Writing Poems

by Michelle Boisseau, Robert Wallace

This book offers comprehensive coverage of the creative process and the technical aspects of writing poetry. Filled with practical advice and numerous examples, Writing Poems is appropriate for both the beginning and advanced poet. Its anthology of classic and contemporary poems enlivens its readers' understanding of poetry, illustrates poetic principles, and, above all, inspires writing. With clear explanations, a lively presentation, and in-depth discussions, this book demystifies the process of writing poems and provides the guidance needed to help writers improve their craft. For anyone interested in writing poetry

Genres: Poetry, Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Textbooks, Crafts, School

368 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2003

Reviews

[Philipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure this is the book of which I read an older edition, which I found on the street in our oh-so-literate neighborhood.
I read it as an anthology with commentary, not as a textbook, which means I didn't do any of the written assignments - though of course I thought about them most diligently.
And I liked it.

[Rachel Nicole Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a creative writing student, this has been one of my most favorite textbooks I've read throughout my studies :) <3 I will definitely keep it for future reference.


xo,
Rach

[Alex Moseley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought the Fourth Edition of this book new in 1996 in the university bookstore. It has been a reliable friend over the years: it's so easy to come back and strike up a conversation no matter how long it's been. Each time I come back I find myself thinking "I'd forgotten how enriched my life is by this friendship." Humbling.

Recently I'm finding the craft of poetry itself to be generative, and once again, "Writing Poems" is that easy friend.

[Gerry LaFemina · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best poetry writing text books I've looked at (and I've looked at plenty)--smart, clear, with lots of great, diverse examples.

[Sarah Rider · Rating 4 out of 5]

The speed at which I consumed this script should not be held against it. (It ONLY took me four months!!!🥴) Very helpful, applicable, and honest. I'm glad to have read it, although I can't pretend to have enjoyed/devoured every chapter like a picture book or fiction. TBH, probably for the best. needed time to merengue in my mind.

[Matt McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid technical manual that walks you through the poems it uses as illustrations (as well as creating prompts based on them). It's a book I return to as a poet every few years to make sure I don't lose sight of the fundamentals.

[Lisajean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid and accessible textbook: one part on understanding poets’ choices around form, one part on structure, and one part on writing poems of your own.

[Rin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful and the exercises are actually pretty fun

[Sami Al-Khalili · Rating 4 out of 5]

This practical edition is handy when a poet contests their will to expand their referential understanding of poetry under a molecular lens that is in a degree of a foreseeable desire for improvement. This will help. This book helps new poets. This book, simply, helps.

Oh... It has assignments, questions and themes to write on, with an ending about publications.
Write on. That's what I was looking for.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

My go-to book for technical/academic aspects of rhythm & structure in poetry. I studied Creative Writing in college with an emphasis on poetry, and I wish this book has been included in my curriculum. I stumbled across it in the wonderful Open Books used-book store on Lake Street in Chicago's West Loop, and it reinvigorated my interest in writing and reading poetry. Wonderful book.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book to use for yourself, or to use, as I did, as a text for a college-level poetry course. (I used the 8th edition.) From the basics--what is "cliched writing", what is denotative meaning, etc, to in-depth chapters discussing metaphor, subject matter, and forms, this book uses simple, straightforward language and lots of examples to help improve the poetry of any beginning or intermediate writer. It also contains exercises and prompts at the end of each section. My students seemed to enjoy it, as well.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was supposed to finish this book in 2007 in an introduction to creative writing class. I skimmed through it, and I wish now that I had taken the time then to improve my writing. Finally, 6 years later, on a bus in Turkey, I finished it. I am excited to "play" more with poetry, as the book recommends.

My only complaint is that I feel some of the poems were not properly picked. I would have liked to see more classics in there. The writing activities are great though.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1988 I used a textbook for an undergraduate poetry class. The textbook was written by Robert Wallace and had an introduction by X.J. Kennedy. I believe this book is a revision and probably an improvement over the book I read. I like the book because it's easy to read, has a sense of humor and it seems to me just plain worthwhile especially for beginning poets.

[Daniel]

Filled with practical advice for the beginning poet, this text/anthology is a graceful expostion of the principles of poetry and poetic craft. Its comprehensive coverage carefully arrays the possibilities of poetic content and form, from a definitive...

[Lizette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another textbook I wish I had kept. This book had a lot of great poetry in it. It also had a wonderful way of explaining important tools and forms in poetry.

[Mcerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have the old 1991, 3rd edition. It's a wonderful reference. I can only imagine that the 5th edition is even better.

[unnarrator]

Teachin' from this one in less than two weeks!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

My poetry book from college. I didn't like the professor (Sandy Doe had an obsession with parking lots) but the class sure was fun.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I'll probably return to over and over. I especially loved all of the examples.

[mmmm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a helpful overview, since I came in not knowing most basic poetry terminology. The self-study portions, including some of the writing prompts, let me guide and teach myself, which seems to make sense with poetry. I especially liked explanations of different drafts of poems from both famous and student writers.

The authors seem to have a bias towards specific historical writers, some of whom I love (Whitman and Dickinson), and some of whom I don't care about much (Frost).

For now I'm chalking this up to "My brain is unusual and also I'm a musician," but sometimes I really disagreed with where stresses were marked! My speech patterns can't be that unusual... I'd read it repeatedly and still feel that some of the stresses were either wrong or ambiguous.

[David Sweet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to poetry with a fine array of poems. Definitely a fine textbook. And in the end, my poetry has gained and my knowledge grown, which is the weight of any book on craft. The reason for the four stars rather than five is just because it is a text book. Let's face it, the very best way to learn any craft is to practice and study masters. In poetry, memorizing poems and reading widely with intent will do you well. The 12 chapters, however, are a good guide to teach a beginning poet how to view each of the elements of a poem. Worth any beginning poets time and effort.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the Fourth Edition of this, and have found it profoundly helpful. The essays dig deep into what works and what doesn't and why, the Sample Poems that illustrate the point are perfect for showing it. The Questions and Suggestions at the end of each section are pertinent and helpful. This is not a short overview - it is a big book. Boisseau and wallace don't skim over things lightly. A serious work.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful guide on writing poems. Very rudimentary approaches that are aimed at novices, and all of the poetry examples draw from the best instead of at random. While the advice is practical, it doesn’t spark the imagination. Perhaps it is better off for that.

[Barbara Sibbald]

Robert Wallace and Michelle Boisseau

A thorough and highly useful book with many exquisite poems and helpful exercises. The explanations on form, cadence etc. etc. are easily grasped and so the door opens.
Highly recommended for the new poet. (moi)

[emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

My poetry professors wrote our textbook, and while that vexed me (it's not cheap), it is of the best books about poetry i've ever come across. A book i have worn out with underlining and dog earing.

[Preston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great intro to poetry. Breaks down different elements of poetry in a way that allows you to read actual poems at the same time. There's a lot of good advice, so make sure to underline!

[Miriam Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and find it useful for students.

[Cheyenne Sawaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taught my first college-level poetry course this semester, and used this book by suggestion of the department. I thought it was pretty good! It was useful in class and not too much for the students. Didn't love every selection, but thought the advice and commentary and analysis was overall really good!

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm using excerpts from this book in an introductory level creative writing class. The book is helpful, but quite textbooky--I think parts of it will be confusing and/or daunting for beginning writers.

Using it as a guide for what to present to the students is more helpful. I'm glad I didn't choose to use it as a class text.

[Frank · Rating 2 out of 5]

This just didn't work well for me and after going over it I sort of gave up the idea of ever writing poetry. But in the right hands it might be very helpful but I felt it was at a different level then I was at.