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11th out of 23 books
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10 voters
Ordinary Genius: A Guide for the Poet Within
Inspired by the gratifying success of Companion, Kim Addonizio presents exciting new insights into the creative process, craft, and the lessons of her own creative subjects--love, loss, identity, community--are here, along with a heady variety of writing exercises (and innovative ways to use the Internet). Chapters on gender, race, and class challenge readers to explore th...more
Paperback, 311 pages
Published
February 16th 2009
by W. W. Norton & Company
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Words as Tools
Addonizio, Kim (2009). Ordinary genius: A guide for the poet within. New York: W.W.Norton.
Poet Addonizio describes her process of creating poetry, supplemented with description of other possible methods, and plenty of fine examples of poetry. There are good discussions of how to observe keenly, working with metaphor and humor, making use of fairy tales and myths, mastering meter, and the process of revision. It’s all solid, well-articulated advice, none of it too simple for even th...more
Addonizio, Kim (2009). Ordinary genius: A guide for the poet within. New York: W.W.Norton.
Poet Addonizio describes her process of creating poetry, supplemented with description of other possible methods, and plenty of fine examples of poetry. There are good discussions of how to observe keenly, working with metaphor and humor, making use of fairy tales and myths, mastering meter, and the process of revision. It’s all solid, well-articulated advice, none of it too simple for even th...more
I've read (and loved) all of Ms. Addonizio's books and this is, by far, one of my favorites. She does cover some of the basics of poetry writing, but also delves into the deeper side of poetry with some fabulous examples - delicious tidbits thrown in by awesome poets like Sharon Olds, Billy Collins, Susan Browne, Lucille Clifton and Tony Hoagland to name just a few. The book is also overflowing with shimmering, thought-provoking quotes by other poets and writers. I wrote several in my "favorite...more
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There's a lot to like in this guide to writing poetry, and I took a lot of notes. My lightbulb moment was when Addonizio explained something about meter that has always eluded me. Being someone for whom the "music" of a poem is supremely important, I have always wanted to fully understand metrical conventions but never quite got it. This book blew me away with the simple explanation of the role that meter plays in the *meaning* of a poem: it contributes a compelling tension by the juxtaposition...more
Jan 18, 2010
Geraldine
marked it as to-read
I want to get this and Ted Kooser's how-to-write-poetry-book and put them together on the shelf, just to make Ted really uncomfortable around Kim.
Inspired by the gratifying success of Companion, Kim Addonizio presents exciting new insights into the creative process, craft, and the lessons of her own creative subjects--love, loss, identity, community--are here, along with a heady variety of writing exercises (and innovative ways to use the Internet). Chapters on gender, race, and class challenge readers to explore their creative vision more deeply, Addonizio, hailed for her passionate, award-winning poetry, shares her breakthroughs and fru...more
Nov 06, 2009
Pr0crastinatrix
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
poets serious about writing poetry
This is a must-have for the serious poet. It provides some phenomenal writing excercises for those who have found their voice and style, but are seeking an injection of inspiration.
The tone is almost conversational; definitely as far from pedantic as one can get in the "how to" genre. It includes some great lines (and full poems) from several of the masters, yet not in a manner that discourages the reader or promotes an "I'll never get this" attitude.
The tone is almost conversational; definitely as far from pedantic as one can get in the "how to" genre. It includes some great lines (and full poems) from several of the masters, yet not in a manner that discourages the reader or promotes an "I'll never get this" attitude.
I really needed to read this book at this time in my life. I was starting to become doubtful, restless, and frustrated with my poetry, and my future as a poet.
This is a rather organic book that doesn't rely on quick fix- type solutions or ways to write poems. Addonizio instead writes of poetry as a journey, a winding road that is unpredictable and always informed by the passion and discipline that the writer brings to it. The writing exercises that she provides are excellent ways to begin those...more
This is a rather organic book that doesn't rely on quick fix- type solutions or ways to write poems. Addonizio instead writes of poetry as a journey, a winding road that is unpredictable and always informed by the passion and discipline that the writer brings to it. The writing exercises that she provides are excellent ways to begin those...more
This is an excellent book on poetry. It has wonderful exercises to foster writing and interesting expositions on art and craft. It is written in a lyrical style that draws one into its pages and keeps one coming back to learn more. The book is inspirational and helped me begin writing creatively after a long time in a blocked state.
I highly recommend this book to poets looking to improve their writing and other writers looking for creative inspiration.
I highly recommend this book to poets looking to improve their writing and other writers looking for creative inspiration.
