How to Write Poetry

by Nancy Bogen, Laurie E. Rozakis

An update of the classic guide that will bring out the poet in you!

Genres: Poetry, Writing, Nonfiction

150 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 1990

Reviews

[Karen]

The first few chapters were not especially helpful, but once you reach the examples of the styles of poetry, this book does become more useful. In fact, this book could form an excellent class on how to READ poetry.

[Rick Jackofsky]

I picked this up at the library book sale for a quarter, so I can't complain too much. I got more than my money's worth. It is a college level workbook with a nice introduction by Harvey Shapiro. Throughout the book there are brief descriptions and histories of various styles of poetry, from Old English verse to free verse. Unfortunately the short section on haiku perpetuates the common 5-7-5 misconception. Written in 1991 and revised in 1998 some of it was outdated; references to computer program etc. Also no index is a minus for me.

[Jenny T]

I like how it's broken into steps, but it's way too easy for adults (brainstorm words associated with lipstick, for example). I don't like how the book didn't go into types or genres of poem (limerick, rhyming, acrostic, etc.). I recommend adding information about literary devices. I only really got through the first chapter before I returned it to the library.

[Gisela]

The first few chapters were a bit hokey and old-fashioned but once she started talking about traditional verse forms, rhyme etc, I found this so enlightening, especially in revealing how the skill of Shakespeare (and other greats) is in avoiding strict adherence to rules of, say iambic pentameter. And I also liked the way she discussed and explained Free verse.

[Scott Whitney]

There is a lot of good information in this book. There are also some good exercises which got my students writing. The one downside I found was in the forms which it mentioned on the cover. There were not as many as I had hoped.

[Sandra]

No like I expected!

[Joan Case]

I have read and re-read this book three times. I now use it as a reference book, researching techniques and gathering inspiration for my writing. And excellent book.

[Stu]

Bogen provides a set of tools for beginner poets in her book. Great for helping new poets to start their journey!

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Respectfully,
Stuart Moss

[J Crossley]

This book provides the basics of writing poetry. It doesn't go into depth, but it is a good overview.