Customer Reviews

Writing Poetry from the Inside Out: Finding Your Voice Through the Craft of Poetry

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book certainly makes you want to write poetry, and certainly gives you the feeling that maybe it's not so impossibly hard after all. He teaches 'poem-sketching'--taking a small cluster of words and forcing your brain to puzzle something poetic out of them. What happens, as my students have shown, is magic. They're writing *poetry*. They're having to reach beyond their usual experiences. It's a transforming experience.

I only gave it four stars instead of five, because 'poem sketching' is just about all this book has to offer, other than pages and pages of warm and inspiring advice. He tends to get a bit spiritual, which has turned off some of my more secular, hard-headed students, who 'don't want to be *that* kind of poet' (whatever that means). If you want a well-spring of inspiration, something that gets you over that 'but what should I write a poem *about*?' hump, this book is pure gold. If you're looking, however, for a book that gives you ways to play around with form, and content and ruling metaphor and other poetic 'tricks of the trade', I've had wonderful experience with Kowit's _in the palm of your hand_. Both books together could keep you writing for years.

Having known Sandy since I was in the fifth grade, I realize that I have a substantial bias where his work is concerned; however, I must point out that not only did he encourage me to write poetry -- he never doubted my ability to do so in the first place. To a child with a disability, whose home environment was often far from ideal, his actions spoke volumes.
I learned of his death only recently, and longed for a connection to him, in order to soothe my aching heart. An understanding friend found the book, and when I saw it, I was overjoyed. After knowing Sandy for so long, I know full well how to poem-sketch on my own, but the book is his, and whenever I miss my beloved mentor and friend, it acts as a grounding force -- enabling me to draw upon the technique he taught me so long ago, while still encouraging me to make the power of words my own -- Some things never change.

This wonderful book is about much more than just writing poetry. It is a spiritual guide for life's journey. It is full of advice, anecdotes and inspiring examples of his students' writing (both children & adults) as well as examples from fellow poets. Sandy Lyne lays out the process in steps that are so logical and simple that anyone can feel successful.

I spontaneously picked up "Writing poetry from the Inside Out: Finding Your Voice Through the Craft of Poetry" at my local library in the hope of using some of the ideas in my own writing/publishing classes. After reading Sandford Lyne's book, packed with techniques, inspiration and examples derived from his lustrous teaching career, I had decided to purchase the book. "Writing poetry from the inside out" is an asset to any writer's library. As a writing teacher, regardless of the genre, I always tell my students that, in order for them to write well, they must master, at least become familiar with, the technique of writing poetry. Generally, poetry writing teaches one of the most important elements in writing: succinctness.

Anyway, Lyne's "poem sketching," his master technique, involves, basically, writing a poem using a group of four interesting words. I actually learned a version of this technique (my poetry professor made us use three specific words) while I was in college eons ago...and I was so impressed by the results.

The book is not only a hands-on approach to writing poetry, but also reminiscent of a gentle voice probing the reader to risk and go inward until he or she reaches the heart of the spiritual matter where, I do believe, all profound writing stems from.

Lyne's masterful poetry as illustrated in the book serves as the best example of poetry flying off the page on angel's wings. The author's recent death is a loss to all writers striving to hone their skills.

Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell, Author/Book Reviewer/Teacher
CONSUMMATE CONNECTICUT: DAY TRIPS WITH PANACHE

This is the best book I have ever used for teaching poetry to students of all ages. The author knows his stuff and woos the reader into writing interesting poetry without him even knowing it. I have used ideas in this book with students grades 2-12 with remarkable results at all levels. It also helped me to understand what poetry is. You must read this book.

This is the book that got me writing poetry. He has a straight forward system that is inspiring and makes you want to write. I borrowed this originally from the library and loved it so much I had to have my own.

This is a great book. It is very detailed and gives step by step instructions. I would certainly recommend it for beginners as well as for those who have been writing for a while.

Very good beginner book for anyone interested in poetry. Creative ideas for the beginner as well as the more advance. . .we can ALWAYS use help with new triggering points to begin our work. Easy to read, fast and small enough to travel with you!

I knew the author personally and he was quite an amazing man. This book is just like him...strong and full of substance.

Sandy was an amazing soul and gifted poet. This book is a tribute to his incredible work and shares his process for generations to come.