There are more books on the writing craft and poetry than we could ever list here. Following are a few books from veteran American poets on the craft. All should be readily available via internet sources.
A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver
Rules for the Dance by Mary Oliver
The Sounds of Poetry by Robert Pinsky
Crossing Unmarked Snow by William Stafford
Handbook of Poetic Forms by Ron Padgett
A Poet's Glossary by Edward Hirsch
A Primer for Poets and Readers of Poetry by Gregory Orr
Nine Gates Entering the Mind of Poetry by Jane Hirshfield
The Art of the Poetic Line by James Longenbach
A Poet's Guide to Poetry by Mary Kinzie
Little Eurekas: A Decade's Thoughts on Poetry by Robyn Sarah
A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver
Rules for the Dance by Mary Oliver
The Sounds of Poetry by Robert Pinsky
Crossing Unmarked Snow by William Stafford
Handbook of Poetic Forms by Ron Padgett
A Poet's Glossary by Edward Hirsch
A Primer for Poets and Readers of Poetry by Gregory Orr
Nine Gates Entering the Mind of Poetry by Jane Hirshfield
The Art of the Poetic Line by James Longenbach
A Poet's Guide to Poetry by Mary Kinzie
Little Eurekas: A Decade's Thoughts on Poetry by Robyn Sarah
Equally as important as a book on the craft is a good website. Below are two of the best sites for poets/writers. Both offer reliable and timely information on poetry.
Academy of American Poets has information on forms as well as a huge database of poets and poetry. Sign up for Teach this Poem, a wonderful way to learn more about poetry offered once a week. Also sign up for Poem a Day, a new poem every day! Take advantage of these wonderful resources.
Poets and Writers offers publishers, events, weekly prompts and abundant connections to information.
Poetry Foundation offers articles, blogs, events - lots of info about poetry.
Academy of American Poets has information on forms as well as a huge database of poets and poetry. Sign up for Teach this Poem, a wonderful way to learn more about poetry offered once a week. Also sign up for Poem a Day, a new poem every day! Take advantage of these wonderful resources.
Poets and Writers offers publishers, events, weekly prompts and abundant connections to information.
Poetry Foundation offers articles, blogs, events - lots of info about poetry.
Critique Notes
To help with critique and our workshop activities, check these resources. First a short easy read [PDF] and more importantly advise from Academy of American Poets on how to read a poem. This should give the basics.
To help with critique and our workshop activities, check these resources. First a short easy read [PDF] and more importantly advise from Academy of American Poets on how to read a poem. This should give the basics.