The Portable Poetry Workshop

by Jack Myers

This "breakthrough" book clearly, comprehensively, and practically informs any student of poetry about the techniques of their craft using the workshop method.

Genres: Poetry, Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

354 pages, Spiral-bound

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Jack Elliott Myers was an American poet and educator. He was Texas Poet Laureate in 2003, and served on the faculty of Southern Methodist University in Dallas for more than 30 years. He was director of creative writing at SMU from 2001 through 2009. Myers co-founded The Writer's Garret, a nonprofit literary center in Dallas, with his wife, Thea Temple. He published numerous books of and about poetry, and served as a mentor for aspiring writers at SMU and as part of the writers' community and mentoring project of The Writer's Garret.

Reviews

[Carol Bachofner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Myers' book is getting dogeared from its constant bumping around in my bag, briefcase, or suitcase. I take it with me everywhere except church (though it probably went to church a few times just because it was already in a large purse headed out with me for a later writing session). Whenever I am writing and want to get to the revision process, I take it out and do a reveiw of what Jack says about some particular aspect of writing I might be dealing with at the moment.

Jack was one of my MFA advisors and I find that his book is a little like still having him look over my work.

The book is organized well, has plenty of detail for the more serious poet or student, and is a must-have for any poet's bag, briefcase, or suitcase! Don't let it linger on teh shelf. USE the darned thing every day!

[Kyle V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in this book! One of the best books about poetry ever.

[Shaindel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this book as a required text in my intro to poetry writing class in addition to Addonizzio and Laux's _Poet's Companion_. This is a great book for helping students (especially beginning writers) think outside the box and generate new poems.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great book that is essential to any poet. Chapters are filled with tips, guidelines, poems and so much more.

This book has become my bible for my writing. I keep it with me at all times and refer to it on several occasions for help.

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

After the first chapter, my eyes glazed.

R

[Shawnta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a course and got a good many poetry exercises out of it. May as well give it a go!