Poet Business Institute

To Write Powerful Poetry, Take Away Someone's Power

Who is in control of the narrative, and who is simply along for the ride? In this episode of Fine Print, we are diving deep into "Spoons and Leaves" by Samantha R. Sharp to explore the critical role of agency in poetry.We often talk about what a poem says, but today we’re looking at how it moves. By tracking who holds the power and who lacks it within the text, we can uncover how tension is built and how a story truly begins to unfold.In this livestream, we’ll analyze:Identifying Agency: How to spot which characters (or objects) are driving the action.The Power Balance: Examining the "who is in control" vs. "who lacks power" dynamic to find the emotional core.Tracking Tension: Using shifts in agency to create narrative momentum and stakes.Building Story: How these micro-moments of control translate into a larger poetic arc.Whether you're looking to strengthen your own writing or just love a good technical breakdown, join us as we get into the fine print of this evocative piece.New to Fine Print? Every Wednesday at 11AM New York, we take a close look at a single poem to learn more about the craft of poetryCheck out another Fine Print episode where we focus on the importance of word choice on emotion: https://youtube.com/live/Sflbi0kNDe400:00 - Introduction: Tracking character agency and control00:27 - Welcome to Fine Print: Introduction of the poem and guest Charlene Fix01:07 - Analyzing the first lines: "From the kitchen I heard heels crushing"03:45 - Discussion on word choice: "Lifting a chime from the floorboards"06:50 - Imagery and acoustics: Why the poet chose a spoon08:08 - The neighbor arrives: Similes and interiority ("Like a rat to gnaw")12:00 - Building tension through spacing and proximity14:46 - "I cut the power": Analyzing the speaker's act of agency19:50 - Flashlight through the frosted glass: Plausibility in world-building22:50 - The "Sublime Glare": Puzzling over the speaker's perspective27:52 - "Wait like a roach": Paradoxes and animal associations30:15 - "He knocks because he knows I listen": The intimacy of fear32:50 - Unwillingness to act: Removing agency from the self35:40 - What makes it a poem? Heightened language and emotional resonance38:00 - Creative Writing Prompt: Writing about hiding or not answering the door40:15 - Analyzing the title: "Spoons and Leaves" vs. plural "Spoons"42:15 - Closing remarks and how to suggest future poemsGet a free audio/mp3/podcast version at https://open.spotify.com/show/4vAdMbaunOPziRoovm0K5PWrite with us at the Substation: www.diversespoetry.com/aboutsubstation#diverses #fineprint #poetry

Why A Poet's First Book SHOULDN'T Be Poetry

In this episode of the Creative Companionship Book Club, we’re diving back into Daniel Priestley’s Key Person of Influence to challenge the traditional path of publishing. While every poet dreams of their first collection, there are strategic reasons why a "book of influence"—like an essay collection, a workbook, or a book of tips—might be a better move for your professional poetry career.We explore how to build credibility and credentials, use books to clarify your messaging, and why self-publishing small batches can give you more flexibility than traditional routes. Whether you're a fiction writer, essayist, or poet, this video will help you rethink how to use publishing to live on your art.In this video, we cover:How to build professional credentials as an artist.The different types of books poets can create (Thought leadership, Haiku workbooks, Tips books).Defining your "takeaway message" and central question.Why book sales aren't the only metric for success.The power of articles and leveraging other platforms.Poets, novelists, and other writers want to write a first book; however, to really launch a career that lets you live on your art, whether that be poetry or writing, the first book may not actually need to be the form you expect! Let's turn to Daniel Priestley's Key Person Of Influence for help. If you have have not put a book into the world yet, or even if you already have, here is a consideration for your next work that be the first key piece of your writing career. The first episode on Daniel Priestley's Key Person Of Influence for poets who want to live on poetry: https://youtu.be/-6qlOyAL-6IGet a free audio/mp3/podcast version at https://open.spotify.com/show/4vAdMbaunOPziRoovm0K5PWrite with us at the Substation: www.diversespoetry.com/aboutsubstation00:00 - Introduction: Rethinking your first book00:35 - Building credibility and credentials as a poet01:28 - Why books are essential for your professional career02:23 - Generating new thoughts and areas of interest03:21 - Exploring different book types: Fiction, Non-fiction, and Memoir04:13 - Thought leadership and essay collections05:02 - Creating interview-based books06:03 - The power of a "Tips" book06:33 - Artistic and workbook concepts (e.g., Haiku workbooks)07:22 - Defining your takeaway message and central question09:43 - The importance of a strategic title10:30 - Why book sales aren't the only metric for success11:42 - Leveraging self-publishing and small batches12:28 - Using articles to increase findability*Welcome to the Creative Companionship Book Club, where we take business texts and discuss how to use their techniques to create a poetry business we'd be proud to run. This is our third dive into Daniel Priestley's Key Person Of Influence, which is a book centered on finding ways to stand out and provide unique insights and help in our field of interest so that we are competing against no one. *Welcome also to our poetry channel at diVERSES! Whether you're a seasoned poetry enthusiast or just beginning your journey into writing, this discussion will help inform your development in poetry🔍 What You'll Discover:The importance of questioning while reading poetry.Practical tips for asking insightful questions.How questioning enhances comprehension and appreciation.Examples of question-driven analysis applied to popular poems.Strategies for incorporating questioning into your own reading practice.The broader benefits of critical thinking fostered through poetic inquiry.diVERSES was founded by poet Geoff Anderson in Columbus, Ohio to help writers achieve creative and financial independence #poetry #CreativeCompanionship #diverses

