My work is primarily traditionally published, and I’ve worked with a number of editors at several small, medium-sized and large publishing houses (think Random House, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). Each editor has his/her/their way of working with an author. Over the years I’ve learned that if I can meet their needs a good portion of the time the whole process moves along pretty smoothly. Of course, there may be the unexpected catastrophe—an imprint folds, and editor leaves and your manuscript is … Read More »

Many definitions of the word Poem include phrases like condensed language or heightened language, and refer to patterning through the use of rhyme, rhythm, or other literary devices. I do love condensed poems with musical, or heightened language. And I love rhythm, and even rhyme (when it’s done well). But I think there is also a place for the messier, rambling poem that shirks patterning—for a sense of being unsettled. Why? Because in such poems we often meet voices that … Read More »

Back when I used to do a lot of school visits one school told me about a habit of its principal. He would randomly interrupt a classroom with a funny sign that said, “Poetry Break!” Then he’d read a short poem to the kids. All the kids looked forward to his short visit wondering if their class would be the one to benefit each day. What a great idea! We can do something similar to introduce kids and grandkids to … Read More »

Are you up for a challenge? Englynion (plural of englyn) are a form of poetry from Wales. It has an ancient history and over the centuries has evolved into multiple variations. These involve counting syllables, a standardized rhyme pattern and occasionally something called a cynghanedd (a pattern creating harmony). But not all forms require the cynghanedd. (BTW: please don’t ask me to pronounce many of these terms.)  Writing a poem using englyn as a form can be difficult. But, as … Read More »

In February and March I addressed good openings for almost any kind of writing here at the FWA blog. And in April we meandered in the middle of poems. So now, let’s talk about how to nail the perfect ending to a poem. (I apologize in advance if this turns out to be a bit of a rant. Bad endings to good poems drive me crazy!) Perhaps the most egregious crime of bad poetry is when the poet tries to … Read More »

In February and March I addressed good openings for almost any kind of writing here at the FWA blog. Now, we come to the more difficult bit for most of us. Once you’ve invited your readers in, what are you going to serve them? Stale crackers and old cheese are just not going to cut it. I’ve done a bit of research on this, as well as a lot of thinking. (When I can unfreeze the little gray cells this … Read More »