As a boy Ebeneezer Scrooge was reading generously—so can we. Come along as we launch into 2021 with a new reading roundup column.
Poet Laura: The Generosity of a Poem
Can a poem be generous? Our Poet Laura, Laura Boggess, considers the generosity of gifting a poem, whether crafted or curated, to another.
The 7 Principles of Making Friendship Work-Part III: Love and a Little GPS
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
C.S. Lewis: World War I Poet
In 1919, C.S. Lewis published a volume of poetry under a pseudonym. The collection reflected his experiences in World War I.
Poetry Prompt: Beauty in a Pandemic
There is beauty — even in a pandemic. These days after Thanksgiving, follow a poetry prompt about the natural beauty you are grateful for.
By Heart: ‘A Noiseless Patient Spider’ + New Derek Mahon Challenge
Uncle Walt says spiders and souls have a lot in common. Our By Heart column considers Whitman’s ‘A Noiseless Patient Spider’ and Charlotte.
Poets and Poems: Arran James Grant and “Mania”
“Mania,” the first poetry volume published by Arran James Grant, could well be desscribed as a coming-of-age poetry collection.
Listening for Stories: Knitting Lessons
Through a poignant story about learning to knit, Callie Feyen reflects on beginnings, endings, and reminders of mortality.
Poets and Poems: A.M. Juster and “Wonder & Wrath”
“Wonder & Wrath,” the ninth poetry collection by A.M. Juster, is alternately serious and playful, written by a master of formalism.
Children’s Book Club: ‘Saturday’ by Oge Mora
Meet a mother with strong emotions. This month’s Children’s Book Club discusses ‘Saturday’ by Oge Mora, and a mom who feels all the feels.
Poet Laura: A Dedication to Whimsy, From Your New Poet Laura
Meet Laura Boggess, our newest Poet Laura and the first “Laura” Poet Laura and get a glimpse of her dedication to whimsy.
Poet Laura: Passing the Pen
Tania Runyan concludes her year as Tweetspeak’s inaugural Poet Laura and passes the torch to 2021’s resident poet.
James Sale and “HellWard” – Writing an Epic Poem in English
Few poets would attempt what James Sale is doing — writing an epic poem in English inspired by Dante’s “The Divine Comedy.”
Poetry Prompt: What a Memory Is
What is a memory? A 96-year-old woman and a small boy are searching for the answer. Author Callie Feyen searches for poetry in what they find.
A Ritual to Read to Each Other: When you can’t read
What do you read when you can’t? This month’s ‘A Ritual to Read to Each Other’ column explores how to begin again.
When Your Phone Dies: “A Hurricane in My Head” by Matt Abbott
In “A Hurricane in My Head,” Poet Matt Abbott has a suggestion for what to do when your young teen’s phone dies.
Fiction Prompt: Chapter Two, Shakespeare Symphony Project and Slightly Famous French Bread
Fall means fiction! Join author Callie Feyen in chapter 2 of Carter’s story, which combines memorizing Shakespeare with making music.
By Heart: ‘Some One’ + New Walt Whitman Challenge
When a poem knocks, you open. Join Megan Willome as she learns Walter de la Mare’s creepy “Some One” By Heart, just in time for Halloween.
I Could Tell You Stories: Hope for the Mighty Bird
Revisiting a long-ago read collection of Patricia Hampl stories leads Callie Feyen down a path of mystery and wonder and memory.
‘A Wrinkle in Time’ Book Club: none but Love
Who wins? None but Love. Joins us for the last installment of our book club about Madeleine L’Engle’s classic, ‘A Wrinkle in Time.’