Even after spending a month with Dickinson and her unnamed dog (there is an unnamed dog in Sendak’s story too), I still don’t know what the poem means. And I did not go looking for an interpretation of it. I simply enjoyed the poem, dashes and all, says Megan Willome.
“Twirl” Book Club: On Writing—Dear Mr. Henshaw
In the final meeting of the ‘Twirl’ Book Club, we remember that writers are made, not born. Mostly.
Smiles, Laughter & Joys: Humor Me Poetry Prompt
What happens when two authors who publish within days of each other find themselves celebrating at the same local hangout? Lots of laughter, thanks to great friends.
Libraries, Literacy and Love: Passing Books Across Generations
From teaching to sharing treasured books with her grandchildren, Mary Van Denend finds libraries — and love — at the heart of literacy.
“Twirl” Book Club: On Stories—Where the Wild Things Are
In the second meeting of the ‘Twirl’ Book Club, we consider how costumes give us the freedom to be wild, bold, free—and even how they can help us come back from a possible undoing.
Smiles, Laughter & Joys: What Joy Feels Like Poetry Prompt
Join author Callie Feyen as she talks with kindergarteners about being frustrated and watches as they head toward joy, balloons in hand.
Friendship Project: On Writing Well — Just Say It
Callie Feyen finds the page more forgiving than the podium, and friendship more forgiving yet.
Twirl Book Club: On Clothes—The Lightning Thief
In the first meeting of the ‘Twirl’ Book Club, we consider how Callie Feyen got her lightning back (and found a way to wear heels again).
Children’s Book Club: “Mr. Bliss”
What happened when J.R.R. Tolkien got a motorcar? He ran into the three bears—Archie, Teddy, and Bruno. Join author Megan Willome for a Children’s Book Club discussion of ‘Mr. Bliss.’
Smiles, Laughter & Joys: Reading Treasure Prompt
Join author Callie Feyen, a bunch of pirates, and a great group of kindergarteners and first graders as they hunt for treasure found in stories. Then write your own treasure poem!
Reader, Come Home: Why ‘Jane Eyre’ is a YA Novel
Learn the secrets of being a deep reader with author Megan Willome as we discuss why ‘Jane Eyre’ is a YA novel. And share your February pages for our monthly Reader, Come Home column.
Top Ten Poetic Picks
Ghost apples, Oscars for books, the poetry of disengagement and the first lines of things. It’s a new edition of the long lost Top 10 Poetic Picks.
Writing, Paper & Quills: Catalog Poems Prompt
Whether you prefer writing longhand or typing on the computer, be on the look out for flashes of beauty as we write catalog poems.
By Heart: “Delight in Disorder” + New Emily Dickinson Challenge
February means Valentine’s Day and love poetry, so Tweetspeak Poetry learned Robert Herrick’s “Delight in Disorder,” By Heart.
The Art of the Handwritten Letter: A (Typed) Letter on Handwriting
Sara Barkat writes about the power of handwriting, where paper and ink let a single word grow to fill a line, or fold itself up small.
Writing, Paper & Quills: Ode to a Planner Prompt
Whether you are a planner or prefer to fly by the seat of your pants, author Callie Feyen has some thoughts on the practice and poetry of keeping a planner.
2 Big Tips for Great Interviews (plus 1 more)
Journalist and author Megan Willome has two tips for great interviews. (Make that three tips.)
Book Club Announcement: “Twirl” by Callie Feyen
Join us on March 13 as we begin a new book club discussion of Callie Feyen’s ‘Twirl: My Life With Stories, Writing & Clothes.’ Dress up, or dress down. It’s your choice!
The Handwritten Letter: How To Tell A Friend You Adore Her
Author and teacher Callie Feyen tells the heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship sealed with a legacy of handwritten letters.
Children’s Book Club: “Only One Woof”
Must every children’s book be zippy? Author Megan Willome discusses ‘Only One Woof,’ one of James Herriot’s animal stories.