I read this book to prepare for teaching poetry in an Intro to Creative Writing class. The generative exercises and discussions of craft are somewhat useful, but best of all is the material on revision. I read through a half-dozen poetry craft books in a desperate search for craft essays that would convince students of the importance of revision. Found it here. Particularly helpful chapters for helping students learn how to undertake large-scale revision of their poems (such a difficult thing to...more
I really like The Poet's Companion, but this book seems much more basic, more for beginners than TPC. If you're just looking to start writing poetry or have been for a few months or so, then this book is a good place to start. If you've been at it for a few years though, The Poet's Companion is a much better read.
Kim Addonizio seems just quite cool indeed. This book is full of encouragement that doesn't seem fake and is directed toward a broad audience. I didn't hop out of bed and start writing after I read this, but that is probably my fault, and it may not be the book's intention. Anyway, it made me feel good.
Such an inspiring book! Kim Addonizio weaves her own personal story with her wisdom and knowledge of how to write good poetry. Such a down to earth poet and writer, this book is a great read. She also offers wonderful examples of good poetry and ideas to for both beginner and advanced writers to hone their skills. Wonderful book!
This was one of the textbooks for a poetry writing class I took. Although I am not generally a poetry person I did love this book. I still use it for inspiration and it is clearly well read. My classmates and I all agreed this is a very good book.
For advanced writers who are open to revising their work. I will use some of the exercises for my advanced poets who really want to improve. Kim's other book, The Poet's Companion, is one of my favorites as well.
Not quite as good as The Poet's Companion, which she co-wrote a dozen or more years ago, but still well worth the time. There's some good advice for poets and students alike to brush up on here.
Mar 31, 2013
Gary Singh
added it
Some timeless, usable insight into writing your way through life's problems, and hopefully, even writing your way out from some of those problems. Oh, and it's about poetry too.
This might be a good companion for someone just beginning to write poetry, or to become a reader of poetry. It felt a little juvenile at times and was less substantive than many other books on writing that I have enjoyed.
Super helpful and honest. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes writing and needs some guidance, especially in terms of revision, editing and craft.
For any poet or student of poetry ... this book is chalk full of writing prompts/strategies that encourage the process of writing poetry.
Jun 19, 2009
Jim
is currently reading it
Reading it in preparation for Kim's Summer poetry workshop. Kim is a lovely teacher and it comes out in her book as well as in person.
Includes some good language prompts, but I didn't love this as much as Poemcrazy or The Poetry Home Repair Manual.
For beginners. Almost too literary for those unaccustomed to writing, but too basic for veterans. Meh.
Fairly basic, but still it's Kim so you know the exercises will pop. Could be useful for teaching a workshop.
but it's back at the library -- must purchase my own copy! still haven't gotten one -- i knew there was something i forgot at the bookstore today!
Lots of good ideas for teaching poetry to creative writers
Feb 16, 2009
Allison
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
poets
Recommended to Allison by:
Norton
Shelves:
poetry
Great book about craft. This offers more of the heat tips from Poets Companion but goes futher. I loved it and will use some of the exercises for myself and some for my students!
Basically a big book of writing prompts. Totally useful if that's what you're looking for. I wished there'd been more nuanced discussion of the how of actually putting words and thoughts together (a la parts of The Poetry Home Repair Manual), but I did like the other poems she included as examples.
some really good writing prompts and exercises, but other than that more or less average for this kind of book.
Parts of this book is basic, some (well trained and/or clever poets ...) will probably find it too basic, but there is lots of very interesting stuff in between. Addonizio has a direct and intimate voice, giving the reader-writer useful and practical advices, and also - at least in my case - confidence. A great workbook - I like it!
http://omstreifer.wordpress.com/2013/...
http://omstreifer.wordpress.com/2013/...
I am loving this book! It offers not only practical advice to beginning writers, but also gives the seasoned poets a bit of inspiration. The exercises included are applicable to all levels. My favorite tidbit thus far is keeping a list of "new words" in my journal to expand my vocabulary. Now I am determined to use "hoick" "sobriquet" and "argosy" in a future poem.
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Kim Addonizio is the author of four poetry collections including Tell Me, A National Book Award Finalist. Her fifth collection, Lucifer at the Starlite, will be published by W.W. Norton in October 2009.
Addonizio has also authored two instructional books on writing poetry: The Poet's Companion (with Dorianne Laux), and Ordinary Genius: A Guide for the Poet Within, both from W.W. Norton.
Her first no...more
More about Kim Addonizio...
Addonizio has also authored two instructional books on writing poetry: The Poet's Companion (with Dorianne Laux), and Ordinary Genius: A Guide for the Poet Within, both from W.W. Norton.
Her first no...more
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“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.”
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