Rating: 
Summary: Inspirational Because Useful
Review: All the wisdom you need to write are in two small books: "The Elements of Style" and this one. I heard it from the man himself, and though Hugo's summary cannot reproduce the richness of his poetry seminars at the University of Montana, it's the closest you can come this side of paradise. His poetry exercises work. You can apply them and your writing will improve. Hugo cannot give you talent but he can help you understand if you have it or not.Even his stories show how to live as a writer. Here's a couple Hugo sayings that are not in this book: "To be a poet, you have to know what's important about life. And it's not washing the damned car on Saturday." "There are many, many good poets. There are very few good critics."
Rating:
Summary: buy it!
Review: An extraordinary book - short, refreshing, and to the point. No words are wasted. Hugo's insights, while directed at students of poetry and creative writing, apply with equal force to other kinds of writing (e.g. my field, legal writing). Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Law students and teachers should check this out
Review: An extraordinary book - short, refreshing, and to the point. No words are wasted. Hugo's insights, while directed at students of poetry and creative writing, apply with equal force to other kinds of writing (e.g. my field, legal writing). Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: ONE OF THE BEST. GLAD IT'S BACK IN PRINT!
Review: Have used this book in poetry workshops with great success. Offers advice that's right on the money and easy to apply, and is as direct as the poet himself. I have missed this book and sure am happy to see it's available again. Recommended for both seasoned and new poets alike. cc
Rating: 
Summary: Thanks, Richard!
Review: I must have started this book 8 times before I finally finished it. Each time I'd start I'd become so interested in writing, I'd have to put the book down and grab some paper. His writing as served as a triggering town for me that seems very familiar and friendly. Only half the book "teaches you to teach yourself how to write" -- the rest offers tidbits about writing, or tells stories about his time in World War II as a professional writer. Good stuff if you're interested in the art of the written word!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Introduction to Poetry
Review: Richard Hugo wrote these essays as an introduction to poetry for people interested in poetry. He did a magnificent job. This book was assigned to me in 1986, in my very first creative writing class, and its lessons and insights remain fresh. Hugo's prose, and his insights into the creative act of writing poetry are wonderful. This book helped me learn how to think about poetry, and how to read and better understand poetry. The essays are fascinating, and entertaining as well. I highly recommend this book to anyone with any interest in poetry.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Introduction to Poetry
Review: Richard Hugo wrote these essays as an introduction to poetry for people interested in poetry. He did a magnificent job. This book was assigned to me in 1986, in my very first creative writing class, and its lessons and insights remain fresh. Hugo's prose, and his insights into the creative act of writing poetry are wonderful. This book helped me learn how to think about poetry, and how to read and better understand poetry. The essays are fascinating, and entertaining as well. I highly recommend this book to anyone with any interest in poetry.
Rating:
Summary: The Triggering Town
Review: The Triggering Town by Richard Hugo is a treasure chest full of tips for creative writers. It is overflowing with the wisdom of Hugo's years as a professor and poet. The book is made up of compiled lectures and essays about poetry and writing. Placed into chapters, these teachings make the book into a type of guide for creative writers. Hugo wrote on his own experiences as a student, professor and writer. He also told how experiences in a person's life could affect that person's writing. For example, Hugo's experiences in the Second World War helped to generate many poem ideas that eventually became poems. Also, he grew up with the perspective that he was outside of society. He called these thoughts or feelings triggers. The triggers will initiate the passion needed to write the poem about the subject.
Richard Hugo taught at the University of Montana and has written 12 books total, a few of which are A Run of Jacks, Death of the Kapowsin Tavern, Selected Poems, and Making Certain It Goes On. However, these books are slightly different from The Triggering Town in that they are books of poems. The Triggering Town isn't the typical "how to" book but instead is somewhat like a guide showing the possibilities. Experienced poets and teachers will find this book delightful, and beginners will find it's help extensive.
Rating:
Summary: The Triggering Town
Review: The Triggering Town by Richard Hugo is a treasure chest full of tips for creative writers. It is overflowing with the wisdom of Hugo's years as a professor and poet. The book is made up of compiled lectures and essays about poetry and writing. Placed into chapters, these teachings make the book into a type of guide for creative writers. Hugo wrote on his own experiences as a student, professor and writer. He also told how experiences in a person's life could affect that person's writing. For example, Hugo's experiences in the Second World War helped to generate many poem ideas that eventually became poems. Also, he grew up with the perspective that he was outside of society. He called these thoughts or feelings triggers. The triggers will initiate the passion needed to write the poem about the subject.
Richard Hugo taught at the University of Montana and has written 12 books total, a few of which are A Run of Jacks, Death of the Kapowsin Tavern, Selected Poems, and Making Certain It Goes On. However, these books are slightly different from The Triggering Town in that they are books of poems. The Triggering Town isn't the typical "how to" book but instead is somewhat like a guide showing the possibilities. Experienced poets and teachers will find this book delightful, and beginners will find it's help extensive.
Rating:
Summary: buy it!
Review: This book will motivate and inspire you. It's a reference that any beginning poet should own and cherish.
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