Thursday, March 25, 2010

POETRY

Thursday, March 25, 2010

I have stated before that I would like to have at least one poem published this year. I have been writing many poems. Some okay, some very bad. None of them are great. After reading many poems from on-line poetry mags, I realize that I have a lot of work to do. The other day while I was at the book store, I made it to the poetry section in search of how-to books. The poetry section was very small. I was able to find only one how-to book.

The Complete Idiot's Guide To Writing Poetry by Nikki Moustaki. For a guide for idiot's, the book is full of helpful information. There are many fun exercises and a lot of good advice on how to write and not write poetry. There is a chapter that tells you the best way to get a poem published.

I am hoping that this book helps me out. I am on the look out for more how-to books that might prove to be more helpful. Do you use how-to or self-help books? Do you find them to be helpful?

SIS BJ aka Aleena Ravenwood

13 comments:

Tori Lennox said...

Some how-to books are better than others. But I find the Idiots' and Dummies' guides to be good for understanding basic information on whatever subject you need to learn. :)

SIS BJ said...

Hi Tori

I find that they keep them simple and fun, which is a plus. I hate to be bored while reading, even if it is about learning something.

Chris Behrens said...

Let's take a look at the old bookshelf...."Feng Shui for Dummies", "The Complete Idiots Guide to Celtic Wisdom", "Tarot Made Easy", and "Meditation for Dummies". Yeah, I'd say we use self-help books ;)

I agree with Tori, as some books simply repeat the same things you already knew and offer nothing new or insightful, while others are better and more in-depth.

SIS BJ said...

Hi Chris

I have the Celtic Wisdom book as well. Of course, I could make a library out of all the Celtic books I own.

Chris Behrens said...

BJ,

I'm working on it, but I have very little room left for books!

SIS BJ said...

Chris

I know what you mean. I wish I had a room just for books!

Chris Behrens said...

BJ,

A whole room would be a good start. I was thinking more along the lines of a library!

Elle J Rossi said...

BJ,

I have several books on the how to of writing. Some have been incredibly helpful while others have left me a tad bored. I like the ones that give me assignments.

Also, look up online classes. Sometimes they are only about $20 for a months worth of lessons.

SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi

SIS BJ said...

Hi Barb

Thanks for the tip. I didn't think of that.

Beth Ciotta said...

Hi BJ,

I am a HUGE fan of 'how to' books. I own several on the craft of writing. I also own several 'research' books. A couple of those are "The Idiots Guide To..." books. I think they're great. The information is helpful and concise.

As far as other 'How To' books on poetry... did you search Amazon.com yet? Here's a link to a book there and you can search for others as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Life-Poetic-Invitation-Poetry/dp/1582975574/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269557524&sr=1-2

Happy writing!
SIS Beth

SIS BJ said...

Hi Beth

I have a one on my Amazon wish list. I'll check out the others. I'm glad I'm not the only one with "Idiots" books. I love them.

Sisters-in-Sync said...

BJ,

I have a few How-to books on photography and I found them to be quite helpful. I agree with Barb, I liked the ones that gave me assignments.

Good luck with your poetry and I'm cheering for you to get a poem published this year. I know you can.

SIS Bren

SIS BJ said...

Hi Bren

Thankyou for the good wishes.

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