Frequently Asked Questions

 How was Spoken Word Inner-tainment founded?

The initial thought came in 1995. I found it difficult expressing myself, and wanted to tell my life story, but didn't realize how to tell of the pain of losing loved ones through violence/domestic violence until I taught myself to read and write at the age of 14.  I learned to write by expressing my feelings through what I later learned to be called poetry. It took me some time to get over "Stage fright" and public speaking/self-expression, but I kept writing, and sharing my works, and submitting to poetry contest/anthologies for publication.

 How many children has Spoken Word Inner-tainment reached? 

Spoken Word Inner-tainment has helped countless children and adults through our literacy programs, and showcase venues. We are still reaching humanity through our weekly television, and radio shows.

How has the Healthy Living Program LLC Succeeded in its mission of informing the community?
The Healthy Living Program became a thought in 1998 in the sense of educating people on health, fitness, and nutrition. It became a physical reality as its journey began at a Vegan Deli in St. Louis, Missouri from 2003 - 2006. The Healthy Living Program implemented nutritional cooking, and learned how to be more effective on educating people on Healthy Eating, Healthy Living & Healthy Lifestyles.

We recognized how urgent the need for raising health awareness was after seeing young African Americans fall victim to prostate cancers, obesity, and other unhealthy factors.  We became a business in 2006. Since then we have taught children how to prepare healthy snacks, foods and educated them about health, fitness, healthy eating, and nutrition by promoting 5 servings of fruits & 5 servings of vegetables per day in after school programs and recreational facilities. 

We continue onward teaching children & adults in recreational facilities, schools, organizations, gyms, and churches throughout the St. Louis, & Illinois Metropolitan areas.

When is the next informational about the Healthy Living Program?
Check us out every week on WESL TV26, EAST ST. LOUIS, IL (CHARTER PUBLIC ACCESS CHANNEL) & every Sunday 3p-5p on the Healthy Living Program Radio call-in show.  Our live radio call-in show number is  646-478-0262.

 When does the Healthy Living Program Radio Call-in show run?
The Healthy Living Program LLC runs every Sunday from 3 - 5 pm.  We host a variety of health and wellness topics.  We welcome you to join us at 646-478-0262. For more information: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/healthylivingprogram

When and where do Spoken Word Inner-tainment events take place?
Every Saturday from 3:00 -5:00 pm the Spoken Word Radio call-in show takes place.  Call 347-857-1587.  Artists recite their works over the   phone. 

On the last Sunday of every month SWIP presents performers and host auditions from 8 - 10:30 pm at:

The Robin's Nest Lounge - 113 Slough Road, Venice, IL

  As a reminder: Artists are advised to keep their songs, poetry, prose, spoken word, lyrics, comedy & music to 6 minutes or less.  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/spokenwordinnertainment
  http://spokenwordinner-tainment.com/contactus.aspx

What makes a good poet?
Well there are probably as many answers for that as there are stars in the sky.  Poets are unique - like fingerprints.  Good use of words, ability to self-express through voice or body, and a passion for the art that poetry is are just a few of the many characteristics that describe good poets. 

Can newsletters be mailed?

Members receive newsletters via email.  In addition to the newsletter that SWIP publishes at least twice a year, members also receive newsletters from the Missouri State Poetry Society and The National Federation of Poetry Societies                        - all free of charge.

What does the membership include?
Membership with SWIP is full of opportunities:
* publish books at discounted rates*
*gain monthly exposure through various media outlets*
*publish work in various anthologies: Chapter, Statewide & National*
AND MUCH MORE!

How can I become a member?
Check out our "membership application" on the website - you can fill it out and submit it online.

What is an ISBN and what does it stand for?

The ISBN is used for authors and publishers.  An ISBN is the easiest and most effective way to enhance the discoverability of books and products to both readers and consumers.  If you want to sell your book or products through major retailers, distributors, and wholesalers - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, & Borders - you will need an ISBN.