With the gray of winter still looming, this can be a tough time of year. Aquarius season may have left you feeling productive, but it might have also had you feeling disconnected with yourself, distant or lonely. But with Pisces

Perhaps it’s something you’ve heard in creative writing classes, high school English, or personal essay trade-n-grades, but voice isn’t always easy to put a finger on. For poets just starting out, the concept of voice can feel a little ethereal,

Like most art, poetry helps us summon emotion—usually in a condensed form. However, how many times have you wanted to convey a big idea or a thought but still ended up with a lengthy sentence? All writers face this challenge

Are you writing beautiful poems, posting them on Instagram, and not seeing your page grow the way you hoped? No worries. It’s not you—it’s the algorithm. Instagram’s algorithm used to be different, and many well-known poets who share their work

For so many of us, words speak love to our hearts in ways many other things cannot. The right love poem can remind your partner how much they mean to you while also beautifully describing the things you love about

As women, our friendships with each other are nothing if not sacred. We’re there for each other through the whole shebang—the good, the bad, and everything in-between. While significant others may come and go, the most fearsome friendships can last

With Valentine’s Day upon us, you might feel bombarded by jewelry commercials, all things red and pink, and overwhelming relationship pressure. Whether you’re partnered or single, Valentine’s Day has a way of making many of us feel inferior. Research shows

A good cup of tea can be made even better when it is paired with poetry. Every cup of tea is unique in substance and flavor profile, and each one has characteristics that make them a great complement to a

The winter can wither a soul that’s been left in the cold too long. When the temperatures drop, our spirits often do too. But the right words can bring warmth back to our hearts, no matter what the weather has

Valentine’s Day is not just a good excuse to eat delicious chocolates. It’s a celebration of the love and friendship in our lives and a way to cherish the people who support us emotionally. It can also serve as a

Rhythmic, memorable, and often moving, poetry appears in motion pictures more often than we might realize. Poems can help add drama, drive a plot, give characters depth, and add a sense of history, culture, or all-around coolness. From the modern

Your environment plays a huge role in your productivity. As a writer, your desk can be your creative hub, a special and even sacred place you look forward to being, where the muse feels most alive. While some research suggests

Ah, love is in the crisp, February air, and what a great muse it can be! Whether we are in a relationship or single, love can color our days in such beautiful ways. It can inspire our work as we

The power of speech can pack a lot of punch into a poem—which is what spoken word is all about. With volume, speed, inflection, and expression, poets are able to infuse their work with life and personality through spoken word.

February is almost upon us, bringing with it an assortment of new poetry collections to add to your personal library. I have selected four titles that I have added to my list this month with an overview of each book.

There are several ways to edit your work. When it comes to writing, this mantra is no less true. As such, there is no right or wrong editing method, because the most important thing is that you, as the writer

The warmth of summer is near. The flowers of spring are approaching, and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. There are so many reasons to feel inspired about life and enjoy each day to the fullest. But sometimes you

February is black history month, and that means we’re putting some extra focus on some of the major historical contributions black Americans have accomplished. From Phillis Wheatley’s first published poem to the Harlem Renaissance to modern poets like Khadijah Queen,

Traditionally, a mantra is a “word, sound, or phrase repeated to aid in your concentration while meditating.” It is believed that by repeating a mantra while in this practiced state of peace and calm, only the positive intentions and actions

You’ve filled up whole notebooks with your words, shared them with a workshop or a few close friends, and, now, you’re ready to push past the fear and find a larger stage for your writing. First of all, congratulations. Many

The holidays have come and gone, and we are left with the cold hues of the winter months. No more tinsel and glitter. No more vibrant decorations and cheerful music to ignite cheer and warmth in those who see and

With the first month of the year wrapping up, how are you feeling about your 2020 writing resolutions? Whether your answer falls under amazing or meh, the way to attain your writing goals just might be creating your own writing

Tet in Vietnam is a festive and important tradition to celebrate the Lunar New Year. For 2020, Tet begins on January 25th, but preparations start one or two weeks before. Families create altars for ancestors, cook sticky rice cakes with

J.M. Farkas: Who are your "Poetry Mothers" (or fathers) aka the poets who have most influenced you? And who/what are you reading right now? Allie Michelle: I love mystic poetry. Hafiz, in particular, stole my heart. He has this cosmic sense

The moon’s energy has the power to control the ebb and flow of the ocean and can even impact human behaviors. To honor each phase is a spiritual practice that can greatly impact your life and your healing journey. Each

“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” —Louis L’Amour    Over the past year, I’ve conducted quite a few interviews with authors, both for Read Poetry and my community, Write or Die Tribe.

