read write prompt #25: see things differently part 2 (sci-fi poetry)

I’m always impressed by the potential of Science Fiction to look at everyday life from an entirely different point of view. Issues and topics considered within an alien setting can help the reader to see things from a fresh perspective. Most people think of science fiction in the form of novels or films but science [...]


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Read Write Poem is an online gathering place for those who love poetry — and for those who suspect that, with a little nurturing, they could grow to love poetry. Whether you are new to writing poetry or have been writing for years, you are welcome here. If you don’t write poetry but love to read and discuss it, this is also the place for you. Read more about the project.


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  • read write poem newsfeed

      You still have time -- until December 15 -- to get into the current Postal Poetry contest. Find details about it here.

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      Here's the New York Times article about all the winners of the National Book Award, including Mark Doty for Fire to Fire.

      Congratulations, Mark Doty!

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      "My Career in Radio" by Garrison Keillor: The poem, and there is always a daily dose of Garrison's poetry selections (of others' poems) in The Writer's Almanac.

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      poetryvlog.com is a terrific site, "A weekly video reading of poetry by the poet".

      About.com has an intriguing (long, and not vetted by Read Write Poem) list of "Video Poetry Archives and Anthologies" with links to all kinds of stuff.

      Christine offers us Collin Kelly's latest project: a video blog on YouTube.

      Do you have some link love, know of some? Do tell. Email us at news (at) readwritepoem (dot) org.

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      So how do you find poetry news in your area? One way is to look for the closest (geographically) writing program and find the supporting blog it is sure to have.

      Examples? Bulletin Board: MFA Carbondale for Southern Illinois and G*L*O for Portland, Oregon.

      It's a good way to find readings, seminars, submissions, etc.

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    poetry prompt

      A different word or phrase will appear here each time you visit the site or refresh the page. Your current prompt is — patrol

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    collaborating tip

    Read a poem with a friend, and each of you compare notes about what you got from the poem.


  • random
    writing tip

    Write a narrative poem or an epic poem about an event in history that moves you. Do you feel drawn to a certain time period from the past? What about the music? It might be big band music, sixties folk rock, Duke Ellington jazz, Renaissance madrigals, Gregorian chants, sitar music, etc. Think of the food, the clothing, the setting and create a mood that’s evocative of the time period you’ve chosen.

  • random
    reading tip

    As you read a poem, make notes about what you like. What words and phrases jump out at you? What was unexpected? How do you relate to the poem?

  • random
    poetry quote

    Poetry is what maintains our capacity for contemplation and difficulty. — Carolyn Forché