To Write Better Poetry, Write Better Verbs

This Doesn't Even Look Like A Poem!

In this episode of diVERSES, we sit down with poet, playwright, and novelist Stacy Nathaniel Jackson to explore the concept of Space Activation. When a standard line break or prose poem isn't enough to convey your message, how can you use typography, negative space, and visual layout to "prime" your reader for a different consciousness?We dive deep into the "eye test" of poetry—how a poem feels before you even read the first word and how the placement of the word continues to impact how we feel as we read—and discuss why poets are, at their core, designers.In this video, you’ll learn:What is Space Activation? Stacy defines his unique approach to making the page a canvas.The Syntax vs. Semantics of Space: How intentional layout can create irony, harmony, or disruptive silence.Practical Creative Exercises: Simple techniques using margins, justification, and "blackout" vs. "eraser" poetry to transform your work.The Artist’s Challenge: Why the frustration of working with non-standard tools (like Word) is actually part of the creative process.Zagging in a Zigging World: How breaking traditional academic "rules" can help independent poets find their own unique space in the art world.Featured Artist: Stacy Nathaniel Jackson is a multidisciplinary writer who explores the intersection of language and visual form. His work challenges the traditional "corporate poetry" systems and encourages writers to claim their own titles and aesthetics.Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Space Activation 01:30 - The Aesthetic of the Bay Area & Visual Poems 03:00 - The "Eye Test": How space changes feeling05:00 - Syntax vs. Semantics: Playing with Intention 08:00 - Techniques: Margins, Justification & Compression 12:45 - Blackouts vs. Erasers: Guiding the Reader 15:30 - Drawing with Words: Visual Poetry Examples 17:45 - Dancing with the Corporate Poetry System 20:00 - Final Thoughts: Where can you go where no one else is?Connect with diVERSES: Subscribe for more deep dives into the craft of poetry and conversations with artists who are redefining the verse.#Poetry #VisualPoetry #diVERSES

How Poets Can Show Poets Respect | Pour Over Poems

See part one with Zoe Brigley: https://youtu.be/9c6mYXqTHmw In this episode of diVERSES, we continue our conversation with poet Zoe Brigley, shifting the focus toward the craft of community building and the ethics of storytelling.Zoe introduces the concept of the "Sinister Myth"—the idea that some stories can inadvertently perpetuate violence—and discusses her podcast of the same name. We explore the vital role of mentorship in a writer’s journey, sharing the success story of Jane Campbell, and challenge the hyper-competitive nature of the modern writing business.Zoe also offers a powerful critique of the traditional "Iowa Model" of writing workshops. She advocates for a more inclusive, writer-centered approach, drawing on Felicia Rose Chavez’s The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop to propose alternative models that prioritize the poet’s agency and emotional safety.Welcome to Pour Over Poems, where host poet Geoff Anderson invites a poet out for coffee to hear one of their poems and then see where the discussion goes. See part 1 with Zoe: https://youtu.be/DrbwlCYKx-kGet a free podcast/mp3/audio version: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vAdMbaunOPziRoovm0K5P?si=pGDmsZ_1T9qjWzTR7KQeYgIn this video, we discuss:The "Sinister Myth": How stories and mythology can influence real-world violence.The impact of mentorship and building a supportive creative community.Rethinking the writing business: Why competition is the "starving artist's" trap.Critiquing the traditional creative writing workshop model.The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop: Centering the writer’s voice and agency.Practical tips for giving feedback and asking for permission in workshops.Alternative workshop methods: The Courtroom and Index Card models.00:00 - The value of podcasting and finding time to talk.00:25 - Zoe discusses her podcast, Sinister Myth, and how stories can perpetuate violence.02:09 - The importance of community building and the impact of social media opportunities.03:51 - Zoe’s passion for mentoring writers in both the US and the UK.04:53 - A success story: Mentoring Jane Campbell and the publication of Dyland.06:14 - Rethinking the writing business: Moving away from hyper-competitiveness.07:30 - Critiquing the "Iowa Model" of workshops and the need for writer agency.08:25 - Felicia Rose Chavez’s The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop and centering the writer.09:15 - How to ask for permission when giving feedback in workshops.10:58 - Exploring alternative workshop models, including the "courtroom" and index card methods.12:31 - Avoiding workshop "derailing" and keeping the focus on the poet’s goals.

