Don MacIver's Blog
2007 Aug 26 Not so long ago poetry was not seen as an important or powerful literary medium. In terms of retail strength poetry was a nominal seller at best.
In recent years poetry has begun to re-capture interest in the literary world. Aspiring writers of poetry are a rapidly expanding group and are publishing their works with renewed energy and enthusiasm, most notably over the internet.
Run a search engine query relating to poetry and a surprisingly vast number of results come back. The internet is playing a major role in the resurgence of poetry's popularity today. There are a huge number of poetry resource websites available for researching the many facets of poetry and notable writers, both contemporary and those authors of historic record long passed.
For those unpublished writers keen on showcasing their writing talents, the internet has opened up a wealth of opportunity for posting one's writing in online places like writers' forums, ezines, bulletin boards and blogs. A website can now be easily set up in a matter of minutes where one can display original works for poetry enthusiasts to see.
This writer has spent a lot of time browsing many websites, forums etc. and has discovered a wealth of truly gifted writers who are worthy not only of publication but notoriety in their own right. Developing a devoted readership and gaining any measure of commercial success from writing takes a lot of time, patience and perseverance.
The beauty of the internet is that there are so many free publishing vehicles to utilize. An aspiring writer can get their feet wet by posting their works online and receive almost instantaneous feedback from readers and fellow writers from which to gauge their level of expertise in the form of constructive critique.
A lot of poetry forums host workshops for their registered members where a great learning experience can be gained from observing how other writers compose their poetry. For some novice writers the experience of receiving critique openly published for all to see can be a somewhat daunting experience but in many senses it is truly a great opportunity, without financial outlay no less, to learn how to develop effective writing skills that will help an aspiring writer to grow in literary terms.
And of course I would be remiss in the absence of honourable mention of Lulu.com in this post. This publishing host, as with numerous others, offers writers the means to actually publish hard copy of their writing in book or CD formats, helpful tips on how to promote one's published works, useful and informative forums to its members when technical questions arise, and much more.
Poetry is capturing the hearts of its readers in ever-growing numbers and that is wonderful news not only for writers like myself but the entire poetry community as a whole. There is so much to experience reading and writing poetry, so many emotions surface through the interpretation of poetic verse.
Poetry is powerful for its delivery of highly personal observation, opinion, and accounting of real life experiences that have impacted people the world wide. This writer hopes to see further progress in terms of the promotion and development of interest in poetry within the educational system.
I am confounded by the amazing writings of poetry I have seen in recent years by young people around the globe. That youth shows interest in this writing genre is very encouraging. I think many writers, regardless of age or sex find poetry a very meaningful way to communicate their own feelings. They can do so anonymously online if they so choose and benefit by the responses they get from fellow forum or blog members.
Love it or not, poetry has its important place in literature and will surely outlive us all. Its significance, its importance, historic and current day, is probably impossible to quantify.
Judge for yourself...read a poem today.
copyright 2007, Don MacIver
2005 Feb 05 Like any good reading, poetry, if written well, will captivate the emotions of the reader in profound ways. Never did I expect that my writing would move a reader to tears but I have witnessed this first hand.
Poetry is an expression of one's observations, feelings, insight, anticipation, anxiety, gratitude, bewilderment, angst, fear...and so much more. Skillful word use in the right application will move the reader and take them to places they have or have never been.
I am a contributing writer and moderator of a poetry forum in addition to administering my own poetry forum and witness on a daily basis just how powerful the written word can be. The contemporary poet explores current issues of today, often relating to love, relationships, death of a loved one, illness and affliction, nature and the environment, fantasy, war and conflict, religion, crime, politics...an endless list of life's experiences for the writer to draw upon.
I began writing poetry for personal reasons and only through the compelling reactions of those who read my poetic beginnings did I contemplate displaying (publishing) my writing on the internet for the world to see!
Just one year ago I had no thoughts of publishing my writing in print/downloadable versions and selling my works. Writing takes a very determined effort with a lot of personal time dedicated to the development of writing skills and compiling sufficient content for a book. The tireless planning, implementation and promotion/marketing of a published work is extroardinary.
