Women on Poetry

“the handbook every poet and teacher of poetry should carry...a strongly recommended pick for any poetry hopeful”—Midwest Book Review; “these essays offer a rich look into the world of women and poetry”—New Maine Times; “the book is a much-needed and long-over-due addition to any writer’s bookshelf”—The Writer Magazine; “Women on Poetry is a true compilation of writing wisdom from today’s influential women”—Leon Ogroske, editor of WRITERS’ Journal magazine; “This book is rich with advice and inspiration for writers of any gender, but how wonderful—and sadly still how rare—to hear it given in the voices of our mothers, daughters, and sisters.”—Rebecca Foust, author of God, Seed: Poetry & Art About the Natural World; “This excellent and most comprehensive collection of essays, by some of the finest minds in contemporary poetry, encompasses everything a student or teacher of poetry is looking for.”—Supriya Bhatnager, Director of Publications, Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP); “From writing prompts to po-biz pointers, revision strategies to teaching tips, this anthology is a treasure trove for both emerging and established poets. Candid, compassionate, savvy, and wise, the essays in Women on Poetry will help you tap into the creative community and claim your place in the rich heritage of women writers.”—Melissa Stein, author of Rough Honey (The American Poetry Review, 2010); “What an invaluable collection Carol Smallwood, Colleen Harris and Cynthia Brackett-Vincent have given us. The myriad of strong female voices will inspire writers not only for its content, but for its source, as well.”—Caitlin Griscom, Mid-American Review, Editor-at-Large; “This collection of articles is a modern day literary ‘tool belt’ for women poets at all stages of their writing career. Whether you are just starting out, refining your craft, or trying to find balance in your creative life, this collection will become a roadmap to literary success!”—Connie Post, Poet Laureate Emerita of Livermore, California (2005–2009) Winner of the 2009 Caesura Poetry Award; “Women on Poetry is full of insightful tips and nuggets of inspiration from some of our country’s best poets, making this anthology a must-read for women poets and prose writers alike. As a teacher and writer I found the advice and wisdom in these pages beyond valuable!”—Kate Hopper, author of Use Your Words: A Writing Guide for Mothers (Viva Editions, Spring 2012); “from the newly published to the invaluable classic, [this book is on] our list of essential books for creative writers”—Poets & Writers Magazine; “This is a kaleidoscope of concise and beautifully written essays about writing and teaching poetry. Every page offers insights—from sources of inspiration, the art of revision and the constraints of meter and rhyme to practical advice on getting published, promoting your work and starting a blog. Poets and teachers will love it.”—Janet Husband, author of Sequels; “Women on Poetry: Writing, Revising, Publishing and Teaching presents a cornucopia of advice and commentary on the poetic process for both the beginning and skilled poet. Melding creativity and practicality, the volume harmonizes the multiple voices of a broad spectrum of women poets.”—Dr. Robert P. Holley, Wayne State University, contributor, Writing and Publishing: The Librarian’s Handbook (ALA Editions), 2010; “This book is a gem! Each chapter is exquisite—lyric, expressive, confessional, yet chock full of tangible, sometimes step-by-steps tactics to improve your work. Despite the title, these tips defy boundaries—a must-own for anyone serious about the craft of poetry.”—Cathryn Cofell, Poet and Essayist, Kamikaze Commotion; “Whether you are a novice, an aspiring writer, a developing poet, or an already emerging and engaged craftsperson, and you lack and/or need a mentor-poet, Women on Poetry offers you a vast array of technical information and more writing-revision ideas and suggestions by practicing women artists that you might imagine.”—Fred Wolven, editor of Ann Arbor Review; “Whether they want to get inspired or get published, beginning and experienced poets alike will benefit from this anthology.”—Vera Gubnitskaia, Youth Services Manager, Orange County Library System, Orlando, Florida; “These lively essays from women poets for women poets offer a wealth of wisdom on topics ranging from the hard, lonely work of facing the desk to the sometimes frightening challenge of joining the poetry community by entering public spaces such as the classroom, workshop, conference, and internet. Whatever you need to move your work forward, you’ll find it here.”—Diane Lockward, Temptation by Water; “An eclectic collection of essays that will guide, nurture and mentor the poet within every woman writer. This book will awaken the inner muse and inspire words, rhythm and emotion from deep within, whether poetry is a new discovery or a long-practiced craft.”—Anne Witkavitch, editor of Press Pause Moments: Essays about Life Transitions by Women Writers; “Women on Poetry is a delicious array of topics guaranteed to stimulate your muse whether you are an emerging or established professional. The contributing authors offer invaluable insight into the gamut of writing issues.—Dr. Barbara Harbach, co-editor, Women in the Arts: Eccentric Essays in Music, Art, and Literature; “Mentors, muses, mothers, and masters of language—they are all gathered here with sage advice, hard won wisdom, and above all, writing that will sing to your heart and help you on your own path of writing, teaching and publishing.”—Dr. Cassie Premo Steele, Pushcart Prize nominated poet.