Poems Link Kindness To Justice | Pour Over Poems

In this episode of Pour Over Poems, poet Geoff Anderson sits down with celebrated poet and editor Zoe Brigley to explore the intersections of heritage, identity, and the power of unconventional narratives.Zoe shares insights into her Welsh-American background, the revival of the Welsh language, and how the ancient myths of the Mabinogi—like the story of Blodeuwedd—continue to influence her writing today. We dive deep into her advocacy for authentic representations of women's lives, challenging stereotypes surrounding bisexuality, and her work with the "Women of Ohio" project.Zoe also performs a moving reading of her poem, "Hot Apple Cider," and discusses the importance of holding space and practicing kindness in the creative community.Welcome to Pour Over Poems, where host poet Geoff Anderson invites a poet out for coffee to hear one of their poems and then see where the discussion goes. In this video, we discuss:The origins of the name Brigley and Welsh-Irish roots.Exploring matriarchal influences and "difficult" women in poetry.The Welsh myth of Blodeuwedd (Flower Face) and its modern relevance.Challenging the silence and stereotypes of bisexual and pansexual identities.The "Women of Ohio" project: Celebrating hidden figures and real stories.Researching the complex life of Caitlin Thomas (wife of Dylan Thomas).The role of kindness and justice in poetry and community.00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Zoe Brigley.00:05 - Discussing the origin and pronunciation of the name "Brigley."01:05 - Zoe discusses her Welsh-American background and the poetry community in Wales.02:40 - Writing stories of women and unconventional lives.03:30 - The Welsh myth of Blodeuwedd (Flower Face).06:25 - The revival of the Welsh language.7:15 - Introduction to the poem "Hot Apple Cider."09:08 - Poem Reading: "Hot Apple Cider."11:28 - Balancing technical language and statistics in poetry.12:40 - Challenging stereotypes and representations of bisexual women.15:45 - Discussing the "Women of Ohio" project.18:15 - Advocating for real, unsterilized narratives of women's bodies and lives.20:40 - Writing about miscarriage and building a supportive community.24:45 - Researching unconventional lives: The story of Caitlin and Dylan Thomas.31:15 - Final thoughts on kindness, justice, and holding space for others.See part 2 with Zoe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrbwlCYKx-kGet a free podcast/mp3/audio version: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vAdMbaunOPziRoovm0K5P?si=pGDmsZ_1T9qjWzTR7KQeYg#PourOverPoems #poetry #diverses

How To End A Poem: 6 Quick Writing Tips & Examples

How do poets end poems? What are the strategies for writing a strong ending to a poem? This episode of 21 keys to writing poetry focuses on endings and the writing techniques poets use to write the end of a poem. See which strategies you use in your own writing, and which to try in your next piece!Check out the rest of the 21 Keys to Poetry series:Chapter 1: Strategies for TitlesChapter 2: Mastering First LinesChapter 3: HooksChapter 4: Similes and Metaphors https://youtube.com/live/vExdpsxL87YChapter 5: Active Verbs https://youtube.com/live/FlC56Ks5REMChapter 6: Stative Verbs https://youtube.com/live/2L3UycElvhM Chapter 7: Meter https://youtube.com/live/0dm7kIKeu2EThis is the eighth installment of the poetry manual, 21 Keys To Poetry by poet Geoff Anderson, which reviews the theoretical and structural techniques found in many contemporary poems that achieve success in poetry publications, contests, and awards.Are you working to enhance your writing through verb forms, as well as your understanding of the theories behind them? Using examples from classic translated Chinese poetry (via Project Gutenberg), we explore specific strategies poets use to captivate their audience immediately.Don't forget to share your own tips in the comments!#diVERSES #poetry #writing

What Separates Poets & Artists | Pour Over Poems

A note for some adult language. In this episode of Pour Over Poems, we dive deep into the world of identity: what it means to be a poet, the labels we take on, the difference between poets and writers, and the thinking behind how we define ourselves. In this episode of Pour Over Poems, we sit down with Genesis to explore the thin line between writing and performance, the weight of "poetic rants," and why we hold poets to a different standard than other creators. We dive deep into how language shifts across cultures and the importance of reclaiming your artistic identity by releasing the labels that hold you back.Whether you’re a writer, a spoken word artist, or someone navigating your own creative journey, this conversation offers a raw look at the sacrifice and choice required to live as an artist.Key Topics in This Episode:The emotional weight of performing personal poetry.Defining "poetic rants" as a form of cultural communication.The hierarchy of artistic labels (Writer vs. Poet).Reclaiming your identity and rejecting creative boxes.The legacy of creativity and the choice to be an artist.Welcome to Pour Over Poems, where host poet Geoff Anderson invites a poet out for coffee to hear one of their poems and then see where the discussion goes. Join us for a discussion with poet Genesis Shine, a poet, writer, creator, and action who shares what she calls her release poem and what it means to be an artist on your own terms.Get a free podcast/mp3/audio version: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vAdMbaunOPziRoovm0K5P?si=pGDmsZ_1T9qjWzTR7KQeYg00:00 - Introduction and welcome01:10 - Poem performance: "Because of Pop Culture"05:15 - Reflecting on the performance and emotional weight05:52 - Defining "Poetic Rants" and cultural communication09:40 - How language and words shift across cultures11:32 - The distinction between a writer and a poet13:46 - The problem with labels and artistic hierarchy15:38 - Why we hold poets in a different regard17:50 - Poetry as a communication style19:16 - The difference between poetry and structured writing20:20 - Releasing the past and reclaiming artistic identity22:30 - Genesis' family legacy of creativity and stifled art24:50 - The sacrifice and choice of being an artist27:14 - Rejecting boxes and embracing the creative process28:21 - Closing thoughts: Who is Genesis?#PourOverPoems #poetry #diverses