It’s a common misconception to see introversion and extroversion as mutually exclusive. The truth is, most of us fall somewhere in between. But if you find yourself needing a chance to recharge after social events, noisy environments, or stimulating circumstances,

Of all the zodiac signs, Aquarians stand out as the hardest to describe and the hardest to pin down. If you follow popular zodiac meme pages, you might see this sign depicted as an alien, a fabulously flamboyant drag queen,

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a great orator, activist, and one of—if not the—most visible spokesperson and leader of the Civil Rights Movement. He envisioned a world in which people were not judged by the color of their skin, but

Byron is one of the most prolific and talented poets in the Western canon. No true student of poetry could complete her studies without knowing the beauty of his words. While Byron wrote many long narrative poems such as Don

Former First Lady Michelle Obama serves as an inspiration for many. In fact, a 2019 poll from Gallup recognized her as the nation’s “most admired woman” for the second year in a row. That same year, Obama’s memoir, Becoming, topped

Poet, essayist, and Amnesty International Speaker Imran Khan made major strides in 2019, including being nominated for Menacing Hedge’s Best of Net Award with his poem, “Carousels.” In addition to his work with Amnesty International, Khan’s poetry discusses themes surrounding

Capricorn season is in full swing, which is great news for the ambitious writers in our mix. Ruled by Saturn, Capricorns are the “taskmasters” of the zodiac—ready and willing to get things done. As such, Capricorn season is known to

“Identity, like culture, is fluid; it moves and you must move with it. Look for love and those who love you. Nothing else matters.”   Identity is the way we relate to ourselves and the lens through which we view the world.

With issues such as gun violence, sexual harassment, homophobia, and other troubling epidemics confronting us each time we turn on the TV, take in the headlines, or scroll through social media, it may seem like we can’t make a difference.

Are you seeking inspiration for your next social media post? Have you admired someone’s Instagram page and wanted to DM them about working together? Collaboration is a creative way for poets to grow their audience while integrating poetry into other

Writing is, by its nature, a solitary pursuit. Since we have to look to ourselves for inspiration and guidance, we can often find ourselves in a rut, staring at a blank screen, unmotivated or discouraged. Sometimes, it can be difficult

Most, if not all, of your favorite writers and poets have created some kind of writing practice to get their work done. This routine behavior is pivotal to the success of a writer and important to learn if you want

Writing and rejection often go hand in hand. The pain of having someone pass on your work is a feeling that most creatives experience at one time or another, and many experience it several times. Rejection stings, and it doesn’t

If you’re looking to improve your craft, reading is just as important as writing. While reading poetry collections can teach you plenty, it’s also important to hear from poets themselves. Those ready to get into the nitty-gritty may just find

Every month, it is my honor to feature a poet in the writing community and a cause that they feel passionate about. In doing so, my hope is that it raises awareness for a wide range of topics. It helps

“When words fly, winged and vulnerable / from the depths of their hell, / maybe then you can hear their song, / it’s a tragic but hilarious melody,” poet Charlyne Yi writes in her latest collection, You Can’t Kill Me

2020 begins with a boom with four brilliant and diverse voices in poetry. Exploring queerness, race, belonging, family and violence, along with the beauty of nature, these poetry collections will help you feel seen, validated, and loved in the unparallel

As the holiday season comes to a close, we prepare to wrap up the past and open the possibilities of a fresh start. While we close this chapter, we often spend some time rereading its pages. We rejoice in the

New Year’s Resolutions are about as cliché as it gets, but that’s no reason not to start 2020 off on the right foot. Instead of setting far-out goals that are often hard to keep (like write every single day or

It should come as no surprise that many of us have mixed feelings about the winter. For some, it’s a wonderland while for others, its a colorless wasteland. To explore our complex feelings about the wintry weather, we’ve made a

A seven-day celebration of African American and Pan-African pride, Kwanzaa brings together millions of people each year. Creativity, unity, culture, and heritage take center stage as many decorate their homes, have feasts, share presents, and light the Kinara each night.

While there are many different interpretations of the Hanukkah story, the classic traditions often remain the same. Celebrations revolve around lighting the menorah, known in Hebrew as the hanukiah. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added

As the shortest day of the year approaches, we might not be feeling any love towards the cold, dark of the winter solstice. But poetry reminds us of the beauty in all things, even the frosty, bitterness of December days.

From Shakespeare’s classic sonnets to Rupi Kaur’s shorter verses, love stands out as an enduring subject in poetry. With so much written about love, including whole anthologies, it can prove difficult to ward off cliches and to make such a

The holiday season brings to mind so much joy: favorite holiday movies, songs that mark the season, and dearly loved traditions practiced year after year. These little moments help make the season even more magical. Most importantly, they remind us

The holidays are a time of immense celebration and excitement for most. The light displays and the decorated windows encourage us to be in good cheer as we bring in the Christmas season. But, for many people, the holidays hurt.

