The narrative poem is a form of poetry that is used to tell a story. It is one of the oldest forms of poetry. The elements of story are present in the poem (plot, setting, characters), but the story is told in verse instead of prose. Time is important. There is a purpose and intent to why the story is being told. It can be written in rhyme or free verse. The poem is often told by one speaker or narrator.
“The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” by Homer are two classic examples.
Prompt:
Write a creation myth. A poem about the beginning of a new world.
The prose poem essentially appears as prose, but reads like poetry. This poem is constructed in sentences and paragraphs, as opposed to lines and stanzas. It does maintain a poetic quality and utilizes poetic techniques. Rhythm and pace is intentional.
There isn’t a distinct definition of how you write a prose poem. There are some traits that are common to most prose poetry:
Experimentations in syntax and sentence structure.
A charting of the unconscious mind.
The use of poetic and sonic devices, from metaphors and symbols to assonance and consonance.
You can find additional definition of the term prose poem in A Poet’s Glossary by Edward Hirsch.
Write a love poem for someone who needs it, even if it is you. Think of the poem as a letter written to the person who needs it. Give it a title that speaks to the intention for the letter.
The sonnet is a fourteen-line poem written utilizing one of several rhyme schemes, and adhering to a tightly structured thematic organization. The Petrarchan and the Shakespearean are the two most well known sonnet types.
The American sonnet is a looser, more musical and inventive variation than its traditional counterpart. Having no required rhyme scheme or specific meter, the poet has freedom to innovate their own constraints within 14 lines. Some do contain a volta like the Petrarchan sonnet. The volta is a turn in the poem and usually occurs between the eighth and ninth lines of the poem.
Terrace Hayes American Sonnet for My Past and Future Assassin is a critically acclaimed example of the American Sonnet is the work of Terrace Hayes. The 2018 poetry collection was a National Book Award finalist. You can read a couple of the poems here.
Prompt:
Write an American Sonnet that ends in a new world. Consider how to build to the reveal of this new world. Set the stage for why the new world is necessary in the first few lines of the poem. Then close with what this new world is, means, and will provide.
What a lovely and productive year it’s been! I’ve so enjoyed getting to meet you, and we’ve had a great mix of live and online events for our 2022 Piedmont Laureate programming.
A great big thank you to our sponsoring organizations: Raleigh Arts, United Arts Council, Durham Arts Council, and Orange County Arts Commission. Without these fabulous groups, the Piedmont Laureate program would not exist. Check out their websites, and if you’re interested in following the Piedmont Laureate program and/or learning more about terrific arts programming in our area, consider signing up for their email newsletters.
Throughout our journey together this year, we’ve explored story beginnings, middles, and endings. We have considered the writing life and what makes a powerful story. We have dug deep into how to revise a manuscript until it shines. We’ve talked about crafting an immersive story world. We’ve strategized about setting writing goals and overcoming the obstacles life puts in our way.
As I reflect on our year together, I’ve been particularly impressed with your engagement. You have shown up ready to learn, to write, to be inspired, and to share your wisdom with others. Together we have reached writers embarking on self-publishing and others seeking agent representation toward a traditional publishing deal—and writers from all walks of life with diverse interests and experiences.
Your range is broad, and wow, you have such fascinating ideas for books! We have talked about fantasy novels, mysteries, stories born from real life, romance, young adult, literary fiction, historical fiction, science fiction, children’s fiction, thrillers, suspense, crime fiction, inspirational fiction, short stories, and more.
Your life experiences are unique. Your journey thus far may have been full of ups and downs, twists and turns. And here you are—you have arrived at this present moment. The moment might not be perfect, but you’re here and you’re ready.
You’re a writer. It doesn’t matter if you’ve published or won awards or taken a class. Toss all those “have to’s” or “should haves” or “somedays” to the side for a minute. Say it with me: I’m a writer.
You’re the best person to tell whatever story you want to tell. When you hit a snag or write yourself into a corner or lose your momentum, come back to this guiding principle. What’s the reason you want to tell this story?
Yes, writing can be a tough business. Rejection is part of the game. When you get discouraged, I urge you to keep going. You’re the best person to tell this story. And we need your story.
Let’s stay in touch! Here’s where you can find me:
You’re out there querying – good for you! What can you expect in terms of agent responses?
First, remember that it might take a while to hear back. A good long while. Agents are super busy. Most, if not all, spend the bulk of their day negotiating deals for their current clients’ projects, submitting proposals, reviewing client manuscripts and suggesting revisions, dealing with royalty statements, etc. They review queries in batches when they have a bit of extra time, often on the nights and weekends.
Understanding that the process is not a quick one, here’s a range of what you might expect:
An agent might request your full manuscript. This means you have piqued their interest with your query and, depending on their submission guidelines (you’re following their submission guidelines, right?), your sample pages. Congratulations! This is a good start. It doesn’t mean you will receive an offer of representation, but it’s good to celebrate every ounce of progress.
Once the agent has read your full manuscript, they may request a call with you. Get excited! A call usually means an offer of representation is coming, or perhaps an “R&R,” which is a request to revise the manuscript and resubmit it.
An agent might request a partial, meaning a certain number of pages or chapters of your manuscript. Again, this is a good sign. If they like the partial, they might subsequently request the full manuscript.
An agent might respond with a form rejection. Don’t be offended; it’s a common practice. Remember how busy they are?
An agent might respond with a personalized rejection. It’s nice of them to take the time to do this, and you may respond with a simple “thank you” if you are so inclined.
An agent might not respond to your query at all. An unfortunate truth: usually, a failure to respond equals a rejection.
Let’s get this out of the way too: a rejection is of your manuscript, not you.
As you wait, don’t sit around stressing and constantly refreshing your inbox. Go ahead and start on your next project. Keep going. You’ve got this.
The year is fast coming to a close. But I’d love to stay in touch! You can find me:
Around this time of year, I start to get pretty serious about holiday shopping for my friends, relatives, and loved ones. I wanted to share something I’ve been doing the last several years.
Throughout the year, I read quite a bit, usually a novel or story collection every 3-4 days. By November or so, I’m thinking about my favorites of the year. I usually share on social media and with my bookish friends my top 5 reads of the year. This doesn’t necessarily mean the books were published this year, just that I read them this year.
I try to pick one top favorite. Then I go to my local independent bookstores–shout out to Page 158 Books and Quail Ridge Books–and I buy copies of that book for my bookish friends as my holiday gift to them.
I love supporting local businesses and sharing with my friends why I loved the book.
It’s always a bonus when, throughout the following year, a bookworm friend lets me know whether they have (or have not) enjoyed the book. Bookish chats make my day!
How about you? Any bookish holiday traditions?
We are nearing the end of my Laureate term (sob…) and I’ve love to stay in touch!
Piedmont Laureate 