Exposing Yourself to Narrative Poetry - Canadian Gothic-Style

Exposing Yourself to Narrative Poetry: Canadian Gothic-Style

Narrative poetry will always have a special place in my heart — it’s like two of my favorite things mushed together. Stories nourish our emotional lives, often mirroring our struggles and offering a safe place to feel sad or scared or, as in the poem I’ve picked, horrified. You’re welcome.  The Narrative Poem The poem… Read more »

The Poet’s Toolbox: Revision Strategies

The Poet’s Toolbox: Revision Strategies

Welcome back, poets! For me, revision has always been the hardest part of writing poetry. Should I cut lines out or add them in? Is the final line strong enough, or would the poem be served better by ending earlier? Is my title doing enough work? And how in the world do I know when… Read more »

Why All Writers Should Play around with Poetry

Why All Writers Should Play around with Poetry

Everyone should play around with poetry. Period.  Your hairdresser. The mail delivery person. The landscaper, the hummingbird feeder refill person. The person who diligently washes, folds and presses your socks.  And, for sure, writers should play around with poetry.  I’m talking to you, non-fiction writers. I’m talking to you, business and copywriter, you life coaches… Read more »

Line Breaks

The Poet’s Toolbox: Line Breaks

Hi, writers! I am so excited to debut my new column focusing on the craft of poetry. Let’s dive right in! Line breaks were one of the biggest challenges I faced when I first started writing poetry—knowing when to break a line, when to use short lines vs. long lines, and, perhaps most importantly, the… Read more »