First Thought Best Thought: The Art of Spontaneous & Inspired Writing Taught by Four Legendary Mentors of the Craft

by Randy Roark (Editor), William S. Burroughs (Contributor), Allen Ginsberg (Contributor)

First thought, best thought"-that was the phrase that poet Allen Ginsberg used to describe spontaneous and fearless writing-a way of "telling the truth" that arises from naked and authentic experience. For more than 30 years, groundbreaking teachers such as Ginsberg and his colleagues Anne Waldman, William S. Burroughs, and Diane di Prima at Naropa University have inspired emerging writers to express themselves with unfettered honesty and immediacy. Now, with First Thought Best Thought, the first-ever release from Naropa's treasured audio archive, you are invited to learn with these literary mentors face-to-face as they share the secrets of their craft.

Genres: Poetry, Writing, Nonfiction, Art, Audiobook

4 pages, Audio CD

First published August 1, 2004

Reviews

[Rebecca Timberlake · Rating 3 out of 5]

(LISTENED TO AUDIOBOOK)

It was interesting to listen to established poets detail their process and craft. Even more so, the fact that the questions were included so you could hear them elaborate on their ideas of what makes good writing, and what helps along the process.

If you're a fan or writer of poetry, or a student of the 1950s/60s beatnik movement, I recommend giving this a listen.

[Matthew Stolte · Rating 5 out of 5]

All 4 discs are great. The Burroughs stands with any of his other spoken word albums. He reads at length cutups & dream words.

[Mary Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poetry workshop from Naropa University with William S. Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, Diane di Prima, and Anne Waldman. Inspiring lectures of a time when poets created their craft in community to encourage others to create.

[Joe Vigil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compilation features 4 excellent writers who co-founded the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics. Anyone who is serious about writing as a craft should listen to these lectures. Ginsberg's was the best because his lecture was just as selfless and fearless as the man himself. I loved it!

[Allen Herring · Rating 3 out of 5]

audio fell apart midway through, but it was a good book.