Writing the Life Poetic

Introducing The Path of Possibility in Writing and in Life!

All good things must come to an end, and this blog -- thanks to your company here -- has been one of the very best parts of my writing life! Today, I am officially stepping down from posting here. Instead, the conversation about the life poetic will continue over at the brand new Path of Possibility in Writing and in Life.

Why the change? As my new book, The Productive Writer, was taking shape, I found myself at a crossroads of identity. My collection of poems and my book Writing the Life Poetic both anchored me solidly in the realm of poetry. The realm of poetry is my first language, and there are many other realms in which I live and write these days. So the question became, what is the scope and shape of who I am, what I write about, and the service I want to give my community of writers today? The answer came very quickly.

I realized that what I've been trying to accomplish in everything I write and all of my classes is simply: to help people align themselves with possibility. Whether you're writing a poem or a marketing plan, trying to get up the nerve to do a little freewriting, read publicly or send out a book proposal, what interests me is how I can help you follow that desire into action...making the possible far more probable. What I've found is that we're so used to getting in our own way, we may have no idea how very likely our dreams and intentions may be. My goal is to help poets and writers find a greater alignment between their writing and their lives--by tending all that is possible along the way.

So, without further ado, I invite you to come on over to The Path of Possibility in Writing and in Life and enjoy your free party favors!

You can download a free "Productivity Power Tools" workbook companion to The Productive Writer. (Just look for the link in the center column.) Plus, if you sign up to receive email updates, you'll get the free, 10-week email series, "10 Ways to Boost Writing Productivity."  This would also be a great time to sign up for the free, Writing the Life Poetic e-zine, which comes out six times per year and features inspiration, insight and information from 10 of my favorite poets and people.

You'll also find information about five new, online classes that I'm very excited to offer in a new, interactive classroom forum.

Poem-A-Day Challenge: Break Through Your Resistance
January 1 to January 31, 2011

Poetry for the People Level 1
January 10 to February 21, 2011 (six weeks)

Poetry for the People Level 2
January 12 to February 23, 2011 (six weeks)

Productive Writing Revolution: Set Your Sights and Hit Your Targets
February 28 to April 11, 2011 (six weeks)

Break into Business Writing: Make a Living as a Writer
February 28 to April 11, 2011 (six weeks)

And, of course, you'll learn all about my books, who I am, and my thoughts on being 40.

The best part of blogging is making friends whom I then get to meet "live" sooner or later! I'm headed to Washington, DC, New York, NY and to bookstores and writing communities throughout Oregon in the coming months. If there's an event on my schedule that works for you, I sure would love to see you! 

It's an exciting time to be a writer. I am honored to be traveling with you, and I look forward to supporting you as you walk your own, unique writing path.

The word is the way,

Sage Cohen

Get your productivity infusion here

Want to be more productive in your writing life -- in just a few minutes? You can learn common mistakes to avoid by checking out this free, online article at Writer's Digest: "Top 10 Pitfalls Writers Should Avoid".

The companion, print piece "10 Ways to Be a Productivity Pro" is featured in the "Big 10" (September) issue of Writer's Digest -- available now in your favorite bookstore. This is a first-of-its-kind issue, with a wide range of satisfying suggestions and insights from bestselling authors such as Jodi Picoult, Sherman Alexie, Natalie Goldberg, Chuck Palahniuk, and many more.

Both articles offer a quick snapshot of the range of tips and tools, strategies and systems that will be offered in my latest book, The Productive Writer, for writers of all genres, forthcoming in December of this year!

To your productivity!

Become a productivity pro with two, new articles in Writer's Digest

Want to be more productive with your writing process and results than ever before? I have two, new articles that may help.

Check out "10 Ways to Be a Productivity Pro" in the "Big 10" (September) issue of Writer's Digest -- available now in your favorite bookstore or purchased here. This is a first-of-its-kind issue, offering a wide range of satisfying suggestions and insights from writers including Jodi Picoult, Sherman Alexie, Natalie Goldberg, Chuck Palahniuk and many more.

