Lessons from a Desperado Poet

by Baxter Black

99 tips from America's Cowboy Poet on how to carve a living out of thin air and live with yourself while you do it

Part memoir, part how-to, all Baxter Black, Lessons from a Desperado Poet is a humorous, witty take on making a living by doing the right thing and trying everything. According to Baxter Black, success “does not require a genius; it just requires the persistence of a glacier. Remember, often it’s not ability that gets you ahead, it’s reliability. The world is run by those who show up.”

A mind-tickling romp through the formation, fermentation, and fruition of the author’s career as a poet in a country where publishing poetry is “practically illegal,” Lessons from a Desperado Poet boldly injects a poem now and again when it is relevant, just to prove a point! It’s instructional for the entrepreneur, inspirational for the ambitious, and entertaining for the teeming masses.

Since it is also a story of continuously overcoming the odds, Lessons from a Desperado Poet leaves a trail of self-improvement and motivational tortilla crumbs that readers will follow with delight—before, that is, squirreling them away in their own cerebral pockets for later use.

 

232 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2011

About the author

Baxter Black (January 10, 1945 – June 10, 2022) was an American cowboy poet and veterinarian. He wrote over 30 books of poetry, fiction—both novels and children's literature—and commentary, selling over two million books, CDs, and DVDs.

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Funny, but not as funny as I'd hoped. More of a self help book for writers. I think I'll stick to his recorded commentary from now on. He died just a few weeks ago and I always loved to hear him on NPR back in the day. Better speaker than writer...at least on this book.

[Jewel_louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up reading Baxter Black books from his poetry to his highly amusing stories. He was and always will be one of my favorite authors. This book did not let me down in the slightest. Baxter has balanced this book perfectly with snippets of stories from his life and helpful tips for anyone needing self assurance on tackling the world of being their own boss.

[Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweetly rendered tales of trial and triumph from cowboy poet and humorist Baxter Black. Life lessons abound told in a folksy, accessible way.

[Beth Jasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun memoir filled with advice and anecdotes, with cowboy and poet themes.