12 Best Books On Writing Poetry (2023)

DENTIFY EACH TYLE

Like most things in life, poetry is learned by mimicking others. You should read poetry from others to be able to recognize similarities and express your thoughts.

We should listen to established poets sharing their experiences and tips. They have been there and they can offer valuable advice. These are the top books on poetry written by poets from all ages.

LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET BY RAINER MARIA RILKE

SICKLY, SAD POET

Rainer Maria Railke was the only child of a poor family. Rilke, who was eleven years old, enrolled in a military school. But his temperament was not suitable for the environment. He was an unhealthy, frail boy. Due to his ongoing ill-health, he quit the military academy in 1891.

BEST GERMAN SPEAKING POET

Rilke was a pioneering poet and experimented in composition and imagery. He was known for his poetic poetry and lyrical verse. His life was greatly influenced by his loss of religion.

Rilke died in 1926 from leukemia after he was unwell his whole life. He was anti-Christian to the end and refused to be accompanied by a priest in his final days.

Wise counsel

Letters To a Young Poetry is the correspondence Rilke had with Franz Xaver Kappus. Kappus was a cadet he met in the military academy. Kappus was an admirer of Rilke. He also wanted to encourage Rilke as a poet-aspiring. Rilke initially refused to mentor Kappus. However, Rilke began to write letters of support. Rilke stated to Kappus that being a poet means living life to the fullest and admiring the beauty of all around you.

The ten letters were published by Kappus after Rilke's death. These letters give insight into Rilke's thoughts and inspire his poetry. Letters of a Young Poet ranks among the top books on poetry learning.

MARY OLIVER'S POETRY HANDBOOK

PRACTICAL POETRY INSIGHTS

Mary Oliver's Poetry Handbook is a must-read for anyone interested in poetry writing. The book is filled with Mary Oliver's solid advice, passion, humor, and great advice. This legendary poet shows how to make a poem using the basic building blocks of rhyme, meter, and structure.

A STUNNING KNOWLEDGE

Mary Oliver has a wealth of knowledge on the technical aspects and benefits of poetry writing. She is well-placed to offer advice for any poet. This book is essential for any collection that includes poetry writing. Make sure to also get one for poetry-loving family members!

MARK STRAND AND EAVAN BOLAND MAKING A POEM

INTRODUCTION to WRITING POETRY

The Making of a Poem is a book that will help you understand the structure of poetry. It features the contributions of two of today's most respected poets. Eavanboland and Mark Strand have assembled everything you need for the mysterious skill of writing poetry.

This book is a top-rated guide to writing poetry. It is essential for anyone who loves poetry and wants to deepen their understanding of the art. This book is also useful for poets who want to learn how to use a specific technique.

A PASSIONATE COMMUNITY

Poetry is still relevant in today's world. However, poets of today can also use forms from centuries ago. Poetry is a "passionate conversation" between the pages and their thoughts.

ABOUT POETS

Their accomplishments have made them both experts in the field. Mark Strand, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is also a former U.S. Poet Laureate. Eavanboland, a respected Stanford University professor who is also a famous Irish poet.

POETRY MADE ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE

The Making of a Poem was written in a way to make a complicated topic easily accessible. The author clearly explains the various forms and uses a wide range of technical vocabulary. This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to learn how to write poetry.

KIM ADDONIZIO – THE POET'S COMMANION

LEARNING TO USE THE NUTS OR BOLTS

Kim Adonizio's classic handbook on poetry writing can be found in this book. It's ideal for anyone who wants to learn poetry alone, as well as for students and teachers looking for a stimulating guide for writing poetry.

HELP – WRITER'S BLOCK

The Poet's Guide to Companion consists of three sections. You will find topics to help you get started or explore your ideas. You can find information about new techniques or forms as well as reminders how to improve the quality of your writing.

Addonizio is also a writer who understands the challenges and gives tips for persevering.

Astonishing Reviews

The Poet's Companion's Reviews say that it is easy to read and not too repetitive. The book is highly regarded as one of the top poetry books for aspiring poets. You will learn how to publish your writing and how to make the most of technology as a writer. The Poet's Companion acts as a teacher, sitting next to you while your work is done. The best book on poetry theory!

BIRD-BY-BIRD, BY Anne LAMOTT

A HANDBOOK TO LIFE

Anne Lamott used a child's memory to title her poetry book. When her father gave her a assignment on homework, he said to Anne Lamott "Just take the bird by bird". She adopted this motto and shares her wisdom in one the best books on poetry writing.

WORDS DOWN ON THIS PAGE

Writing is not an easy task. Writing is a journey that inspires others. The simplest of moments can be transformed into poetry. Lamott has experienced the highs and lows associated with love, loss, and friendship. Because she has lived through the darkest moments of jealousy and pain, Lamott is able to tell the truth. She is a poet of great inspiration.

A PRESENT

She advises writers to put words on the paper before worrying about whether they are suitable for their purpose. Bird by Bird is a wonderful gift for those who struggle to put their thoughts on paper. Anne Lamott's best selling book on poetry writing will provide guidance on how to get started and how you can persevere when it stops. This she does with humor and a grin. Bird by Bird is one of the best books you can read about writing poetry.

THE ODE LESSER TRAVELLED OVERBY STEPHENFRY

WISE

Stephen Fry is an actor, poet and writer. He could have been an excellent teacher. The Ode Less Travelled features his simple advice, thoughtful exercises, as well as his unique wit.

This book is a must-have for all poets. Fry will assist you in understanding the technical terms and poetic forms. You can rest assured that Fry will continue to share his sharp wit, humor, and obscenities.

