Charlotte Digregorio's Writer's Blog

This book, published last April, is now into its Fifth Printing. I have limited copies left to sell in my own stock, but ebay is receiving more copies of my book on January 9, after selling out during the holidays. It will be posted again on ebay  this coming Friday. The book focuses heavily on haiku, senryu, and free verse. Besides benefitting poets of all levels, it has been adopted as a text and supplemental text for University English classes.

Below is the latest of dozens of fabulous reviews of Wondrous Instruction and Advice from Global Poets: How to Write and Publish Moving Poems and Books and Publicize Like a Pro.

This book by award-winning poet Charlotte Digregorio is original, extraordinary, exemplary, and thoroughly reader/user-friendly in style, organization, and presentation. It’s an ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community and university libraries. It should be on library lists and curriculum study lists. It’s also the essential, comprehensive DIY instruction manual for getting poetry books published and effectively brought to the attention of the public. Of special note is the large section on the Japanese forms, as well as the substantial sections on poetry in general and free verse in particular. Of additional note, for poets and general readers with an interest in poetry, is the author’s blog, www.charlottedigregorio.wordpress.com.

Jim Cox, Editor-in-Chief

Midwest Book Review

Other reviews of Wondrous Instruction:

Wondrous Instruction and Advice from Global Poets, by internationally-acclaimed educator Charlotte Digregorio, is a much-needed, seminal work that belongs on every poet’s bookshelf. She is one of the best poets writing today. I salute this author for putting together a monumental work that is both practical for poets and engaging to read. It is 334 pages (coffee table-size) of common sense advice and instruction on how to get things done in the world of writing and publishing. While there are numerous excellent resources on one or two topics covered by Digregorio, I have yet to encounter a book that comprehensively covers so many areas of interest to poets. This reviewer’s work has been published hundreds of times. I still find in Digregorio’s  Wondrous Instruction and Advice, nuggets of wisdom and novel resources for improving my writing. Best of all, Digregorio’s engaging humor never fails to produce in me a fresh harvest of motivation. 

When I was a novice poet, all I wanted to do was write good poetry. I had no idea that authoring poems was easy compared to marketing my books, finding a publisher, pricing my book, deciding on my target audience, and so much more. The book’s subtitle caught my attention from the get-go: How to Write and Publish Moving Poems and Books and Publicize Like a Pro. I wish I’d had Wondrous in my hands some ten years ago!

~ Michael Escoubas, Senior Editor, Quill and Parchment

I’m truly in awe of Charlotte Digregorio’s breathtaking and stunning book, Wondrous Instruction and Advice from Global Poets. Every poet or aspiring one needs to have a copy. This shining achievement is really three works in one: how-to writing and publishing manual; poet’s publicity and book sales guide; and motivational handbook. It brims with heartfelt encouragement, practical tools and hundreds of poetic examples, and wisdom. Having made it to the mountaintop by slow and steady perseverance, the author draws on decades as a long-form and haiku/senryu poet, teacher, editor, publisher, and blogger. In these pages, she presents a panoramic view of poetic forms, inspiring beginners and seasoned writers alike. Without a doubt, this multi-faceted treasure is sure to become the go-to resource for a generation or more.

~ Robert Epstein, Psychologist, Poet and Author, On Time: Haiku & Senryu

A valuable collection of information for any poet wanting to expand their poetry, nurture their well-being, and successfully support their career. It is a multi-volume book under a single cover, with all sections containing accessible and digestible information. The book’s  purpose is helping poets through inspiration and practical instruction.

The author presents a plethora of informative comments from writers around the world in addition to the abundant sample poems. The book’s emphasis is on writing as a profession by helping readers develop the mindset of a writer and recommending places to publish their poetry. The section, “Thrive as an Author,” addresses the many steps involved in creating a book of poems and in publishing and marketing it. She reliably guides poets through the complex business of publishing and promoting their work with her decades of experience as an award-winning author, sought-after speaker, and workshop leader.

Among other sections, she includes a long one on the Japanese poetic forms and their relationship to promoting wellness: “Wisdom and Heart: The Short Forms of Haiku, Senryu, and Tanka.” This contains knowledgeable presentations of these forms; and even moves beyond a “how to ” approach. She addresses how they can support healing, well-being, and a purposeful life. This section is an excellent example of  her statement in the book’s introduction, “Thoughtful poetry helps us deal with life’s experiences.”

