The Tortoise Website

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Click on image to go to Author website. "THE RACE IS NOT TO THE SWIFT." Eccl. 9:11

Friday 6 April 2018

How To Write Free Verse Autobiography Or Memoir

By Christopher West


When an individual considers writing a history of time here on earth, there are many ways in which to do so. One of the best, as shown by Walt Whitman is through a Free Verse Autobiography. For example, Whitman worked on "Songs of Myself" and reworked the information up until it was included in the well known publication "Leaves of Grass."

Poets such as Anne Sexton, John Lowell, Sylvia Plath and others began writing much darker pieces. Whereas, the Beat Generation gave way to poets such as Jack Kerouac who often wrote about experiences on the road, and Allen Ginsberg whose focus was more on sexual matters and other taboos.

Whitman, a well known author and poet passed away in March of 1892. After which, the writer continued to revise and expand "Songs of Myself" from the time it was published in 1855 until a final version was published in 1881. The book, later re-titled "Poem of Walt Whitman, an American, " reflects the life story of the author.

Whitman helped create the idea of self-publishing as the writer was the first to experience self-realization and evolution by paying for the design and typesetting of the book. As with other poets, the opening portrait shows a casual Walt with an open collar and wearing a hat that is cocked to one side. The portrait does a good job of showing the casually defiant poet which continues to dominate the market when it comes to American memoirs.

Generally, those working in free verse will want to share the piece at a poetry festival or reading. Whereas, those whom put more theatrics into a piece may want to enter a local slam as there are often cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place poems.

One of the best ways to experience different styles of readers and writings is to visit a local reading. Whether attending a book or poetry reading, the experience can often be an insightful one. For, not only will one most likely to get to meet and talk with the poets and writers, there is also a lot that can be learned in doing so.

Whether attending a local reading, International poetry festival or poetry workshop, poets can learn a great deal about different types of poetry and writing. For those whom are more academic, colleges and universities offer a number of different classes and programs when it comes to the poetry and prose. While this is the case, it should be noted that there is a vast difference between poetry readings and poetry slams.

Free verse can often be great when read at poetry readings, though slams often require tougher topics with more theatrical performances. For, slams are quite competitive with 1s, 2nd and 3rd place generally taking home cash prizes. In addition, those whom rate high over the course of a season are often invited to be part of a city slam team at an annual poetry slam conference and festival.




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