Two things stood out for my 2023 process: first, committing to submitting (or resubmitting) at least one poem every week with an accountability partner has improved my productivity and quality. Second, a joint, close reading of Louise Glück's poems is the best poetry education I've received.
Thanks for this. I mentally stopped at “self compassion” although I read to the end. Whatever I’m feeling , the tug of many things, makes it hard to focus on the 4 points below but I’ll keep them for another day. Self compassion for me means I’ll do some fiber work (rug hooking) and let my word brain air out. You are appreciated.
I feel like I've talked about most of these points, but wanted to add my voice to this group in saying that I so appreciate your writing and leadership in the poetry world. We creatives are more intense than most, and it takes more work to stay balanced in mind, body and heart. And of course we never quite reach that goal (or not for long!), another Zen truism. Compassion is key, as you so well say. I like Kevin Fellows' comment about using an accountability partner to stay on track, and I will definitely make that a priority in 2024. Thanks for a very insightful essay!
I leaned heavily into ekphrasis in 2024 and earned my World Art History certificate from Smithsonian Associates. I decided to exit children's lit. I made more than 300 submissions of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry in 2024. I've made working with developmental editors a requirement now.
Two things stood out for my 2023 process: first, committing to submitting (or resubmitting) at least one poem every week with an accountability partner has improved my productivity and quality. Second, a joint, close reading of Louise Glück's poems is the best poetry education I've received.
I really do appreciate the thoughtfulness of your writing.
Thank you, Weston. That means a lot to me!
Thanks for this. I mentally stopped at “self compassion” although I read to the end. Whatever I’m feeling , the tug of many things, makes it hard to focus on the 4 points below but I’ll keep them for another day. Self compassion for me means I’ll do some fiber work (rug hooking) and let my word brain air out. You are appreciated.
Thank you, Jane! Wishing you ease this season.
I feel like I've talked about most of these points, but wanted to add my voice to this group in saying that I so appreciate your writing and leadership in the poetry world. We creatives are more intense than most, and it takes more work to stay balanced in mind, body and heart. And of course we never quite reach that goal (or not for long!), another Zen truism. Compassion is key, as you so well say. I like Kevin Fellows' comment about using an accountability partner to stay on track, and I will definitely make that a priority in 2024. Thanks for a very insightful essay!
Such great questions for a year-end review, thank you Radha. I hope the year's been good to you and 2025 will be even better.
I leaned heavily into ekphrasis in 2024 and earned my World Art History certificate from Smithsonian Associates. I decided to exit children's lit. I made more than 300 submissions of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry in 2024. I've made working with developmental editors a requirement now.