New! Ordinary Genius: A Guide for the Poet Within

Thoughtful, inspiring, and brimming with innovative exercises designed to spark the creative spirit in both beginners and seasoned writers, Ordinary Genius is rich with possibility-a starting point for individual art-making rather than a straightforward how-to. Perfect for writing courses and for individuals craving some literary companionship and inspiration as they tackle the solitary task of writing.

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CONTENTS

Introduction

I. ENTERING POETRY
1. Leaping in the Dark
2. Make a Book
3. First Thought, Worst Thought
4. Getting Started
5. Opening Doors
6. Your Genius, Your Demons
7. Line, Breath, & Vision
8. By Heart: A Shakespeare Sonnet
9. Describe This
10. Read This

II. INNER AND OUTER WORLDS
11. Identity 1: Boys, Girls, & Bodies
12. Three Meditations
13. By Heart: A Love Poem
14. Love & Sex Poems
15. Me, Myself, & I
16. What You Don't Know
17. Three Observations
18. The Pain-Body
19. Ha! Working with Humor
20. Identity 2: Race, Class & Privilege
21. The Whiskey on Your Breath: Addictions

III. THE POEM'S PROGRESS
22. Metaphor 1: The Shimmer
23. White Heat, Necessary Coldness
24. A Bag of Tricks
25. The Poem's Progress
26. Metaphor 2: Parts and the Whole
27. Enchantments: Myths & Fairy Tales

IV. TOWARDS MASTERY
28. Music & Meter
29. Write A Sonnet
30. A Poem You Love: Close Reading
31. Page to Stage: Performance
32. Word/Art: Make a Broadside
33. Two Heads: Collaborations
34. Do-Overs & Revisions
35. Publishing & The Pinocchio Syndrome
36. Mirror At the End of the Road

Appendix A: Poems & Poetry Resources Online

Appendix B: Recommended Reading