My companion piece, "Top 10 Productivity Pitfalls For Writers To Avoid" is available for FREE on the Writer's Digest website. Together, the two articles give you the "do's" and "don'ts" (according to me) of productivity in the writing life!

Both pieces offer some of the greatest hits (and tips) from my latest book: The Productive Writer: Tips and Tools for Writing More, Stressing Less and Creating Success -- to be released in December of this year.

What are your favorite productivity tips and tricks? I'd love to hear what keeps your writing (and publishing, promoting, and platform-building) going strong in the comments below!

Wishing you peace, poetry, productivity and prosperity,

Sage

Make the most of National Poetry Month!

Happy National Poetry Month! Throughout April, good folks like you and I will be coming together to celebrate poetry through readings, events, lectures, and celebrations. Whether you are a practicing poet or simply curious about the possibilities of poetry, April is an ideal time to prime your poetry pump, connect with other people who love poetry, and find fun, new ways to tune into (and write) the poetry of your life. Here are a few ideas and a bunch of free stuff I'm offering to get you going.

GET A DAILY TIP FOR CULTIVATING YOUR POETRY AND PUBLISHING PRACTICE

Every day this month, Reading Local Portland will be featuring a daily tip from yours truly about cultivating your poetic lens, lifestyle and language. You'll find tips on craft, publishing, online resources, community-building, poetry prompts and more.

TAKE THE POEM-A-DAY CHALLENGE

National Poetry Month is the perfect time to put your poetic pedal to the metal and start burning some rubber -- in the company of many thousands of other poets who are doing the same. I dare you to write -- and share -- a poem a day! Details about daily prompts and sharing your work here.

COMMIT TO YOUR CRAFT: SIGN UP FOR A POETRY CLASS

If you're ready to take your poetry to the next level, I'm ready to support you! In early May, I'll be offering Poetry for the People Levels 1 and 2. Get all the details and sign up now to reserve your place!

"Sage was able to respond to each poem (and poet) in a uniquely sensitive way, meeting the material (and its creator) exactly where it is. In other words, her responses show what living as a poet is all about. What a gift this is." -- Amanda H. 

I'll be posting student poems on my blog throughout the month to celebrate their work and their commitment to the life of poetry.

GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF POETRY FOR UNDER $20!

Want a friendly, informative, fun guide to writing and publishing poetry? I've written a creative companion to take you there! Writing the Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read and Write Poetry (Writer's Digest Books, 2009). 

And for a straight-up shot of coming-of-age, on the rocks, you are invited to experience my poetry collection, Like the Heart, the World.

ATTEND MY FREE, TWO-HOUR POETRY WORKSHOP (by podcast)

On March 2, I gave a poetry workshop on The Inkwell. In this two-hour poetry workshop-meets-contemplation of the life poetic-meets interview, I covered so much poetic ground that my voice nearly gave out.

And now, you can listen any time you want -- for free. Get comfortable at your computer with a pen and paper, and join me in my longest monologue yet about how to tune into the poetry of your life (and get it down on the page).

Be prepared for five sets of poem-triggering prompts throughout the conversation to ignite your poetry pilot light -- or keep it burning bright.

RADIO INTERVIEW ABOUT THE LIFE OF POETRY

On March 30, I joined radio host Nyla Alysia on The Inkwell Radio Show to talk about the life of poetry -- writing, submitting, editing, publishing, productivity and more -- and answered listener questions on the air. You can tune in any time to the podcast archive of our conversation.

FIND THE PROSPERITY IN YOUR LIFE POETIC

I have a new article in Read Write Poem titled "Shifting Our Lens from Poverty to Prosperity." I hope you enjoy it -- and I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic.

COME BACK AND VISIT, Y'HEAR?

I'll be posting a variety of resources, poems and more throughout the month. And I'm always happy to hear from you. Come back any time and let me know how your National Poetry Month is treating you!

Wishing you a wildly productive and prolific creative adventure this month -- and always.

