Writing Lessons Writing Lessons Episode 7: A Conversation With Kathleen Driskell
Jan 28, 2025
Kathleen Driskell, an acclaimed poet and experienced teacher, shares her insights on the art of poetry and writing. She discusses the essential elements that create outstanding poetry, emphasizing the necessity of conflict and imagination. The conversation dives into the crucial role of revision, transforming it into a key aspect of the creative process. Driskell explores the joy found in writing and the balance between mystery and clarity in poetic craft, offering practical advice that inspires poets to refine their work and deepen their engagement with literature.
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Creating Tension in Poems
- Consider the tension and conflict within your poems, whether between people, within oneself, or in situations.
- Use Gregory Orr's "Four Temperaments of Poetry" as a diagnostic tool to understand and strengthen your writing.
The Importance of Revision
- Focus on revision to unify and refine your poem drafts.
- Consider the beginning, middle, and end; the gift to the reader; and the purpose of each line.
The Power of Lines
- Lines are the essence of poetry, differentiating it from prose.
- Each line should have a purpose, and prose poems do not truly exist.
