask me the unique question!

3) How is writing a children's book different than writing a fiction novel?

The most obvious answer: I’m writing for a child.  In writing any type of book, I’m taking the reader on a journey.  The difference (for me) in writing a children’s book is that it is from a child’s POV, using a child’s logic and simplicity of thought.

4) Since moving to Queens, what has been your experience as a writer so far, especially in the Jamaica area?

Because I’m still new to NYC and the Jamaica area, I’ve discovered that Harlem, Brooklyn, and Manhattan seem to be ahead of Queens as far as the literary scene is concerned.  I don’t know if that is really factual, or simply the reflection of what I have experienced in my limited time in New York City.

5) Which authors and writers influenced your work?

I have many influences, but these two are standouts: Stephen King and Ayn Rand. I like Rand’s ‘me against the world’ in her books. She is a very heady, intellectual writer: there are messages in her messages.  Rand’s writing is very layered and full of subtext.  King influenced me because, initially, I could not stand his writing style…until I started writing.  It was then that I realized his unique ability to weave a story together makes him - by far - one of the best, if not the best overall.

6) Do you think it is necessary to grow the literary community in Southeast Queens? How would you like to see the community grow?

Yes, it is.  Seems to me that as rich as Queens is in musicians and musical history, it is equally lacking in literary history and current writing/writers.  I would like to see more bookstores across the borough; there need to be more writers’ groups and literary events.  I also think it’s very important to give children the motivation and freedom to create, using their own words.  Taking it a step further, each time a child picks up a pen & paper, they should be aware that it’s acceptable to go beyond the customary ‘8 bars’, which is the basic structure of rap.  

7) Are you currently working on another book project? And where can readers find out more about your work?

I am currently in the middle of adapting the OWI novel into a screenplay, and also going through final edits and preparing “Mann In The Middle”, Book 2 in the Mann Walker trilogy scheduled for release later this year.  There is also a science fiction novel that I put on hold in order to launch TLEP.

If you would like to know more about my work, both books are available on Amazon; I am on FB (@Author Malcolm Boyd); and Instagram (@MalcoBoyd). My website, 3LeggedElephant.com, is in the final stages of completion and should be launched this summer.

Thank you Malcolm for the interview! And I have some good news! I will be publishing my chapbook, Lucy’s Bone Scrolls, under Three-Legged Elephant! Malcolm and I will be hosting an book release/author showcase event at Jamaica Performing Arts Center on August 17th and we invite you to join us! The link to rsvp is here.

Credit for above picture: Our World Media Magazine

This month’s J. Expressions Spotlight Interview is with poet Jacqueline Carr!

Jacqueline Carr, MA, is a literary enthusiast who is also a Distinguished Toastmaster. Ms Carr is an alumnus of both Pace University and the University of Phoenix. She formerly worked as an Adjunct Lecturer at York College (CUNY) and as a Contracts Specialist at UBS Financial Services, Weehawken, N.J. Her two poetry collections are Quiet Thoughts and A Selected Few Just For You.

Jacqueline will be reading at the Laurelton Queens Library branch tomorrow at 2pm!

1) Tell the readers a little about yourself -- what inspired you to become a writer and what style(s) of writing do you do?

I am a literary enthusiast who loves reading English Literature. I read all genres, Shakespeare, Dickens, V.S. Naipaul, Jamaica Kincaid etc. I enjoy writing in whatever form, and I am a freelance contributor to East County Magazine based in San Diego California. What inspired me? Basically the joy of reading; after reading so many books, I knew that I had a book in me and decided to make it happen.

2) What are some of the major themes in your poetry collections? What was the process like publishing them?

My current writing style is poetry based mixed with social commentary as well as motivational insights. My experience in publishing was easy as well as challenging as I did everything myself, including the research of various self-publishing websites. Additionally, I typed, submitted, spell checked, proofread everything, so I owned the mistakes I made (margins, spacing etc.) and learned to be better prepared when I wrote my second book.

3) Who are some of your biggest literary influences? 

My biggest literary influences are Dr. Frances Cress Welsing, James Baldwin and Maya Angelou.

4) What has been your experience as a writer living in southeast Queens? Has southeast Queens inspired or shaped your writing in any way?

My experience as a writer in Southeast Queens is my inexperience with marketing , and I find that networking helps if you know of events where people of similar ilk meet and discuss their work. I always tell people that writing is easy but marketing oneself and one’s books is challenging. I have reached out to various branches of the Queens libraries and to a lesser degree in Long Island in an attempt to get my books on their shelves. I have succeeded in getting them in some branches, and in the Elmont Library. My books are also available in some Caribbean Islands. No, my writing is not inspired nor shaped by the Southeast Queens environment.

5) Do you think it is necessary to grow the literary community in the Southeast Queens area? How would you like to see the Southeast Queens literary community grow?

