Sage Cohen

This book must work for others (the 3- and 4- star reviews and almost 4-star average certainly indicate that.) For me... no.

Partially this is because the book is too non-specific: advice for if you want to write advertising copy, stories, poetry, web-pages, educational material, etc. isn't going to really be writing advice at all. The advice it does give seems reasonable, but on the level of "organize your time" and "organize your in-box" and so forth...

And in part it is because the book simply isn't about being a productive *writer* so much as it is about being a productive business-person (which you need to be if you want to, say, write all the time because it is your job, completely granted) who happens to write. Or, in particular, writes about writing and wants to sell books and classes on that subject...

As it is, 2-stars and DNF. Not sure it would have 2 stars if I did push through and finish it.… (mere)

I sat down with Sage Cohen’s Writing the Life Poetic, expecting to be inspired to read and write more poetry. Not expecting:

* Tips for fighting off writer’s block, that I’ll use in both my fiction and nonfiction writing
* Inspiration for making my prose flow better
* Motivation to prioritize my writing time
* Ideas for cultivating a writing ritual that I’ve never seen in another writing craft book
* To read an entire chapter aloud to my husband
* To get a little choked up in the process

While Cohen’s aim is to guide readers through different aspects of reading and writing poetry, nearly everything she says can be applied to any type of writing, or, for that matter, any creative endeavor. Just as one doesn’t have to be a gardener in order to enjoy a tour through a friend’s treasured garden, there’s an abundance of beauty here for poet and non-poet alike.

Cohen sprinkles her eighty short chapters with snippets of poetry and full poems, both simply for the art of them and in exercises to get the creative juices flowing which are sure to inspire teachers of both adults and children. Readable enough to zip straight through all the way through, and full of gems worthy of going back to again and again.… (mere)

The smell of ink is intoxicating to me - others may have wine, but I have poetry. ~Abbe Yeux-verdi

I just received my copy of Writing the Life Poetic, An Invitation to Read & Write Poetry yesterday.

It is a beautiful book written by poet Sage Cohen and illustrated by Gregoire Vion. I think the subtitle really captures what the book is about. Sage is inviting all writers to experience poetry and play with words and language.

In 258 pages and 80 short chapters Sage encompasses craft, form, voice, revision, shape, motivation, getting your work out, poetry contests, mixed media, blogging as a poet, poetry and writing groups, readings, and much more.The book includes many poetic and creative writing prompts/lessons, examples of poetry from familiar to new-to-me poets and stories of Sage’s journey as a poet. But most of all it contains inspiration. Each chapter seamlessly leads to the next. With a warm, inviting conversational tone this writing reference book is one I will pick up again and again when I’m feeling the “why do I want to write poetry feeling?” On the back cover of the book Sage invites all readers to “join the conversation” at her book blog.

I want to gift this book to all of my creative writing friends whether they consider themselves poets or not.… (mere)