How To Pitch Your Art So People ASK To Learn More

If you want to start an art business or poetry business, you'll eventaully have opportunities to pitch and describe what it is that you do. Let's turn to Daniel Priestley's Key Person Of Influence for help! If you have not had to pitch yourself before, even if it is just to answer a question like "so what do you do", then it can be helpful to prepare for that moment to better describe the change you are creating and the help you give the world. We explore how to move away from passive politeness and toward emotional resonance. Whether you’re pitching a corporate brand, a school, or a private collector, you’ll learn how to structure your story so that people don't just nod—they ask to learn more.In this video, we cover:Why "polite" responses are the enemy of your art business.The 5-part blueprint for a winning poetry pitch.How to define your "rules," your "players," and your "prizes."My personal story of moving against the corporate poetry system to build diVERSES.How to ground your pitch in your origin story to build instant credibility.The first episode on Daniel Priestley's Key Person Of Influence for poets who want to live on poetry: https://youtu.be/-6qlOyAL-6IThe previous episode: https://youtu.be/ZOt7nhb7Ww0Get a free audio/mp3/podcast version at https://open.spotify.com/show/4vAdMbaunOPziRoovm0K5PWrite with us at the Substation: www.diversespoetry.com/aboutsubstationWelcome to the Creative Companionship Book Club, where we take business texts and discuss how to use their techniques to create a poetry business we'd be proud to run. This is our third dive into Daniel Priestley's Key Person Of Influence, which is a book centered on finding ways to stand out and provide unique insights and help in our field of interest so that we are competing against no one. *Welcome also to our poetry channel at diVERSES! Whether you're a seasoned poetry enthusiast or just beginning your journey into writing, this discussion will help inform your development in poetry🔍 What You'll Discover:The importance of questioning while reading poetry.Practical tips for asking insightful questions.How questioning enhances comprehension and appreciation.Examples of question-driven analysis applied to popular poems.Strategies for incorporating questioning into your own reading practice.The broader benefits of critical thinking fostered through poetic inquiry.🎓 Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery through the rich landscapes of poetry, where every question unlocks a new layer of meaning and understanding. Don't miss out on this opportunity to deepen your connection with literature and broaden your perspective on life.Let's embark on this poetic journey together and uncover the profound truths that lie within the lines. Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!00:00 - Famous Quotes are Actually Pitches00:30 - The Creative Companionship Book Club: Daniel Priestley’s KPI01:08 - Why You Only Get One Chance to Answer "What Do You Do?"01:34 - The "Polite" Response Trap vs. Emotional Resonance02:22 - Practicing Your 5, 10, and 30-Second Introductions02:47 - How to Find Your Pitch: Looking for Blind Spots & Your "Why"03:08 - The diVERSES Story: Moving Against the Corporate Poetry System04:10 - 5 Components of a Winning Pitch04:27 - 1. Make it Fun and Exciting (Living on Poetry)04:54 - 2. Setting Your Rules: Saying No to the Old System05:35 - 3. Finding Your Players: Who is Your Specific Audience?06:04 - 4. Defining Prizes and Success Measures06:58 - 5. Setting Goalposts: Your 3-Month and 3-Year Plan07:40 - Embracing Risk: Why a Game Needs the Possibility of Failure08:21 - Targeting Your "Specific Person" & Choosing Your Vocabulary10:04 - Grounding Your Pitch in Your Origin Story11:28 - Desired Future State: Defining the Payoff for Your Client12:09 - Establishing Credibility: Proof That Your Art Business Works13:10 - Next Steps: Writing Your First Pitch