The establishment of a devoted readership is a painstaking process. The genre of poetry, although popular in its own right, has grown considerably yet still does not command a huge audience. One of my primary goals with my writing and related activities is to promote greater awareness of the spendour of poetry and the power of its imagery and emotional impact on its reader.
There is nothing in this world more precious for an author than to receive praise for an outstanding literary creation. To know that even one reader has experienced a sense of raw emotional reaction to a writer's work is not only deeply satisfying but rewarding and gratifying too.
All those long hours glued to the computer challenging one's creative prowess, digging deeper and deeper into one's heart and soul for yet another moving and original write will pay off. A book does not of itself possess the benefits of audio enhancement (although audio books are now becoming a reality) therefore the writer must compose a piece in such a way that key words and phrases will take the reader on a virtual journey to the place subject in the poem.
Find the right words to use, set the right tone and the reader of poetry will experience that journey and want to return again and again.
Please visit my website and sign my guest book at:
http://www.apoetsview.canadianwebs.com
A Poet's View at WordPress.com
http://www.apoetsview.wordpress.com
Don MacIver
author, "Journeys In Verse"
2005 Jan 29 I recently had the distinct pleasure of self-publishing my first book of poetry titled "Journeys In Verse", a diverse collection of original works lovingly created over the past year. My book was published right here on Lulu.com .
Amoung the 133 poem selections found in "Journeys In Verse" are a wide range of themes from romance to relationships, friendship, death and loss of a loved one, nature and the environment, travel to wondrous places, blessed children, war and conflict, fantasy and much more.
Writing "Journeys In Verse" was indeed a journey. The incredible response from fellow writers and devoted readers has been truly overwhelming. I try to be as diversified as possible with my writing and not get pre-occupied with a singular theme. The challenge of exploring so many different aspects of life is such a rewarding adventure.
Along with articles on this journal I will also include samples of my poetry and do so here with "Tryst" which has generated a great amount of attention and praise...enjoy:
TRYST
In a secret moment, far, far away
Two lovers dance by the willow tree
Eyes gazing longingly, brief moments pass
Unspoken ballet, to chance but a kiss
Whispers of wind caress the night air
Moonlit romance, slip away, amour
Intimate closeness, impassioned embrace
Runaway heartbeats, free spirits unite
Fingertips trace vivid thoughts in minds eye
Moments of magic, captured, surreal
Fleeting, the images, crimson then fade
Precarious notions, forbidden, untold
Tears shed in anguish, painful goodbyes
Fingertips reach out for hands now cast down
Turning to flee from this beloved place
The night falls silent to end an affair
Copyright 2004 by Don MacIver
My second book is currently a work in progress, as yet untitled and completion is expected within a few months.
MY FAVOURITE LINKS:
My Poetry Website "A POET'S PLACE"
http://www.poetrypoem.com/apoetsplace
A Celebration Of My Works: "A POET'S VIEW"
http://apoetsview.wsmcafe.com
Join My Poetry Group!
A Poet's View
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/apoetsview
Read a poem today...share in my journey.
Don MacIver
2004 Dec 02 The strength and foundation of a poetic write rests with the story or emotion of subject and how words are used to convey the message being portrayed.
Maintaining rhythm, the flow of the poem line by line, through syllabic continuity throughout the piece, plays a vital role in capturing a reader's attention from the poem's beginning to end. The length of the poem will vary greatly depending on what the piece itself demands in order for it to be received well, understood, clearly defined.
Disheartened words cast from her lips
Teardrops fallen, eyes moistened, red
Furrowed brow unmasking despair
Estranged, lonely, reaching out
A strong writing composition contains words of powerful descriptive strength, supportive successive line orientation and the overall piece infused with word and phrases/ideas that are core to the poem and will complete the structure and stability of the write.
Searing heat stills the desert sands
Speckled with cactus, lonely stand
Spindly sage tumbles, cast by wind
Desolate vacuum, emptiness
The right words well-placed to support and enhance the poem's subject will magnify and intensify the reader's experience, an emotional journey to a place far away. Words are powerful, emotional, inspiring and so much more. Poetry should be a moving experience and if the ready feels, hears, sees, smells, or otherwise senses or lives the scene cast on the writer's page, then the reader will go away with a great sense of satisfaction...and want to see more!
