Is it any good? Acclaimed poet and teacher Jack Ridl says others often ask him, “Is my poem any good?” He answers "It's likely we all worry about that, or at least worry about embarrassing ourselves with what we’ve written. I like to ask my poems if they are effective. Then I ask 'effective in what way/s?'" Useful questions to ask your poem: Jack offers some other ("more useful?") questions to … [Read more...]
What, Why, How: Janice Eidus
What: In second grade, I proudly wrote my very first poem; it celebrated New York City where I lived: “I love the city/ It is so pretty.” My desire back then was to grow up to become a writer of all genres: poet, playwright, short story writer, and novelist. As a young teen, I wrote plays and fiction about happy families – the opposite of my own -- as well as short “novels” about imaginary … [Read more...]
Three Sheets to the Wind: A Pirate Jamboree
Avast, ye hearties! Hurricane Florence forced us to reschedule our September visit to Ocracoke Island, NC to October, but lucky us, that's when the annual Pirate Jamboree was held. We got to partake in two days of swashbuckling good fun! Ocracoke Island is a narrow strip of sand largely controlled by the National Park Service. The only way on or off the island is by boat, ferry or small … [Read more...]
What, Why, How: Jack Ridl
What: I have been trying to write poems that evoke poetry for 51 years. I have also written essays, lots of blurbs, and every Thursday since the 2016 election a commentary with an appropriate poem. [In Time: Poems against the present administration] For 38 years I was a college teacher, all at the same college. Since retiring I have continued teaching One on One sessions and a monthly workshop in … [Read more...]
Finish the damn book ~ Jacquelyn Mitchard
Did you know 97% of books started are never finished? I am fortunate to have finished and published one book, but I'm beginning to worry that the next may never be done. Fortunately I met up again with one of my literary heroes at Springfed Arts Lost Lake Writer's Retreat in October, who gave me the encouragement and inspiration I needed. Years ago, Jacquelyn Mitchard critiqued the opening of my … [Read more...]
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