The book’s accurate information bears the imprint of Digregorio’s many years as a dedicated educator and professional writer.

~ Ce Rosenow, Ph.D, Educator and Reviewer

MacQueen’s Quinterly

A brilliant new book. It offers poets a great deal of instruction not only on writing well, but on the how-to’s of publicizing their work. This includes how to effectively speak at events, teach, and give workshops; become adept at media and social media publicity; and collaborate with other artists to enhance one’s audience. We learn that being a successful writer also involves learning how to seek every opportunity to engage with the public.

~ John J. Dunphy, Author, Old Soldiers Fading Away

What a herculean task of assembling “Wondrous.” The book covers the gamut: creativity to marketing, and all the in-between.

~ Caroline Giles Banks, Ph.D., Author, Picture a Poem: Ekphrastic and Other Poems

This book is valuable. It is a bible for haiku writing.

~ John Zheng, Ph.D., Professor of English/Chair, Mississippi Valley State University

A beautiful, monumental, and much needed work that will serve so many people. This is a mine of knowledge about what poetry is, how to write it, and what to do with it. On every page, readers realize how much the author loves and respects poetry and poets, and how much knowledge she wants to share. She’s also a wonderful poet herself.

~ Lidia Rozmus (Poland), Poet, Editor, and Author, My Journey

This book is amazing, and will be of tremendous help to both seasoned and emerging poets. This is the latest ambitious masterwork by the inimitable poet, author, and exceptional editor Charlotte Digregorio, one of the most accomplished, knowledgeable, and articulate phenoms of the arts. This tremendously valuable resource helps poets improve their craft and success rate for getting published, and is an essential volume to add to their libraries. Digregorio’s writing and noble work has been instrumental for so many of us on our personal writing journeys. She motivates and inspires us each day. I hope everyone who reads “Wondrous Instruction” also reads her Haiku and Senryu: A Simple Guide for All.

~ Jerome Berglund, Author, Paint Chips: ekphrastic poems about things

My most sincere gratitude to Charlotte Digregorio for her tireless commitment to sustaining and inspiring the global poetic world. “Wondrous Instruction” is a precious resource that not only offers practical advice on how to write and publish poetry, but it also is an illuminating guide on how to effectively promote one’s poetry. The author’s dedication to sharing knowledge and to creating a place of growth for poets of every level is truly admirable. Thank you to the author for being a constant source of inspiration and for her countless contributions to the world of poetry.

~ Eufemia Griffo (Italy), Poet and Author, Il fiume scorre ancora

Charlotte Digregorio’s Wondrous Instruction and Advice from Global Poets is a must-read. Digregorio’s book illuminates her successful skillset as both writer and publicist. For any poet navigating the choppy waters of self-promotion, marketing, and publicity, this book is a lifesaver.

~ Roberta Beary, Co-Author, Haibun: A Writer’s Guide

I highly recommend Wondrous Instruction and Advice from Global Poets to all with an interest in haiku and other poetry. When I began studying haiku in earnest, one great source was Poet and Author Charlotte Digregorio’s brilliant Daily Haiku blog, featuring great work from around the world. A wonderful educator, she has helped many to appreciate the value and beauty of haiku and its related form, senryu, the latter often benefitting those with challenges who are given hope and comfort.

~ Paul Beech (Wales), Poet and Author, Curlew Sunset

This is a masterpiece. I feel like I’m getting an advanced degree in poetry and haiku. This is a must for every serious writer. Digregorio’s books never fail to amaze and instruct me.

~ Mary Jo Balistreri, Poet and Author, Still

An awesome resource. This is a comprehensive book on stoking your creativity, polishing your work, and getting it out into the world. A book that I’ll be revisiting often. Digregorio’s blog is a great resource, too.

~ Steve Schultz, Poet

This gorgeous book is just so comprehensive, well-written, and well-organized.

~ Richard Allen Taylor, Poet and Author, Armed and Luminous

What a remarkable accomplishment! Charlotte Digregorio has supported and encouraged many of us striving poets and managed to produce so much by way of resource materials as well.

~ David Kawika Eyre, Poet and Author, the nothing that is

I find  “Wondrous Instruction” to be invaluable as a poet’s companion, guide, and morale booster. I love the chapters on haiku and senryu.

