Archive

Tag Archives: teen writers

Support the Arts: Lo Anderson Performing Live at Urban Juke Joint

09/27/2012
Around the Way Girls, Local, Manhattan, Meet and Greet, Poetry, Whatever Happened To...
Leave a comment

Saw this on FB and stole it (hence the quotes). Please come out and support if you can. Sis is very dope.

“YES! Juke Joint is going down this Friday/ 28th. Extended Reader / Miss Missy/ Lo Anderson/ music man Aqeel Salaam andDDD! a SURPRISE guest!!! no profanity/ no xxx material/ 53 e 11th St/ @ Union Sq Sta. contact Kenneth/ 917 331 9189”

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/urbanjukejoint

Website | http://www.poetry247.com/urbanjukejoint/

Twitter | www.twitter.com/urbanjukejoint 

The November Issues

10/23/2009
Magazines, pop culture
Leave a comment

Hey girls! It’s that time again…Here are the November issues of your favorite only mainstream teen magazines…(don’t worry, we’re working diligently on ours- it’s coming…soon!)

Teen Vogue

The folks over at Teen Vogue are at it again! This time teen supermodels Jourdan Dunn and Chanel Iman get some face time on.the.cover. Yesss!!! Now, as I wrote in a previous blog, there was a wee bit of controversy over the pregnant Jourdan Dunn appearing on the cover. Whatever you may think about that, we’re glad to see them on it. In the article they discuss the industry, their success, lives and relationship with each other. Check it out.

Notable articles:

Class Act: Nineteen-year-old Marie Mason held fund-raising dinner parties to finance a free school in Cambodia.

The Real World: Graduates are facing a shrinking job market. Teen Vogue reports on ways to beat the odds.

Slim Shady: Diet pills may seem like a quick fix, but the risks are heavy.

For all my aspiring fashion editors- there’s an article entitled The Graduates, about former Teen Vogue interns who’ve landed dream jobs in fashion. I’m sure there’s some helpful-ish advice and inspiration there. (Basically, use your connections. If you don’t have any, intern at Teen Vogue and get some.)

For all my fashion bloggers (and aspirings)- there’s an article entitled Big Shots, about bloggers who are making a name for themselves in the fashion world. Lesson learned- start something and you, too, can be getting it in!

There’s also a piece on Zoe Kravtiz, entitled Rock Princess, about her charmed life as daughter of Lenny of Lisa Bonet, her film and music career (?) and her foray into…beauty.

And a piece entitled Ink Heart about the serious responsibilities of getting a tattoo.

There’s also the usual fashion, what to wear, how to dress stuff…

You can go here for a complete table of contents.

Seventeen

sev-kristen-stewart-november-2009-seventeen-cover-large

And, over at Seventeen, Kristen Stewart holds he cover girl honors. Apparently, this is part of a series of interviews with the New Moon cast (Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, and the new kids on the block) as well as some behind-the-scenes dirt to get you ready to see the movie (as if we need more reasons). Oh, they are also offering free tickets to see it, so you might want to check that out if you want to save your what is it now? $8 or so…

The Health+Sex+Fitness section has an article, Sneaky stuff in your food, on what’s hiding in your food- sugar, salt and fat- that you might want to check out. There’s also a quiz on depression, Is it just a bad mood…or more? and advice on how and where to get help if you need it.

There’s also an article Stop Bullying Now! on Demo Lovato’s mission to stop…what else? Bullying. It’s definitely a problem, so I’m all about finding solutions that help keep you safe.

And, as always, there’s the usual make-up make-up make-up, what to wear to look really good for your size on the low, horoscope, crazy ish that happened to me stuff as well.  Here’s a complete list of what’s in the mag.

Have at it ladies!

