Writing Resources: A Poetry Handbook
Basically, poetry reading and writing improves all other writing.
So, whether you are a poet or not, as a writer, you should have a basic understanding of poetry.
Writing Resources
Poetry starts in childhood with nursery rhymes and the famous works of authors like Shel Silverstein and Dr. Suess. But what comes next? There is a vast universe of poetry out there, so it helps to start exploring the world of poetry with a few, basic resources.
Ideally, you’ll engage in both poetry reading and poetry writing. Both of these activities will improve your own writing, whether you write fiction, nonfiction, or even business writing, marketing, or copywriting.
Good poetry writing resources touch on reading and writing poetry. Most include poems by accomplished poets and use these poems as examples to teach you the nuances, structure, and techniques that go into poetry writing.
A Poetry Handbook
Mary Oliver’s A Poetry Handbook
Under 125 pages, this text is a quick and easy read with straightforward examples and clear explanations. Oliver talks about how to read a poem, how to imitate the greats, and then gets into the technical aspect of poetry, covering sound, literary devices, line, and form. Finally, she takes a look at free verse.
Mary Oliver herself is an acclaimed poet and her tone is friendly and witty and very easy to follow. From the text:
Something that is essential can’t be taught; it can only be given, or earned, or formulated in a manner too mysterious to be picked apart… Whatever can’t be taught, there is a great deal that can, and must, be learned.
If you’ve ever read a written work and been captivated by the magic of its language, then you have already experienced the power of poetry. The concepts you’ll learn in dealing with poetry can be applied to all forms, including songwriting. So do yourself a favor and start collecting some writing resources that deal exclusively with poetry reading and writing. Having reviewed dozens of books on poetry, I recommend starting with A Poetry Handbook.
WOW. This is PERFECT for me right now. I’m just about to launch a poetry website!
.-= Positively Present´s last blog ..the power of acceptance: a path to an open heart =-.
A poetry website?? Do tell (link please!). I have one in the oven too, but it’s going to be quite awhile before it sees the light of day — months or maybe even years.
I like your point that poetry reading and writing improves all other writing.
I think poetry teases out the ability to connect with metaphors, emotions, and a written ambiance that can tickle the soul.
.-= J.D. Meier´s last blog ..What Do 15 Best-Selling Authors Teach Us? =-.
I absolutely agree! I come across a lot of writers who sneer at poetry much the same way literary highbrows sneer at popular fiction. However, there is much that any writer can learn from poetry. I even use poetry techniques in copywriting, and they work rather well.
Great post! I took a intro to poetry writing in college (as part of my English major) and we used this book as one of our texts. I kept it because it’s a great resource. Since I’m getting back into writing poetry again, I just might pull it out and re-read it.
Thanks!
.-= Brad Vertrees´s last blog ..Why poetry matters =-.
I too was exposed to this book through a college course. It’s one of my favorites because it’s so accessible. Someone who’s never read a single poem will feel relaxed and comfortable with this text, but at the same time, an experienced poetry reader (or writer) will find delightful gems in its pages. Perrine’s Sound and Sense is my other favorite, but it’s far more advanced.
This is great! We just launched a new online poet community website featuring poets ranging from Elise Paschen to Kevin Coval. They always recommend the best way to improve your poetry is to start by READING good poetry. This book looks like a fantastic resource. We are doing the same thing, with making people feel comfortable reading a poem, by allowing visitors to hear the audio of the poem as well. It’s a great guide into a poem.
Thanks Jenn! I am looking forward to checking out your poet community. I definitely agree that reading poetry is the best way to develop one’s poetic skill set! Good luck to you.