The Net Connects Two Poet-Hearts in Two Hemispheres

Award winning poets Carolyn Howard-Johnson and Magdalena Ball would never have known one another but for the Internet. And they would never have connected as writers but for the poetry in their hearts.

That sentiment is more syrupy than anything in the e-book of poetry the two wrote and published together. Rather, Cherished Pulse is a book of unconventional poetry, the kind that doesn't appear in valentines you available at local card counters. Rather, it features poems about the tender moments -- both sad and glorious -- that permeate real relationships, the kind of poem you'd send to a loved one if you could but find something that isn't bedecked with doilies, glitter or strewn with clichéd rhymes.

In this case, the authors -- one from the USA and one from Australia --  used an electronic book format so the entire package costs less than most single Valentines by Hallmark. It comes in an electronic package that can be sent by e-mail or printed out on fine vellum as a quality chapbook (at no additional charge!). Add a bottle of wine or a lace handkerchief, an Voilà! Instant best-of-a-lifetime Valentine! Obviously, the two plan to bring more hearts from across the water together by e-mail.

Artwork includes watercolors by an award-winning Los Angeles area watercolorist, Vicki Thomas. The two poets are no strangers to awards, either.

Magdalena Ball, the Aussie, wrote a book of science-inspired poetry, Quark Soup, and her novel Sleep Before Evening is due for publication early in 2007.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson's poetry appears frequently in review journals. She is listed in Poets & Writers and her chapbook of poetry, Tracings, was give the Award of Excellence by the Military Writers Society of America. She is also an award-winning novelist and short story writer.

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