In Praise of Robert Hass
Presumably you do other things in your house besides cook in it, keep it clean and fix stuff. Some of you are writers. Some of you are poets. Some of you shy away from words. All of you are creative in some way or another.
I participated in my first poetry workshop this weekend, with Robert Hass. My poems were selected along with 11 others’ for admission to a Master class at Poets House. I’m working on taking my writing more seriously; this did wonders for that endeavor.
I have strange relationship to poetry. The more I read, the more aware I am of how little I know (ain’t that the truth with life and wisdom-intake in general?) Despite my humbling, uber self-consciousness, I can’t stop writing; my internal world emerges always in the shape of a poem. I’m a lay poet, not academic, not formal. I read the poets I love over and over and over again, hoping they’ll wear off on me, crack my brain open with new ways of understanding. I have particular sensibilities when it comes to poems, as does everyone practicing this mysterious art form.
My fab editor at HarperCollins has agreed to let me give away Robert Hass’ newest book The Apple Trees at Olema (HarperCollins 2010). I find Hass’ style to be accessible and wise and tender. This book is a good introduction to Hass since it includes both new and selected poems from his previous books, a sampler of sorts.
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Bob lives in California; he is excellent at helping us stop, slow down, notice moments while we’re in them. At the end of our 5-hour workshop (we ran a whole hour past the allotted time!) he gave us a six-part, doozy of a writing prompt. Here’s one of the six parts for you to chew on.
Prompt: Divide the year up into 24 mini months, a year in 2-week segments. Think of a god or goddess (existing in myth or made-up by you) who will deliver some sort of gift during the last two weeks of May. Who is the god/goddess and what do they bring you?
The god of tulips struck Norway (where my lovely Texan pal, Rose Jennings lives/studies) Photo courtesy of Rose’s Facebook page, thanks!Write: Whatever you want. Feel free to modify (or ignore) the prompt if you’re stuck. Send what you come up with here and I’ll pull together everyone’s work in a new post. Or keep it to yourself and savor those few moments you staked out for yourself, your brain and your writing notebook.
The giveaway is separate from the writing prompt. You don’t have to write, but wouldn’t it be fun to try? Writing won’t be judged or anything traumatic [horrifying] like that. I just want to know who’s out there writing with me, and I know the kids in my workshop love sharing time (probably more than actual writing time.)
Enter to win a copy of Robert Hass’ book by leaving a comment: How do you make time for extra-curricular things in your life, like poetry? [see update below] I’ll start. I meet every Tuesday evening with a group of writers, and this magical 2.5 hour timeslot in my schedule is where I generate most new poetry work. The workshop is hosted by and structured according to NY Writers Coalition guidelines. I can use the time however I want—the beauty of NYWC. While producing thousands and thousands of words for this book, I’ve been using my workshop time to read Annie Dillard, sit and stare out the window, coax myself into extra-curricular creativity.
Deadline for entries: 11:59pm June 18, 2010
Good luck and happy writing!
Kate
My friend Erin (commentor below) brings up an excellent point, how do hip, creative girls (and guys) find time to do any one of their extra-curricular pursuits (knitting, yoga’ing, blogging, writing, cooking, baking, yodeling, canning, etc. to infinity) in the context of real life and endless, less fun obligations.
Let’s open up the giveaway comment query a bit, how about replying to this question to enter: What would you like to make more time for in your life?
It’s a great book, and I want to send it to you. Deadline for entries/comments is still midnight on June 18.
Kate
And the winner is…Shae, congrats! Thanks all for entering.
Reader Comments (6)
Well, my dear, now it's June and I have a brand new, mostly empty writing studio sitting up on the hill behind my house. We just put the floor in yesterday. Right now, all it's got in it is a new journal and my meditation cushion, both of which I carried up there this morning. A desk and all that other stuff will come later. This new space will be a big part of how I make time.
I'll bend the prompt and summon a deity for the first two weeks of June. Will report back soon. Thanks for the lovely nudge.
Do you have no actually answer the question to to get into the contest? Because I don't really have an answer. I am *really* having problems finding time for my writing lately. As in, I'm not doing it. So I'll instead answer the question with a question.
How do you handle things when difference creative impulses are fighting with each other for your time? For me the competitors are writing, dancing, knitting and baking. Lately knitting has been trumping all. You Kate are in an interesting position because you are writing about being crafty. Score!
I never leave the house without a notebook and pen and get words in at corner cafes, subway stops, and other in-betweens.
Kate, you are great (non-Haas or Payne quality poetry!) to send all of us at the Write-A-Thon today your terrific prompts-- as well as Haas'. They are all a huge help to me. Thanks for the shout-out to our Tuesday night workshop. We should try Haas' prompt, especialy with Carly there. I do recommend Roberto Calasso's book. I got it at Carly's suggestion (paperback -- cheap!) I travel a lot, so I write on subways, trains, planes. Being in motion really, really helps. If I'm blocked, I try to go for a walk. Physical activity is a huge help. Also showers! It's a cliche, but I get my best ideas in the shower.
Darn. I see I'm arriving here too late for your contest, but you have reminded me of the new Robert Haas book. Thank you. I just requested it from my library. I have enjoyed reading his poetry in the past and look forward to perusing The Apple Trees at Olema.
Sorry to miss you this time Denise! Happy reading!