For this week, let’s just do a free write. First, think of the weather. Right now, where you are. Write about it, write it all down. Then think of your mood. Basically, how are you feeling today. Simple.
Let’s look at the two. How do they relate? Are they totally unrelated? See what comes out of that.
Ann Arbor, Summer 2003
It has been rainy, grey, and windy here all day. Until sunset, which was actually quite pretty after the rain. So here is your writing prompt: write a poem or piece of flash either about a sunset or that takes place during a sunset. But the challenge is to make it not cheesy.
Good luck and happy Friday!
Florence, August 2008
Since I have been flexing my prose writing muscles all week, I thought I would share a poetry writing prompt. One of my favorites is to pick a person, it can be yourself, a friend, a fictional character. Then write poem describing that person. But, you have to describe that persona entirely in opposites. For example, if I chose myself, I might write “I am not tall,” or “I never…” This prompt is a great way to think of new way to describe characters in poetry and prose.
Quote of the Day:
“We all write poems; it is simply that poets are the ones who write in words.”- John Fowles, The French Lieutenant’s Woman
Sunset in New Orleans, May 2010
After several poetry workshops and many assigned readings, I have determined that the chapbook is the perfect way to publish a collection of poetry. What is a chapbook? Typically, it is a short, published book of under 48 or so pages. They are usually not “perfect” bound like the paperbacks in bookstores. Instead, they are often stapled or even bound by hand. They can anything from a simple pamphlet to a beautifully crafted work of art.
Why do I think they are perfect for poetry? Because they are shorter collections then a full length book of poetry, the chapbook collection is just the right size for a reader. Reading 15-20 poems is much more pleasant and digestible compared to sitting down to read 100 pages of poems. Also, I believe that often they can be stronger then a full length collection, as the include the very best of a poets work. There are no “filler” poems in these small collections. Many publishers have chapbook contests to publish the works of first-time authors, so they are a great way to get your first publication.They are easier to produce for small presses that do not have the budget for large books. In addition, chapbook publishers take great pride in creating works of art in their chapbooks, often hand producing them.
Therefore, I am going to feature a chapbook or chapbook publisher review once a week here on my blog. If you are a publisher or writer with a chapbook you wish to be reviewed, please contact me.
Remember, even if your boyfriend stole your last black and mild, it’s Friday!
