Cathy Bower’s craft talk on Monday was really informative. Even though I write fiction not poetry (and you’re welcome for that given what I’ve tried of poetry in the past), it was incredibly helpful and relevant. Some para-phrased highlights:

• Write into the mystery of an image not knowing what else is there. You’ve got to be okay with the mystery.
• You must be emotionally honest. Don’t confuse this with literally honest.
• The image is smarter than you are.
• She talked about how her poetry turned a corner when she learned to “shine a light on a moment of intensity.” Before that she tried to obscure things, make them difficult and smart and nothing was working. I know exactly what she means.