Poetry Pop Shop: A Davon Ansley Poetry Collection

On Poetry Pop, you will periodically get posts titled Poetry Pop Shop, where I introduce some writer-ly or reader-ly items I think you might enjoy. Today, I am pleased to introduce you to Living…, a beautiful book of free-verse poetry by Davon Ansley.

Continue reading →

Official Poetry Pop Journals Now Available!

I am pleased to announce that we now have an official Poetry Pop Journal! Available in paperback and hardcover and two colors and finishes, it’s the perfect way to add a pop of poetry to your day! Record notes from the blog and keep your poetry tucked safely inside.

Continue reading →

Writing Down the Bones Deck #51 (Plus Death Poems)

The book Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg has been relished by writers in their practice for over 30 years. The author also created a deck of 60 cards, each with new topics on one side and a short lesson on the reverse.

Continue reading →

Best Holiday Gifts for Poets: Poetry Pop Shop

There are just 35 days until Christmas but you still plenty of time to shop online for the poet, reader, and writer in your life. I’ve gathered a handful of my favorite gift ideas that are sure to bring joy to the creative soul at Christmas time or any time.

Continue reading →

Celebrate National Poetry Month with “H Is For Haiku” (with lesson plan)

Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to H is For Haiku, a beautiful book on Haiku written by the late Sydell Rosenberg (1929-1996) published by Penny Candy Books. Syd was a charter member of the Haiku Society of America in 1968. She wrote and published her work over a literary career spanning roughly three decades. On this, the first day of National Poetry Month, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate! (And for dessert, we’ll be enjoying a mother-daughter haiku collaboration in a special book below by Syd and her daughter, Amy Losak.

Continue reading →

Poetry Pop Shop: Writing Down the Bones Deck

On Poetry Pop, you will periodically get posts titled, Poetry Pop Shop, where I introduce some fun writerly or readerly items I think you might enjoy.

The book, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg has been relished by writers in their practice for over 30 years. I recently came across a twist on the book—this deck of 60 cards, each with all new topics on one side and a short lesson on the reverse. Ms. Goldberg writes, “This is my wish for you: that you take these cards, grab the topic on one side and write, write, write . . . Remember no good or bad. Just words on the page.”

Continue reading →

Paint Chip Poetry: Colorful Wordplay

For the last decade I’ve attended an annual writer’s retreat by the ocean in Northern California where I gather with friends for inspiration, laughs, and writing. Each year, a friend, author, and artist I admire hosts a Paint Chip Poetry session. We dig into a pile of paint chips (you know those paper strips of paint colors from the hardware store) and write a poem in ten minutes based on a given prompt and the names of the chosen colors (unseen until timer starts).

Continue reading →

Poetry Pop Shop: The Crafty Poet

On Poetry Pop, you will periodically get posts titled, Poetry Pop Shop, where I introduce some fun writerly or readerly gadgets I think you might enjoy. Today, I want to share one of my favorite books on the craft with you. The Crafty Poet: A Portable Workshop by Diane Lockward is my go-to book when I need a little inspiration or poetry exercise.

Continue reading →