The biggest change in my writing thus far came after discovering Masterclass, an online classroom that for a yearly fee one has access to hundreds of “classes” created by masters in various fields: Simon Biles – gymnastics, Neil DeGrasse Tyson – scientific/critical thinking, Jesse Krebs – survivalist techniques and my favorites writers – Margaret Atwood, Amy Tan and poets – Billy Collins, Amanda Gorman, Joy Harjo each revealing in intimate sessions his/her secrets to attaining skills.
In one of Joy Harjo’s sessions, when she introduces the concept of poetry ancestors I learned about inspirational connections with other poets. I love reading poetry; my growing collection of poetry books is crowding my bookshelf. Through Joy Harjo’s masterclass I found other poets like Audre Lordes and saw how Audre’s poetry influenced Joy Harjo’s work. They both became poetry ancestors for my poem Unfold A Black Man that was published in the latest Peregrine anthology, my first published poem the honor I share with all my poetry ancestors. My list of ancestors continues to grow offering a hand to the universe of poets.
Linda, I love the idea of writing ancestors. I adore Joy Harjo's work and have used her poems as well as Audre Lourde's for stirring writing prompts. And who doesn't love Billy Collins? We learn from everyone, don't we? The greats and those just beginning their poetic journey.
Deepam, I love this beautiful poem of yours! In terms of changes, I’ve had a couple of free, almost channeled writing experiences after healing work. If I’m in a safe quiet space that supports my writing life, I might have a dream that wakes me up and guides me to my notebook. There I have uncovered some mysteries and the writing comes through me with very little control. It’s such a beautiful surprise and often occurs at dawn.
On my writing process. 1/28/23
The biggest change in my writing thus far came after discovering Masterclass, an online classroom that for a yearly fee one has access to hundreds of “classes” created by masters in various fields: Simon Biles – gymnastics, Neil DeGrasse Tyson – scientific/critical thinking, Jesse Krebs – survivalist techniques and my favorites writers – Margaret Atwood, Amy Tan and poets – Billy Collins, Amanda Gorman, Joy Harjo each revealing in intimate sessions his/her secrets to attaining skills.
In one of Joy Harjo’s sessions, when she introduces the concept of poetry ancestors I learned about inspirational connections with other poets. I love reading poetry; my growing collection of poetry books is crowding my bookshelf. Through Joy Harjo’s masterclass I found other poets like Audre Lordes and saw how Audre’s poetry influenced Joy Harjo’s work. They both became poetry ancestors for my poem Unfold A Black Man that was published in the latest Peregrine anthology, my first published poem the honor I share with all my poetry ancestors. My list of ancestors continues to grow offering a hand to the universe of poets.
Linda, I love the idea of writing ancestors. I adore Joy Harjo's work and have used her poems as well as Audre Lourde's for stirring writing prompts. And who doesn't love Billy Collins? We learn from everyone, don't we? The greats and those just beginning their poetic journey.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful response!
Congrats on your new poetry publication! I love prose poetry. Just wrote a prose poem (with you!) tonight.
It seems that whatever you set out to write, Barbara, something marvellous occurs.
Deepam, I love this beautiful poem of yours! In terms of changes, I’ve had a couple of free, almost channeled writing experiences after healing work. If I’m in a safe quiet space that supports my writing life, I might have a dream that wakes me up and guides me to my notebook. There I have uncovered some mysteries and the writing comes through me with very little control. It’s such a beautiful surprise and often occurs at dawn.