Often called the field’s terminal degree, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in creative writing has become an increasingly popular option for poets, especially for those wanting to enter academia.    The number of MFA programs has tripled since the ‘90s, and

Alfa is a beloved voice in the writing community who has dazzled readers for years with consistently beautiful and eloquent poetry. Her latest collection The Salt in His Kiss explores an ocean of feelings such as heartbreak, longing, and the

"We can’t always wait for inspiration to strike; sometimes we have to go out and find it."   Sometimes writing feels more like jogging on rocks than hitting your stride, and the coveted flow-state seems just out of reach. But don’t fret!

“Reading or writing poetry creates a space for empathy, for seeing another person, for bearing witness to our common humanity."   Whether it’s written or spoken, poetry can be a powerful tool to aid in healing. It offers an opportunity for readers,

Erasure poetry, also called blackout poetry, uses existing texts to emphasize new themes. Specifically, erasure poets take a text — which can range from government documentation to Shakespearean sonnets — and cross out or paint over words until a new

"Poetry is all about emotion, drama, curiosity, gossip, cruelty, discovery, tenderness, heartbreak. All of these things seem inherent and heightened in girlhood."   Author of Be Brave and the forthcoming How to Be A Poet, J.M. Farkas has the unique ability to

Romance blossoms so beautifully in our hearts, but what about when it withers? Sometimes, literature paints a picture of love that is unattainable and fleeting.    In her newest collection, Unforgettable, Madalina Coman writes in a way that brings romance and realism

For the month of November, we wanted to provide our readers with a diverse list of new releases set to come out all month long. Here are a few of my personal favorites that I am looking forward to reading.   Collected

Spooky season is upon us at last  Reminders of witches and ghosts of the past The air is so crisp, and the sun sets so fast The vibrant decay of the leaves do contrast   As you gaze at the pumpkins, delight in the spice Caramel

“I watch Girl become Goddess and the metamorphosis is more magnificent than anything I have ever known.”   New from Instagram sensation and poet, Nikita Gill, comes a lyrical and feminist twist on classic Greek mythology, Great Goddesses: Life Lessons from Myths

“Painting is silent poetry and poetry is painting that speaks” — greek philosopher, Plutarch   Writers have taken inspiration from famous paintings for decades, penning philosophical or personal musings on their experience with a piece of art.  The technical term for such

If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed in life, it’s that change is inevitable. Whether we’ve planned for it or not, life has a way of surprising us. The best we can do, sometimes, is take those unexpected turns as opportunities

With the holiday season approaching, you may be wondering what presents to give (or to ask for yourself). If you’re shopping for someone with a passion for poetry—or if you’re a poet with an empty wishlist—let this roundup point you

Sometimes you come across a poem or a verse that you want to etch in your memory forever. Poetry has this effect on us—this heart-piercing ability to make us feel connected, loved and seen. And what better way to emulate

Promoting your poetry can feel uncomfortable, daunting or even impossible. With so many writers working to be seen or have their work published, it can feel like there isn’t room for you in today's market. I’m here to tell you

Dear White People—To Keep From Undressing by Aisha Sharif  Dear White People is about the experience of black students enrolled at a predominantly white Ivy League university. The exploration of identity, politics, and the rise of racial tension creates a dynamic

Visual art and literary art have established a beautiful, long-standing connection. Famous poets like William Carlos Williams, W.H. Auden, and even the ancient Greek Hesiod drew inspiration from works like paintings, sculptures, and entire museums. Dubbed “ekphrasis,” this form continues

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. For women, this is a time to consider your own breast health* as well as a time that brings on a heightened appreciation for our own female bodies. It's a reminder of their magic,

Breanna McGowan is a poetry/spoken word artist residing in Dayton, Ohio. She has been writing for a couple of years now and is looking forward to what poetry will expand into in growing years to come. She is a caregiver

The idea of body positivity is simple enough: that all bodies are worthy of self-love, self-care, and acceptance; all bodies are allowed to feel beautiful—and the definition of beauty is boundless. But in practice, body positivity isn’t always so simple.

