Spreading the Word

by Ross Talarico

In 1985 poet Ross Talarico began a grassroots program in creative expression in Rochester, New York. As the program came together, so did the community—young and old, poor and privileged, even those who could not read or write but wanted to tell their stories. This book is a testimony to the poetry that experience produced. An exhilarating account of a successful experiment in promoting community self-expression, Spreading the Word interweaves the participants’ stories with Talarico’s own life, his struggle as a poet, and the drama of his workshops. The book will be both a resource and an inspiration for teachers of writing, writers, and those who simply wish to learn to write.
Drawing on his workshops in Rochester, Talarico describes a unique approach for eliciting poetry from people of many ages and backgrounds—particularly underpriviledged urban kids and the elderly. The process—from dialogue to self-expression to publication to public event—illuminates the urgency and meaning of releasing the spirit captured in each man and woman and child’s experience. "Some people say that Ross Talarico has done the impossible," the Today Show remarked of his success in Rochester; and with this book Talarico offers the same opportunity to others. Teachers, community leaders, parents, and children will be able to follow his practical, hands-on approach to encouraging self-expression in diverse, even unlikely, settings. They will see here how poetry is indeed relevant, ever more crucial to our identity as the culture evolves—how it is, finally, the place where the inarticulate can come to speak for themselves.

168 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 1995

Reviews

[Amy Galloway · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah the days when communities funded writing projects! This book makes you want to start a poetry / writing project in your neighborhood! And the poetry Talarico elicits from his various workshop members is touching, beautiful and authentic. A must read for poets, educators and anyone who loves writing.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a completely different perspective on being a poetry from the one in which the poet is ensconsed in the hallowed halls of learning. I'm amazed by the position Talarico was able to create for himself. He's got some great ideas for bringing poetry into communities, for making it popular and part of everyday life. Every poet should read this book and consider how they represent or foster poetry in their communities.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

textbook for my creative writing class. At first I didn't know how to get through the book. My prof (the author) wrote it as a text for creative writing (poetry) instruction. Good writing and some good concepts on how to put together a community writing program. Not long on instructions on writing as a craft.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! The story of an artist who brought a deeper understanding of life to inner-city kids in upstate New York. Quite moving.