Scratching the Ghost

Scratching the Ghost by Dexter Booth will be coming out in November from Graywolf Press.  (www.amazon.com)

 

On Saturday of Pima Writers' Workshop 2013, his writing exercise, 'From Image to Poem', was great for writers as well as poets.

 

Describe one member of set. Why does that member stand out?

 

Write down any five words in one column. Then write down next to it the images that it brings to your mind. Then write using all the images.

 

Make a list with a body part, an animal, a fruit, an object, plus an image and an action. Write something using them all. Try to work in the size, shape, color, texture of each.

 

Now write something using one shape, color, and absence.

 

These are three methods of making images: set differentiaiton, abstraction, and parameter building.

 

Writing exercises are very dynamic with the participants writing, sometimes reading their work, and always questions are flying. My poor notes don't capture any them adequately.

 

His Sunday morning presentation was: 'From Slam to Crush: An Argument for 21st Century Poetics'. My intent was to attend it, but ended up in the wrong room at another good presentation. Can't see everything, but there are no wrong choices as all the presentations are valuable.

 

Also enjoyed his Saturday night reading. At lunch on Saturday, we  shared a courtyard picnic table. Wonderful experience!