How To Keep Your Reader Engaged In Your Poem

How To Keep Poetry Readers EngagedStruggling to keep readers engaged with your poetry? In this episode of Fine Print, Geoff with an 'O' breaks down the "People Hide Their Love" by Wu-ti to show you exactly how to stage a poem for maximum impact.Learn how to use line length, punctuation, and different sentence structures to maintain your reader's interest and keep them wanting to read from line to linePoem Staging: How to build a world using simple subject-verb-object structures.The Power of Doubling: Why repeating patterns in pairs helps your reader settle into your poem’s rhythm.Creating Tension: How to shift from world-building to human desire and unfulfilled needs to hook your audience.Abstract vs. Concrete: Moving from descriptive imagery to powerful, earned conclusions.Poetry Analysis: A deep dive into the themes of poverty, riches, and belonging in Fu Hsuan's work.Whether you are a seasoned poet or just starting to write, these structural strategies will help you map out the journey you want your readers to take.New episodes of Fine Print air every Wednesday at 11:00 AM ET!Get a free audio/mp3/podcast version at https://open.spotify.com/show/4vAdMbaunOPziRoovm0K5PWrite with us at the Substation: www.diversespoetry.com/aboutsubstationWelcome also to our poetry channel at diVERSES! Whether you're a seasoned poetry enthusiast or just beginning your journey into writing, this discussion will help inform your development in poetry🔍 What You'll Discover:The importance of questioning while reading poetry.Practical tips for asking insightful questions.How questioning enhances comprehension and appreciation.Examples of question-driven analysis applied to popular poems.Strategies for incorporating questioning into your own reading practice.The broader benefits of critical thinking fostered through poetic inquiry.🎓 Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery through the rich landscapes of poetry, where every question unlocks a new layer of meaning and understanding. Don't miss out on this opportunity to deepen your connection with literature and broaden your perspective on life.Let's embark on this poetic journey together and uncover the profound truths that lie within the lines. Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!diVERSES was founded by poet Geoff Anderson in Columbus, Ohio to help writers achieve creative and financial independence #poetry #FinePrint #diverses

How To Schedule Art Workshops (WITHOUT GOOGLE CALENDAR)

How do you get people to find your poetry event, register, book themselves, reserve, save a seat--whatever wording you use, how do you get people to save themselves a spot in a class, workshop, event, webinar, or call? Even a simple Google Calendar may be enough to get the job done! Yet, it can be tricky when you need to handle payments, limit seats, and send links or event info to people who register This final episode of the Semester from the Poet Business Institute is dedicated to the calendar/scheduler, what key considerations you want to have when designing it, and how to make your calendar an automatic tool that you create once and never have to worry about it again.Episode 1 of the Semester from the Poet Business Institute: https://youtu.be/aq8WM0VbKq4Welcome to the Spring Semester from the Poet Business Institute! Over a 12-week module, poet Geoff Anderson is walking poets through steps to begin thinking about making poetry into a side business, a full time operation, or even a poetry career. We'll discuss creating a poetry product/service/offer, identifying what passions we have and what needs they serve, as well as strategies to reach people and have the impact we seek on the world. Keep up with the Spring Semester here on the channel! Get a free audio/mp3/podcast version at https://open.spotify.com/show/4vAdMbaunOPziRoovm0K5PWrite with us at the Substation! www.diversespoetry.com/aboutsubstation#poetry #poetbusinessinstitute #diversesdiVERSES was founded by poet Geoff Anderson in Columbus, Ohio to help writers achieve creative and financial independenceGet a free audio/mp3/podcast version at https://open.spotify.com/show/4vAdMbaunOPziRoovm0K5PWrite with us at the Substation! www.diversespoetry.com/aboutsubstation