Robert O. Adair and Christine Bruness Are Poets with that Indefinable "It" Factor

Before I move on to my final, and largest "Most Intriguing AC Writers" category - nonfiction -- I would like to share a few very special writers that I haven't yet covered from previous categories. I did not separate these individuals from the group because they are better writers but because they have something indefinable.

That's not to say I don't believe 100 percent in all of the writers I have highlighted. If you have checked them out, you now know just how special each and every one of them is. However, this handful of writers, all relatively new to me, have something else; a "spark," if you will.

There are two in the poetry category - - Christine Bruness and Robert O. Adair. Nancy Canfield stands alone in the humor category. Jennifer Bove and Megena Fawn share the new category.

Let's begin the poetry category with Christine Bruness. She has been with Associated Content for nearly two years. Christine shares "I was hoping to make some money with my writing. I was curious about what AC had to offer."

Her favorite thing about AC is "the diversity of subjects and perspectives. I have also been able to connect with some remarkable people that I never would have met, had it not been for AC."

On the flip side, Christine isn't fond of the ranking system. "I find both of these things to be sophomoric. I also really dislike how the advertisements have become more important to AC than the writing. The ads have taken over the pages. Yes, ads have their place here and they pay for the place; but...do we really need them smack in the middle of a three lined poem? They should be off to side. There is no need to put them in the middle of the text."

She considers poetry and fiction her areas of expertise but says, "I also like to contribute decorating, gardening, pets, and holiday related material with an eco-friendly edge."

Christine's favorite AC writers include the poetry of Paul Rance and J L Carey. Both are thoughtful, skilled, and compassionate poets. I also enjoy reading Cathy A. Montville's work for her perspective. I adore my husband, Richard Bruness's photography because of his original artistic eye."

She likes reading, "short poetry. I personally get so much more out of the short poetry here on AC than I do from anything else on this site."

She goes on to say, "I detest those American Idol, Jon & Kate Plus 8, Dancing with the Stars, How to Work Out Like Angelina Jolie, blah, blah, blah, pieces. I also dislike regurgitated news articles."

Her tip for new AC writers is the following. "Be original. Don't just write about something because you think it is going to generate page views. Take the time to properly research your topic (if applicable) and always carefully proofread your work before submitting it. I would also advise you to never nominate yourself for an award - it's arrogant and tacky!"

She offers the following for her AC fans. "I have an online store called Bohemian Angel. It specializes in the unusual, the mysterious, and exotic vintage glamour - with a bohemian edge. The majority of the proceeds from this store goes directly towards animal welfare. I am a lover of animals and flowers, a painter, and am married to the love of my life."

Christine's poetry is varied, ranging from acrostic poetry like "Magic" to memorable haiku like those in "Remembering the Victims of September 11, 2001" deeply moving pieces like "A Once Treasured Brooch."

However, poetry isn't her only strong suit as is apparent in her piece entitled "The Magic of Dreams." It is an exploration of her feelings on the eve of President Obama's inauguration. In truth, there seems to be nothing this young poet can't do.

My second "it" poet is Robert O. Adair. I have to admit that of my new found discoveries, he is one of my favorites. His poetry touches the heart and soul. Most of it is Christian based. It is also inspirational like the piece"Old Age."

His poetry is amazingly descriptive. "Autumn Splendor" is a great example of that. It is also deep and imaginative like in "Reconciliation."

Like Christine; however, poetry isn't all that Robert writes well. He lays his opinions, couched in religious standards, on the line in "What is Ethics?"

I could list all of Robert's writing here and still not tap into all of his inner wisdom. He is still exploring that and allowing us to take part in his remarkable journey. For me, it is one that should not be missed.

Robert is still relatively new to AC, having started writing here in August of '09. He admits, "I did not quite realize the potential here."

He shares, "I like being in a community of writers who are not only very good, but they are also good people. I think it's unusual to have connected with so many of them so quickly." He goes on to say, " I also like being free to publish about anything I want to: Poetry, articles, short stories, with Christian content."

His list favorite thing is "the delay in updating page views on some days." Certainly, we all agree with him there.

He considers his area of expertise to be "Christian poetry and the history of Christianity. My poetry always receives the best response and seems to speak to people's hearts, for which I am very grateful." He also shares, "my forte in fiction is the short story although I have also written plays."

Robert says the only thing he hasn't written is a novel. However, he admits, "I really have little interest in trying one."

His favorite writers at Associated Content are numerous. "Two of my particular favorites are Tony Vega and Mike Hatz. They are both knowledgeable about conservative issues, and also clever and witty. I also like Allene Newberg Bilodeau's poetry, and even her clever comments make great reading.

Susan Jane, an Australian writer, writes from an interesting perspective. I appreciate intelligent writers like Cathy Montville, Maria Roth and OneMargaret. Linda Louise Johnson is one of the truly entertaining writers on AC.

I would also add a category. I would call it best Christian writers. J. E. Davidson, Linda Louise J., and others belong on that list."

Robert loves reading "poetry, political or social comment and articles about foreign countries. I least enjoy articles about cooking."

His advice to new AC writers would be the following. "Keep writing! There are two quotes I like to use when I give a workshop on writing: Humphrey Bogart always told aspiring actors 'keep acting. One day somebody will think you're good.' And Winston Churchill said 'If a thing is worth doing at all, it's worth doing badly.' And that's the only way anybody ever gets to be good."

He also offers the following personal information. "I have all my poetry in chap books I've had published and I do workshops on writing poetry. Most of my Christian poetry can be found on ChristianPoetry.org under Robert O. Adair."

If you miss out on either of these truly unique poets, the loss is will be your own. I'm hoping you won't let that happen.

Check back for the rest of my writers who possess that indefinable "it" factor.