The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily 1423: Puzzle by Randall Mann
Dec 30, 2025
Explore the intriguing mirrored structure of Randall Mann's poem, 'Puzzle,' which captivates through its reflective theme. Maggie shares insights from her experience at Litquake and The People's Project, emphasizing the creative spark that prompts can ignite. Discover how the form of a poem can unlock the writing process and propel inspiration. Join a celebration of poetry's profound impact and the journeys of its creators.
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Litquake Reading And The People's Project
- Maggie Smith recounts attending Litquake where she and contributors read from The People’s Project anthology.
- She describes Randall Mann accepting the anthology's prompt and how form made his poem possible.
Form Unlocks Creative Momentum
- Maggie highlights that finding a poem's form can unlock the writing process and propel work forward.
- She links structure discovery to momentum in projects like her craft book Dear Writer.
Organize Around A Guiding Principle
- Maggie advises that choosing an organizing principle (like her ten principles) creates a workable outline and forward motion.
- She implies writers should experiment until a form gives their work direction.