The October Issues

10/05/2009
Contest, Magazines, pop culture, Writing
Leave a comment

Hey all! So the magazine world likes to do things months in advance. So the October issue comes out in September and the editors are most likely already working on the February  issue. I’m a little behind, but I was waiting to get more information on the Girl’s Life Oct. issue. So, if you have not seen them, here are

The October Issues

NYC-SeptOct2009

The September/October 2009 issue of New Youth Communications (NYC) Teen Magazine focuses on food- what you choose to eat and what’s inside what you’re eating. Good idea. There’s an interview with the man responsible for NYC public school food, articles on: a farm in the city, obesity in the country, trying to be a vegetarian in a family that eats meat, why bad food is good,  two very NY-centric pieces on healthy options from the bodega and why they’re aren’t more healthy options in them (something I’ve wondered myself), and food movie reviews. Sounds good. So check it out- articles written by NYC teens and available for free online.

There’s also a writing contest question- How do you think technology will change in the next 30 years? How will it affect our lives and behavior? Describe the typical day of a New York City teen in 2039.

There are three cash prizes: First Prize $150; Second Prize $75; Third Prize $50

You must be 14-19 to enter. The deadline is October 26, 2009. Submit entries here.

Good luck!

Represent Magazine Fall 2009

The Fall 2009 issue of Represent is about Art: “Making it,” and “How Art Transforms Us.” There are articles in this issue on writing, alter egos, dancing, fashion, music, Broadway musicals, arts therapy and (my fav) misogyny in hip hop. There’s also a book review and a comic. Good ish.

There is a reader survey you can complete and maybe even win some money. Fill it out here and they will pick three names at random for cash prizes. First name drawn $100, Second name drawn $50, Third name drawn $25. The survey should take less than 10 minutes, so complete it by the December 1st deadline.

Represent also has a writing contest question-Imagine President Obama has chosen you to be his top adviser on foster care reform (improving the system). Write him a letter describing the three most important things that should be done to make foster care better, and why. Good one; that’s deep.

There are three cash prizes: First Prize $150; Second Prize $75; Third Prize $50. The deadline is November 1, 2009. Submit entries here.

Good luck, chicas!

Teen Vogue has that warewolf dude from Twilight on the cover. Ok, ok. His name is Taylor Lautner, not warewolf dude (although that is the first thing I thought when I saw the cover). And I’m sure he’s a great guy (we’re talking about Jacob in the movie, not Taylor in real life although I’m sure he’s plenty nice, too) but…I’m still team Edward. Yeah, I said it.

On to the October issue. I must say that I’m impressed with Teen Vogue, in general. I wrote them off sometime last year (or the one before) and just let my subscription die in a fit a rage. But this issue actually has more than one article I’m excited to read. And can I add that I see more diversity in this magazine (in both ads and editorial content) than I do in most others. (mini hand clap)

I’m checking for:

“Breaking the Mold”- Plus-sized model Crystal Renn discusses finding happiness with her body personally and professionally after starving herself as a teen and struggling with an eating disorder. I like this chick. She should write something for us.

KeKe Palmer in the “Leaders of the Pack” young Hollywood feature…Hmm…I’m not sure how official that list is, but Keke is is a fave so I’m glad to see her on there. They also did a piece on her last month in Style Blogger- great look.

“Little Miss Perfect”- Examines what we give up trying to be such good girls all the time. (Sidebar-When I first saw the cover line I was like, are you serious? I’ve had that article idea for ages! Don’t you hate it when that happens? You see someone implement an idea that you had and didn’t pursue? Or you did pursue and didn’t get too far with? Well, lesson learned…Act on your ideas or don’t get tight when someone else does.)

“Character Development”- Condola Rashad, 22 year-old-daughter of the actress, beauty,  everymom Phylicia Rashad, is finally getting some face time and print space. I love it! Good job, Teen Vogue, very good job. I’m definitely checking for her.

AND they actually have an article on Debt! (seriously). How very…apropos…and responsible of them.

I’d say check it out  (for free at the library, like I did, if nothing else).