2004 Nov 29 Often times the writer desires to write but has difficulty deciding what subject matter to draw upon for his/her creative endeavor of the day.
For poetry all one really has to do is look around. Given a flair for creative writing there is a topic for poetic verse in vertually everything you can see, touch, smell, hear, taste or experience.
The written word will captivate a reader's attention and ignite their emotions, irrespective of the subject (in most cases) provided there is strength and illustrative character in the words used line by line. Painting a picture in the reader's mind or taking them to the place described in the poem is very powerful for the reader. And when the reader feels the emotions that are being expressed there is a sense of gratification for having read something with impact on their own thoughts or feelings.
Timeless themes for poetic verse inlude any of the many human emotions people experience every day such as happiness, sadness, reflection, introspect, anger, fear, love, insecurity, inspiration, enthusiasm and so much more.
The subject matter that triggers such emotions may include personal experiences ie. love, lost love, relationships, friendships, a lost loved one through death, argument etc. But there is an endless list of themes in addition to these such as nature and the environment, children, travel and wondrous places, human affliction, illness, war and conflict.
There are also a host of topics relating to natural or deliberate occurences such a seasonal changes, extreme temperatures, natural disasters ie. floods, earthquakes, fire, drought etc. There are so many things that in some way affect people of this world and to have an opportunity to read and relate to those experiences in a moving way is very compelling and powerful.
How about the many things that are endearing to people? Children are widely written about for the many memorable and heart-warming moments that are experienced with a child, whether happy or sad or in between.
Another whole spectrum with endless possibilities is fantasy...the only limitation is the writer's own imagination. Many of the most widly read writings of today are fictional...make it fantastical, wondrous, and exciting enough and readers will keep coming back with a thirst to read more.
One of the most important, if not key, factors in creating poetry with impact is to write about those things that you, the writer, have experienced yourself. The more you know about a given subject the more that knowledge will translate onto the page and give yourself and the poem the credibility that both need and deserve. If you, the writer, have gone through the emotions being portrayed in the write, your readers will feel those emotions spilling from the page.
Find what moves people to laughter, to tears, to excitement, to bewilderment and paint a vivid picture with your words and your poems will breath a life of their own.
Good writing everyone!
2004 Nov 27 Poetry...a journey in written verse, shared visions as seen through the poet's eyes. Not that long ago I experienced a rather startling revelation - that I had a capacity to write poetry. It all started with a few short lines of poetic charm penned for my loving wife Andea. The feedback that I started to receive from those who read my poems was so strong that it compelled me to explore the idea of sharing my writing with a much broader audience, while still writing poetry for my wife, of course  Poetry is many things. It is wonder, joy, happiness, sadness, inquisitive, bewildering, insightful, emotional, opinionated, exploratory, reflective and so much more. The craft of writing poetry is timeless. One can reflect on a historical moment of long ago or more recent times right up to present day. Poetic writings take many forms including the more traditional structures to freestyle expressions. Whether reading classic poetry penned by the great writers of our time and beyond, or the works of contempory poets of today, this form of written expression is one of the most diverse genres of literary works where the resource for subjects of writing are simply endless. Everything we see, touch, smell, hear, taste, and experience can be transcribed into poetic verse...as a painter's brush creates a picture on canvas, poetry creates a picture in the reader's mind. I have ventured into the world of romance, relationships, friendship, nature and the environment, death, children, wondrous places, introspection, fantasy, human affliction and illness, conflict and war, a diverse range of life's everyday experiences that most of us go through directly or indirectly over the course of our lives. I seek but one achievement with my writing...for the reader to experience at least one of the senses that I have alluded to here and to feel a sense of somehow being moved by what they have read. If but one reader is moved to react in some way to what I will have succeeded in this most important chapter in my life. Poetry is an affair of the heart, the mind, the soul. I offer my published poetry and invite you to share in this wondrous journey with me.
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Print: $14.14 Download: $5.31 Canadian author Don MacIver offers a collection of poetry with a diverse range of themes to charm and delight the senses of his readers. This volume contains a highly acclaimed blend of poetic verse about Nature and Environment; Romance and Relationships; Loss Of A Loved One; Children; Travel and Wondrous Places and much more.
