Category: tips from the bar

Tips from the Bar: That’s Not My Department Prompt

Tips from the Bar

Consider a part of your job you dislike, or like the least. Transform it in a poem to reclaim it as a part of your job you love.

Tips from the Bar: The Russell de Alba Prompt

Tips from the Bar

Write a poem in which a ghost appears and does not hurt you in any way.

Tip from the Bar: The Not Your Average Herbie Prompt

Tips from the Bar

Write a poem about the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you involving a car.

Tips from the Bar: Don’t Go In the Basement, It’s Kind of Dusty

Tips from the Bar

Write a horror narrative about something that isn’t really horrific, just bothersome or annoying.

Tips from the Bar: The Zeke Russell Prompt

Tips from the Bar

Write about a person who is more family to you than anyone in your family.

Tips from the Bar: The Hieu Minh Nguyen Prompt

Tips from the Bar

Inspired by a Facebook post from the poet Hieu Minh Nguyen:

Think about a strange, surprising, or wonderful thing your body has done on its own. Focus on your surprise, and write without (or through) shame.

Tips from the Bar: Something’s Missing

Tips from the Bar

Write a want ad for a vacancy in your body.

Tips from the Bar: The John Ashbery Prompt

Tips from the Bar

Write the narration track of a nature documentary for an animal with ennui.

Tips from the Bar: The Wanda Coleman Ghost Line Prompt

Tips from the Bar

Use what Rachel McKibbens calls a “ghost line” to begin your poem; select a line from another artist as a jumping off point for your piece. When you’re done, erase the first line to make the poem your own.

This week’s ghost line from the bar comes from Wanda Coleman’s Bathwater Wine:
“When …

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Tips from the Bar: Weekend Getaway

Tips from the Bar

Write about a place that makes you feel safe or happy.