There are so many people silently battling anxiety every day. You may never even know they are hurting because they are moving through it quietly. Mental illness is a long and arduous journey to well-being. It can feel extremely isolating

Happy National Coming Out Day! Founded in 1988, National Coming Out Day strives to increase visibility for LGBTQ people and groups. Robert Eichberg, a prominent gay rights activist who died in 1995 and who first commemorated the day, summed it

“40 seconds of action” is all it takes to show you care. This October 10th, join the fight to improve the mental health of people around the world on World Mental Health Day.    This year, World Mental Health Day focuses on

My dream job as a kid was to be a literary agent. It seemed cool, glamorous, and, hello, getting paid to read? But aside from the fantasy, what do literary agents actually do for writers? Do poets need them? And

“The past has everything to do with the future. Even if you leave it in the past, it becomes you. You become it."   Poet Emmy Marucci’s new collection Tell Me Another Story was inspired by the persistent question of children: “Will

Water has always been around me. I could never escape it. After all, it inhabits the world around me and vital to my existence. The Middle Passage is in my blood. I've been lowered in its waves trying to become

There’s something about the rain that almost demands reflection. As the drops fall, we may find ourselves drawn to the trickling water dancing on the window panes, tucked safely away from the falling rain. In these moments, we can think

I am so excited to bring you this interview with the wonderful Pavana Reddy. Pavana, also known by her pen name MazaDohta, is an LA-based poet and songwriter. Her two poetry collections are Rangoli and Where Do You Go Alone.    Reddy’s

“It’s okay to have questions. Just don’t let fear give you your answers. If it is on your heart to share your work, I hope you find the courage to take that step. It’ll be the beginning of an incredible

From Upile Chisala, Allie Michelle, and Emmy Marucci’s latests to some brand new voices in the poetry scene, October is filled with exciting and inspiring new poetry collections. This month brings poetry that explores the flaws of the prison system,

New from Malawian storyteller and author of soft magic, Upile Chisala, comes a sweet, tender, and powerful reminder of self-worth, resilience, and flowering into the honeyed, delicious, and loved being you have always been. Nectar is a love letter to

Looking for a form to help you express some intense emotions? Consider dusting off the classic ode and giving it a modern twist! Imaginative, emotional, and dignified, the ode is an open invitation to show gratitude, grieve, or even make

When poets struggle with writer’s block, a poem that rambles, or the persistent instinct that a poem is still not as strong as it could be, they’re often greeted with an intimidating, yet interesting piece of advice: Experiment with form.    Though

Readers have come to know and love Lang Leav for her poetic voice, but the poetess is also a successful novelist. Her latest novel Poemsia tells the story of an aspiring poet named Verity Wolf as she is thrown into

Sometimes, our mindset in the morning impacts our entire day, but a little positivity can make a huge difference and frame our perspective in a whole new way. Poetry is powerful because it encompasses such a large scope of human emotions.

Latinx Heritage Month, which started Sept. 15, invites us to celebrate the culture, traditions, and heritage of the Latinx community through Oct. 15 (and all year long, honestly). Founded in 1968, this month aims to honor and uplift the more

“Poets for a Cause” is a project I started to a spotlight on writers in the community who bring awareness to important topics. My first spotlight was on K.Y. Robinson, and she so bravely discussed mental illness and the stigma

You know the poems you hear at readings that elicit gasps and snaps from the crowd? Or those poems that leave you lingering on a book’s page, rereading your favorite lines and leaving crowded, awestruck notes in the margins? You’ve

When you think of the beginning of fall, you might think of crisp leaves, cozy sweaters, and steaming apple cider, but do you also think of amazing work by women poets? If Twitter has anything to say about it, this

It’s more than baseball. Charming, disarming, and uniquely American, Joe DiMaggio Moves Like Liquid Light provides an appreciation of the simple things in life—but not without analysis. Springfield, Missouri-based poet Loren Broaddus provides an exploration of nostalgia, family, race, jazz,

In our fast-paced culture, it’s easy to experience burnout. If you are like me, you are constantly fighting against that ingrained “productivity” mindset that says we need to be working, creating and making money during every moment of our free

Amanda Lovelace is a magical, poetic voice of our generation. She takes her pain and trauma and crafts collections that stir the soul and remind readers that it’s okay to be vulnerable. She is honest and transparent about the things

Filled with brilliant colors, heartwarming traditions, and evidence of the cycle of life, fall has been a longtime source of inspiration for poets and writers. As the leaves change and the weather cools, get ready to cozy-up and embrace the

Reading poetry is a healing experience for so many who search for comfort in the pages of a book. So is listening to a song or looking at a piece of art. Art and literature have a huge impact on

If coffee and poetry have one thing in common, it’s that they’re subjective. While one person might like a double-shot of espresso to kick-start their day, the next might prefer a cup-o-joe on the lighter and sweeter side. And while

From pop songs to movies to long-winded novels, love is a favorite subject of art and literature. While romance often takes center-stage, it’s important to remember that friendship, family, and self-love all deserve a little time in the limelight as

I am so honored to have gotten the chance to talk with Courtney Peppernell about her poetic inspiration, her writing journey, and that sweet, iconic jellyfish. She has some incredible insights for readers and writers alike that are sure to

“I have always felt out of place in this world. A world, it seems, that is increasingly polarised,” Avan Jogia writes on the first page of Mixed Feelings, his new poetry collection published Sept. 17 by Andrews McMeel.    Best known for