Come share a laugh, a tear, a dream, and the inspiration that flows with each captivating line of this enchanting book of verse.
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Poetry is an exploration of one's inner self, an observation, interpretation, opinion, a journey. Share this author's vision, experience the many emotions that my writing invokes.
A diverse range of poetic themes are transcribed on the pages of this writer's book. Go with me on this journey in verse.
copyright 2007, Don MacIver
Don MacIver's Blog
2007 Aug 26 Not so long ago poetry was not seen as an important or powerful literary medium. In terms of retail strength poetry was a nominal seller at best.
In recent years poetry has begun to re-capture interest in the literary world. Aspiring writers of poetry are a rapidly expanding group and are publishing their works with renewed energy and enthusiasm, most notably over the internet.
Run a search engine query relating to poetry and a surprisingly vast number of results come back. The internet is playing a major role in the resurgence of poetry's popularity today. There are a huge number of poetry resource websites available for researching the many facets of poetry and notable writers, both contemporary and those authors of historic record long passed.
For those unpublished writers keen on showcasing their writing talents, the internet has opened up a wealth of opportunity for posting one's writing in online places like writers' forums, ezines, bulletin boards and blogs. A website can now be easily set up in a matter of minutes where one can display original works for poetry enthusiasts to see.
This writer has spent a lot of time browsing many websites, forums etc. and has discovered a wealth of truly gifted writers who are worthy not only of publication but notoriety in their own right. Developing a devoted readership and gaining any measure of commercial success from writing takes a lot of time, patience and perseverance.
The beauty of the internet is that there are so many free publishing vehicles to utilize. An aspiring writer can get their feet wet by posting their works online and receive almost instantaneous feedback from readers and fellow writers from which to gauge their level of expertise in the form of constructive critique.
A lot of poetry forums host workshops for their registered members where a great learning experience can be gained from observing how other writers compose their poetry. For some novice writers the experience of receiving critique openly published for all to see can be a somewhat daunting experience but in many senses it is truly a great opportunity, without financial outlay no less, to learn how to develop effective writing skills that will help an aspiring writer to grow in literary terms.
And of course I would be remiss in the absence of honourable mention of Lulu.com in this post. This publishing host, as with numerous others, offers writers the means to actually publish hard copy of their writing in book or CD formats, helpful tips on how to promote one's published works, useful and informative forums to its members when technical questions arise, and much more.
Poetry is capturing the hearts of its readers in ever-growing numbers and that is wonderful news not only for writers like myself but the entire poetry community as a whole. There is so much to experience reading and writing poetry, so many emotions surface through the interpretation of poetic verse.
Poetry is powerful for its delivery of highly personal observation, opinion, and accounting of real life experiences that have impacted people the world wide. This writer hopes to see further progress in terms of the promotion and development of interest in poetry within the educational system.
I am confounded by the amazing writings of poetry I have seen in recent years by young people around the globe. That youth shows interest in this writing genre is very encouraging. I think many writers, regardless of age or sex find poetry a very meaningful way to communicate their own feelings. They can do so anonymously online if they so choose and benefit by the responses they get from fellow forum or blog members.
Love it or not, poetry has its important place in literature and will surely outlive us all. Its significance, its importance, historic and current day, is probably impossible to quantify.
Judge for yourself...read a poem today.
copyright 2007, Don MacIver
2005 Feb 05 Like any good reading, poetry, if written well, will captivate the emotions of the reader in profound ways. Never did I expect that my writing would move a reader to tears but I have witnessed this first hand.
Poetry is an expression of one's observations, feelings, insight, anticipation, anxiety, gratitude, bewilderment, angst, fear...and so much more. Skillful word use in the right application will move the reader and take them to places they have or have never been.
I am a contributing writer and moderator of a poetry forum in addition to administering my own poetry forum and witness on a daily basis just how powerful the written word can be. The contemporary poet explores current issues of today, often relating to love, relationships, death of a loved one, illness and affliction, nature and the environment, fantasy, war and conflict, religion, crime, politics...an endless list of life's experiences for the writer to draw upon.
I began writing poetry for personal reasons and only through the compelling reactions of those who read my poetic beginnings did I contemplate displaying (publishing) my writing on the internet for the world to see!
