Writer Dheepa R. Maturi enters a hard period in life, and it strongly blocks her writing. But then she finds a surprising way through. You could, too.
Search Results for: the art of the essay
Poets and Poems: Andrew Frisardi and “The Moon on Elba”
To read “The Moon on Elba” by poet Andrew Frisardi is to experience the light of Italy and the ideal or idea behind the words.
Poetry Prompt: Create by Feel
Join author Callie Feyen as she walks with another writer who inspires her to lean in and create by feel in times when it’s hard to know the art you are trying to make.
Poet Laura: A Tribute to Laura Barkat—and All the Other “Lauras”
One of the Poet Laura’s tasks each year is to write poems about Lauras. This month, Dheepa R. Maturi pays tribute to the special Lauras who bring light to the world.
For Valentine’s Day: Mary Oliver and “Felicity”
In “Felicity,” Mary Oliver includes 18 love poems — something of a surprise for a poet not known for love poetry.
Poetry Prompt: Queen Bees and the Poetry Question
Can you make poetry out of painful moments in your life? Join queen bees and author Callie Feyen as she (and Miley Cyrus) show you how.
Discovering a Forgotten Poet: J.V. Cunningham
Poet J.V. Cunningham defied the modernist fashion in poetry and published several collections of carefully crafted formalist poems.
An Invitation: To Be In Each Other’s Orbit
Join author Callie Feyen as she encourages us to build a sharing list to help us better orbit each other this holiday season.
Good News—It’s Okay to Write a Plot Without Conflict
What makes a plot worthy of writing? Get past societal assumptions about stories, and write a great plot without conflict.
Writing Prompt: How To Be Grateful
How do you be grateful, especially when it’s the worst possible time for gratitude? Author Callie Feyen talke you through it (with scones).
J.D. McClatchy Tells the Story of the Civil War — in Poetry
“Poets of the Civil War” by J.D. McClatchy is a small volume that manages to capture the magnitude of the American Civil War.
Poetry Prompt: Observation that Evokes
Observations can evoke—even in a swimming pool. Callie Feyen considers the micro-essays and art of “The Swimming Studies” by Leanne Shapton.
50 States of Generosity: Kentucky
We continue our 50 States of Generosity series with a focus on Kentucky—its bluegrass and its song, “Blue Moon of Kentucky.”
Poet Laura: Passing on the Laura-ship
Karen Paul Holmes bids farewell as she concludes her term as Tweetspeak’s Poet Laura and passes her Laura-ship on to another.
“Making Peace with Paradise” by Tania Runyan
In “Making Peace with Paradise,” Tania Runyan reflects on her upbringing in the state that gave us suburbs and the Beach Boys.
Perspective: The Poet Takes a Bike Ride
How does a poet gain perspective? Megan Willome takes a bike ride—in Canada. Share your August reads, fellow poets!
The Yellow Wallpaper Charlotte Perkins Gilman (full text)
Read the classic story below, or check out our list of The Yellow Wallpaper Charlotte Perkins Gilman characters, or read the author’s own essay on Why I Wrote the Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Want something shorter? Check out the Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman Summary. Or enjoy The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte […]
Poets and Poems: Colm Tóibín and “Vinegar Hill”
“Vinegar Hill” is the first book of poetry by novelist and writer Colm Tóibín, and it underscores his reputation for storytelling.
Summer Respite + Take Your Poet to Work Day
As we reach the midpoint of July, we are taking our annual two-week summer break to rest and to dream and we look forward to bringing back the wonder from our respite.
Poets and Poems: Yahia Lababidi and “Desert Songs”
In “Desert Songs,” poet Yahia Lababidi takes us on a pilgrimage to discover what we don’t know and to lose ourselves.