Sensitivity is my tree trunk, my flower stem, and my nucleus. It’s my belly and my heart, and it’s my gently rounded cosmic edge. I have found that it can either lead me to a wild field of flowers, or

Looking to add a healthy dose of feminism to your day? These six poems subvert the idea of feminity as weakness, packing an empowering punch with each line. They serve as a not-so-gentle reminder to never underestimate the power of

Have you ever scrolled through someone’s Instagram page and been drawn to the overall appearance of their work? We often refer to this as a page’s aesthetic, which refers to its attention to detail and beauty.    One of my favorite things

Looking to further your education in poetry? Don’t think you’ll have to foot the bill on your own. There are a number of resources, foundations, and endowments out there ready to lend a helping hand to talented poets. All you

The general sentiment about poetry contests seems to be that they’re intimidating and difficult to win. And in recent years, the number of poetry contests has surged, leading to an overwhelming, ever-expanding list of opportunities, each with their own unique

World Suicide Prevention Day allows us to come together to raise awareness and discuss ways to stop suicides from happening. So many of us have been affected by suicide in some way, and it can be difficult to talk about,

Photo by Rachel Eliza Griffiths. Courtesy of Blue Flower Arts & The Poetry Foundation   When you look at the list of U.S. Poet Laureates, you will have to scroll down pretty far before you encounter any women. For most of the

Poetry fans rejoice! September 6 is the perfect excuse to drop what you’re doing and read. Celebrated annually, National Read a Book Day invites us all to slow down, grab a book, and get to reading. In honor of this

September is packed with new poetry releases for your bookshelves. From Instagram’s beloveds like Amanda Lovelace, Atticus, and Nikita Gill to stunning debuts exploring trauma, grief, sexual assault, and mixed identity, this is a month to truly get excited about

Every year on September 4th, we celebrate the birth of Beyoncé, aka Queen Bey. One of the world’s most influential artists, Beyoncé is more than a singer—she is a symbol of fierce femininity, unbridled power, and artistic expression. So in

There’s nothing more enriching than quality time with good friends. They get you through the difficult seasons and watch you bloom in the happy ones. They are constants in an ever-changing world and support systems in the moments you feel

With the rise in poetry communities across platforms like Instagram, Goodreads, and Tumblr, self-published collections have helped poets everywhere land the book deal of their dreams. Rupi Kaur, perhaps the most popular example, was in school to be a lawyer

Change can be thrilling, scary, happy, sad, or bittersweet. Whether it’s graduating college, beginning a new relationship, moving to a different city, or embarking on a personal project, each of these milestones has something in common: it’s important to stay

If love remains one of poetry’s most enduring subjects, the lack or collapse of love persists just as strongly. Even Shakespeare, who wrote in the 1600s, dedicated a sonnet to a lost lover who had broken his heart, writing, “Since

You are worthy of having all the good things you want in your life, and manifesting can help you with this. The act of manifesting resets your focus, prompting you to view your life in a positive light.  A lot of

Healing looks different for everyone, but a big part of healing is nurturing your thoughts and being gentle with yourself as you walk through difficult seasons of life. Sometimes, we forget who we are when we are hurting. We let

  “There is no one in the world who can tell your story, but there are people in the world who need to hear it.”   Cheyenne Tyler Jacobs is on a mission to remind you of four important things: you are needed,

I still remember why I first created my Twitter account: because one of my writing professors “strongly suggested” it. At the time, the process of replacing my blank “egg” avatar with a photo, finding people I wanted to follow, and

When you have two things that you are passionate about, it is only natural to want to introduce them to one another. Poetry, meet Netflix. Just like poetry, the popular streaming site has something for everyone. You may be surprised

Loving yourself is tough. Waking up every day with a proud sense of who you are can feel exhausting, or even impossible. But we all know, deep down, we can be the best versions of ourselves when we love ourselves

You may have read poetry in different forms, from different regions, and from writers of diverse sexualities, races, and genders, but there’s yet another way to revolutionize your canon—what about poetry in different languages?    Bilingual poetry has strengthened and challenged the

Morning “Prayer”  While you settle in with your morning coffee, try taking a poetry book off your shelf and opening up to a random page. Maybe what you read will become your mantra for the day. Or maybe you will discover

*Trigger warning *: This post references the current gun violence epidemic in the United States.   Dayton. El Paso. Gilroy. Parkland. It seems like every time I read a headline, a different city is reeling from another mass shooting. With reports that

Sometimes known as a villanesque, the villanelle is a fixed-verse poem made up of nineteen lines: five lines of three (or a tercet) followed by a four-line stanza (or a quatrain). The first and third lines of the first tercet

While traditional poetic forms sometimes get a bad wrap for being too strict, remember that rules can often help you push your creativity. The most common meter in English poetry, iambic pentameter is measured in pairs of syllables called “feet.”