Just one year ago I had no thoughts of publishing my writing in print/downloadable versions and selling my works. Writing takes a very determined effort with a lot of personal time dedicated to the development of writing skills and compiling sufficient content for a book. The tireless planning, implementation and promotion/marketing of a published work is extroardinary.
The establishment of a devoted readership is a painstaking process. The genre of poetry, although popular in its own right, has grown considerably yet still does not command a huge audience. One of my primary goals with my writing and related activities is to promote greater awareness of the spendour of poetry and the power of its imagery and emotional impact on its reader.
There is nothing in this world more precious for an author than to receive praise for an outstanding literary creation. To know that even one reader has experienced a sense of raw emotional reaction to a writer's work is not only deeply satisfying but rewarding and gratifying too.
All those long hours glued to the computer challenging one's creative prowess, digging deeper and deeper into one's heart and soul for yet another moving and original write will pay off. A book does not of itself possess the benefits of audio enhancement (although audio books are now becoming a reality) therefore the writer must compose a piece in such a way that key words and phrases will take the reader on a virtual journey to the place subject in the poem.
Find the right words to use, set the right tone and the reader of poetry will experience that journey and want to return again and again.
Please visit my website and sign my guest book at:
http://www.apoetsview.canadianwebs.com
A Poet's View at WordPress.com
http://www.apoetsview.wordpress.com
Don MacIver
author, "Journeys In Verse"
2005 Jan 29 I recently had the distinct pleasure of self-publishing my first book of poetry titled "Journeys In Verse", a diverse collection of original works lovingly created over the past year. My book was published right here on Lulu.com .
Amoung the 133 poem selections found in "Journeys In Verse" are a wide range of themes from romance to relationships, friendship, death and loss of a loved one, nature and the environment, travel to wondrous places, blessed children, war and conflict, fantasy and much more.
Writing "Journeys In Verse" was indeed a journey. The incredible response from fellow writers and devoted readers has been truly overwhelming. I try to be as diversified as possible with my writing and not get pre-occupied with a singular theme. The challenge of exploring so many different aspects of life is such a rewarding adventure.
Along with articles on this journal I will also include samples of my poetry and do so here with "Tryst" which has generated a great amount of attention and praise...enjoy:
TRYST
In a secret moment, far, far away
Two lovers dance by the willow tree
Eyes gazing longingly, brief moments pass
Unspoken ballet, to chance but a kiss
Whispers of wind caress the night air
Moonlit romance, slip away, amour
Intimate closeness, impassioned embrace
Runaway heartbeats, free spirits unite
Fingertips trace vivid thoughts in minds eye
Moments of magic, captured, surreal
Fleeting, the images, crimson then fade
Precarious notions, forbidden, untold
Tears shed in anguish, painful goodbyes
Fingertips reach out for hands now cast down
Turning to flee from this beloved place
The night falls silent to end an affair
Copyright 2004 by Don MacIver
My second book is currently a work in progress, as yet untitled and completion is expected within a few months.
MY FAVOURITE LINKS:
My Poetry Website "A POET'S PLACE"
http://www.poetrypoem.com/apoetsplace
A Celebration Of My Works: "A POET'S VIEW"
http://apoetsview.wsmcafe.com
Join My Poetry Group!
A Poet's View
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/apoetsview
Read a poem today...share in my journey.
Don MacIver
2004 Dec 02 The strength and foundation of a poetic write rests with the story or emotion of subject and how words are used to convey the message being portrayed.
Maintaining rhythm, the flow of the poem line by line, through syllabic continuity throughout the piece, plays a vital role in capturing a reader's attention from the poem's beginning to end. The length of the poem will vary greatly depending on what the piece itself demands in order for it to be received well, understood, clearly defined.
Disheartened words cast from her lips
Teardrops fallen, eyes moistened, red
Furrowed brow unmasking despair
Estranged, lonely, reaching out
A strong writing composition contains words of powerful descriptive strength, supportive successive line orientation and the overall piece infused with word and phrases/ideas that are core to the poem and will complete the structure and stability of the write.