Instinctive Urge

Stephen Fry believes everyone has a "primal instinct" to write poetry. He invites you to join him in sharing the joy of poetry. The Ode Less Travelled is a collection of tools that will help you write poetry regardless your motivation. Fry will give you the confidence to create your own rhymes and rhythms.

The Ode Less Travelled can be described as one of best books to learn poetry. It will inspire you to start writing poems quickly. It's also a great book for children to learn poetry.

THE WRITER'S SYSTEM BY ANNE JANZER

PROCESS OF WRITING BEGINS WITHIN

This book is a great resource for anyone who needs help writing poetry. The Writer's Process teaches you how to collaborate with your brain's creativity and uses cognitive science research to guide you.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The Writer's Process can help you:

  • Use creativity to improve your writing experience
  • You can structure your writing steps to increase efficiency
  • Remain focused, ignore distractions, and be open to positive feedback until you are successful.
  • Be mindful to cultivate creativity.

AWARD-WINNING

The Writer's Process has been awarded for its excellence and is a best-selling book on writing poetry. This book is not intended to be a guide, but rather to help you start your writing journey. Your creative mind contains everything you need to be a great poet writer. Let The Writer's Process be your guide to discovering your inner poet.

THE PRACTICING POET BY DIANE LOCKWARD

There are many useful tips available.

The Practicing poet has great tips, no matter if you're a seasoned poet or just a beginner. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in poetry writing.

SECRETS TO SUCCESSFUL POSTS

Diane Lockward's essential book is packed with helpful tips and advice to help you improve your poetry writing.

She has assembled the most important strategies and advice from 113 different poets.

You will be tempted to explore more about poetry writing by the ten chapters. You will be tempted by the prompts and want to get to work.

PEARLS of WISDOM

The Practicing poet is a great book for advanced poets that will inspire you to keep writing good poetry, or better than ever before. It ranks among the top poetry instruction books. Diane Lockward's poetic insights will benefit all poets whether they are working together or in groups.

ROBIN BEHN'S POETRY PRACTICE

PRACTICE IS PERFECT

Robin Behn assembled nearly 100 tips and exercises for poetry writers to assist them at all stages in their journey towards becoming successful poets. He believes in practice making perfect so he's written one of his best books on poetry writing.

EXERCISES FOR INSPIREMENT

This book of exercises will introduce you to the works of many famous poets. This book is a great introduction to poetry writing. It also covers topics that are of interest to aspiring poets, such as how to find inspiration, use your memories and experience to enrich your ideas, revising and improving your work.

HELPFUL RESULT RESOURCES

Behn provides a list of poetry books and other support materials that are invaluable to any poet. The Practice of Poetry ranks amongst the best books for learning how to create poetry. It's a unique resource and can be used in any combination. The best book for poet writers.

NATALIE GoldbergG WRITING THE BONES

MOTIVATIONAL INSTRUCTOR

Natalie Goldberg's book on poetry making is a masterpiece. Writing Down the Bones is full of inspiration, support and ideas. It is delivered with a down-to-earth approach and a sense of humor.

KEEP IT REAL

An experienced teacher and poet. Goldberg offers reliable advice in plain language. All the most common topics are covered by Goldberg, such as:

  • Write down your thoughts.
  • You can find inspiration by listening around
  • The best verbs
  • Keeping doubt out
  • Some interesting ideas about places to publish poetry
  • Be gentle with yourself.

FREEDOM and HUMILITY

Reading Goldberg's book Writing Down the Bones will make you believe that poetry is possible. You might even believe that good poetry is possible if you are willing to allow yourself to be humble and free.

This book has a very important message. It tells you not to take your poetry or yourself too seriously. It is important to have fun with words and let your creativity flow. Writing Down The Bones is a great poetry writing technique book that will help to accomplish all of that.

MARIA MAZZIOTTI GILLAN, WRITING POETRY FOR SAVING YOUR LIFE

LIFE-SAVING POETRY?

Writing Poetry to Save Your life is one the most loved books about poetry writing. Maria Gillan is a poet with a unique ability to inspire, encourage and motivate you to write poetry. She is so friendly and unfailing that you feel like she is holding your hand while you begin to write a poem.

It's possible!

Gillan's title is an indication of her efforts to become poet. She recalls how difficult it was for her to get her thoughts on paper.

You should have her book beside you when you start to write. She will help you to transform your thoughts and experiences into poetry. This book is one of the most useful for writing poetry.

POETIC GENIE

Writing Poetry to Save Your Life will make you sound like a cork popping from a bottle. Your thoughts will become free and your life-affirming, confident energy will flow. Maria Mazziotti Gillan's book will inspire compassion in you and others.

IN THE PALM of YOUR HAND BYSTEVE KOWIT

HANDBOOK OF TEACHERS

For anyone who teaches poetry, In the Hand of Your Hand will be a useful guide.

This will allow your poetry to be shared and inspire others. Poetry will no longer be the subject of class.

LIBERATE YOUR INSIDE POET

In the palm of your hand is a great introduction to writing poetry books. It will show you how your dreams, obsessives, fantasies, as well as your pains into poetry-writing forms. Steve Kowit is the man to help you find your inner poet.

This book covers all aspects of poetry, both technical and craft. Practical tips will be provided on how to start, revise and improve your first poems, and how to publish your poems.

APT, AUTHENTIC, & ACCESSIBLE

The book is full of poetry-writing inspiration and contains a lot of encouragement. In the Hand of Poetry is a worthy contender for the Top 10 Best-Sellers in Poetry Writing!

Author

  • emersonmckinney

    Emerson McKinney is a 31-year-old mother and blogger who focuses on education. Emerson has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and blogger who writes about her experiences as a mother and educator. Emerson is also a contributing writer for the Huffington Post.