Category: Self-taught MFA

Is submitting your poetry to literary magazines/journals intimidating?

This article by Neon Magazine has some great tips. I’ve done my fair share of submitting, and I can attest to not only the time it takes to thoroughly read and meet all of the submission guidelines, but how important it is if you are serious about sharing […]

Making Your Way in Poetry without an MFA–guest blog post by Sonja Johanson

My first morning at Bread Loaf, our workshop leader asked if everyone was familiar with the Iowa workshop model. I raised my hand. "I've never taken any kind writing class or workshop in my life, so you can safely assume you need to explain everything to me." She […]

What do poets and writers need to know about copyrights?

Check out this brief and easy-to-read article on Poets&Writers about copyright and how it applies to your writing. Key copyright terms are defined for quick reference, including: Electronic Rights Exclusive Rights First North American Serial Rights (FNASR) First Serial Rights Internet Rights Reprint Rights, and more The article […]

Got Poet's Block? Check out these writing exercises from Albany Poetry Workshop . . .

Albany Poetry Workshop’s online classroom provides “five exercises that we hope will inspire, cajole, and tease you into writing new work.” The exercises themes include: The Five Senses Organic Metaphor Organic Simile Personification Integrated Poem If these five exercises aren’t enough, check out their other sessions, including a Seven-Session […]

Why I write to timed prompts – guest blog post by Barbara Krasner

I never imagined I'd be writing poetry. After I graduated with a B.A. in German, I worked in publishing and dissatisfied with meager pay, took a leave of absence to get my M.B.A. in Marketing. I got a coveted position with AT&T and entered the real corporate world. […]

30 Poets You Should Be Reading by Adam Fitzgerald of Literary Hub

This article by Adam Fitzgerald boasts a superb and wonderfully diverse lineup of poets making their mark today. Support these poets by going to their web sites, requesting their books at your local library, purchasing their books at a local independent bookstore, (or sadly, if there’s not one), purchase […]

Looking for a local poetry slam, open mic, workshop group, or event?

There are plenty of listings online to find a local poetry group or event, such as open mics, readings, poetry slams, poetry societies, and more. Here are some popular listings to get you started. If you come across any other national type listings, please share the link below […]

List of PAYING lit mags from Poetry Has Value + poets share their $$$ stats

Poetry Has Value is a blog created by professor and poet Jessica Piazza. Jessica is a great supporter of poets and has been tracking her poetry dollars since early 2015. For 2016, she’s not alone–several other poets have committed to sharing their dollars spent on submission fees and other […]

Persistence is as important as talent – guest blog post by Alice K. Boatwright

In a writer's life, persistence is as important as talent When I began sending my first book out to publishers and it was rejected, I was devastated. I had received an MFA from Columbia for my manuscript, and I expected success that would immediately change me from a […]

Riding the Rejection Roller Coaster – guest blog post by Daniella Levy

I used to be terrified of hope. Well, I was actually terrified of disappointment. But I saw hope as a seductive and deceptive force that enticed me to climb higher, making the inevitable fall hurt that much more. I started writing novels when I was twelve years old, […]

Trish Hopkinson