~ Marci Ridlon McGill, Poet and Author, Sun through the Window

Wow, Charlotte Digregorio has written a major book, helpful to aspiring writers and poets, and seasoned ones, alike! I am honored and humbled to have my work featured in it.

~ Lenard D. Moore, Author, Assoc. Professor of English, University of Mount Olive

This is a comprehensive reference book that is making waves in the poetry circuit worldwide. I am delighted to have a poem featured in it!

~ Rupa Anand (India), Poet and Author, To the Edgeless Sky and Back

This is a vast and encompassing book. If in dreams begins reality, then Charlotte Digregorio encourages us to dream big and explore through poetry the uncharted territory within us.

~ Tom Painting, Author, piano practice

I am blown away! I’d like to tell the world that for every poet who feels they can’t afford expensive writing classes, “Just buy this book.”

~ Rita Yager, Poet and Author, Martini Talk

Overall, the book is fabulous, marvelous! There are gems on every page.

~ Nancy Brady, Poet

This book educates people like never before. Learning how to feel confident about publishing one’s work and how to do it is huge. The book is full of very useful information and great writing examples! In Chapter 13, about writing as therapy, being able to write about difficulties and death with grace and compassion is cutting edge. The examples in this section are very helpful.

~ Marjorie Pezzoli, Artist and Poet

I’m enjoying this book and taking my time to absorb it. I can count on Charlotte Digregorio for superb advice and support for my writing practice.

~ Barrie Levine, Poet and Author, Cotton Moon

Promises kept and more! The title and subtitle set a daunting task before the reader, promising “wondrous” instruction and advice from around the globe, and in the subtitle, information on how to publish poems that will touch readers, compile those into books, along with tips on publishing, publicity and sales. This book is a wholistic approach to the art of poetry—how poems function as an extension of a writer’s creativity, how they work into one’s life, and how writers can share their work, make it known to others by publishing.

I have long been an admirer of Digregorio’s work, so I jumped at the chance to read and review this work. Reading this book, I have benefitted from her advice and have been inspired to go in various new directions with my own work. She devotes an entire chapter on how to think like a writer. Digregorio isn’t content with simply getting a person to write. She offers practical advice on preparing for poetry readings, forming and conducting a critique group, how to deal with rejection, plan a book of your own and publish it, then publicizing and selling the book.

Digregorio hasn’t only fulfilled the promises made by the title, but thanks to the comments made by numerous poets on creativity and other topics, and the careful, example-laden structure of the book, she has exceeded my expectations.  Although just having advice from the author herself would be amazing, she offers points of view from all over the world on the topics she tackles in this book, which are what increases its value immensely.

Because of its wholistic approach and conversational tone which open the door to deeper thinking for both a novice writer and the more experienced wordsmith without being overly complicated or too simple, I wasn’t surprised to learn that this book has already been adopted as a text at several universities. This book belongs on every teacher’s desk, on the desk of every poetry student, the nightstand of every practicing poet, and in the TBR pile of everyone who is even thinking about becoming a poet. In fact, upon finishing the book I moved it to the side of my desk where it will repose as a reference and source of creative “jump starting” when needed. Referring to it often is a joy.

Thanks to the author for writing this book. She is a hero of mine, a marvelous writer, teacher, and editor.

~ Joan Leotta, Author, Simply a Smile, Reviewer for Highland Park Poetry

So many out-of-the-box ideas. I had actually thought I’d like the big section on haiku the best, but was surprised by the other amount of information in this tome, including collaborative work, promotion, self-publishing. Of course, this is more than a reference book – even a good index! It’s also an incredible anthology of poetry.

~ Scott Wiggerman, Librarian and Author, Leaf and Beak: Sonnets

A wonderful book, a treasure. There is so much wisdom in these pages. I know it will be a book I return to.

~ Beverly Acuff Momoi, Author

how the wind sighs

This beautiful book is indeed wondrous, a treasure trove, written by a poet and author extraordinaire. Poets will want to know what Charlotte Digregorio has to say about writing and promoting their books.

