Using a paragraph of prose from Kristin LeMay’s “I Told My Soul To Sing, ” Kimberlee Conway Ireton crafts — and explains how to write — a found poem.
Audio Excerpt: The Novelist by L.L. Barkat
An audio excerpt from L.L. Barkat’s The Novelist: a novella featuring the delightful voice of Claire Burge.
This Week’s Top Ten Poetic Picks
Haiku chains, Haiku Brew, haiku reflections on a community street. Will Willingham has a haiku-ridden edition of our Top Ten Poetic Picks.
Our Favorite Poetry Books of the Year
Yesterday, we poured a steamy cup of spiced apple cider and a list of our favorite books about poetry. As promised, today we’re serving eggnog and sharing our editors’ favorite poetry collections of the year.
Haiku: Pierced by Beauty
Haiku forbids excess. The poet has 17 syllables (or fewer) in which to say, not the un-sayable, but what can be said. There is no room for explanation, only impression. Angela O’Donnell on the way haiku gives the fleet glimpse instead of exposition, a quick picture in place of a thousand words.
Why Haiku: Not Just 5-7-5
The best known haiku attribute — the 17-syllable count and 5-7-5 rhythm — turns out to be its least valid attribute. Christopher Patchel explores Why Haiku.
To Our Family (A Haiku)
There’s no single right way, but for those of us who scratch words, poetry–even haiku–can provide an outlet for working through our collective grief.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (Tim Burton’s original poem)
Tim Burton’s original poem: The Nightmare Before Christmas
This Week’s Top Ten Poetic Picks
Random acts of poetry, communing with nature is not an excuse to get out of the office, going to class with Anne Sexton and Sylvia Plath. It’s all in This Week’s Top Ten Poetic Picks with Seth Haines.
The Novelist: Where Fiction Begins
In the end, the creative act can be misunderstood, and the creation seen for something other than what it is. LW Lindquist wraps up our book club discussion of L.L. Barkat’s The Novelist.
Haiku Patience
Chris Yokel considers the haiku as a call out of the blur of modern life, and out of shallow thinking and living to a deep place in this reprint from The Curator.
Poetry at Work: Ted Kooser, Insurance Underwriter (and Poet Laureate)
Glynn Young tells the story of acclaimed poet Ted Kooser, former U.S. Poet Laureate, who spent most of his working career in the insurance industry.
Holiday Haiku: A Poetry Prompt
Holiday favorite “A Christmas Story” provides a backdrop for this week’s holiday haiku poetry prompt with Seth Haines. Careful. You’ll shoot your eye out.
Dublin Doors: No 12 Lombard Street West
Welcome into No 12 Lombard Street West where Paul and Alma live behind their slate grey Dublin door. Listen in as they spin stories with Claire Burge, rich in texture and history.
This Week’s Top Ten Poetic Picks
Should the Founding Fathers be booked for selling their used ones? Are public school students reading too much fiction? Are there too many poets writing too many poems? Which direction should I mow my lawn? Will Willingham has the answers to burning questions–or at least the burning questions–in This Week’s Top Ten Poetic Picks.
WordCandy Sweet Bloggers December Roundup
C’mon in and see what we lassoed up with our red licorice rope. It’s the December WordCandy Sweet Bloggers Roundup!
The Novelist: Fiction with Character(s)
Readers want to know who the various characters in The Novelist represent. LW Lindquist wants to know who the tea basket represents. Join us for week two of our book club discussion.
A Holiday (Not a Haiku): A December Poetry Playlist
He knows if you’ve been bad or haiku, so be haiku for goodness sake. Seth Haines shares an inspiring holiday playlist.
This Week’s Top Ten Poetic Picks
Cowboy Christmas poetry, book sculptures from a mystery artists, why business leaders need to pay poetry its due. Seth Haines has this week’s Top Ten Poetic Picks.
Finding God with Emily Dickinson (and a Giveaway)
In “I Told My Soul to Sing: Finding God with Emily Dickinson, ” Kristin LeMay uses 30 poems to navigate the rocks of belief, prayer, and mortality. LeMay’s Dickinson is remarkably human. Glynn Young reviews this new volume and has a giveaway.