I just came across this post. Thanks for mentioning my book, Jody. I'm so grateful to hear that it's helped inspire new writing for you! Reading more classic and contemporary poetry is definitely a crucial practice for any writer, at any stage - it's great that you're sharing lists of good starting points to help others along the way.
Steven, your book is so very inspirational, especially as I attempt to enlarge my own poetry writing practice with rhyme and meter styles. Happy to be part of sharing your wonderful work!
These are some great tips for starting to write poetry Jody, whenever I'm lacking inspiration or finding my own writing dull and repetitive I only have to open one of the many poetry books I've collected and over the last few years and I'm instantly inspired and humbled. Just today I picked up "Wessex Poems" by Thomas Hardy and I'm already taking notes!
And thank you for mentioning me, to think my writing could inspire others delights me more than words can say.
Thomas, your comment reminds me of something I heard Scott Cairns say once in an interview, that when he sits down at his desk to write he makes sure his 'friends' are there, i.e. his many volumes of poetry.
And Thomas Hardy--there's a classic. Thank you for mentioning that-there's so much great inspiration out there, yours included-the sailor lyrics are astounding!
Thank you, Jody, for putting all this in one place for us. Such good and true information and in a form that is enticing to even seasoned writers. You made me go….Oh I must try this, oh and this too…. Thank you. I need this.
There is so much goodness in this post, Jodi! May I add, reading poetry has been a gift to my prose as well as my poetry. The economy of words in a poem has taught me so much about imagery, phraseology (is that a word?) and composition. It’s been more of a subconscious process for me, I think, but reading your thoughts here I can see how these very points have taken shape in my prose.
Laura B. you are exactly right.....I should maybe consider a post about works of prose that have influenced my poetry. And phraseology is totally a word. May I add how lovely your prose is? Almost poetic, my friend.
I just came across this post. Thanks for mentioning my book, Jody. I'm so grateful to hear that it's helped inspire new writing for you! Reading more classic and contemporary poetry is definitely a crucial practice for any writer, at any stage - it's great that you're sharing lists of good starting points to help others along the way.
Steven, your book is so very inspirational, especially as I attempt to enlarge my own poetry writing practice with rhyme and meter styles. Happy to be part of sharing your wonderful work!
Your list is more or less my "currently reading" list, but thank you for the extensive suggestions—I've more to add on there now!
Right now I'm going through Guite's Singing Bowl. Really great stuff all around.
Wow. I’m a baby writer just finding my wings. I’ll be returning to this post often. Thank you.✨
Oh, you make me smile.....glad to offer some inspiration--I was exactly where you are not too many years ago. ((and thanks for the restack, Cathy).
This is great. Thank you.
This is so good for all writes, and as a poet & lit professor, I especially loved it! Thank you! Will share this.
These are some great tips for starting to write poetry Jody, whenever I'm lacking inspiration or finding my own writing dull and repetitive I only have to open one of the many poetry books I've collected and over the last few years and I'm instantly inspired and humbled. Just today I picked up "Wessex Poems" by Thomas Hardy and I'm already taking notes!
And thank you for mentioning me, to think my writing could inspire others delights me more than words can say.
Thomas, your comment reminds me of something I heard Scott Cairns say once in an interview, that when he sits down at his desk to write he makes sure his 'friends' are there, i.e. his many volumes of poetry.
And Thomas Hardy--there's a classic. Thank you for mentioning that-there's so much great inspiration out there, yours included-the sailor lyrics are astounding!
I will be printing off this list. Thank you!
Yay--that's exactly why I made it! You're welcome.
I'm honored that you've included me alongside such gifted poets, Jody!
Of course, Mark! Your work is an inspiration.
Aw, shucks ...
So well said, Jody. And you've added to my poetry TBR pile!
Happy to oblige, my poetic friend :-)
Thank you, Jody, for putting all this in one place for us. Such good and true information and in a form that is enticing to even seasoned writers. You made me go….Oh I must try this, oh and this too…. Thank you. I need this.
Ahhhh... happy to inspire. The feeling is completely mutual, my friend.
There is so much goodness in this post, Jodi! May I add, reading poetry has been a gift to my prose as well as my poetry. The economy of words in a poem has taught me so much about imagery, phraseology (is that a word?) and composition. It’s been more of a subconscious process for me, I think, but reading your thoughts here I can see how these very points have taken shape in my prose.
Laura B. you are exactly right.....I should maybe consider a post about works of prose that have influenced my poetry. And phraseology is totally a word. May I add how lovely your prose is? Almost poetic, my friend.
😘
I decided to start with you. I recently ordered your book and am looking forward to its arrival.
Matthew, I am honored that I've been able to inspire you to make friends with poetry. How happy that makes me!