~ Sally Hewitt, Poet and Editor, The Rockford Review

Publisher’s Description of this Book: This is a comprehensive, 8.5 X 11 inch-book, (coffee table-size),  of 334 pages for beginning and seasoned poets, authors, teachers, and professors. It has twenty-seven essays, hundreds of quotes, anecdotes, and poems by global poets that inspire readers to actively write, publicize, and sell books. There is clear analysis of individual poems. It details organizing a poetry collection or reference book with publishing options, including self-publishing. The author discusses how to write a creative title and produce an attention-grabbing cover. This title gives creative ideas on publicizing books and selling in quantity through businesses and associations. The author instructs on obtaining print and broadcast media coverage for poetry books through press releases, publicity kits, and interviews that distinguish poets from their peers. Poets will learn to publicize all their events, such as readings and workshops. The book includes advice on seeking speaking engagements at large events, how to give workshops at uncommon venues, become adept at social media including blogging, and how to partner with artists for poetry-exhibits to reach broad audiences. This title has been adopted as a text and a supplemental text at universities.

The author was honored by the Governor of Illinois for her lifelong literary achievements, and was an award-winning newspaper/magazine editor and public relations director before becoming an academic. She has won eighty-three poetry awards and was nominated for four Pushcart Prizes. Her poetry is translated into nine languages. She judges international poetry contests for adults and students. She has also been a small book publisher since 1989. Among board positions, she served as a Vice President of the Haiku Society of America, Board Secretary of the Northwest Association of Book Publishers, and a regional coordinator of The International Women’s Writing Guild.

To Order Wondrous Instruction there are two options: you may order from ebay, beginning January 9 when this sold-out title will again be available there. (You can sign in for free “as a guest.) We have a reliable Winnetka, IL ebay distributor. This method is encouraged for foreign orders or for those who’d like to pay by credit card.

Or:

You can order it directly from me, Charlotte Digregorio, by check or money order, if you live in the U.S.:

I will sign the book. Please make your check payable, in the amount of $27.95, plus $6.25 shipping, to:

Artful Communicators Press

c/o Charlotte Digregorio

711 Oak St., Ste. 310

Winnetka, IL 60093

Your Grand Total is $34.20 *

If you have questions, you may email me artfulcommunicators@icloud.com

*As for two of my other poetry titles, you may be interested in Haiku and Senryu: A Simple Guide for All and Ripples of Air: Poems of Healing.

If you purchase “Wondrous” directly from me, you can, at no extra postage charge and at a huge discount besides, order just one of my previous poetry titles, Haiku and Senryu: A Simple Guide for All  OR Ripples of Air: Poems of Healing for only $8. The two books each retail for $19.95 and normally there is an extra $4.50 shipping charge.  I can only fit the Wondrous book and one other title into the bubble bag mailer. You can read some of the reviews about both these titles below, and select just one if you are interested for $8 more. (U.S. customers only.)

If you have questions about any of my three titles, you can email me at artfulcommunicators@icloud.com. Please do not respond here.

Reviews for Haiku and Senryu: A Simple Guide for All:

(A classic book, adopted as a text and a supplemental text for university English

classes.)

An altogether brilliant work that must be read by anyone with so much as a passing interest in haiku. Charlotte Digregorio has penned a masterpiece! She has written the definitive guide to one of poetry’s most fascinating genres. This work belongs on the bookshelf of any poet who is serious about writing the kind of haiku that editors want to publish.

-–John J. Dunphy, Author and Poet, Touching Each Tree 

This book is overall the best one out there on the subject. The amount of information is extraordinary and exceeds that found in any other book. In particular, the commentaries on selected poems are very good, intelligent, and sensitive, and really place keys into the hands of readers for unlocking the mysteries and joys of haiku literature–from its roots in Japan to its present robust evolution in English and other languages.

-–Michael McClintock, Award-Winning Author/Editor of Haiku & Tanka Books

Former President of The Tanka Society of America

• If a book about haiku inspires the reader to create haiku, then Charlotte Digregorio’s Haiku and Senryu: A Simple Guide for All has done its job bountifully.

Robin Stratton, Editor, Boston Literary Magazine

• A strong overview of haiku–a wealth of information on how to introduce and teach haiku to children, college students, and interested adults.

Michael Rehling, Haiku Editor and Poet

• An energetic and comprehensive guide by a prolific writer and educator with insightful perspectives and a generous sampling of published haiku and senryu.

Frogpond, Journal of the Haiku Society of America

• I honor the work Charlotte Digregorio has done on  behalf of English-language haiku in Haiku and Senryu: A Simple Guide for All. She has a gift for writing clearly, concentrating on what matters beyond passing controversy.

Robert Epstein, Haiku Author and Editor

• Marvelous book and marvelous insight! I truly enjoyed this book, being wonderfully surprised by the new information I didn’t know.

