| Author | Message | ||
| Aundria B.
New member Username: word_dancer Post Number: 15 Registered: 02-2008 |
I remember when I first fell in love with poetry - it was my sr year of high school in a wonderful creative writing class.  That was many, many years ago and one thing I remember enjoying the different forms and rhythms, and listening to what others had written. Even though I'd set down the pen for decades, I've recently picked it back up again and while I usually journal in prose, with some of it turning into actual works, I want to learn what's considered "good poetry" and what's not. I looked through your library and there's so many titles that I don't know where to start. I'm also looking for a poetry-writing class, but am not having much luck there either. Any suggestions? Thanks. (Message edited by word_dancer on July 26, 2008) Should you shield the canyons from the windstorms, you would never see the beauty of their carvings. - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross | ||
| ~M~
Board Administrator Username: mjm Post Number: 30866 Registered: 11-1998 |
Dearest Aundria -- the two books I always recommend to beginning poets and/or to those who are reacquainting themselves with poetic concepts and techniques are: In the Palm of Your Hand: The Poet's Portable Workshop by Steve Kowit The Poet's Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry by Kim Addonizio and Dorianne Laux Both are excellent textbooks for those just starting out and even for those who have been plugging away at this craft for a while. Every poet's bookshelf should contain at least these two textbooks. Both are also written in very accessible styles, are available in paperback, contain numerous examples of great poetry and exercises you can complete, and can be purchased used for a very reasonable price. Really, anything we recommend in the WPF BookShop is worth owning and studying, but I'd start with the two I mentioned. As for poetry writing classes, I'd start in your own local community. Check with your local university, community college, and continuing adult education programs. Bookstores and libraries can also be invaluable resources in pointing to those programs in your local community that are open to you and worth exploring. While you are at the library, ask if they know about the state-wide poetry association in your state. Or you can search the internet for this. In Oregon, it is called the Oregon State Poetry Association (OSPA). They have probably compiled a list or know of poetry writing classes in your area. I would join that organization in your state to keep your fingers on the pulse of poetry opportunities or happenings, readings and open mics in your local vicinity. Hope this information is helpful. Best, M | ||
| Gary Blankenship
Moderator Username: garydawg Post Number: 24803 Registered: 07-2001 |
Lux is mandatory. Frances Mayes' The discovery of poetry outstanding. And the best book on forms is Turco's The Book of Forms, 4th Edition. Though he has some irrational dislike for free verse... Good luck. Smiles. Gary Celebrate Walt with Gary: http://www.poetrykit.org/pkl/tw10/tw4conte.htm | ||
| Aundria B.
New member Username: word_dancer Post Number: 16 Registered: 02-2008 |
M & Gary- I looked into the books you mentioned, and I am going to buy all of them in the next month or two- They will be a big help in getting the cobwebs out of my pen! And M, I'm also going to look into the resources you mentioned in regards to finding a poetry-writing class; I never would've thought to check at the library or a bookstore. Thank you both for your suggestions and encouraging words. It's been so good to be back on Wild again after playing hooky for a few months. I really enjoy reading what others have written in these forums and at times have felt a bit intimidated by the caliber of what I've read. I love the variety I see here, from the intensely serious to the zany limericks, and everything in-between. And I find the critiques I've read to be really positive and helpful in their suggestions to the poet. I look forward to getting to know you and others here at Wild, and to learning and growing as a poet and artist. A Should you shield the canyons from the windstorms, you would never see the beauty of their carvings. - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross | ||
| ~M~
Board Administrator Username: mjm Post Number: 30880 Registered: 11-1998 |
Dearest Aundria -- you are most welcome. We are happy to be of assistance to you. Thank you for your kind words about Wild. It's so good to know that the time you spend here is valuable to you and is helping you grow as a poet. Any time you have a question, do feel free to post it here. Between the staff and the membership, someone will probably know the answer and be able to help. And if we don't know, we'll try our best to research it. If you have a question, you can rest assured that at least one other person (and most likely many more) has that same question. The questions and the answers help many! Love, M |
