How to Write Poetry - Softcover

Who says you can't teach someone how to write poetry? Paul B. Janeczko's thoughtful, clearly organized guide provides a terrific starting point for anyone who has ever dreamed of putting pen to paper to express a thought or feeling. Janeczko covers a range of techniques to help young poets create magic with words. In chapters titled "Getting Ready," "Starting to Write," "Writing Poems that Rhyme," "Writing Free Verse Poems," and "When Your Poem Is Finished," readers will pick up tips on keeping journals, paying attention to "sound effects," revising, understanding figurative language, and submitting poems to publishers. They'll also learn to avoid such pitfalls as assuming you'll remember a brilliant idea (write it down!), not getting hung up on neatness or spelling, and keeping in mind that lots of people try to get published--not everyone will be. Special features include writing exercises, tips from poets, and bibliographical information. There's also a checklist of good poetry books and a glossary. Janeczko's enthusiasm and skill is reflected in this enjoyable, straightforward guide. As he says, "It's all done with words. No high-tech special effects. No computer-enhanced remastered sound. No trick photography. Words. Those things we've used since we were babies. And when you sit down to write a poem, you have the power of the words at your fingertips." For more fun with poetry, try Janeczko's Favorite Poetry Lessons. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter

Reviews of the hardcover edition:

*Starred Review, School Library Journal, July 1999:
"In this practical and inspiring guide, Janeczko leads would-be poets through the writing process by beginning with the basics: looking for ideas, keeping a journal, and reading all types of poems. The next step is to start writing some simple poems to get used to the sounds words make when they are put together. . . . Finally, writers are encouraged to move on to more advanced forms of free verse . . . Interspersed throughout the text are tips from well-known poets, numerous examples, and writing exercises. Janeczko explains the writing techniques so well that young people will be tempted to pick up a pen and create some of their own work. The text is never intimidating; the tone is encouraging and supportive of taking risks with writing."
–Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH

Voice of Youth Advocates, August 1999:
"Poet and author Janeczko has put together a well-written, attractive book to teach young adults the basics of writing poetry. Janeczko comes across as warm and encouraging. He writes clearly and simply, explaining unfamiliar terms but never talking down to his audience. The book gives directions on how to write at least seven types of poems . . . He also gives excellent ideas to spur creative thinking and on keeping a journal and a workbook . . . This book is intended to be an introduction to poetry writing, and it does that very well . . . Even if a person is not interested in poetry, this book is a good introduction to its mechanics."
–Melissa Thacket

Sunday Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA), March 28, 1999:
"Janeczko covers the basics of conceiving an idea for a poem, choosing a form, trying out rhyme schemes or free verse and revising poems . . . This is a nice book to help [young writers] get started. Parents may be invited to help -- or they may not. . . . One terrific point Janeczko makes is 'don't forget that you cannot be a good writer -- poet or prose writer -- if you are not a good reader.' At the back of the book he includes a good checklist of poetry books that young readers will enjoy. . . . This book is aimed at students from about fifth grade to eighth grade but will be useful to students on into high school."
–Greg Langley

Horn Book Guide, September 1, 1999:
"Poet and anthologist Janeczko writes a friendly, accesible, and highly usable primer. Chapters include getting ready to write and writing rhyming poems and free verse poems; each chapter includes "Try This" suggestions as well as a "Poetcraft" corner offering further tidbits for creating good poems. Verse by well-known poets as well as student writers is used as technique exemplars throughout."

Booklist, March, 1999:
"[Janeczko's] open, enthusiastic voice will speak to the individual beginning poet as well as to creative-writing groups. He does what he says (uses lots of vivid, specific details in simple ordinary language), anmd he shares the joy, wonder and music of words. The book design is open and readable . . . the book ends with a detailed glossary, biographical notes, and an excellent bibliography of good poetry."
–Hazel Rochman

The Alan Review:
"[Janeczko] treats the audience with respect, assuming they want to express themselves and are searching for the best ways to do so . . . He's right on target for the audience with his poems . . . and the content suggestions for different types of poetry."
–Betty Carter

The Orange County Register, April 4, 1999:
"It's probably true that poets are born, not made. But every budding writer can use a box of tools to help creativity flourish. Paul Janeczko, a poet, anthology compiler and leader of poetry workshops for kids, offers a lot of great implements in this handy little volu