How I Found My First Poetry Client (& You Can Too)

You Are 40 Steps Away From Living On Poetry

How to build a sustainable career as a poet without losing your soul to "business": in this video, I introduce The Semester: The Art of Living on the Art, a comprehensive 97-page workbook designed specifically for poets and artists who want to bridge the gap between their creative passion and financial independence. More on the book, The Semester, and the Poet Business Institute cohort (that also meets online and in-person!): www.diversespoetry.com/instituteWe explore why the word "business" is often a challenge for creators and how to shift toward a more humanistic, relationship-based approach. I'll walk you through what's inside the workbook—including over 40 exercises—and how it helps you define your unique "Poetry Thesis."What You'll Learn:How to build a long-term platform for your creative work.Why finding your area of expertise is the key to sustainability.The steps to move from surface-level ideas to a deep, impactful mission.How to access the first two modules of the workbook for free!Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your poetry career to the next level, this guide serves as your launchpad for living on the poetry you create.00:00 - Introduction: "The Semester" workbook00:55 - Why a "Business" textbook for poets?02:10 - Shifting the focus: Humanistic vs. Transactional business03:24 - A long-term play for sustainability04:00 - Building your creative platform05:14 - Defining your mission and lens06:00 - Finding and applying your expertise07:46 - What's inside: 40+ exercises and 97 pages08:18 - Creating your "Poetry Thesis"09:37 - How to access the first two modules for free10:08 - Cohort and purchase optionsThis is an episode of Arts & Offers, the video podcast dedicated to the intersection of poetry, art and business to help you live on poetry. Our regular hosts are the founder of diVERSES, poet Geoff Anderson, and poet Mathias.Welcome to our channel! In this video, we delve into the captivating world of poetry, exploring how asking questions while reading can unveil its hidden treasures and profound truths. Whether you're a seasoned poetry enthusiast or just beginning your journey into verse, this discussion will inspire you to approach poetry with curiosity and insight.🔍 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 poetry was founded by poet Geoff Anderson is currently based in Columbus, Ohio#ArtsAndOffers #diverses #poetry

6 Reasons To Break The Lines In Your Poem

What are line breaks? What is enjambment? How I write better poetry with better line breaks?Welcome to 21 Keys To Poetry's chapter dedicated to six strategies/considerations to have when deciding where to break the line in your poem. We'll give you the thought process and examples so you are better prepares for the next poem you write!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/0dm7kIKeu2EChapter 8: Last Line https://youtube.com/live/n2caL3MohLMThis is the ninth 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

How To Start Livestreaming As A Poet/Artist

Are you an artist or poet wondering if live streaming is worth your time? In this deep dive, we explore the strategic differences between vertical video, standard VOD, and live streaming to help you decide which platform fits your creative goals.From the discoverability hurdles on YouTube to the high-engagement potential of TikTok, we break down how to treat your livestreams as long-term video assets. Learn our step-by-step method for clipping, repurposing content, and moving from a "selfish" creator mindset to one of altruistic community building.See part 1: https://youtu.be/kI6qee05insGet a free audio/mp3/podcast version at https://open.spotify.com/show/4vAdMbaunOPziRoovm0K5PWrite with us at the Substation! www.diversespoetry.com/aboutsubstationWhat we cover:Why streaming is (and isn't) right for your brand.Strategic repurposing: How to turn one stream into multiple videos.The psychology of viewer engagement and effective CTAs.Technical setups: Mobile vs. Professional production quality.Whether you're looking to deepen your connection with your audience or simply find a more efficient way to create, this conversation provides the roadmap you need to start streaming with purpose.00:00 – Comparing Platforms: Vertical vs. Standard VOD vs. Live Streams00:30 – The Challenge of Live Stream Discoverability01:03 – TikTok vs. YouTube: Post-Stream Life & Content Retention01:30 – Handling Sensitive Conversations and Guest Privacy02:30 – Success Story: Impact of Sharing Ex-Faith Perspectives03:40 – Maximizing the "Best of Both Worlds": Livestreams as Video Assets04:18 – Step-by-Step Strategy: Clipping and Repurposing Live Moments07:03 – Tips for Tracking Insightful Moments During a Stream08:50 – Understanding the Algorithm: FYP vs. Search09:30 – The Role of Live Streams: Building & Deepening Community10:15 – Strategic Content Posting While Live12:10 – The Psychology of Viewers & Effective Calls to Action15:20 – Mobile vs. Computer Setup: Authenticity vs. Production Quality18:50 – Creating Organized Conversations & Stream Rules20:10 – Exploring Third-Party Tools (OBS, Streamyard, eCam)23:00 – Final Thoughts: Streaming as an Altruistic Form of ArtThis is an episode of Arts & Offers, the video podcast dedicated to the intersection of poetry, art and business to help you live on poetry. Our regular hosts are the founder of diVERSES, poet Geoff Anderson, and poet Mathias.Welcome to our channel! In this video, we delve into the captivating world of poetry, exploring how asking questions while reading can unveil its hidden treasures and profound truths. Whether you're a seasoned poetry enthusiast or just beginning your journey into verse, this discussion will inspire you to approach poetry with curiosity and insight.🔍 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 poetry was founded by poet Geoff Anderson is currently based in Columbus, Ohio#ArtsAndOffers #diverses #poetry

