"Drawing on examples ranging from Chaucer to children's rhymes, Cole Porter to Carol Ann Duffy, and from around the English-speaking world, it looks at aspects including : how technical aspects such as rhythm and measures work; how different tones of voice affect a poem; how poetic language relates to everyday language; how different types of poetry work, from sonnets to free verse; and how the form and 'space' of a poem contribute to its meaning." "Poetry: The Basics is an invaluable and easy-to-read guide for anyone wanting to get to grips with reading and writing poetry."--Jacket.

Now in its second edition, Poetry: The Basics demystifies the traditions and forms of the world of poetry for all those who find it daunting or bewildering. Covering a wide range of poetic voices from Chaucer to children's rhymes, song lyrics and the words of contemporary poets, this book will help readers to appreciate poetry by examining: technical aspects such as rhythm and measures different tones of voice in poetry the relationship between 'everyday' and 'poetic' language how different types of poetry are structured how the form and 'space' of a poem contribute to its meaning some of the ways contemporary poets set to work. A must-read for all those wishing to get to grips with reading and writing poetry, this book is a lively and inspiring introduction to its many styles and purposes right up to the present-day.

Students will write traditional forms of poetry such as couplets, quatrains, and haikus as well as the non-traditional free-verse form.

Write a poem every week. Let your verse begin to speak. Allow this book to support you every step of the way towards success as a poet, whilst deepening your skill and developing your craft from inspiration through to publication. You will be helped to generate poetry writing ideas and will write an average of one poem a week. Throughout this process you will be developing your writing talent, and editing and submission advice will ensure you are ready for publication. This course is derived from the classroom and written by Maria Frankland, a creative writing teacher with a Masters Degree in Creative Writing. She is the author of four domestic thrillers, two poetry collections and a memoir. Here's what the course contains: Part One - Planning and Investigating Form Generating Ideas The Vital Ingredients of a Poem The Vital Ingredients of a Poetry Collection Rhythm and Rhyme The Haiku The Tanka The Sonnet Free Verse Terza Rima Villanelle Part Two - Content and Development of Skills Using Art as an Inspiration Using Music as Inspiration Using Artefacts as Inspiration Using own Experience as Inspiration (Autobiographical Poetry) Writing Love Poetry - Making it Original Using Metaphor and Simile Shape Poetry Landscape Poetry 'Inverted' Poetry Extended Personification within a Poem Part Three - The Professional Poet Having the Reader in Mind whilst Writing Editing Poetry and Tightening Writing Putting it all Together - Assembling and Ordering your Work Typesetting, Presentation and Perfecting your Manuscript Networking as a Poet - Open Mics and Other Events Creating an On-line Author Platform Publishing - Traditional and Independent The Cover Letter Next Steps Here's what other writers say about 'Write a Collection of Poetry in a Year:' "This is a course that does exactly what it says on the tin." "This is a clear and flexible, programme offering an introduction to a variety of poetry in its diverse forms. It develops skill as a poet and shows not only how to write but how to present work professionally and make money from poems." "This poetry course is without doubt one of the best things I have ever done and has enriched my life in many ways. This course can be taken in conjunction with its companion workbook. (Workbook available in paperback only.)