"Maybe you're one of those people who writes poems, but rarely reads them. Let me put this as delicately as I can: if you don't read, your writing is going to suck."
Kim Addonizio
I read poetry every day of my life.
Every day.
There are poetry books scattered within my house. In fact, it is difficult to not be within an arms reach of a poetry collection.
Think about why a writer would do this:
- Poems may be read and enjoyed quickly.
- Poems often tell a complete story.
- If I don’t find value in a poem, I haven’t invested a lot of time to figure out my distaste.
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge reportedly said, ““Prose = words in their best order; — poetry = the best words in the best order.” I would agree with his assertion that poets know how to make the most of the fewest words through excellent usage of the language. For this reason alone, all writers ought have more poetry in their lives.
- Perhaps you are one of those writers who is also a poetry hater. You do not want to read, hear or even think the word “poetry”. In that case, please – please, read a page or two of something daily and consider strongly the suggestions below.
Questions:
What was the last book you read from start to finish?
What is a book, any book, that has had a lasting impact on your life?
How has that book impacted your writing?
What books are on your TBR (to be read) list? Which will you read next?
Lists:
Make a list of 5 to 10 of the most influential books in your life.
Which one is the most recent?
Make a list of 5 to 10 of the most influencial writers in your life.
What book of these authors have you read the most recently?
Traditional Writing Prompt:
I love to read....
I wish I would read more....
I would read more if....
Challenge:
Study the lives of your favorite authors: take your top three authors and study each one for a month. Read biography, memoir, articles, poems, books they have written, letters and diaries - whatever you can get your hands on. Feel as if you are getting to know your writer friend intimately.
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Julie Jordan Scott inspires people to experience artistic rebirth via her programs, playshops, books, performances and simply being herself out in the world. She is a writer, creative life coach, speaker, performance poet, Mommy-extraordinaire and mixed-mediaartist whose Writing Camps and Writing Playgrounds permanently transform people's creative lives. Watch for the announcement of new programs coming in early Summer and beyond.
To contact Julie to schedule a Writing or Creative Life Coaching Session, call or text her at 661.444.2735
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