The Crafty Poet: A Portable Workshop

I've been following Diane Lockward's poetry blog/newsletter for several years, and I save each one into a folder on my computer with the intent of revisiting articles on craft, as well as writing suggestions and prompts. Notice I used the term "with the intent." Only occasionally have I taken the time to sort back through and find a prompt that intrigued me at the initial reading. I have purchased several craft books based on Lockward's recommendations, and each one has lived up to her comments. I also enjoy Lockward's poetry.The Crafty Poet places all of these tips and articles in one well-organized place. I have read it through several times, and have returned to specific prompts to stimulate my own writing.There are sample poems that follow the original prompt, interviews with poets about their poem, and good information on specific aspects of craft. This is not a book for beginning poets, but rather an advanced portable workshop. I see this book as filling a rather large gap in poetry writing books-the poet who is actively writing and publishing-with invaluable exercises and articles. In her intro, Lockward states that this book "assumes a fairly knowledgeable reader."The book is divided into 10 topical sections, such as Sound, Voice, Syntax, Revision. It would make an excellent gift for a poetry writer, and would be extremely useful in a poetry writing group. My critique group holds a writing retreat once or twice a year, and I've already flagged several prompts I want to suggest.

The Crafty Poet has 27 "craft tips" from established poets. For example, one tip offers ten suggestions for breaking lines in free verse. Organized by poetic concept into ten main sections, each tip is followed by a model poem, a prompt, and two sample poems. The samples include a variety of styles from contemporary voices across the US.This book is one of three purchased on behalf of Carteret Writers for a donation to our tri-county library. I'm not a poet, but I read portions of this book before taking it to the library. The pointers it gives on finding subjects for your own writing, such as taking just one tiny piece and expanding on it, are useful for all writers, not only poets. Fiction and nonfiction writers like me can also benefit from including the word music of poets in our own writing. Even though it is now in my library, I may buy my own copy.

I dislike most modern poetry.I like Shakespeare, Chaucer, Keats, et al, who employ rhyme and rhythm, who say meaningful things meaningfully. The examples are unpoetic, a bunch of J Pollocks of poetry. The exercises are interesting: the examples not. Art has shifted from nihilism to Beauty and Truth.When will poetry follow suit? Eg, this says something and pleasingly so--Death Sits By MeDeath sits by me on my bed,Afraid to let me rest my head?Or sure his power is ne'er so greatAs when I'm in this wearied state?Or is he there just to let me knowThat Time's fell sands do never slow?

I may give it five stars when I've worked with it a bit more. I like it very much, it has sparked my creativity, and I find I'm writing poetry, which is what the whole this is about. I highly recommend it. It's a better text than was used in a class I took.

I tried to get this free through the publisher's giveaway but when that failed I ran right over here to get a copy. I'm currently working my way through it but I have to say that it is definitely breaking through my recent writer's block.

Can't praise this book enough. It is a must for anyone wanting to be inspired to write poetry.

Fun workbook with great exercises; wonderful examples of poetry for guidance.It is helpful to me and I am enjoying it very much. It's stimulating so I want to keep workingat it.

This book has a spectacular array of model poems and information from poets on how they see the craft. It will get you writing and it will help you keep on writing poems.