Basic greeting card templates can be a bit of a snooze. Consider giving your cards a personal touch this year with hand-written poems inside. Whether your loved ones live next door or across the world, a heartfelt poem that describes

What a year for poetry! 2019 brought so many gifted and inspired writers to the forefront penning raw, honest and important poetry that we needed and will cherish for years to come. Here is a look back at 25 poetry

If you know a Sagittarius, chances are that you love them. Astrology foretells that people born under this sign, or between the dates of November 22 and December 21, possess traits like wildness, an adventurous spirit, humor, and a tendency

What strikes fear in the hearts of writers in a similar way as the presence of Voldemort? Writer’s block. It hits most of us at one time or another, and it can really derail our best writing efforts. So, what

You’ve scoured sales, found the perfect gifts for everyone on your list, and made those holiday plans. Now, the only thing left to do is soak in the full spirit of the season. When you think about getting into celebration

Poetry is often a power move—a piece of art made for resistance, for self-expression, and for challenging the status quo. From before the civil rights movement to some of the most relevant issues today, poetry has served as a tool

The Modern Poetry movement has introduced us to so many amazing female writers with fresh perspectives and relatable insight. These strong women are stepping into the light of vulnerability to share their work with the world.    The collections featured in this

As I write this, I’ve recently finished up six creative writing graduate school applications, submitted poems to literary journals, and started delving back into short story writing. Like most writers, I would say this hectic creative schedule has been rewarding

As writers, we often find ourselves contemplating this simple question: How can I write something meaningful? Something that matters to someone? And while the process is complicated sometimes, we have some tips to help you on your journey.   Start by simply

If you’re anything like me, you probably can’t stop thinking about your holiday wishlist. Between awesome deals and swoon-worthy social media ads, it’s only natural to get swept up in the season of commercialism.    Giving Tuesday offers a counter to the

As we wrap up 2019, there are still new poetry collections to discover before we break into a new decade. From the darkness of the deep web and the powerful influence of technology to the beauty of self-discovery and self-acceptance,

Courtney Lowry is a photographer, poet, and artist from Baltimore, Maryland who seeks to empower those whose voices are silenced through her work. Her photography series “Generalized Anxiety Distortions” explores and documents her struggle with her mental health while studying

If you have graduated from school, or simply lack people in your life to share ideas about writing, literature, and poetry, listening to a podcast can feel like a warm hug of validation and acceptance. They are inspirational and informative

Having a heart of gratitude takes practice and daily focus, but it is a mindset that will help dramatically transform the way you see your world. When we search for ways to reflect on gratitude, it allows us to cultivate

It feels like I can’t remember a time before Black Friday. Statistics show that most shoppers do half of their holiday shopping on the occasion, which seems to be getting longer and more overwhelming each year. With some stores kicking

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

Lying in the sweet spot between anonymity and accountability, Reddit offers a unique place for people to share ideas, seek advice, and collaborate. Of course, sharing work online opens us up to criticism, and not everyone behind their screen is

Michael Faudet’s latest poetry collection, Cult of Two, published by Andrews McMeel on Nov. 19, makes a transparent confession in its front-page introduction: The book, Faudet insists, is “haunted.” If readers delve into its pages, he warns that they might

If you are like me, you love a good quote about writing from your favorite writer. I love learning from their experiences, writing their words on post-it notes and sticking them all over my writing space. We can learn so

If you’ve been on the Internet in the past few years, chances are you know all about imposter syndrome. Outlets like Harvard Business Review, Psychology Today, and even the American Psychological Association have written about the condition—further indicating its prevalence

While there aren’t any hard and fast rules for expressing your emotions through writing, there are certain structures to follow when seeking to communicate these emotions and experiences with your readers through poetry. The idea of writing poetry can be

Today, we honor the memory of transgender people whose lives have been lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Transgender Day of Remembrance shines a light on the losses we face due to bigotry and violence and serves as a reminder

You’ve set your intentions, you’ve embarked on the inner work, but still wonder why your dreams aren’t manifesting. First of all, there’s nothing wrong with you. Hitting a plateau is an important mile marker on any journey and a sign

Every month, I spotlight a poet in the writing community who I feel does a great job shedding light on important topics. So far, we have had incredible writers give amazing insight into the topics that inspire them to write:

Like the right sweater, the right words can bring warmth and comfort to the soul—just like some time alone can recharge you and make you feel whole again. A cozy night in calls for poetry. It’s a chance to put your

Whether you check your horoscope daily or once in a blue moon, it can be fun to see how your personality lines up with what the stars spell out for you. Each zodiac sign has unique personality traits and an

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

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