Searing heat stills the desert sands
Speckled with cactus, lonely stand
Spindly sage tumbles, cast by wind
Desolate vacuum, emptiness
The right words well-placed to support and enhance the poem's subject will magnify and intensify the reader's experience, an emotional journey to a place far away. Words are powerful, emotional, inspiring and so much more. Poetry should be a moving experience and if the ready feels, hears, sees, smells, or otherwise senses or lives the scene cast on the writer's page, then the reader will go away with a great sense of satisfaction...and want to see more!
2004 Nov 29 Often times the writer desires to write but has difficulty deciding what subject matter to draw upon for his/her creative endeavor of the day.
For poetry all one really has to do is look around. Given a flair for creative writing there is a topic for poetic verse in vertually everything you can see, touch, smell, hear, taste or experience.
The written word will captivate a reader's attention and ignite their emotions, irrespective of the subject (in most cases) provided there is strength and illustrative character in the words used line by line. Painting a picture in the reader's mind or taking them to the place described in the poem is very powerful for the reader. And when the reader feels the emotions that are being expressed there is a sense of gratification for having read something with impact on their own thoughts or feelings.
Timeless themes for poetic verse inlude any of the many human emotions people experience every day such as happiness, sadness, reflection, introspect, anger, fear, love, insecurity, inspiration, enthusiasm and so much more.
The subject matter that triggers such emotions may include personal experiences ie. love, lost love, relationships, friendships, a lost loved one through death, argument etc. But there is an endless list of themes in addition to these such as nature and the environment, children, travel and wondrous places, human affliction, illness, war and conflict.
There are also a host of topics relating to natural or deliberate occurences such a seasonal changes, extreme temperatures, natural disasters ie. floods, earthquakes, fire, drought etc. There are so many things that in some way affect people of this world and to have an opportunity to read and relate to those experiences in a moving way is very compelling and powerful.
How about the many things that are endearing to people? Children are widely written about for the many memorable and heart-warming moments that are experienced with a child, whether happy or sad or in between.
Another whole spectrum with endless possibilities is fantasy...the only limitation is the writer's own imagination. Many of the most widly read writings of today are fictional...make it fantastical, wondrous, and exciting enough and readers will keep coming back with a thirst to read more.
One of the most important, if not key, factors in creating poetry with impact is to write about those things that you, the writer, have experienced yourself. The more you know about a given subject the more that knowledge will translate onto the page and give yourself and the poem the credibility that both need and deserve. If you, the writer, have gone through the emotions being portrayed in the write, your readers will feel those emotions spilling from the page.
Find what moves people to laughter, to tears, to excitement, to bewilderment and paint a vivid picture with your words and your poems will breath a life of their own.
Good writing everyone!
2004 Nov 27 Poetry...a journey in written verse, shared visions as seen through the poet's eyes. Not that long ago I experienced a rather startling revelation - that I had a capacity to write poetry. It all started with a few short lines of poetic charm penned for my loving wife Andea. The feedback that I started to receive from those who read my poems was so strong that it compelled me to explore the idea of sharing my writing with a much broader audience, while still writing poetry for my wife, of course Poetry is many things. It is wonder, joy, happiness, sadness, inquisitive, bewildering, insightful, emotional, opinionated, exploratory, reflective and so much more. The craft of writing poetry is timeless. One can reflect on a historical moment of long ago or more recent times right up to present day. Poetic writings take many forms including the more traditional structures to freestyle expressions. Whether reading classic poetry penned by the great writers of our time and beyond, or the works of contempory poets of today, this form of written expression is one of the most diverse genres of literary works where the resource for subjects of writing are simply endless. Everything we see, touch, smell, hear, taste, and experience can be transcribed into poetic verse...as a painter's brush creates a picture on canvas, poetry creates a picture in the reader's mind. I have ventured into the world of romance, relationships, friendship, nature and the environment, death, children, wondrous places, introspection, fantasy, human affliction and illness, conflict and war, a diverse range of life's everyday experiences that most of us go through directly or indirectly over the course of our lives. I seek but one achievement with my writing...for the reader to experience at least one of the senses that I have alluded to here and to feel a sense of somehow being moved by what they have read. If but one reader is moved to react in some way to what I will have succeeded in this most important chapter in my life. Poetry is an affair of the heart, the mind, the soul. I offer my published poetry and invite you to share in this wondrous journey with me.
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