Yes, it’s necessary to grow the literary community from an experience and developmental stand point. Writers need to be recognized for their work. Everyone benefits, the writer, as well the community. It could be a source of inspiration and hope for others who have similar ambitions. I think that the Queens registry for writers is a great start. I think (don’t know if one already exists) that a group consisting of Southeast Queens Authors/Writers, Performers should be formed. Book signing events, as well as readings should take place quarterly, and our political leaders should be invited. Also, these events should be advertised in the local newspapers such as the Queens Chronicle, Queens Press etc.

6) Are you currently working on another project? And where can readers find out more about your work? 

I am currently working on my third book which is a poetry chap book. Readers can communicate with me via e-mail at [email protected]. My website will be available shortly.

Today is Independent Bookstore Day! In celebration of today, I wanted to explore the history of bookstores in Southeast Queens. The truth is it was hard to find any information. There were the Afrikan Bookstreet Store near the Afrikan Poetry Theatre, the Ethnic Visions store in Jamaica Colosseum and Nubian Heritage. There was one I believe that was in Green Acres Mall. But other than that I couldn’t find much. I did however find a poet and artist who did a book project for Jamaica Flux that showcased in the Nubian Heritage bookstore in 2007. Since this is the 10th anniversary of the project, I thought why not do an interview with her. Here is my interview with Aileen Bassis:

1) What inspired you to participate in the Jamaica Flux and to do the Queens Stories project? What was the process like interviewing various community members and creating the "altered books"?

Jamaica Flux was an exciting opportunity to create new work with a focus on public art with support from a terrific curator, Heng Gil-Han.  Art was exhibited in the community, we participated in artists panels talking about our work, and heard presentations about issues around public art.  All of the artists had their work documented in a published book. I was particularly interested in reaching out to people outside the art world, to enter into a dialogue with older residents of the community and create work that reflected aspects of their lives.  A local organization put me in touch with several members and I visited them in their homes, took photos and notes of conversations.  I know they enjoyed sharing details of their lives with me. I referred to that structure and interaction for a project that I did last fall in Italy.  I was a resident artist in a small mountain town and interviewed several older residents and with the help of a translator made a group of unique artists books about their lives with text in English and Italian. There was an exhibition at the end of my stay and the local people all turned out and really enjoyed seeing their lives shaped into art.    

2) What was the most surprising detail that you learned from hearing the stories from the various community members in southeast Queens? What was your favorite story to put into a book?

Everyone has a need to shape the story of their lives and try to make some sense of their personal journey.  I think Harry Conner had a particularly interesting story.  He was a professional dancer and I used his quotes, “The Apollo became my second home” and “Just give me a chance to get a piece of the pie.” He showed me a video of one of his performances, and displayed trophies and memorabilia all around his home.

3) What was the experience of showcasing your project in Nubian Heritage bookstore? What was your thoughts of the bookstore?

The bookstore was very accommodating and generously shared their space. The books that I made functioned quite sculpturally as containers for imagery rather than books that could be handled and paged through. I liked the idea of slipping art into their space, so it would be an unexpected encounter. The idea of Jamaica Flux was to bring art out of the gallery and into the public space.  

4) In what ways is a bookstore, in general and specifically at Nubian Heritage, a powerful community space and a space for creative, artistic expression?

I think bookstores are a treasured resource for a community and the Nubian Heritage store reflects the interests of Jamaica, Queens.

5) Where is the project located now? If it is on view anywhere, would you consider it to be shown in another literary space/bookshop again in southeast Queens?

Right now those books are packed away in storage.  I would love to show them together as a group again.  Some were exhibited again in “American Race” at Truman State University Booksmart Studio Gallery, “Art of Democracy” in Rochester, NY and at Susan Hensel Gallery, “Urban/Urbane” in Minneapolis, MN and at Arizona State University, Tempe in “Crave, The Art of Dependency.”

6) What projects are you currently working on and where can the readers see more of your work?

Since the election, I’ve been making a series I’m titling, “Questions for America.” There are two groups of works: photos with pencil text and artists books that combine photographs, lithographic and transfer prints and mixed media.  Beginning in 2015, I made a group of works, lithographs with pencil and artists books inspired by the “Black Lives Matter” movement.  Some work from that series will be on exhibition in show titled, “Respect” curated by an artists collective, “Openings” at The Church of St. Paul the Apostle, 405 West 59 St., NY, NY, opening Sept. 8 - Oct. 26 with a reception on Sept. 14. I also have been working since 2014 on a series about income inequality that incorporates references both through images and text, of Horatio Alger novels. Some of that work is on exhibit in New Jersey at: NJ State Museum in Trenton through August 13, Newark Public Library, Main Branch through May 20 and Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck though April 30.  I always have exhibition information on my website:

Latest J. Expressions Newsletter featuring Audre Lorde’s poem “Power.” Please sign up for the latest on J. Expressions at tinyletter.com/jexpressions!

