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Prose writers need poems, too: Editor's Notes #234 April 30, 2017 |
| Hello, but it still matters to me what it sounds like. A writer who can't be bothered with the sound of his or her prose needs to find another line of work." --Caitlín R. Kiernan In this issue: 1. Prose writers need poems, too 2. Tickled my funnybone 3. Interesting Web site 4. Writing prompt 1. Prose writers need poems, too April is poetry month. Not all writers are poets. Poetry is still important to all writers. Two aspects of poetry translate well to all writing. First, poetry uses compressed language. I tell my clients that all extra characters, chapters, paragraphs, sentences, words, and syllables have to earn their way onto the page. Anything extra must be removed. While this is important in prose, it is vital in poetry. Second, poetry is about the sound of words. (I studied a concrete poem that was a series of numbers, proving there is an exception to every rule.) Most poetry needs to be spoken to be fully appreciated. Both the rhythm or meter and the rhymes matter. Prose may not rhyme most of the time, but the meter of excellent prose informs and pleases the reader. You may never study or write poetry. If you are a writer, set aside some time to read poetry. Read it aloud. Let it seep into your bones. When aspects of excellent poetry find their way onto the pages of your prose, they elevate your work. =========== 2.Tickled my funnybone Class trip to the Coca-Cola factory. I hope there's no pop quiz. =========== 3. Interesting Web site Although what I’ve written above is not about prose poetry, here is a page that those explains prose poetry and gives examples. https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/text/prose-poem-poetic-form =========== 4. Writing prompt Here is a whole month of writing prompts for writing poems. Try a few. http://www.agodon.com/uploads/2/9/4/3/2943768/writing_prompts_by_kelli_russell_agodon.pdf =========== Join Writer's Helper Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WritersHelperEditor Follow me on Twitter @AudreytheEditor Link on LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/audreyowen (Email me first so I know how you know me.) =========== If you know a writer who would appreciate receiving Editor's Notes, forward this issue. If someone has passed this on to you, you can get your own free subscription by signing up at https://www.writershelper.com/newsletter.html |
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