This is a collection of essays I’ve written on various topics related to writing poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. There’s even some poetry prompts for the brave among you. You’ll notice I write about revision a lot. Just my way of trying to figure it out – and motivate myself. New essays will be added as they are written. Some of the essays were posted on my poetry journal website, Gyroscopereview.com. I have a lot to say. Check back for more!
How to Organize Your Poetry into a Chapbook
Methods of Creating Visual Poetry
Follow the Guidelines to Success
There’s a (Better) Title Out There
Listening to Poetry vs. Reading Poetry – Part I
Listening to Poetry vs. Reading Poetry – Part II
Why I Don’t Write Political Poetry
Staying Afloat in a Writing Ocean
Sink the Shot and Save the Poem
A Poet, A Notebook, and A Pencil Walk Into a Bar…
Digging Weeds From the Story Garden
Ignoring Writing Advice (Part 1)
On Berating My Obstinacy and Resolving to Try Something Different (Part 2)
Villanelle – A Racy Import With An Interesting Form
Free Verse Is Not a Free For All
What Doesn’t Kill You – Makes for a Great Revenge Story
When I Want Your Advice I’ll Research It
One More Time Through the Grinder
Poem Analysis – Taming the Wild Verse
Post-Thanksgiving Poetry Prompts
5 Prompts to Kick Off Poetry Month
5 Places to Get Your Poetry Fix Online
Final Five Prompts for Poetry Month
Fragment Friday – The Poetry Forms Edition
Fragment Friday – The Found Poem Edition
Lessons Gleaned From Writing (Or Not Writing) Poetry
Writing, and Not Writing, Lots of Questions
Poem Evolution – Tackling the PAD Challenge
Strengthening Poetry – Revisiting Revision
Self-Inflicted Wounds – Revising Poetry, Part I
Telling Little Stories – Revising Poetry, Part II
Wanted: Map to My Thought Process
Short Stories, Chainsaws, and Rewrites
Where Do You Get Your Ideas-Part XII, or Egregious Pilfering 201
Contemplating William Stafford
Revising Poems for Fun and Profit PART I
Poem Development, Part II: Borrowing and Stealing
Poem Development – Part I: Research, It’s Not Just For Scientists Anymore.