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ReFoReMo Day 28: Renée M. LaTulippe Illuminates Poetic Techniques in Prose

3/29/2015

126 Comments

 
As we round the corner to our last ReFoReMo weekend together, we are very lucky to have two valuable lessons on poetic techniques.  Monday, you will learn where ReFoReMo goes from here, and finish strong will celebration and giveaways on Tuesday.  The giveaways will only be open for one day: 12 am CST March 31 to 12am CST on April 1, so be sure to follow these last few days carefully for instruction and qualification.  Enjoy the remaining lessons and feel free to revisit them often. 

by Renee M. LaTulippe

Those who write rhyming picture books already know how important poetic techniques are to their stories, but prose writers have just as much to gain from closely examining how poetic techniques can enhance the readability of their manuscripts.


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SOUND DEVICES make music of your words, rendering them more fun to read aloud. Listen to how the simple assonance and alliteration — never overdone — enhance the beauty of these lines from COME ON, RAIN! by Karen Hesse:

Mamma lifts a listless vine and sighs.
***
…fling off their shoes,
skim off their hose,
tossing streamers of stockings over their shoulders.

Picture
IMAGERY creates concrete pictures in your readers’ heads. The more specific the image, the more effective it is. Consider the exquisite opening line of BARN by Debby Atwell:

I was raised in coastal fog so thick the crows had to walk to the cornfield that morning.


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REPETITION and REFRAINS make your story interactive, giving children the chance to participate and “read” along.  They also help escalate the drama, as in CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS THAT TYPE by Doreen Cronin:

Farmer brown has a problem.
His cows like to type.
All day long he hears
Click, clack, moo.
Click, clack, moo.
Clickety, clack, moo.

Picture
RHYTHM carries your reader from word to word and page to page, giving your prose a forward momentum that makes your book impossible to put down. Consider the rhythm (and the repetition of the color word, gray) in this passage from YESTERDAY I HAD THE BLUES by Jeron Ashford Frame:
Daddy says he got the grays.
The straight shoelaces,
coffee in the car grays.
The lines between his eyes,
lookin’ at his watch grays.
The don’t ask for a new skateboard
till tomorrow grays.
Poor Daddy.

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DICTION — the exact right word in the exact right spot — while particularly essential in poetry, is of course important in any type of writing. In prose, diction isn’t just about finding the best verbs; it’s about finding the words that support and enhance your plot, setting, tone, and characters. Consider this excerpt from THIS MOOSE BELONGS TO ME by Oliver Jeffers:

Wilfred was dumbstruck.
This moose was Marcel, not Rodrigo.
The old lady was mistaken and
Wilfred thought it only proper
that he correct her.

The names, adjectives, and verbs in this passage do double duty to underscore the book’s humor and tone, and are authentic to the character of Wilfred, who is no ordinary boy.
 
Prize Alert
Renée is offering a 30-minute Skype consultation/critique on a prose or rhyming picture book or a poetry collection. To be eligible, you must be a fully registered participant, comment on this post, read daily, and keep records of your progress.
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Renée M. LaTulippe is a poet and editor who has co-authored nine award-winning leveled readers and a collection of poetry. She has poems published in several anthologies, including the forthcoming National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry (ed. J. Patrick Lewis) and One Minute Till Bedtime (ed. Kenn Nesbitt; Little, Brown). Renée teaches the five-week online course The Lyrical Language Lab: Punching Up Prose with Poetry and blogs on children’s poetry at No Water River.

126 Comments
Saba
3/27/2015 06:32:02 pm

Writing in rhyme is one of the hardest things to do, I have tried and until I learn how to to it right, I will stay away from it. But I agree how learning the basics will also help my prose. Thank you Renee for a wonderful tipful post. :)

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Keila Dawson link
3/27/2015 06:51:18 pm

Oh I like the idea of making music with words. Th as nks for thr inpiration.

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Kristi Veitenheimer
3/27/2015 06:51:50 pm

Love the reminders of what to interject into our writing to make it sing!

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Kaye Baillie
3/27/2015 08:09:57 pm

I've just read 'click clack' and 'this moose belongs to me' and adore both of them. Can't wait to find the others.

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Rebecca Colby
3/27/2015 08:27:56 pm

Thanks for the reminder that using poetic techniques are just as important in non-rhyming books as they are rhyming ones! And thanks for some great recommendations!

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Renee
3/28/2015 05:41:55 am

SUPER important! Even SUPER-DUPER important! :)

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Maria Laso
3/27/2015 08:53:00 pm

Ahhhhhh, sound advice indeed.

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Renee
3/28/2015 05:42:23 am

Is that a pun I see before me? :)

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Jeanette Bradley
3/29/2015 11:30:45 pm

"Sound" advice. :)

rita antoinette borg link
3/27/2015 10:48:41 pm

these books are amazing and not necessarily rhyme, just short sweet and to the point I am working hard on thrying to achieve that in my stories. Thanks Carrie and Renee.

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joanne sher link
3/27/2015 11:58:55 pm

Love trying to use poetic techniques in my prose. Super tips - and I have only read one of these. Thanks so much, Renee (and Carrie, of course!)

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MD Knabb
3/28/2015 12:01:23 am

I will devour these PB's and try to learn how to do something so lovely.

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 10:05:48 am

You will be amazed at the change in your writing, MD!

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Linda Schueler link
3/28/2015 12:02:26 am

I need to put more of these techniques in my writing.

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Deborah Allmand
3/28/2015 12:12:00 am

Renee, poetic concepts and devices so easy to say yet so hard to write. I have read the Oliver Jeffers book and Doreen Cronin's book. I look forward to studying the others. Thanks so much for the post.

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 10:07:02 am

Deborah, the others on the list are MUCH more lyrical than the Jeffers and Cronin books. And no, it's not super easy to get it right, but practice, practice, practice and you'll find the balance that's right for you ms. :)

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Sylvia Liu link
3/28/2015 12:13:36 am

grear tips, Renee. I always learn something from your posts.

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Lisa Connors link
3/28/2015 12:13:58 am

I love rhyme and love playing with it, but with no schooling on types of rhyme and technique I feel intimidated to try more seriously.

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 10:08:37 am

Yes, for those who don't have a natural ear for rhyme and meter, it is extremely difficult to get it right. The good news is that all it takes is some focused study and lots of PRACTICE, and most people WILL "get it."

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Marianne Kuzujanakis
3/28/2015 12:50:27 am

I was looking forward to this day all month, Renée! I love PBs using poetic techniques. Barn looks gorgeous. I am also unfamiliar with several others. Off to the library!

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 10:10:07 am

Aw, thanks, Marianne! I have a really long list of lyrical PBs - perhaps I will post in the FB group. I highly recommend reading a lot of them to understand all the ways poetic techniques can be used to enhance prose.

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Elaine Kiely Kearns
3/28/2015 12:59:05 am

Brava, Renee! I adore the explanation of the use of "poetic techniques" in these books. My favorite is RAIN- that book is just delicious. Thanks for a great post!

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Juliann (Juli) Caveny link
3/28/2015 01:11:20 am

Ahhhh... the beauty of these books! I can't wait to read the moose book by Jeffers. It seems like none of my libraries have this, but they have his others. (Maybe it's continually checked out?) The lyrical and "sound" quality in the plethora of books about jazz that are on the shelves now are my favorites!

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 10:10:56 am

Love the jazz books! Have you read JAZZ FLY?

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Juliann (Juli) Caveny link
3/30/2015 12:47:36 pm

No, I haven't! I'll have to look it up!

Michelle Heidenrich Barnes link
3/28/2015 01:23:30 am

Renée is a master at incorporating poetic techniques. Thanks for the wonderful recommendations– I'm LOVING that imagery in BARN!

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 10:11:26 am

I KNOW! That first line just blew me away, then it just gets better.

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Julie Burchstead
3/28/2015 01:24:11 am

These are some great mentors. I have heard many good things about the Lyrical Language lab...I think I may have to take it one of the next times it is available. It has been delicious reading your offerings in March Poetry Madness!

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 10:12:48 am

Thank you so much, Julie! Sessions of TLLL are offered all year except December, so just check out the dates on the website. Would love to have you! :) But in the meantime - go read some lovely lyrical books!

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Heather Pierce Stigall
3/28/2015 01:27:41 am

I am looking forward to reading the ones you suggest that I haven't yet. I occasionally write in rhyme and can use all the suggestions for mentor books I can get. Thanks for also including non-rhyming book that contain poetry techniques in this list.

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 10:14:14 am

All of the suggested books are non-rhyming, Heather. Poetry can be found in many places other than rhyming books! :)

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Pat Miller
3/28/2015 01:41:59 am

Thanks, Renee, for the mini-lesson in poetic techniques. I'm going to study these books with your notes in mind.

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Robin Currie link
3/28/2015 01:47:57 am

Wonderful writing - fun to read aloud. Thanks.

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Laura Renauld
3/28/2015 02:26:23 am

Come On, Rain! Is an absolute favorite. I'm especially excited to read Yesterday I had the Blues, as that sounds like a mentor text for a WIP. Thanks!

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 10:14:57 am

I adore RAIN too. I find something new every time I read it. Happy reading!

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Leslie Goodman link
3/28/2015 02:40:38 am

So much valuable advice. This post is a present.
Thank you.

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Ann Kelley
3/28/2015 02:43:06 am

Ahhhh poetic language soothes the soul. And yummy! More books for me to devour.

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Juliana Lee link
3/28/2015 02:45:50 am

It's a good reminder that the whole text doesn't need to rhyme. Infuse the story with rhyme and rhythm for musical effect.

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 10:16:47 am

That's EXACTLY the concept, Juliana! That's the mission I'm on -- to show NON-RHYMING people that poetic techniques will take their writing to whole new levels. It has nothing to do with rhyming and everything to do with a mastery of language. :)

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Sue Heavenrich
3/28/2015 02:53:29 am

Great post. I hadn't thought of Click Clack Moo as "poetic" - but always loved the repetition. Great collection of elements to infuse in our own writing.

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 10:19:11 am

Hi, Sue. CLICK CLACK MOO isn't poetic or lyrical, but it does use a poetic technique. I like to use this book as an example to show that even "non-lyrical" books -- and funny books -- can use poetic techniques to great effect. Many people think that using poetry in their prose should be reserved only for "quiet books," but this is not the case at all. Elements of poetry can pop up all over. :)

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Deirdre Englehart
3/28/2015 03:00:03 am

I love your reminders.. Always helpful! The mentor texts are great!

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Debra Shumaker
3/28/2015 03:17:39 am

Ooh, I can't wait to read Come On, Rain and Barn. They sound fantastic. And yes, Renee is a master - the prize will be so worthwhile to whoever wins it! Thanks Renee!

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 10:19:49 am

Thank you, Debra and Deirdre!

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Manju Howard link
3/28/2015 03:36:58 am

Come On, Rain is a favorite of mine. The musicality of each phrase makes a great read aloud. I will add Barn to my list. Thanks!

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Laura J / Laura Jenkins link
3/28/2015 03:37:38 am

Love repetition in books - it definitely gets readers and children alike to participate and read aloud.
Thank you Renee.

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Alice Fulgione
3/28/2015 03:40:06 am

I love the mentor texts & I'd love to try writing in rhyme.

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Cassie Bentley
3/28/2015 03:49:07 am

I love Click, Clack, Moo. I didn't notice the rhythm. I did notice the repetition. Oh, darn!, I'll have to go back and reread it noticing the lyrical language.

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 11:05:07 am

Hi, Cassie. I just left this comment above, but it bears repeating:

CLICK CLACK MOO isn't poetic or lyrical, but it does use a poetic technique. I like to use this book as an example to show that even "non-lyrical" books -- and funny books -- can use poetic techniques to great effect. Many people think that using poetry in their prose should be reserved only for "quiet books," but this is not the case at all. Elements of poetry can pop up all over. :)

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Lori Dubbin
3/28/2015 03:55:28 am

Thanks for pointing out these examples of poetic techniques that can enhance our stories, whether they are written in rhyme or prose. I want to read "Yesterday I Had the Blues." The rhythm you used as an example has got me hooked!

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 11:06:05 am

It's a marvelous example of how rhythm can make us turn those pages!

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Jarm Del Boccio link
3/28/2015 04:06:46 am

Since rhyming is not my forté, these books will inspire me, Renée. Thanks!

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 11:07:30 am

There is so much more to poetry than rhyme! SO MUCH MORE! And all of it can be used to catapult your PROSE to another level!

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Teresa Robeson link
3/28/2015 04:18:37 am

I never knew one can learn so much in one short blog post! Those are excellent points and awesome examples. Thanks so much, Renee and Carrie!

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Rene` Diane Aube
3/28/2015 04:21:40 am

Thanks a mil, Renee, for adding some tidbits I haven't yet savored. I'm looking forward to studying these books and learning how to punch up my prose. :)

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Kathy Mazurowski
3/28/2015 04:35:41 am

Click Clack Moo is one of my favorites! I can't wait to check out the other titles. Thank you

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Bev Langill
3/28/2015 04:38:44 am

Such a wonderful post of tips to add poetic techniques to our writing. I look forward to savouring these books you've suggested.

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Sandy Powell
3/28/2015 04:50:57 am

Love the opening line for the BARN. The words are so rich, and full of imagery. Thanks for the post and the selections. You gave some great examples that I look forward to study with these books.

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Rita Lorraine Hubbard link
3/28/2015 05:57:14 am

Hi Renee, great mentor suggestions. I used to write in rhyme many years ago, but stopped for some reason I can't quite remember. I'm putting these books on my TBR list today! Looking forward to re-living my poetry days. Thanks for sharing.

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 11:08:53 am

Hi, Rita! None of the suggested texts rhyme -- but they all use elements of poetry. That's the difference between good writing and GREAT writing. :)

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Penny Parker Klostermann link
3/28/2015 06:00:02 am

Renée, your talent goes way beyond your wonderful poetry and writings. You have an exceptional talent for explaining complex concepts in a simplistic, applicable way. It would be nice for you to fine-tooth comb each of my manuscripts! Thanks for today's post!

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 11:09:43 am

Oh, thank you, Penny! High praise coming from a career teacher and a master of meter!

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Jilanne Hoffmann
3/28/2015 06:32:33 am

I'm particularly interested in Come On, Rain! and Yesterday I Had the Blues. The sibilance of those lines you quoted from Come On, Rain! is so lovely to listen to. I've taken a course on poetic technique for picture books and love when I can get it to work. It's a thing of beauty. Thanks for the suggestions!

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 11:15:39 am

"When I can get it to work" is the key phrase here, isn't it, Jilanne? It's all about rhythm and balance. :)

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Heidi Yates
3/28/2015 06:32:46 am

Thank you for the great mentor recommendations Renee. I plan on studying these books so I can incorporate your suggestions into my own writing.

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Elaine Hillson
3/28/2015 06:38:14 am

I have always wanted to write in rhyme, but for me it is one of the hardest things to do. But nevertheless I would still love to learn how. Thank you Renee for a wonderful post highlighting the things I need to look for in my mentor texts.

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Carol Gordon Ekster link
3/28/2015 07:09:20 am

I think the language used in a book is equally as important as the story! Thanks for sharing these titles. Nice to know a few of them are older books that have lasted the test of time probably because of their lyrical quality.

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 11:16:57 am

YES! The language MAKES the story. And knowing how to make the language work double time is a craft unto itself.

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Maria Marshall
3/28/2015 07:31:59 am

Renee, thank you for a vey informative and helpful post. I am excited to find This Moose Belongs To Me. Always love your insights!

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Cindy Williams Schrauben
3/28/2015 09:27:50 am

I can't wait to take your class, Renee. Your knowledge and expertise is invaluable. :)

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 11:17:46 am

Can't wait to have you, Cindy! Fun (and work) awaits! :)

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Myrna Foster link
3/28/2015 09:38:42 am

Thanks for the advice and recommendations!

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Yvonne mes link
3/28/2015 10:15:24 am

Another Renee-mini-lesson and three books I haven't read! Thanks, Renee, taking your class was the best thing I've ever done for my writing!

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 11:18:14 am

Well, shucks, Yvonne! Smooches! :)

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Sherri Jones Rivers link
3/28/2015 10:29:05 am

Oh, wow, and double wow. Great comments on each one. I need to go back to the library and see if I can read the ones I am not familiar with. I do see things differently after taking your course, Renee, and all the notes we received for each lesson......a plethora of promising pointers and poetic practices.

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Renee LaTulippe
3/28/2015 11:20:39 am

You see? Even comments can use a pinch of poetry! Thank you, Sherri! :D

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Sara Eastler link
3/28/2015 11:57:24 am

During Revisions I Find Myself Applying Poetry Techniques To My Writing

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Sara Eastler link
3/28/2015 12:03:29 pm

Apologies! My screen froze during my comment! What I meant to say was that I find myself falling back on my poetry lessons during revisions of picture books mss. It's very difficult work for me (worrying over every syllable and word and word choice, etc) but it's also great to know I'm not alone! Thanks for this great post.

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Angela Hawkins link
3/28/2015 12:15:25 pm

I haven't worked too much with rhyme...this information and titles may change that! Thanks so much Renee!

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Val McCammon
3/28/2015 12:33:19 pm

Exact right word-exact right spot is a perfect phrase to remember. I can't wait to read the books I haven't yet. Thanks, Renee.

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Therese Nagi
3/28/2015 01:38:41 pm

Renee looking forward to reading "Come on Rain" I love Karen Hesse's lyrical language.

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Vivian Kirkfield link
3/28/2015 01:42:47 pm

OH NO! SAY IT ISN'T SO! It can't be almost the end of ReFoReMo!
The month has flown by, Carrie...and I've enjoyed each day's blog post, lesson and book selection. And today you have one of my most favorite mentors, Renee La Tulippe.
Renee...what an absolutely awesome group of books...3 of them are new to me...so you know what that means...this little piggy is off to the library, to find them. I am especially intrigued with "Yesterday I had the Blues".

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Kristen Kirwan Browning
3/28/2015 02:40:42 pm

Can't wait to read these--especially YESTERDAY I HAD THE BLUES. I love playing with words and trying to make my writing more poetic and rhythmic. Thanks for your post and I hope to take your Lyrical Language course in the near future!

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Janie Reinart
3/28/2015 02:59:16 pm

Renee, lovely book picks and post. Looking forward to checking them out!

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Amy Ludwig VanDerwater link
3/28/2015 03:32:29 pm

Renee, once again, inspires! Thank you for hosting her here.

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Suzy Leopold
3/28/2015 03:39:21 pm

Writing in rhyme can be a challenge for me, Renee. However, I am up to the challenge of trying to use poetic techniques as I work on the mastery of language. Thank you for the outstanding book recommendations.

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Wendy Engelmann
3/28/2015 04:13:47 pm

I love CLICK, CLACK, MOO! it is one of my favorite books. I will have to find the other books you listed at my local library. Can't wait to read them. Thank you for your post and all of the interesting information you included.

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Patricia Toht
3/28/2015 04:50:35 pm

Great choices, Renee!

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Sandy Perlic
3/28/2015 05:19:23 pm

Wonderful points about enhancing your story with these techniques. And who wouldn't want to win a session with Renee? She's awesome!

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Rebecca Sheraton
3/28/2015 07:40:33 pm

Some great books I will need to read for rhyming mentor texts

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Lynne Marie link
3/29/2015 02:30:36 am

Thank you for these recommendations -- I am going to add them to my reading list and I look forward to gleaning some inspiration from them :)

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shirley johnson
3/29/2015 08:27:38 am

Thanks for sharing this list of books. Enjoyed the post.

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Janet Smart link
3/29/2015 09:19:07 am

Great post. I love when the words sing across the pages and create beautiful stories.

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Mary Worley
3/29/2015 09:38:34 am

Great reminders to make every word just right. Can't wait to read the Barn book. Thanks!

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Romelle Broas link
3/29/2015 10:44:02 am

I love your post, Renee! Short, but it packs a punch. I appreciate the examples you give with each book to help me understand your points.

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Gabrielle Snyder
3/29/2015 11:08:30 am

Thanks for your fabulous post, Renee. The specificity of each of your examples is super helpful! I'll check out these mentor texts and watch for the poetic techniques you outlined.

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Mary Warth
3/29/2015 11:51:17 am

Thanks for the great post! Two of the books featured are my favorites. I plan to reread with more of a critical eye, and ear!

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Beth Gallagher
3/29/2015 01:27:42 pm

Thanks for the great suggestions! I love a good rhyming book, and they are HARD to write!

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Susanna Leonard Hill link
3/29/2015 02:45:57 pm

Thanks for the great pointers and examples, Renee - just beautiful!

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Cheryl Dale
3/29/2015 04:37:06 pm

Great examples - I'll be a the library tomorrow checking these books out for sure. Thank you so much.

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Caroline Twomey link
3/29/2015 11:01:35 pm

Fantastic post-thank you for taking the time to offer examples from within the text of each book. I have just started writing rhyming PBs-this is a great breakdown of techniques! ")

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Jeanette Bradley
3/29/2015 11:36:11 pm

Not trying to enter twice! I loved this post, thank you so much Renee, some of my favorites on this list and the ones I haven't read yet I can't wait to get! My first comment ended up as a sub-thread and got cut off, so re posting as an actual comment. Thank you again!

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Angela Padron link
3/30/2015 01:40:35 am

Always love to read posts about poetic verse and rhyme in pb's - thank you!

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Nicole Popel link
3/30/2015 02:13:17 am

Renee, I love writing refrains and hope to take your class and improve my skill. Thanks for all of the helpful informaation!

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Carrie Finison
3/30/2015 02:20:14 am

Thank you for this list of gems, Renee. I'm especially interested in Barn - looks like it it's first person from the barn's POV?

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Sadee Schilling
3/30/2015 03:40:18 am

These are the kinds of books that make my heart ache to write something beautiful myself! Thank you for the reccommendations, Renee!

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Darcee Freier
3/30/2015 06:02:31 am

Thanks for encouraging us prose writers to use lyrical language.

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Meridth Gimbel link
3/30/2015 06:14:57 am

Thanks for the brilliant post. I can see how infusing a bit of poetry into prose can make the manuscript sparkle more.

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Ashley Bankhead
3/30/2015 06:27:48 am

Thank you for sharing. You have given great examples.

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Gina Silvester
3/30/2015 06:38:04 am

Thank you for this great list. I feel like my writing is at this turning point. The story is there but I need to find the "exact right word in the exact right spot" to bring it home.

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Lindsay Bonilla link
3/30/2015 07:27:21 am

Thanks for breaking down these different techniques for us! Great information and great book suggestions!

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Lauri Meyers link
3/30/2015 09:44:14 am

I love each of these examples, but especially the diction piece. Oliver Jeffers is there to remind us we can make our word selection perfect.

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Kelley Lewis
3/30/2015 10:40:55 am

I'm a big fan of the unexpected, mid-line rhyme.

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Karen Nordseth Roos
3/30/2015 03:55:55 pm

oh, i just loved everything you had to say, and the examples you brought out were superb. thank you!

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Laurie J. Edwards link
3/30/2015 07:53:49 pm

Love your choices, Renee!

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Mike Karg link
3/31/2015 01:43:08 am

Thanks, Renee! I'll be looking for poetry in prose now.

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Laura K Zimmermann link
3/31/2015 01:43:24 am

Some wonderful suggestions...thank you.

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maria gianferrari link
3/31/2015 03:06:40 am

Thanks for the recommendations, Renee! I haven't yet read Barn or Come on Rain--they sound great! I don't know how I missed Rain--I love Karen Hesse's verse novels, especially Out of the Dust. Thanks, again!

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Anita Banks
3/31/2015 04:11:39 am

Thank you for the wonderful suggestions!

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Ellen Sirianni
3/31/2015 06:14:26 am

Great post! Thank you for sharing.

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Tanya Konerman link
3/31/2015 09:22:57 am

So excited to read these suggestions. I love the imagery you highlighted for Barn. Great ideas!

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Lindsey Tate
3/31/2015 09:40:32 am

Really useful, specific information in your post - thank you. Thanks too for the wonderful recommendations - Come On, Rain is already a favorite of mine so looking forward to discovering the others.

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Amie Valore-Caplan
3/31/2015 10:19:03 am

Thanks for these great suggestions! I have copies of Come on Rain! and Yesterday I Had the Blues and have always loved them. I checked out a translation of This Moose Belongs to Me in Spanish--I am going to look at it more carefully to compare how the translator chose to convey the poetic feeling of the text! Thanks again!

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Jennifer Judd link
3/31/2015 12:20:36 pm

Renee, you always deliver. Great list! COME ON, RAIN is one of my all-time favorites. LOVE that book. Love how you show that poetic elements can be woven in texts in beautiful, funny, punchy ways.

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Ann Magee
3/31/2015 01:02:30 pm

Such wonderful reminders for us prose writers! Thanks so much, Renee. I write free verse poetry and when I write my creative NF stories and fiction stories, I use the same approach.

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Susie Sawyer link
3/30/2016 01:40:49 pm

Hey, Renee! (see what I did there?) I was SO happy to see this post, especially from YOU! I'm a rhymer, no matter how hard I try not to be. :) Thank you for this great post and such a generous prize! (fingers crossed)

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