J.P. Dancing Bear, the editor of Verse Daily, offers valuable insights into the world of poetry, from the craft of writing to the process of publication. This article delves into Dancing Bear’s perspective on poetry, gleaned from an interview, focusing on what resonates with him as an editor and his advice for aspiring poets. Understanding his approach can be particularly helpful for those interested in submitting their work to Verse Daily.
Contents
The Essence of a Poem: Economy of Words
Dancing Bear emphasizes the importance of “economy of words” as a key element that catches his attention. This doesn’t imply minimizing language to the point of starvation, but rather finding the “happy zone” where each word carries weight and contributes to the overall impact of the poem. This balance allows the poem to breathe and resonate without being burdened by unnecessary verbiage.
Navigating the Realm of Rejection
For new poets venturing into the world of literary submissions, rejection is an inevitable hurdle. Dancing Bear’s advice is to embrace rejection as a learning opportunity rather than a source of discouragement. He encourages poets to analyze rejections, especially personalized ones, and revisit their work to identify areas for improvement. Understanding the editor’s preferences by thoroughly reading past issues of the publication is crucial.
The Power of Performance: Reading Aloud
Dancing Bear’s process of selecting poems for Verse Daily involves reading them aloud. He believes that most poems are meant to be performed, and the act of vocalizing the words reveals nuances and rhythms that might otherwise be missed. This practice allows him to connect with the poem on a deeper level and assess its sonic qualities.
A Diverse Poetic Palette
When asked about recommended reading for new poets, Dancing Bear acknowledges his broad taste in poetry, making it difficult to single out specific works. However, he mentions a few favorites, including This Branch Will Not Break by James Wright, Tremble by CD Wright, and Float by Anne Carson, showcasing his appreciation for diverse styles and voices.
A Prolific Poet and Editor
J.P. Dancing Bear is not only a respected editor but also a prolific poet himself. He has authored five full-length poetry collections, six chapbooks, numerous essays, and over a thousand individual poems published in various journals and anthologies, including Shenandoah, Mississippi Review, Natural Bridge, DIAGRAM, and many others. His work has even been translated into Chinese, highlighting the global reach of his poetic voice.
Finding Your Poetic Voice
The insights shared by J.P. Dancing Bear offer valuable guidance for aspiring poets. His emphasis on economy of words, embracing rejection as a tool for growth, and the importance of reading poems aloud are practical tips that can help poets refine their craft and navigate the literary landscape. By understanding the perspective of an editor like Dancing Bear, poets can gain a deeper understanding of what makes a poem resonate and increase their chances of finding a receptive audience for their work.