Friday Finds for Writers

Treasure ChestWriting-related resources, news, and reflections to enjoy over the weekend.

  • One year later: Remember Richard Blanco’s poem for President Obama’s second inauguration? Did you know that Blanco would have preferred reading another poem he wrote for the occasion?
  • I love this essay by A. Papatya Bucak: “An Address to My Fellow Faculty Who Have Asked Me to Speak About My Work.” (It’s part of the new issue of Brevity.)
  • Sandra Beckwith suggests “7 Things You Can Do to Promote Your Book As Soon As You Finish the First Draft.”
  • There’s much in Lisa Romeo’s post “Poetry for Prose Writers” that resonates with me–especially concerning the influence of my MFA experience on expanding my comfort level with contemporary poetry.
  • And for your weekend viewing/listening pleasure: video from the “hangout” featuring Margaret Atwood and Alice Munro (some rough techno-patches, but of course delightful overall). (h/t @JewishFictioNet)
  • Have a wonderful weekend.

    12 thoughts on “Friday Finds for Writers

    1. Lisa Romeo says:

      Thanks for the mention, Erika, and I’m glad to know my post resonated with you. I’m actually thinking of signing up for an online poetry class, as I believe you once did. Suggestions?

      1. Erika Dreifus says:

        Hi, Lisa–I’ve actually taken four poetry classes online. The first two were with Matthew Lippman via Gotham, and the next two were with Sage Cohen, who was running courses independently at the time. Keep us posted on your progress!

        1. Lisa Romeo says:

          Thanks Erika – Sage was already on my list, and now I will add Lippman’s Gotham class to check out.

      2. CD Mitchell says:

        The article resonated with me as well. I left a comment on your blog. Your workshop technique is one I intend to use!

    2. Phyl says:

      Thanks very much, Erika. This is such a great list; I had to devour it right away. It threw my morning plans off a bit but it was worth it.

    3. CD Mitchell says:

      The Romeo article has been shared everywhere i can share it. Once again, another gem you have graciously shared. Thank you!
      CD

      1. Lisa Romeo says:

        Thanks so much, CD, for your enthusiasm and for sharing my post!

    4. Erika Dreifus says:

      Phyl & CD: Thanks so much for the enthusiastic responses!

    5. Thanks for the great resources! I especially enjoyed Lisa’s post regarding the benefits of reading (and writing) poetry. I think I may have been persuaded to reconsider my avoidance of poetry…

      1. Erika Dreifus says:

        Wow, Lisa’s post has really struck a chord. Thanks for letting us know!

    6. Myra says:

      Earlier in the week I was watching a video of Richard Blanco reading his poem at the inauguration. For some reason he was on my mind. He’s a good poet and I am happy to have discovered him.

      1. Erika Dreifus says:

        Myra, I had the opportunity to meet him (and have him sign a copy of the inauguration poem) at last year’s AWP conference. A happy moment.

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