How One Poet Uses Livestreams To Foster Belonging

Can live streaming actually help you grow your creative community and refine your best ideas? In this episode, poets Geoff Anderson and Mathias discuss the transformative power of live video for poets, artists, and creators looking to build a space of belonging.Mathias shares his journey from open mics to TikTok Live, explaining how real-time feedback and the "radio show" format helped him create a unique platform for the ex-Jehovah's Witness community. We dive into the technical side—upgrading from a phone to a laptop interface—and the philosophy of prioritizing conversation over debate to foster genuine connection.Whether you're intimidated by the "Go Live" button or looking for systems to make your streams more consistent, this conversation offers actionable advice on finding your mission and aligning your message with the right technology.Connect with Matias: [Link to Matias's Website/Socials]In this video, we cover:How to use live streaming for idea development.Moving from a mobile setup to a professional interface.Building a community through themed shows and open mics.The importance of emotional connection in digital spaces.00:00 – Overcoming the fear of live streaming00:42 – Introduction to Arts & Offers: Poetry, Art, and Business01:05 – The power of live streaming for developing new ideas01:50 – Mathias’s background: From Open Mics to TikTok Live03:10 – The value of real-time feedback and community interaction04:22 – Upgrading the setup: Moving from phone to laptop interface05:00 – Creating a unique space for the ex-Jehovah's Witness community06:51 – The philosophy of conversation over debate09:07 – Moderation and the "Radio Show" format11:55 – Managing new guests and regular contributors14:09 – Advice for beginners: Why you shouldn't be intimidated16:17 – Aligning your message with the right technology17:18 – Finding your niche and mission19:35 – Building systems and routines for consistent growth22:48 – Creating "Themed" shows (Open Mics and Parody segments)30:10 – The importance of emotional connection in contentThis is an episode of Arts & Offers, the video podcast dedicated to the intersection of poetry, art and business to help you live on poetry. Our regular hosts are the founder of diVERSES, poet Geoff Anderson, and poet Mathias.Welcome to our channel! In this video, we delve into the captivating world of poetry, exploring how asking questions while reading can unveil its hidden treasures and profound truths. Whether you're a seasoned poetry enthusiast or just beginning your journey into verse, this discussion will inspire you to approach poetry with curiosity and insight.🔍 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 poetry was founded by poet Geoff Anderson is currently based in Columbus, Ohio#ArtsAndOffers #diverses #poetry

Why Authors Should Make Their Books Into Videos

If you are a poet, writer, or author creating written work, your medium exists far beyond the page. Creating electronic and audio versions of your work are natural extensions, but what makes each of those forms easier, actually, is by starting with video. In this episode of the Poet Business Institute, we go deeper into how poets and other writers can use video to help their work reach their readers where they are best served.Resources For Your Poetry Business: The Semester Playlist: A free guide on this channel to help you start living on your own terms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq8WM0VbKq4&list=PLdlbw-VbM6baqZYsq__SRZU9AABsNUQ5C&index=16The Semester Workbook: Coming soon! A practical guide to help you achieve creative and financial independence. Updates at www.diversespoetry.com/instituteWelcome to the Poet Business Institute series, where we discuss the needs and considerations involved in living on poetry. Whether it is understanding basic business principles or mindsets, creating a poetry offer to give to the world, or understanding what's involved in starting a poetry career, the Poet Business Institute is here to bring you closer to your artistic life goals.#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