Oh Seventeen…is it just me? Or does this cover never change? I guess you go with what works. The cover girl is Whitney Port, whom you may know from the MTV show “The Hills” or her current show “The City.” Can’t say I’m a fan- maybe I need to up my tv watching, although I am really loath to do that. Anyway, there’s an article in here on girls who are changing the world and making a difference (p. 154) and that sounds totally inspiring. Other than that, it’s usual Seventeen stuff- clothes, boys, advice, makeup, quizzes. There is a piece in the Heath+Sex+Fitness section on loving the breasts you have (yay!) and a piece in the Dating section on having a hot Halloween. See the website for details.

image.axd

Now, Girl’s Life publishes two issues at a time, so this is the October and November issue for them. The cover girl is Kay Panabaker of the movie Fame, fame. She’s a newcomer (or at least not that popular yet) so it could be interesting. At the very least it’s not someone  you’ve read about a million times already. There really isn’t anything in this issue I’m interested in reading. But there is an article on managing your hectic schedule which could be helpful-

GL Life: Under Pressure?
Tons of To Do’s have you frazzled? How to manage your hectic schedule while still keeping your sanity in check.

Lots of articles on what to wear, clothing and quizzes if you’re in to that sort of thing. Go to the website for more details on this issue. GL is giving away some things though and tis the season to get free stuff, so have at it:

WIN a wardrobe for winter
Warm up with cozy-cute coats and furrific boots. We’re givin’ away must-have winter essentials all through October. Our GRAND PRIZE? One stylin’ fashionista scores a WHOLE winter wardrobe from Pink Cookie. CLICK HERE to download the October’s Clothes 4 Chilly Chicas Giveaway Calendar now!

Win a DS and a Wii
From snappin’ shots with digi cams to pluggin’ in your tunes with an iPod Touch, this November we’ve got awesome hi-tech freebies. Plus! One gamer girl gets the ultimate prize pack with Wii console, DS console and the entire new line of Charm Girls Club video games from EA. CLICK HERE to download the November’s Totally Tech Giveaway Calendar!

Good luck with that! Be back soon with more on November!

Girls Write Now

09/12/2009
Girls Write Now, Writing
Leave a comment

And a good Saturday afternoon to you, too sunshine!

Seriously, though. I’m just getting back from a training session with this amazing organization that I’m going to be mentoring with this year called Girls Write Now (GWN) and I’m inspired to write.

bluemarine_logo

Ok, now seriously, doesn’t that picture (taken from the website) make you want to read on? Don’t fight it, it’ll be so worth it.

Quick backstory- a couple of years ago, when I was kind of, how shall we say, a little annoyed with the direction my life was going in professionally, I really wanted to find some kind of volunteer work that would be meaningful and that would remind me of why I got into journalism in the first place. So what did I do? I googled it. I googled exactly what I was interested in doing (and what I would probably be the most help with) “mentoring + teen girls + writing nyc”  and up popped the website for GWN.

Girls Write Now is a non-profit organization here in the city that pair teen writers (mentees)  with professional women writers (mentors) who mentor them over the course of the school year (September- May). Teens meet with their mentors at least one a week to work on their writing and one Saturday a month, everyone involved in the program gets together for writing workshops that each focus on a different type of writing, like memoir, poetry, fiction, editing, playwriting, journalism and songwriting. I really like the emphasis on covering a lot of different types of writing, because being a writer is not just limited to having one specific “type” of career. GWN also holds readings several times a year where teens (and mentors) can present their work to a supportive audience. And at the end of the program, they each contribute a finished piece that gets published (!) in an anthology. That’s amazing. Basically, it’s the kind of program I wish had been around when I was in high school.