Previous Newsletters

Your Necessary Voice -- J. Expressions Newsletter 9 

All the Nations of Birds Lifted Together ... J. Expressions Newsletter 8 

Moving Forward! -- J. Expressions Newsletter 7

Queens Writes!  -- J. Expressions Newsletter 6 

Tell Your Mother, Tell Your Father, Send a Telegram -- J. Expressions Newsletter 5 

For the Book Lover in You -- J. Expressions Newsletter 4

Spreading the Word! -- J. Expressions Newsletter 3

Me We! -- J. Expressions Newsletter 2

J. Expressions Spotlight

It's official! My first interview for J. Expressions with none other than the lovely poet Stephanie Davis. Stephanie was my first choice to open the interview series because if it wasn't for her, I may not have started the project. She was the one who invited me to be part of No Longer Empty's Jameco Exchange exhibition and that is where I began J. Expressions! So thank you to her and I hope you enjoy the interview and her poem!

1. Tell the readers about who you are as a literary artist.

I am a poet. It feels good to simply say this is who I am as an artist. Many times, I have to add to that statement to appeal to standards of success. I’m also interested in writing more non-fiction, but my passion is poetry. I am currently studying poetry (and more) as an MFA candidate at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

2.  What writing projects are you currently developing?  

I am currently working on my graduate thesis, which I hope to turn into my first chapbook or full-length collection. In this series of poems, I want to capture the multitude of voices and stories from my hometown, Jamaica, Queens. It has a very rich history and continues to be home to many cultures. Although I no longer live there, I carry my experiences, its diversity, and unique character with me, always. I hope I do it justice when I put it all on the page.

3. Who are some of your favorite writers and authors who inspired your writing?

Many of my favorite writers are poets whose work has strong narratives centered on their hometowns and whose language is simple yet complicating, which transforms their personal experiences into universal experiences. Philip Levine’s work on Detroit does this seamlessly; I’ve been studying him for a while. Also Ray Gonzalez with Texas and the Southwest and Elizabeth Alexander with Philly. Some of my other favorite writers include Jericho Brown, Geffrey Davis, and Kendra DeColo.

4. What is your experience so far doing an MFA? What advice do you have for writers who are thinking of doing the same?

As my mentors have told me, an MFA allows you the privilege of time and space to read, write, and work on your craft. So far, I am enjoying the time to think about my writing and where I want it to go. Being in a program has also expanded my literary connections and opportunities. For those looking to enter an MFA program, be sure that pursuing this degree is what you really want to do. Let your passion guide you, but also be pragmatic in your expectations of a program and the literary industry. Also know that you don’t need an MFA to pursue whatever your goals are as a literary artist. An MFA is just one road of many.

5. How did Southeast Queens inspire and shape your writing?

As I mentioned when describing my thesis, my hometown is always with me. Whenever I’m given a writing prompt or assignment, it’s usually another opportunity for me to write about Queens. I can’t help it. It’s what I’m obsessed with currently. Growing up and living in Southeast Queens continues to inspire my writing. I’m excited about sharing it (the good and the bad) with others through my work.

6. Do you think it is necessary to grow the literary community in the Southeast Queens area? How would you like to see the Southeast Queens literary community grow?

Absolutely. A stronger literary community would be advantageous artistically as well as educationally and would help foster Queens artists like myself. More readings, writing workshops, and events with visiting writers would expose the community to different forms of literature and ways to channel their creativity. There is already a lot of great work being done by organizations such as No Longer Empty and Jamaica Is and also by Queens residents such as yourself. Let’s keep the momentum going. Keep up the awesome work!

I know somethin’ bout talking with ghosts

              After Yusef Komunyakaa’s “Blue Dementia”

In their dust-dimmed jackets –

they gather at the bus stop

holding Marlboros between

their lips, loading onto the Q111

with breathe-heavy strides.

Haunted by youth and time

they stare at me with grins

that say I remember

when I was your age.

Passing by Baisley Projects,

where they carried jukeboxes

on their shoulders

and wore jerseys

that said “Southside”

on their backs, they

pointed through the fog-

heavy window as if pleading

to be taken back

to the courtyard where

Book Description:

“Turn the Horns On” is the powerful,poignant, and gripping life story of Steven “Akili” Walker, a young African-American drummer, who set out in the 1970’s to conquer his dream of becoming a successful recording engineer in an industry dominated by white males. This intimate account of sex, drugs, and redemption takes you on a revealing tour behind the scenes in New York City studios and on the road with some of the most groundbreaking musicians of the last 40 years –including James Brown, George Clinton, Tony Bennett, Run-DMC, Prince, LL Cool J, Lee Morgan, Ahmad Jamal, Luther Vandross, The Young Rascals, Humble Pie, and Russell Simmons – with special attention paid to the work that established Akili as one of the architects of hip hop.“