Category Archives: Poetry
Strong as Death
Filed under Books to Purchase, Poetry
Dana Gioia Interview
Another Federalist Radio House piece if you are interested: a Dana Gioia Interview, speaking on the enchantment of poetry and American Literary Culture. I appreciate how he points out that so often we are trained to write in ways that people no longer read resulting in the paradox that so many are “paid to profess poetry,” but so often poets write to other poets rather than the public.
Is writing just for writers? Who do you write for? Or, when you encourage others, what are you encouraging them toward?
Filed under As Christian Writers, Poetry, Writer's Life
Sonnet Sudoku
Hildegard wrote a perfect post for April and National Poetry Month! (Should I say “International” since she lives in Canada?) Teasing about torturing your brain for fun, she suggests that crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and even Lumosity can be a gateway drug to juggling words and, gasp, secretly enjoying structural rules!
Filed under Poetry
Poetry Books for Kids
I want this blog to encourage writing, but I can’t help but think encouraging reading can be included. And, well, I’m at home with my many children, so my thoughts often turn to them. So, since this is National Poetry Month and there is poetry for kids, too, today’s post lists some of the poetry books for kids that I use.
Solace from Words
During National Poetry Month, I’ll scatter a few posts on poetry. Here I would like to highlight a particularly poignant poetess: Michelle Swope. Her book, Through Time’s Looking Glass: A Book of Poetry, aims to share solace from words. Continue reading
Filed under As Christian Writers, Poetry
Living Lutheran Poets & Hymnists
It’s April! National Poetry Month! So now I can debut my list of Living Lutheran Poets & Hymnists for my expanding living Lutheran author page. Please let me know additional names or places to purchase (a few of these seem to have books out of print). Here they are: Living Lutheran Poets & Hymnists!
Spring Poetry
Spring has come. Why not celebrate with a little spring poetry (whether it’s rainy, sunny, bright or blue!)? Since April is National Poetry Month, maybe the next few days can be a time to plan ahead a little. Think about your favorite poets or consider a foreign—or feigning poet—to read! Or you could think about a way to incorporate poetry into your writing, whether you are into haiku Tuesday or not.
Filed under Poetry, Writing Tips
National Poetry Month & Contest
This April marks the 20th anniversary of National Poetry Month. To celebrate, let’s gather up the names (and books, if possible) of living Lutheran poets & hymnists. Send them to me by comment or Facebook, and I’ll add them to my Lutheran Authors page in April. And, for now, here’s a little writing exercise (for you grownups) and a writing contest for homeschooled kiddos ages 7-19. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA for short) has three creative angles that will be sure to be a lot of fun, whatever your age.
Filed under Contests, Poetry, Writing Exercises
Hymn Idea
One of the things I like about poetry is the ability to spin around a single focus-point. Writing hymns can be even more satisfying as we can integrate biblical imagery and integrate texts! I lost my notes for it, but one idea I had for the Reformation hymn contest was to write about Christ, our Rock, and I am sharing the idea, fleshed out a little, with you! Continue reading
Filed under As Theological Writers, Hymns, Poetry, Shared Writing Ideas
Rhymes Old-School and New
I started to write when I was young. I’d write poetry when I should have been listening to math lessons or I’d scribble away in the last few minutes of class.
When I got a little older, I’d write the alphabet vertically down the far right side of my wide-lined paper and I would inwardly curse because I’d skip the first few lines at the top for some random aesthetic appeal and I’d have to write XYZ on the same line. Every time. Because: teenager.
But I liked the pattern of starting to write. Centering the page, writing the alphabet, and starting from a place of confidence: “I know my letters. I know my words. Let’s put something together!” Continue reading
Filed under Hymns, Poetry, Wordplay, Writing Tools