So the more I read about the program, the more I wanted to get involved. It seemed  like the perfect fit for me- a really intense, incredibly fun time, where I would not only get to help a young person but also get to learn from them, too, which would no doubt improve my own writing. In any case, when I found the program, the deadline for applications had already passed so I made a mental note to check back the following year. As most “mental notes” would have it, I remembered, but I had missed the deadline again. I know, sucks to me be. So imagine my surprise when I saw the GWN table at the Brooklyn Book Fair. I went over, mentioned my interest and the volunteer there gave me the contact information for the program director. I emailed her, submitted an application and when there was an opening for a mentor, she contacted me. I went in for an interview and almost had a mentee…until she dropped out of the program…foiled again! Still, I went to the public readings and tried to support the program as best I could and this year, I’m a mentor. Lesson learned? Be persistent. If you want something, go out and get it. And if you don’t at first, keep trying.

Nice story, but why does this interest you, you say? Because the applications for high school girls who want to be mentees has not passed yet. But it is coming up SOON- September 15, 2009- three days from now to be exact.  So, if you are interested in the program and you want to learn more or if you want to apply, do not hesitate, click on over to their website and check them out. Or, if you’re read enough about them already, you can check out this clip from when they were featured on NBC Nightly News-

They also have a youtube channel with clips of some of the girls reading their original pieces. So if you are even a little interested, you might want to check it out. Let me know what you think.

Check it out girls… write, right now

Writing Contest

09/10/2009
Contest, Writing
Leave a comment

Homegirls!

Ok. So, we’re all about empowerment over here and that means helping you do whatever it is that you decide you want to do- even if that means helping you (however we can) discover what that is first. So, as I hear about contests for teens, I’ll post them so you can enter if you like, fair enough?

Last month or so, I received an email from a former journalism mentor of sorts (I met and spoke with her during a journalism program and she basically had lived the professional life I always wanted for myself and was SO freakin’ inspirational, it was amazing) about a writing contest for people who are or were in prison, and their loved ones. So, if you fit that description, or know anyone who does, here are the details:

2009 Writing Contest

“THINK OUTSIDE THE CELL” WRITING CONTEST

Think Outside The Cell - the book

Resilience Multimedia, publisher of the widely praised book, “Think Outside the Cell: An Entrepreneur’s Guide for the Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated,” is sponsoring its second writing contest for people who are or were in prison, and their loved ones. The best submissions will be included in books in Resilience’s “Think Outside the Cell Series,” which is intended to help the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated tackle hard challenges and have successful lives.

The books will be widely distributed and widely read. They are being produced with funding from the prestigious Ford Foundation, which for more than 70 years has been working to improve lives and create opportunity for people around the world.

Contestants may write personal stories about one or more of these topics:

• Reentering society after incarceration
• Waiting for loved ones to return home from prison
• Prison marriages and relationships

Three winners will be chosen for each topic and will receive these prizes:

• 1st Place: $300
• 2nd Place: $150
• 3rd Place: $ 75
Stories that do not win cash prizes will still be eligible for inclusion in the series.

These are the contest rules:

• Stories must be original and about events or situations that actually happened.
• You may submit stories on more than one topic.
• Stories may be up to 3,000 words.
• Stories should be typewritten and double-spaced.
• Handwritten stories will be accepted as long as they are legible.
• Each page must include page number, your name, contact information and story title.
• Resilience Multimedia reserves the right to edit stories for clarity, punctuation, spelling and grammar, and retains the rights to stories in order to ensure the widest possible publicity and distribution, both in the United States and abroad.
• Story entries will not be returned.
• ALL ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED BY OCT. 1, 2009. WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON DECEMBER 1, 2009.

Here’s how to enter:

Email your story, indicating which topic it is intended for, to:
resiliencemultimedia@verizon.net
OR mail your story to:
Resilience Multimedia
511 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 525
New York, NY 10011
Questions? Email resiliencemultimedia@verizon.net, call 877-267-2303 or write to the above address.

Check out the website for more information on the organization sponsoring the contest and the contest itself.

Good luck, writer chicks!