8 Poetry Chapbooks that Make Perfect Stocking Stuffers
The holiday season is a time for thoughtful gifts, and what could be more personal and inspiring than poetry? Chapbooks—small, portable collections of poems—are an ideal choice for stocking stuffers. Their compact size and diverse themes make them a unique
How to Write a Great First Draft
For many writers and poets, the first draft can be the most intimidating part of the process. First drafts are often messy and sometimes radically different from the poem you envisioned (and the poem you’ll eventually end up with). But
Write Fresh Poetry Inspired by Winter Scents
Winter is a season of sensory magic, and its smells are among its most evocative elements. From the crisp air of a snowy morning to the warm, spicy scent of cloves and oranges, these fragrances hold the power to transport
How to Use A Commonplace Journal for Poetic Inspiration
A commonplace journal is a notebook where you store and organize information and notes for later use. Once described as “a diary without the risk of annoying yourself,” commonplace journals do not include any of your own thoughts or introspection,
5 Comforting Poems for the Winter Solstice
The winter solstice, a celebration marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, carries a unique kind of magic. The solstice marks a turning point—when the darkness begins to recede and the light starts its slow return. For
5 Ways to Celebrate Yule With Poetry
This year, Yule starts on December 21 and ends on January 1. An ancient festival, Yule connects us to the seasons, the sun, and our planet’s cyclical nature. It begins on the eve of the Winter Solstice—the shortest day and
Fire Metaphors to Light Up Your Poetry
Fire: an element that keeps us warm and nourished but also has the power to destroy, leaving destruction in its wake. Fire’s complexities make it the perfect poetic image for warmth, passion, anger, and renewal. To help you light up
Required Reading: 12 of the Best Books to Gift Writers
With the holidays coming up, you might be looking for the perfect gift for the writer in your life (or maybe just looking to treat yourself—who needs a reason?). Either way, you can’t go wrong with a book about the
5 Wicked, Witchy Reads that Defy Gravity
Wicked, the 2024 film based on the iconic musical and book, has already proven to be one of the most successful and beloved movie releases this year. If you can’t get “Defying Gravity” out of your head, or have been
How to Start a Little Free Library in Your Community
Are you always looking for ways to build literary community? If so, maybe starting a little free library is on your list of ideas. The Little Free Library nonprofit recently estimated that the program and its supporters help share more
6 Spirited December 2024 Poetry Releases
It’s fitting that as the year closes, we tend to reflect and look back. The poetry collections releasing this December fit this contemplative mood, with many reaching into the past. Readers can look forward to never-before-seen poems from late intellectuals,
4 Heartfelt Poetry Collections Perfect for Your Holiday Romance
Are the holidays heating up your love life? Cuffing season is in full swing, new winter rom-coms are streaming, and maybe you’re looking to get cozy by the fireplace or by the mistletoe. Poetry can help fuel your romantic fantasies
How to Center Gratitude in Your Poetry Practice
Gratitude is more than a nice gesture. Practicing gratitude regularly can reap many benefits, from stronger relationships to better moods and even improved physical health. Plus, the spirit of gratitude can easily be imbued into your writing, both in content
Writing Tips: How to Write a Poem Every Day
Writing poetry every day can seem like a daunting task, but consistently working on your craft is more achievable than you might realize. To help, here are some tips on how to write a poem every day. Write a journal entry,
Poems about Snow and the Winter Season
Few things are as strikingly beautiful as the first snow of the season. Winter brings with it a quiet introspection, cozy nostalgia, and the spaciousness to slow down, recharge, and transform. It’s no wonder that poets have explored the stark
Poetry for the Heart: 6 Poems to Read When You’re Feeling Homesick
Homesickness is a universal emotion—whether you’re missing a specific place, the warmth of family, or the comforting familiarity of a past moment. Thankfully, poetry can help bridge the distance, capturing those tender feelings of longing and connection in words that
4 Poems for Wide-Ranging Family Dynamics
There’s a reason so many TV episodes, movies, books, and – of course – poems are set during or around the holidays. Storytelling thrives on complicated dynamics and emotions, and the holidays pack plenty of nuance. Maybe you have a
Finding Poetic Inspiration in Fall and Early Winter Landscapes
As the world transitions from the fiery hues of autumn to the muted grays and whites of winter, the late fall and early winter landscapes offer a treasure trove of poetic inspiration. These seasons, marked by change, introspection, and quiet
24 Holiday Gift Ideas for Poets and Poetry Lovers
The holidays are here and it’s time to find the perfect, thoughtful thing for the poet on your list—or for yourself. Of course, poets find deep meaning in the details. From the special edition of a favorite book to poetry-themed
Literary City Spotlight: Berlin Edition
Berlin, with its layered history, vibrant culture, and diverse communities, has long been a hub for writers and readers alike. The city has produced and inspired some of the world’s greatest literary minds, including both modernist icons and contemporary voices.
Nature’s Verses: How Poets Capture the Outdoors
Nature has long been a rich source of inspiration for poets. Whether it’s the beauty of a forest, the vastness of the ocean, or the resilience of a flower pushing up through a crack in the pavement, the natural world
4 Space-Themed Poems That Prove Poetry Is Out of This World
Whether you’re in a reading slump or facing writer’s block, sometimes the best solution is to gravitate toward poetry that takes you away from the familiar and instead to completely unexpected places. Few subjects fit this description quite like poetry
6 Sensitive Writing Prompts for Navigating Big Emotions
The biggest and rawest emotions make for some of the best poetry. However, it’s not always easy to translate feelings of rage, devastation, and heartbreak into words. You might feel like you’re failing each time you try, or like a
Poetry in Motion: How Dance and Rhythm Influence Verse
Poetry and dance have more in common than meets the eye. Both art forms rely on rhythm, flow, and movement to convey emotions and tell stories. Just as a dancer uses their body to express meaning, a poet uses the
4 Influential Indigenous Poets to Read
November marks Native American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honoring the achievements and traditions of the Indigenous community. Poetry is just one of the many fields that Native Americans have contributed to. From poet laureates to Lambda Literary Award
How to Incorporate Poetry into Your Gratitude Practice
This fall, you’re probably thinking about what aspects of your life you’re grateful for—your creative endeavors, your loved ones, or perhaps your health. You might even be searching for ways to center this gratitude in your life through a gratitude
Non-traditional Ways to Shop for Poetry
If you’re a poetry enthusiast, you’re probably always building your collection of poetry books. Maybe, however, you’d like shopping options other than Amazon or other large chains. To help, here are some non-traditional ways to shop for poetry you probably
6 Questions With she followed the moon back to herself Author Amanda Lovelace
Bestselling poetess Amanda Lovelace’s tenth poetry collection, she followed the moon back to herself, is all about reinvention—a theme showcased not only in the poems themselves, but reflected in the book’s writing process and backstory. After the success of the
6 Sunny Ways to Add Light to Daylight Savings Season With Poetry
Standard time is here and the days are getting colder and darker. You might feel yourself shifting into hermit mode, going to bed early, and craving later sunsets—and you might even be one of the millions of Americans struggling with
Sensational November New Releases
This month, with the weather cooling down and nights getting shorter, there’s more time than ever for reading and reflection. The poetry collections set to release in November mirror this cozy, contemplative vibe, with books that are both deeply internal,