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 Life
and Everything In Between
by Stephen J. Dodds
1st World Library
Entrepreneur Stephen J. Dodds presents his debut poetry
collection Life and Everything in Between, a free-verse anthology
interspersed with a diverse array of black-and-white photographic
images. Each poem is a single page in length, centered on the page
rather than aligned to the left margin, and opposite an insightful quote
from a famous individual. Though Life and Everything in Between can be
read in a single sitting, all of its themes, atmosphere, and symbolic
philosophy innately prompt quiet contemplation at length. When asked to
describe his literary influences, Dodds is rather forthcoming, "I'm an
avid reader of everything from history books and autobiographies to
mainstream fiction where I am a huge fan of Tom Clancy. With each book
he writes I am forever amazed at the way he can bring his characters to
life, not only as fictional characters but as truly believable
characters. This a result of his tremendous research. While my writing
style is far from Clancy's he is a big influence, nonetheless. I am also
a huge fan of cleverly written TV sitcoms such as Seinfeld and All in
the Family. Both carefully and skillfully marry words and phrases with
perfect visuals (actors) to deliver their messages— some hidden and some
straight on. Add Bill Maher to the list. While I disagree with him as
often as I agree I think he uses the English language brilliantly to get
his point across. I hope this makes sense."
Life and Everything in Between is both original and honest.
Stephen J. Dodds is deeply impassionate and a talented word-smith who
seems in no way pretentious. He removes himself from his poetic works
and the reader is infused with an untainted "witnessing" that the author
himself seems to possess. The author's greatest strength is in his
simplicity. The poems are in themselves very simplistic, yet they carry
an echo of spontaneity and joy despite an objective and balanced
perspective on a tapestry of subject matter from boxing to philosophy,
9/11, cultural commentary and just plain daydreaming. Much of this
poetry is pregnant with metaphor and the author's tone is soothing,
simple and free. His voice is crystal clear and the poetry has an
excellent rhythm. The artistry of the lines is wonderfully visual,
spiritual and sensual at times, when the author is steeped in his
natural philosophical passions.
Stephen J. Dodds was born in Newcastle, England in February 1961.
An only child, he emigrated to Canada with his parents before his fourth
birthday. Steve spent most of his youth in Long Branch (Toronto) Canada,
playing hockey and lacrosse, and enjoying everything the 70's had to
offer. An entrepreneur, Steve now resides in Orange County, Southern
California with his beautiful wife, Alexandra. His friends call him
Dodd-sy. This is Stephen's first literary effort. UB
Beth E. Cochran was a Producer for
the TV show “Soap Talk” and has recently crowned herself “Queen
of All Soaps.” She has also been an Associate Producer for the
daytime talk show, “Dr. Phil.” Before getting her big break and
realizing her dream of making television, Ms. Cochran was a also
writer and editor for magazines such as Soap Opera Magazine, Soapdish,
Soap Opera News, Soap Opera Digest, Soap Opera Update, Entertainment
Weekly and Woman’s World.
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