A Creative Moment

For those that were interested in some of the concepts that I used to teach during my creativity for people who thought they weren't creative workshops I thought I would post small pieces now and then. I hope you find them as exciting as I have.

This particular idea is adapted from the book The Practice of Poetry. It is a fantastic compilation of exercises and starts for the stuck poet and writer. It also draws upon the work of Kenneth Koch who worked with students in New York for years and wrote some great books on teaching poetry to young people.

Creative Inspiration for the stuck poet and writer (even if you don't think you are a poet or writer): Write a poem that introduces a family member and a superhero. Of course, this is an imaginary encounter, but because you know your family so well the poem can be rich in reality. There aren't any other rules except I think it is fun to use either my most repressed relative or my most flamboyant. It also works well to have this be a rather long poem of 20 - 30 lines but that isn't necessary and there is no particular form of verse ether.

I am hopeless to spark interest in my blog and I happen to love contests! So, (drum roll) I am hosting a contest! I have an EXTRA copy of The Practice of Poetry and if you submit a poem by Sunday, August 26th in the comments field using this exercise you will be entered to win. You will love the book and if you don't pass it onto either a teacher or poet you know who would. Poems will be judged by my family (so if you don't win do not think you aren't a great poet, we are just people... not professionals) and there will be one lucky winner. Enter away!