Create a Poem Review & GIVEAWAY

Like to share ideas, express emotions and create imagery? Maybe you're a poet! Chartwell Books has just added a selection of guided journals to their Creative Keepsakes series. This includes Create a Poem: Writing Prompts for Poets by the Editors of Chartwell Books. Each one-page writing exercise has a topic, 10 word associations and space for writing in. The pages are arranged as follows. At the top is a one-word topic. It provides the writer with a starting point by answering the question, "What should I write about?" It eliminates what is sometimes the most difficult decision. At the bottom is a list of 10 words for use in the poem. They are meant to nudge the writer along by sparking thoughts, experiences and ideas. They may also challenge the writer. The remainder of the page consists of blank space for writing in. I counted 22 lines. There are a total of 200 pages in this format. The pages are rectangular in shape with rounded corners. For ease of use the journal generally stays open when you lay it flat. The type of poem you choose to write is up to you. Some general instruction is provided at beginning of the book. See the sample pages below. Guided journals make great gifts. I`m giving this one to my boyfriend. Chartwell Books released this 204 page paperback on April 27, 2021. Get your copy below!

Write a poem about...Tastes
10 Word Associations: Memories, scents, culture, perception, flavors, mood, bias, kitchen, colors, sounds

Write a poem about... Space
10 Word Associations: Time, sphere, star, air, void, infinite, empty, open, curtain, gravity

Write a poem about... Art
10 Word Associations: Design, pattern, color, achieve, civilization, perspective, abstract, creation, form, revolution

Write a poem about... Purpose
10 Word Associations: Goal, target, aim, arrow, mountain, destiny, lost, function, plan, dream

Create a Poem ISBN-13 : 978-0785839163 is available worldwide at Chartwell Books. Chartwell Books is a imprint of the Quarto Publishing Group USA. Check out their unique catalog at Chartwell Books. Quarto has generously offered to giveaway a copy! One winner will be selected at random. Open until May 13, 2021. Canadian and US addresses only. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Haiku: Japanese Art and Poetry

Haiku: Japanese Art and Poetry
Authors Judith Patt, Michiko Warkentyne and Barry Till
Publisher: Pomegranate; Bilingual Edition
Hardcover: 80 pages

Haiku, the Japanese form of poetry written in just three lines, is popular all over the world. "Its popularity is probably due as much to its brevity and seeming simplicity as to its imagery and evocative qualities."

Haiku: Japanese Art and Poetry is a collection of 35 poems composed by the renowned Japanese haiku masters of the past four hundred years, including Matsuo Basho, Taniguchi Buson and Kobayashi Issa. The haiku, written in English with Japanese calligraphies and transliterations, are paired with beautiful paintings, ukiyo-e prints and shin hanga woodcuts from the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Canada.

The book is arranged into three sections.

1. INTRODUCTION

The Poetic Form

Evolution of Haiku

The Lineage of Haiku Masters

Preparation of This Book

2. HAIKU
Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

3. ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Chrysanthemum, c. 1930s | Nishimura Hodo  | Woodcut on paper

Image ©Art Gallery of Greater Victoria 

Yellow mums, white mums--
as for me, I crave a red
chrysanthemum too!

--Shiki (1867-1902)
from Haiku: Japanese Art and Poetry

I chose an autumn haiku to share with you, the stunning chrysanthemum woodcut caught my attention. I read and then began to interpret the haiku, my first, observing that as a traditional haiku, it contained seventeen sound characters, a reference to a season, as well as a distinct pause or interruption. I learned that reading and practice are the best ways to enter the world of haiku, and that if I wanted to learn about the chrysanthemum, to go to the chrysanthemum. So I did, and my efforts were rewarded with a 'haiku moment', an experience where my heart moved in response to nature and its inspiring beauty. Now I know why people find haiku so fascinating. These short poems remind us to slow down and uncover the beauty of ordinary moments. Do you haiku?

Haiku: Japanese Art and Poetry is available at pomegranate.com for US$24.95. There's a Haiku: Japanese Art and Poetry 2012 Wall Calendar too, for US$13.99.  Pomegranate ships throughout the United States, Canada and world. They also have a selection of spectacular Christmas Cards.