"shifting our lens from poverty to prosperity" -- new article on Read Write Poem

The idea that talent and suffering go hand in hand in the life of poetry has become legendary; and the “starving poet” is now an all-too-familiar archetype. I think it’s time to blow some kisses to this archetype and bid it adieu. Why? Because it keeps us small, scared and struggling. And it keeps our poetry starved for something bigger in us.

Read the rest of this article on Read Write Poem!

Introducing the Writing the Life Poetic e-Zine!

I am thrilled to introduce the Writing the Life Poetic e-Zine, a monthly publication chock full of information and inspiration to keep your poetry fires burning bright! Writing the Life Poetic e-Zine brings you the wisdom and wit of the following  superstar contributors: Brittany Baldwin, Dale Favier, Sara Guest, Jenn Lalime, Christopher Luna, Toni Partington and yours truly! Each of these beautiful writers will offer a monthly gem exploring some dimension of poetry writing, living and community-building.

Writing the Life Poetic e-Zine will launch in April, in celebration of National Poetry Month! Each contributor's column will be featured here throughout the month--and every month after. Plus, you can subscribe to receive the complete monthly zine in your email box every month! To get yours, just enter your email address in the top right column where it says: "Sign up for our e-mail newsletter."

We look forward to writing and living the life poetic with you! 

Buy "Writing the Life Poetic" on amazon.com on March 17 to help spike ratings!

I’m thrilled to announce that my new book, Writing the Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read and Write Poetry, from Writer’s Digest Books, is about to be born! (I’m so grateful to have one birth this year that is not accompanied by 60 hours of labor!) You’re invited to join the birthday party on Tuesday, March 17––St. Patrick’s Day and my son Theo’s half-birthday––by purchasing Writing the Life Poetic and qualifying to win a variety of inspiring prizes.

Why March 17? It's my official "Amazon.com Spike Day," where I attempt to bump up my book’s rankings. The better my book sells before its March 23 release date, the more often Amazon.com will recommend it to shoppers. Your purchase on that day can make a huge impact on the future of my book.

Why Writing the Life Poetic? I wrote Writing the Life Poetic because I believe no one needs an advanced degree in creative writing to reap the rewards of poetry. The book offers a mix of content, process and craft ideas to help readers tune into the poetry of their lives—and get it down on the page. (It also features poems, quotes, prompts and wisdom from many fabulous poets and writers around the world.) If you’d like to spark (or rekindle) a writing and reading practice, build skills and confidence in your poetic voice, and find the inspiration you need to put pen to paper, this book is for you!

Why buy on March 17? For my eternal gratitude. And the PARTY FAVORS!

The first 10 people to order Writing the Life Poetic from Amazon.com on March 17 will receive a copy of my first poetry collection, Like the Heart, the World.

PLUS…Everyone who orders Writing the Life Poetic from amazon.com on March 17 will have a chance to win one of eight fabulous books from some of my very favorite people:

•    The Darkened Temple by Mari L’Esperance
•    VoiceCatcher 3—two copies!
•    Get Known Before the Book Deal by Christina Katz
•    Writer Mama; How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids by Christina Katz
•    In The Margins Of The World by Willa Schneberg
•    Storytelling in Cambodia by Willa Schneberg
•    The Writer's Digest Guide to Query Letters by Wendy Burt-Thomas

PLUS...
One winner will receive a free, detailed review of a 10-page poetry manuscript followed by a half-hour phone consult with me!

Just order Writing the Life Poetic from Amazon.com on Tuesday, March 17 and email me your receipt within 24 hours to be entered in the drawing!

Thanks so much for your support.

Know Thy Self, Know Thy Audience

Think you might like to write a book someday? Want to get a handle on what kind of book you're writing, for whom, and why? Check out my monthly column "Know Thy Self, Know Thy Audience" over at the Get Known Groove, a zine published by Christina Katz!

In each issue this year, I'll put on my marketing hat and ask three questions designed to help you clearly articulate your topic and its value for your audience. So when you're ready to write that masterpiece, you'll know exactly what you're striving for.

Enjoy!