Literary Spotlight: Kansas City
Located smack dab in the middle of the United States, Kansas City, Mo., is famously home to barbecue, jazz, and a whole lot of fountains. But does Kansas City have a thriving poetry scene? The short answer is yes—you just
Thomas Chatterton: The Precursor of the Romantic Movement
Sublime, subjective, and emotional, the Romantic Movement was an answer to the Age of Englightenment. And the earliest tremors of British Romanticism can be found in the work of a mischievous and inventive young poet who lived only to age
8 Short Poetry Collections to Fit into Your Busy Schedule
Feeling overbooked and overworked? Between busy work schedules, back-to-back classes, and general life stuff, it can be hard to find the time to read—much less a lengthy undertaking like, say, Leaves of Grass. If you’ve got limited time and attention
Poetry and Promotion During a Pandemic: 5 Questions with ‘shine your icy crown’ Author Amanda Lovelace
The coronavirus pandemic has seriously altered all aspects of the literary landscape, including poetry. Few poets know this better than Amanda Lovelace. The bestselling author of the “you are your own fairy tale” trilogy completed one collection, as well as
4 Fiercely Heartfelt Poems for Celebrating Your Chosen Family
A term popularized among the queer community, “chosen families” are nonbiological bonds that exude support, pride, and love. For LGBTQ people—who may have complicated family relationships or face prejudice from their family—the concept of chosen families can represent a way
Feeling Down? Write an Ode to Recalibrate
Has your heart felt heavy lately? Have you been left feeling down and discouraged with no idea how to write your way through what you’re experiencing? Writing an ode can be a great way to begin navigating complex emotional terrain.
10 Books to Look Forward to in 2021
A new year is a perfect excuse for a bookshelf refresh, and 2021 is serving up a whole slew of hot new collections to look forward to. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got the skinny on some
5 February Poetry Contests to Enter
Submitting your work can be intimidating and nerve-wracking. However, putting your words out there provides an opportunity to hone your revision process, familiarize yourself with the publishing industry, and—above all—grow your poetry career. Whether you have a few polished, unpublished
Inaugural Poets: Their Role and Relevance Throughout History
Amanda Gorman, a 22-year-old Black poet and Harvard University alumna, has made history by becoming the youngest inaugural poet, selected by President Joe Biden. Gorman has read for university events, holidays, and the Boston Pop Orchestra, making the inauguration the
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day
As the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism during the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. is celebrated across the U.S. on the third Monday in January each year. He envisioned a world in which people were not judged by
Anthologizing Equality: 5 Feminist Anthologies to Add to Your Shelf
For many readers and writers, anthologies are a reminder of the literary canon. The word can conjure images of thick, traditional textbooks—the ones filled with poems by dead, white men. While literary history is important, the movement to include new voices,
4 Book Photography Tips For Your Poetry Collection
Sharing your writing in a post online is a wonderful way to spotlight your poems—but taking photographs of your poetry collection or typed poem is another great option to create engaging and beautiful content. Don’t have a poetry book yet?