On a trip to the shopping mall I visit the bookstore and buy my first book: Ariel. A thin paperback. I read it that night. I read it all summer long.
Archives for May 2014
Poetry for Life. Start Here.
How do you go about changing lives with poetry? One student, one class at a time. Poetry for Life can start here.
Children’s Books: 14 Reasons The Tale of Peter Rabbit Should Be Banned
Beatrix Potter’s ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’ is a disturbing book. Here are 14 tongue-in-cheek reasons it should be banned.
Take Your Poet to Work Day is Coming
Take Your Poet to Work Day is coming July 16. We have a brand new crew of poets that are eager for the chance to go to work with you.
National Student Poet: Michaela Coplen (Part I): Connecting with Poetry
National Student Poet Michaela Coplen noticed the voice of the military family in literature was absent. “I’ve always wanted to help fill that void.”
Ten Surprising Secrets to Make Your Book Go Viral
Every author wants to know how to make their book go viral. Here are ten surprising secrets from a top-selling author, to send you on your way.
Poets and Poems: Ron Padgett and “Collected Poems”
“Collected Poems” by Ron Padgett covers more than 50 years of work, summing up a life lived in the creation of poetry.
Baby, Baby Poetry Prompt: The Short Years
The time between infancy and adulthood are but a blink. Come along as we examine The Short Years, courtesy of our Baby, Baby Poetry Prompt.
Become a Better Writer: Maple Syrup Artist Date
The syrup-making man shares about his business, his face shining as he talks, and I surprise myself by accepting an invitation to visit his sugar house.
Top 8 “Poetry at Work” Sightings in New York City
Where have you seen poetry at work? Thanks to Nancy Franson and Michelle Ortega, we spotted Glynn Young’s “Poetry at Work” around New York City.
Poetry at Work: Baking Bread
Find poetry at work in the baking of bread: it’s swimming in the yeast, sticking to the bowl, rising in the pan.
Poets and Poems: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and “Prussian Nights”
“Prussian Nights” by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn reminds us that victory in war doesn’t automatically mean moral superiority over an enemy.
Photo Prompts: Baby Face Photo Play 2
Join us for our Baby Face Photo Prompts follow-up and be stirred by the collection of photographs and poetry, steeped in back story. Come write yours.
Become a Better Writer: Artist Date at the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden Center in Palo Alto, California
At the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden Center, I close my eyes and listen to the soothing sound of skipping water and singing birds. My breathing slows.
Poem Analysis: Matthew Arnold’s Dover Beach
“The sea is calm tonight…” An evocative poem analysis focusing on the imagery in Matthew Arnold’s Dover Beach. Insightful and helpful…
The Best in Poetry: This Month’s Top Ten Poetic Picks + Emily
Artful chocolate, famous punk authors, poetry in the supermarket, and how to not write a novel. It’s the best in poetry: our monthly Top Ten Poetic Picks.
Literary Tour: New York Public Library Children’s Book Exhibit
Just in time for Children’s Book Week, we visit the children’s book exhibit, The ABC of It, at the New York Public Library.
Haiku in English: The First Hundred Years
One of the best resources for Haiku in English, this is a helpful book. Check out the wonderful sample haiku and maybe go haiku hunting in Emily Dickinson.
Poets and Poems: Robert Frost, Wendell Berry, and the Woods
Comparing two poems – one by Robert Frost and one by Wendell Berry – allows insights into the minds of both poets we might not have otherwise.
Tolkien I Workshop: Session 11–On Fairy Stories
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.