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How to Haiku: A Writer's Guide to Haiku and Related Forms
Not yet published
Expected 31 Dec 30Guide to writing haiku poetry
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1900
27 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 14, 2015
I continue to find writing Haiku endlessly fascinating. It’s a form that I can return to again and again and still find something fresh. So I am always keen to read advice on how to write Haiku.
I don’t tend to favour an overtly spiritual approach to writing the form and so Bruce Ross’ approach, which I feel does stem somewhat from this vein was initially …well not off putting, but presented a small hurdle (this is my baggage I think). The again, perhaps I am simply focussed on improving my technique and any “fluff” so to speak, how ever eloquent, poses an annoyance ( patience Sean-san).
How to Haiku doesn’t knock of its pedestal, Jane Reichhold’s Writing and Enjoying Haiku - A Hands on Guide, as my number one recommendation for new Haiku writers. I did find it offered additional insight though. So I think that its worth coming to, after you have had some experience and experimented with techniques outlined in Reichhold’s work.
In general I enjoyed Ross’ inclusion of relatively contemporary American Haiku in addition to traditional Japanese examples. I felt that this gave me a sense of where tradition has been continued ( albeit slightly altered through the change from Japanese to English) and where contemporary Haiku poets have begun to experiment or diverge.
I also enjoyed the inclusion of other forms of Japanese Poetry ie Haibun, Tanka, and Renga/Renku.
One of the things that I struggle with in reviewing poetry is the technical language with which to talk/ discuss it. Ross’ explanation/analysis of the poems he presents was aimed at a broad audience (leading some readers to criticise it as boring) which I think acts to both give the reader some pointers on how to talk about Haiku in addition to providing an explanation of the content and techniques. Better to over explain I think.
Like Reichhold I do appreciate Ross’ “Guideline” approach to the writing of Haiku. He presents the tradition, gives you examples of that tradition – contemporary and pre-modern and leaves it up to you. I think this allows for respect of the form without slavish adherence to rules that I think will ultimately restrict it and result in stagnation. His discussion on the difference between the qualities of Wabi and Sabi was also helpful.
In each of the other forms mentioned above I gained something from reading Ross’ work. I have struggled for sometime to attempt Haibun and Ross provided four different approaches and highlighted traditional and contemporary examples. His identification of the divergent traditions of Tanka were similarly illustrative. His explanation of the linking in Renga was perhaps the best I have come across.
So, a worthwhile addition to your library? I think so. Not a beginning point but certainly worth it for those with some experience/exposure to the form under their belt.
I don’t tend to favour an overtly spiritual approach to writing the form and so Bruce Ross’ approach, which I feel does stem somewhat from this vein was initially …well not off putting, but presented a small hurdle (this is my baggage I think). The again, perhaps I am simply focussed on improving my technique and any “fluff” so to speak, how ever eloquent, poses an annoyance ( patience Sean-san).
How to Haiku doesn’t knock of its pedestal, Jane Reichhold’s Writing and Enjoying Haiku - A Hands on Guide, as my number one recommendation for new Haiku writers. I did find it offered additional insight though. So I think that its worth coming to, after you have had some experience and experimented with techniques outlined in Reichhold’s work.
In general I enjoyed Ross’ inclusion of relatively contemporary American Haiku in addition to traditional Japanese examples. I felt that this gave me a sense of where tradition has been continued ( albeit slightly altered through the change from Japanese to English) and where contemporary Haiku poets have begun to experiment or diverge.
I also enjoyed the inclusion of other forms of Japanese Poetry ie Haibun, Tanka, and Renga/Renku.
One of the things that I struggle with in reviewing poetry is the technical language with which to talk/ discuss it. Ross’ explanation/analysis of the poems he presents was aimed at a broad audience (leading some readers to criticise it as boring) which I think acts to both give the reader some pointers on how to talk about Haiku in addition to providing an explanation of the content and techniques. Better to over explain I think.