One of the most frequently mentioned tips for improving any craft is to keep learning. And when it comes to poetry, adjusting to and growing alongside the ever-changing genre can only benefit writers. From learning a new poetic form to

As a child, what I wanted most in the whole world was to be trapped overnight in a Barnes and Noble without anyone noticing. Even now, I still feel a deep surge of both panic and longing when a cashier

When it comes to your mental health, a little reading can go a long way. Studies show that reading can improve your mood in a number of ways. Whether you’re looking for poetry to soothe the sting of heartache, or

Whether you’re driving, cooking, cleaning, or just relaxing, a spoken poetry playlist can be the perfect way to change up your poetry routine. Listening to a mix of poets can help you discover new favorites and hear old ones through

It can be hard to sit down and focus on writing when you have a flurry of emails, texts, and calls rolling in. Take a break from your hectic day-to-day and let your creative mind take center stage with a

With the rise of social media, we might feel as though we need to document our every move or broadcast our deepest thoughts. The internet has become a platform for self-expression, a space to showcase who we are, what we

So you finished your poetry collection. Congratulations! It’s now time to send this piece of your soul out into the world! As scary as this may feel, I encourage you to push through it and let your words be heard.

The #MeToo movement, founded by activist and TIME’s 2017 Person of the Year Tarana Burke, has spoken truth to power by confronting predatory men and opening secrets of sexual assault, harassment, and inequality in industries from film to fast food.

If you’re looking to find the Golden State’s local rhythm, look no further. Los Angeles offers a handful of impressive poetry slams for those looking for a friendly competition. With slams geared toward high school students, hip-hop artists, Filipino poets

When people think of poetry epicenters, New York City and Los Angeles are likely the first literary birthing grounds that come to mind. Though these amazing cities on either side of the country regularly top lists of the most literary

New month, new poetry! August brings us new poems from the first Native American Poet Laureate herself, Joy Harjo, along with works that explore violence against women and our current American political climate. From spirituality to technology to survival to

James Franco isn’t the only actor branching out of Hollywood into the world of poetry and creative writing. Although he might be the most popular to discuss, there are many actors, musicians, and models who write poetry.

About once a week, I do some of my pre-writing rituals—stretch, light candles, take a bubble bath, read a favorite poem for inspiration—and then when I’m relaxed and swathed in blankets, I hope an idea arrives.

While there is so much joy associated with writing, there is one pitfall that we all fall prey to—the dreaded writer’s block. It can strike at any moment and fill our hearts with frustration. But never fear! Sometimes, all we

Grief is a personal journey with no right or wrong way to process emotional healing. Everyone will need time to go through their experiences at their own pace. Grief is not a straight line. It might look different every single

When you think about poetry, you might be used to exploring themes of romantic, deep, complex emotions, mythology, self-love, identity and the like. But sometimes these explorations of the self or the world can be expressed through an otherworldliness lense:

Poetry ignites so much life and emotion in the hearts of its readers. It is active and alive with imagery. There are many creative ways that people bring poetic works to life. You might see them on sculptures, walls, coffee

These 10 female Pulitzer Prize winners have made waves in American Literature. By connecting to their readers in their own unique ways, their collections have stood the test of time and landed them among the most highly esteemed poets of

This week, I am honored to talk with Angie Waters, also known as A. Shea, about a topic that is close to her heart: chronic illness.

If the work is going badly, I stay until 12:30. If it’s going well, I’ll stay as long as it’s going well. It’s lonely, and it’s marvelous. I edit while I’m working. When I come home at 2, I read

Writing is a lot like running: it goes over better if you stretch first. It’s not easy to dive into a blank page cold, and it can be frustrating to expect a full-fledged poem on your first try.

Like poetry, meditation often provides solace in the loud demands of the everyday. It comes as no surprise that poetry and meditation make a perfect combination. When we pair poetry with a meditative mindset, we get the chance to experience

Whether you’re a beginning writer or a longtime poet, finding competitions, community, and advice is an ongoing process. Reading others’ work, entering competitions, and participating in workshops can help you hone and maintain your writing skills.

Armed with a microphone and speaker, poets spill their words from ear to ear across the lawn. A voice carries a message of love with a goal to stomp out the flames of bigotry. A poet, who is about fifteen,

“The 24-hour news cycle,” “fake news,” “news alerts”—these phrases seem to sweep through our society, inspiring op-eds, psychological studies, and political talking points. 

Literature, including poetry, has long been a vehicle for thought-provoking political resistance and commentary outside of the dominant and privileged perspective.

Whether you’re in the mood for succinct style, musical meter, or mind-blowing metaphors, July’s poetry releases offer a promising lineup.