Donna Bauerly, Poet and Professor Emeritus, Loras College

• Passionate, clear, well-supported instruction about haiku and senryu. Any artist will revel in the splendor, humor, and knowledge this book has to offer.

Connie, Kuntz, Editor, The Rockford Review

• A poetry reference book that should be on all poets’ bookshelves.

Authorship magazine, National Writers Association

• A rich resource for teachers with concise and accessible definitions of haiku and senryu. The material is wonderfully delivered and accessible to even student-poets, loaded with examples and explanations.

Tom Painting, Haiku Author and Teacher

Charlotte Digregorio, a best-selling writer, has produced a compendious volume offering straightforward training not only to write competent haiku, but also to see your results published.

Lin Geary, Book Reviewer, Haiku Canada Review

• I’m sure Wondrous Instruction and Advice from Global Poets will find a  treasured place on the shelves of poets, right next to your influential Haiku and Senryu: A Simple Guide for All.Poets treasure the latter, as it is frequently mentioned by my Haikupedia correspondents as being influential.

Charles Trumbull (USA), Author and Editor

About Ripples of Air: Poems of Healing:

Ripples contains poems of fourteen forms including free verse, haiku, and senryu,  and it inspires poets to write with its prose passages.

Ripples of Air: Poems of Healing:

Ripples of Air is a wonderful, universal book and a great gift for all adults. It beckons us to write in order to heal. It should be in every therapist’s office. The author gives us the tools and encourages us to write the lyrics of our own lives. It’s soothing and revealing. We are taken down the paths of nostalgia, and through the stages of our lives, the seasons in nature, matters of the heart, our work, our art, and the beauty that can be found in solitude.

Rita Yager, Award-Winning Poet

Ripples of Air: Poems of Healing is a book worth reading, appreciating, and immersing yourself in, like sacred Ganges water. Quite simply, through the author’s glorious poems and prose, the latter introducing each new section in this book, we understand that “poetry heals.” It’s a mantra Digregorio lives by, and strives admirably to pass along to those she helps, inspires, and mentors, and to communicate to audiences empathetically and instructively when she performs in public places.

on the path/ cherry blossoms in the breeze/ gentle me”

Indeed in our often frightful age of global warfare and domestic insanity, health and financial insecurity, loneliness and isolation, in channeling creativity  as a means of self-care,  Digregorio deeply  understands the  ameliorative possibilities  that poetry plays as a balm in our lives. 

dusk . . . / on the express train/ motionless faces 

For the author, “mentorship is my passion and calling.” There is beautiful imagery in her poetry. The twists and turns of the bonsai she describes are akin to those in our own lives. Her philosophic observations in this intellectually stimulating tome are of great benefit to readers who strive to write and publish their own creative works.

pruning/ the bonsai . . . / my knotty life

Digregorio includes some underutilized poetic forms to engage readers in this book. Professors teaching their students about ekphrastic or acrostic poems, for example, would do well using her work as superlative contemporary examples. Furthermore, the quite intense adult limericks at the end of the “Wonder and Whimsy” chapter are particularly noteworthy.  They are unlike any that readers have encountered before, and could conceivably make Tim Burton or Roald Dahl turn green with envy.

As a book, too, by a renowned master of Japanese short forms, this is highly recommended, (along with her “Haiku and Senryu: A Simple Guide for All.” (The latter includes a phenomenally illuminating chapter on haiku sequences.  I have reviewed the latter book, too, on this blog.)

Digregorio’s  many poetic forms throughout “Ripples of Air: Poems of Healing,”  including, sonnets, cinquains, free verse, tanka, and  haibun, are absolute achievements  of artistry  worth learning from.

I should also recommend this book as an excellent introduction and explanation for the many values of poetry in general and haiku/senryu particularly, which would make for a clear and easy to read introduction for family and friends who don’t grasp the purpose of poetry.  The prose introductions to each section are tremendously useful in explaining and relaying these points that would immensely benefit laymen, and increase their creative awareness and comprehension. That is something  I, my friends, and colleagues have  perceived the need for as an effective means of communicating to interested parties.

I highly recommend your reading  “Ripples of Air: Poems of Healing,”  at your soonest opportunity,  and then buying it as a gift.

Jerome Berglund, Author and Award-Winning Poet

THANKS to ALL!

Have a very creative new year,

Best,

Charlotte Digregorio