Like Reichhold I do appreciate Ross’ “Guideline” approach to the writing of Haiku. He presents the tradition, gives you examples of that tradition – contemporary and pre-modern and leaves it up to you. I think this allows for respect of the form without slavish adherence to rules that I think will ultimately restrict it and result in stagnation. His discussion on the difference between the qualities of Wabi and Sabi was also helpful.
In each of the other forms mentioned above I gained something from reading Ross’ work. I have struggled for sometime to attempt Haibun and Ross provided four different approaches and highlighted traditional and contemporary examples. His identification of the divergent traditions of Tanka were similarly illustrative. His explanation of the linking in Renga was perhaps the best I have come across.
So, a worthwhile addition to your library? I think so. Not a beginning point but certainly worth it for those with some experience/exposure to the form under their belt.
February 2, 2018
Very interesting little book. I've long been drawn to haiku as a very (for me) accessible form of poetry.
This book covers haiku (expressing a moment) and various related forms, senryu (telling a joke), haibun (telling a story), tanka (expressing a feeling), haiga (a picture form) and renga (group poems).
Pretty well written with many examples. He does a good job on both traditional and modern forms.
I rarely buy books anymore but this is a book I'd consider owning for the excellent reference.
Slender red book....
good read
back to the library
This book covers haiku (expressing a moment) and various related forms, senryu (telling a joke), haibun (telling a story), tanka (expressing a feeling), haiga (a picture form) and renga (group poems).
Pretty well written with many examples. He does a good job on both traditional and modern forms.
I rarely buy books anymore but this is a book I'd consider owning for the excellent reference.
Slender red book....
good read
back to the library
February 12, 2021
I have long enjoyed reading and writing haiku, and was looking to learn more about the form; this book is not only a wonderful deep dive into haiku, Ross surveys many other related poetic forms from Japanese literature.
Some of the solo forms he explores, with hints for writing as well as to what to look for when reading, include Senryu which embodies a humorous perspective that he not only describes but offers this lovely example:
First, a haiku that offers a poignant observation:
Christmas Eve...
at the lot, the trees
not chosen
--- Tom Tico
And then a Senryu that speaks to the same situation, with a humorous twist:
Christmas Eve --
the clerk cuts
the tree's price
--- Peggy Heinrich
He also covers the Haibun which tells a story, integrating prose and poetry; Tanka and Haiga which includes a sketch to illustrate the poem.
The real fun -- and I hope to invite others who may be interested -- is the various forms of collective poetry making with Renga and the various structures where two or more writers contribute to a linked verse that can go on for up to 36 verses.
This is a fun, enjoyable, and even inspiring book I recommend to any one who is even the slightest interested in writing their own short verse!
Some of the solo forms he explores, with hints for writing as well as to what to look for when reading, include Senryu which embodies a humorous perspective that he not only describes but offers this lovely example:
First, a haiku that offers a poignant observation:
Christmas Eve...
at the lot, the trees
not chosen
--- Tom Tico
And then a Senryu that speaks to the same situation, with a humorous twist:
Christmas Eve --
the clerk cuts
the tree's price
--- Peggy Heinrich
He also covers the Haibun which tells a story, integrating prose and poetry; Tanka and Haiga which includes a sketch to illustrate the poem.
The real fun -- and I hope to invite others who may be interested -- is the various forms of collective poetry making with Renga and the various structures where two or more writers contribute to a linked verse that can go on for up to 36 verses.
This is a fun, enjoyable, and even inspiring book I recommend to any one who is even the slightest interested in writing their own short verse!
July 10, 2020
Amazing informative book
Everything you want to know, with great examples of all kinds of Japanese poetry, and it includes useful key points. I'm very glad that I bought the book.
Everything you want to know, with great examples of all kinds of Japanese poetry, and it includes useful key points. I'm very glad that I bought the book.
October 11, 2020
More for fans of free verse than traditional 5-7-5 Haiku.
Read
February 19, 2009This tiny red book is so hot, I sleep with it! It makes me curl on the couch, shutting off the traffic, or else, hit the meadow, soaking up the sounds through the leaves of grass.
Want to read
September 7, 2009Hasil dari Ominiuum pas kemaren juga. :D
August 25, 2014
Excellent book! Engaging and so inspiring!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews