Comments on: “Advice to Writers”

By: Sharon

Sharon — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:16:44 +0000

Beautiful blue glass!

I like Collins’s light-hearted approach to a common trait that could otherwise weigh us down. I procrastinate before I start any project. Cleaning and clearing out the clutter give me time to prepare myself to start in on something new. Then once I begin I have no excuses to keep me from staying with it.

By: Only the Half of It

Only the Half of It — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 02:16:22 +0000

Great post Cindy. I’m saving this poem. I think he’s talking about clearing the clutter from your head. However, some of that clutter gets worked out AS you write and then hone it down. But I like the idea of thinking, cleaning, focusing before actually putting ink to paper.

By: Cindy La Ferle

Cindy La Ferle — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:43:08 +0000

Summer — You’re absolutely right about the extra term as Poet Laureate. I had picked up the date — in a rush — from the flap of “Sailing Alone Around the Room,” published before his second term. Writers should never be in a hurry I pulled the comment with the incorrect reference, in case readers don’t get this far down in the comment section. It was thoughtful of you to correct it, and I hope you’ll come back to comment again. But I don’t think you’re alone in your interpretation of the poem. Bridgette got that from it too.

By: Summer

Summer — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:33:22 +0000

You’re all missing the point Billy Collins makes with “Advice to Writers.” The poem is about one thing: how writers procrastinate, how writers will do anything they can to put off facing the blank page. That’s it.

And… he was U.S. Poet Laureate from 2001-2003, not 2001-2002. ; )

By: Kitty

Kitty — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:44:08 +0000

I’m thinking one way to read this poem is as a discussion of mindfulness, which allows us to be present and clear when we’re writing.

By: Bridgette

Bridgette — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 04:10:50 +0000

I started, writing that is. I just picked a notebook off the shelf and began.
The room wasn’t picked up, but I knew the moment would pass if I waited.

By: Joanna Jenkins

Joanna Jenkins — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:42:33 +0000

“…behold in the light of dawn
the immaculate altar of your desk….”

That is perfection!

What a wonderful poem Cindy. Thank you for sharing it with us.

I’m surprised at where I do my “best” writing. It’s usually in the school pick-up line when I’m sitting in my “clean” car, my mind clear and nothing to do but wait for the bell to ring. This poem made a lot of sense to me.

Have a great weekend.
jj

By: Cheryl Wright

Cheryl Wright — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:44:40 +0000

Love this piece Cindy.

Mr. Collins gave me goose bumps. I fear he was inspired to write this poem after spying on my obsession with cleaning and getting everything just right before I sit down to write.

By: Angie Muresan

Angie Muresan — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:20:59 +0000

Cindy, that is a lovely poem indeed. There are thoughts and ideas crowding my mind at the moment which are keeping me from my writing. And it shouldn’t be so. I have a story to tell and it’s begging me to let it out.

I’d like to thank you for your reading recommendations. That article on friendship the other day was extraordinary. And now I can’t wait to read what you have to say about Beauty and the Soul.

Finally, thank you for your friendship.

By: deb

deb — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:25:04 +0000

I like Billy Collins as well, I’m loving all of your selections so far.
And like you said, there are a few ways to take this.
Which is what I like about poetry.

And the importance of clearing and decluttering or making a shiny happy place seems to vary . I don’t have routines or preferences. But then I’m only on baby steps of this .

And thanks for your suggestion of the Thomas Moore book.