Writing Personal Poetry [Paperback]

Sheila Bender (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1999

Encouraging readers to write everything from dream journals and postcards to lists and clustered phrases, Sheila Bender gently teaches readers how to use words that show instead of tell, whilst avoiding general words that categorise.'

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books (March 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898798132
• ISBN-13: 978-0898798135
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #708,990 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

After publishing many books on writing for a variety of publishers, I decided to launch Writing It Real, an online magazine for those who write from personal experience.

I have been publishing the magazine weekly since October, 2001, as well as facilitating others' writing in online classes, phone and email consults, and manuscript evaluations through WritingItReal.com. I also offer help through alliances with IAJW.org and Writers.com and through in-person seminars across the US. Most recently, I've enjoyed teaching for the Whidbey Island Writers' Conference, the Field's End Writer's Conference, the Write on the Sound Conference, Centrum Foundation's Writer's Conference, and the annual Writing It Real conference I do with Meg Files and Jack Heffron. I offer in-person classes regularly at Hugo House in Seattle and The Writers' Workhoppe in Port Townsend, WA as well as at libraries in the area.

In addition to the instructional books I write, I have a memoir out, A New Theology: Turning to Poetry in a Time of Grief. It took seven years to write about the five months following the death of my son in a snow boarding accident. I can think of no better way to heal while grieving than by reading poems and personal essays and stories by others who have suffered similar losses. When we have lost someone dear to us, we must live our lives double, for them and for us, to honor them. Writing toward discovery, as we do in writing poems and memoir, helps us live in this way and brings us energy.

I received my Master's Degree from the University of Washington where I studied with David Wagoner, William Matthews, Stephen Dunn, Stanley Plumly, Colleen McElroy and many other fine poets. I went on to also master the art of prose, and I enjoy each instructional book and article I write as I am constantly learning and sharing that learning with others is a passion. I hope you'll visit my website at www.writingitreal.com as well as my facebook fan pages on which I publish inspirational and informative writing messages as well as publication information: www.facebook.com/writingitreal and www.facebook/anewtheology.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Writing Personal Poetry, January 1, 2001

By 

Anne B. Jones (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writing Personal Poetry (Paperback)

Writing Personal Poetry is a journey into self-discovery. Written by Sheila Bender, the book explores how you can create poems based on your life experiences. A successful poet herself, she begins with a look at why we write, followed by steps for empowerment. One of the most insightful chapters, "Practice With Tools For Poetry Writing" provides exercises as well as useful suggestions. Unlike many instructional writing books, Writing personal Poetry is clear and easy to read. It contains many specific examples to illustrate the author's lessons. A companionable volume, it invites highlighting and underlining for use as a reference for many years.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Poetry Primer, May 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Writing Personal Poetry (Paperback)

I found this book very useful to help get the creative juices flowing. The exercises provided by Ms. Bender produced the inspiration needed by beginning poets (like myself).