Writing the Life Poetic

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!