The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers Language, Line Breaks, And Punctuation. Poetry With Abi Pollokoff
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May 12, 2025 Abi Pollakoff, an award-winning poet and editor, shares her insights on the intersection of poetry and prose. She emphasizes how poetic techniques like line breaks and punctuation can enhance prose writing. The conversation dives into the emotional power of poetry, the significance of page layout, and the nuances of performance in spoken word. Pollakoff also discusses the impact of community engagement on a writer's journey and the challenges poets face in the modern literary landscape.
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Abi's Poetry Origin Story
- Abi Pollakoff found her current relationship with poetry in university studying avant-garde movements and poetry workshops.
- This time gave her permission to explore language without self-censorship.
Defining a Good Poem
- A good poem makes the reader feel something deeply and comes alive off the page.
- Poetry embraces diversity, cultural breadth, and accessibility beyond academic expectations.
How to Judge Poetry
- Judge poems by their intended purpose and effectiveness, not personal taste.
- Consider what the poem aims to communicate and if it succeeds in delivering that to the reader.