Writing Poetry for Everyday Life
"Poetry is just the evidence of life," says Leonard Cohen. "If your life is burning well, poetry is just...
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Aug 13, 2009
Sarah Joyce
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The first thing I noticed about Writing the Life Poetic when I opened up my package was the beautiful cover. Already, before even opening the book up to the first page, my senses were heightened by the brilliant designs and colors. When I ran my fingers over the cover of the book I was pleasantly surprised by the raised designs (especially on the back cover) and the raised text. Just holding the book was a poetic experience. Then I opened it – Wow! I was struck by the contrast between the bright
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Apr 28, 2011
T.L.
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Writing the Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read & Write Poetry examines poetry’s role in life. Cohen discusses how we use poetry to define life and life to define poetry. She makes poetry accessible to everyone no matter what their background. Topics cover a wide gambit including finding inspiration to write poetry, submitting one’s work, and how to read poetry without feeling intimidated. Most chapters contain exercises to help aspiring poets find their voices and create poems. Writing the Life
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Apr 28, 2009
Shawn
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The following review appears in the March/April 2009 edition of the Colonygram, the newsletter of the Oregon Writers Colony:
WIDE EXPANSE: THE POETIC CANVAS OF SAGE COHEN
While reading Sage Cohen’s guide to creating poetry, Writing the Life Poetic, I saw a bridge open up before me, crossing the Willamette River into western Portland. I was on one side, ruminating about my literary insecurities, my smooth poems and the many that, to put it politely, needed work More...
WIDE EXPANSE: THE POETIC CANVAS OF SAGE COHEN
While reading Sage Cohen’s guide to creating poetry, Writing the Life Poetic, I saw a bridge open up before me, crossing the Willamette River into western Portland. I was on one side, ruminating about my literary insecurities, my smooth poems and the many that, to put it politely, needed work More...
Jul 23, 2010
Amy
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Wonderful tips for a beginning poet, as well as prompts for a practiced poet. This is a good reference book for getting back to the basics of why we write poetry. It is a thorough look at all aspects of writing poetry: from starting out, to publishing, to bringing a project to fruition. It is peppered with great poems that introduce the subject of the chapter at hand. And the illustrations are whimsical and fun. I highly recommend it. I will use it in the classroom as well.
May 10, 2009
Jon
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I never thought that embellishing my everyday could be this much fun! The poet-making 'baby-steps' revealed by Sage Cohen are every one inviting and worthwhile on their own. She's a master of play and perception. I expect this book to be a delight for years to come. The collage of text and fanciful illustration make it a good one for those daily private minutes. You know, like when you're falling asleep. :~)
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Jun 11, 2010
Sandra
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This book started me back on the road of writing poetry, after more than half my life of not writing in this medium. Sage is a great teacher. And I am using this book daily. It is not just a book to read, it is a workbook as well.
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Apr 17, 2011
Crystal
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Just starting this book. (along with the 50 others I have...) I'm looking forward to continue soaking in this book a little bit day by day. It's a "working book" which means you don't just read it.
Feb 03, 2011
Lori
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This book is actually great not only for writing, to get your brain juices flowin' but also great if you have artist block too! Very Thought Provoking.
Apr 29, 2011
Nancy
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This is a how to book that is hard to put down. How does that happen????
Sage is brilliant, funny, lovely, informative, infectious, if she were a man I'd propose.
About the book.... Each, fun, short chapter, is full of ideas, suggestions, quotes, sample poems, and encouragement for those who want to write poetry, for those who write poetry but want to do it better, or even for those who write it well and need a new bag of tricks.
Sage's love for poetry and her desire to help others l More...
Sage is brilliant, funny, lovely, informative, infectious, if she were a man I'd propose.
About the book.... Each, fun, short chapter, is full of ideas, suggestions, quotes, sample poems, and encouragement for those who want to write poetry, for those who write poetry but want to do it better, or even for those who write it well and need a new bag of tricks.
Sage's love for poetry and her desire to help others l More...
Mar 04, 2010
Traci
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I am only about 1/2 way through, but I love this book. I borrowed form a friend first and then ended up buying my own copy. The writing is great; the exercises are wonderful and the book is even beautifully laid out with wonderful drawings and poetry.
Dec 08, 2009
Jessica
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Writing the Life Poetic is a very comprehensive guide to life as a poet. In eighty short chapters, Sage Cohen breaks down everything from nurturing creativity to publishing. As a young, emerging poet, I appreciate the multiple writing prompts and advice included in each chapter. Sage Cohen covers technique with plenty of examples from established poets. This book was a good resource for both finding and creating new poetry. The cover is beautiful; the layout is accessible and exciting. I highly
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Aug 12, 2010
Nina
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An excellent book for beginning writers. Many good, varied suggestions for jump-starting writing.
May 25, 2009
Laura
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Sage Cohen does a great job bringing poetry to life for new, aspiring and established poets. Writing The Life Poetic is for poets and non-poets alike. I had the honor of recently interviewing Sage Cohen, which you can read at: http://laurareviews.blogspot.com/2009/04...
Nov 22, 2009
Julie
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Short chapters with fun exercises at the end. Interesting to read and easy to understand.
Mar 12, 2010
The design of this book is lovely. (Thank you, underpaid Chinese printers!) I like the author's tone -- so many writing craft books designed for course use are condescending or smug. I'm not far enough in to know whether this book is the one I've been seeking.
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