So, yesterday was the official kick-off of the Keep Portland Weird festival here in Paris, which meant that I had a reading/screening in the...
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What really distinguished this haiku anthology from the many others I have read is first, that each collection of haiku is prefaced by an essay written by that collection's author, giving a glimpse into the poet's mind, and secondly, that the thirteen haiku poets showcased in this volume represent a wide range of voices, from traditional to experimental.
I was pleased to get the opportunity to review a pre-release copy of Sage Cohen’s latest book, The Productive Writer. Having read her two previous books (Like the Heart, the World and Writing the Life Poetic), I was expecting to receive both practical advice, as well as inspiration for improving productivity as a writer. I was not disappointed. More than simply a collection of time management tips, Sage’s book covers everything from defining one’s own ideal writing life, to practical considerations such as deciding where to submit one’s work, how to track submissions, and suggestions for preparing for a successful workshop presentation or reading event.
As a poet, a non-fiction author, and one who has a day job as a copywriter, Sage has a wealth of real-life experience from which her knowledge was gleaned, and I found that when she used examples from her own life to illustrate various points, it gave a high level of authenticity to the work—a decided feel that she practiced what she preached, and that these were indeed time-tested principles that worked for her. Sage is quick to point out that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to a writing life. There are many places in the book in which the reader is asked to personalize the lessons presented, by setting writing goals, defining what “productivity” means to them, and creating their own strategies for success.
By not simply just reading this book, but by taking the time to answer the questions posed thoughtfully, and by completing the exercises, all writers, from novices to seasoned veterans can tailor the strategies presented to their own needs. The Productive Writer is a wonderful book for any writer to have in their arsenal of writing resources, whether they write poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. In fact, I found that many of the time management and goal setting techniques presented carry over into other endeavors in life as well!
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Cara Holman has commented on (3) products.
The Unswept Path: Contemporary American Haiku by John Brandi
Cara Holman, September 30, 2011
What really distinguished this haiku anthology from the many others I have read is first, that each collection of haiku is prefaced by an essay written by that collection's author, giving a glimpse into the poet's mind, and secondly, that the thirteen haiku poets showcased in this volume represent a wide range of voices, from traditional to experimental.Hello Goodbye by Emily Chenoweth
Cara Holman, January 1, 2011
A bittersweet story of love and loss, that rings true with every word.The Productive Writer: Strategies and Systems for Greater Productivity, Profit and Pleasure by Sage Cohen
Cara Holman, November 1, 2010
I was pleased to get the opportunity to review a pre-release copy of Sage Cohen’s latest book, The Productive Writer. Having read her two previous books (Like the Heart, the World and Writing the Life Poetic), I was expecting to receive both practical advice, as well as inspiration for improving productivity as a writer. I was not disappointed. More than simply a collection of time management tips, Sage’s book covers everything from defining one’s own ideal writing life, to practical considerations such as deciding where to submit one’s work, how to track submissions, and suggestions for preparing for a successful workshop presentation or reading event.As a poet, a non-fiction author, and one who has a day job as a copywriter, Sage has a wealth of real-life experience from which her knowledge was gleaned, and I found that when she used examples from her own life to illustrate various points, it gave a high level of authenticity to the work—a decided feel that she practiced what she preached, and that these were indeed time-tested principles that worked for her. Sage is quick to point out that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to a writing life. There are many places in the book in which the reader is asked to personalize the lessons presented, by setting writing goals, defining what “productivity” means to them, and creating their own strategies for success.
By not simply just reading this book, but by taking the time to answer the questions posed thoughtfully, and by completing the exercises, all writers, from novices to seasoned veterans can tailor the strategies presented to their own needs. The Productive Writer is a wonderful book for any writer to have in their arsenal of writing resources, whether they write poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. In fact, I found that many of the time management and goal setting techniques presented carry over into other endeavors in life as well!