Summoning the Muse

Summoning the Muse: Let Poetry Add Precision & Punch to Your Novel – Workshop given by Felicia Chernesky

Article by Rosanne L. Kurstedt

Felicia Sanzari Chernesky is a poet, writer, and editor.  She writes for children and adults and justsold her first picture book in rhyme.  She was truly an inspiration.  

Felicia shared a  few of her favorite poems including “Westron Wynde” and “Advice for a Stegosaurus” – but more importantly, she shared her passion for poetry and life.  Thus, I thought it only appropriate to communicate what I took away from the session through a poem. 

Poetry
The eye
that doesn’t look away

Comes from your gut
Speaks to your heart

A private journey
Once shared
Transcends

Words with archeology
Written to be remembered

Do you look into the world?

Big ideas
captured
in small spaces

Why am I here?

Blurred balance between
What’s believable
And what is

Poetry
The eye
that doesn’t look away 

Felicia reminded us, “find poems and authors who touch you and study their words.  Ask yourself, what struck you? Was it the meter, the voice, the rhyme or [perhaps] the color imagery?”  Since children learn about their world through language, there is great responsibility in writing for children. Poetry embraces that responsibility. 

• Capitalize on the power of word play.
• Tinker.
• Move things around.
• Read your writing aloud. 

She implored, “Write from a place that has to write.”  Be joyful, for poetry is being, “in love with yourself and in love with the world.”

Thank you Felecia for articulating the awesome power of poetry and for sharing your passions with us.  Your words and enthusiasm will be remembered.

Thank you Rosanne for sharing Felicia’s workshop with all of us.  It appears you got alot of the class.  http://www.feliciachernesky.com/   See Felicia’s “Word of the Day” on her blog. http://feliciachernesky.com/wordpress/

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy