Richard Hugo: The Triggering Town (2010, W. W. Norton)
Paperback, 128 pages
Published Sept. 7, 2010 by W. W. Norton.
Richard Hugo, whom Carolyn Kizer called “one of the most passionate, energetic and honest poets living,” was that rare phenomenon—a distinguished poet who was also an inspiring teacher. The Triggering Town is Hugo’s classic collection of lectures, essays, and reflections, all “directed toward helping with that silly, absurd, maddening, futile, enormously rewarding activity: writing poems.” From pieces that include “Writing off the Subject” and “How Poets Make a Living,” anyone, from the beginning poet to the mature writer to the lover of literature, will benefit greatly from Hugo’s playful and profound insights into the mysteries of literary creation. [More…][1]
This book of essays was a revelation to me in that it taught that writing was a technical skill improved by exercise and practice and not just the act of waiting for inspiration. As a poet who works as an engineer for a living, this enabled me to use both sides of my brain in pursuit of my craft.
One of those books that came along at the right time for me. The more I engage with the study of poetry the more I learn the different ways you can approach poetry. The beginning chapters of the book were brilliant especially if you've been writing poetry for a couple of years and have the basics under your belt. The later chapters which were more autobiographical were interesting.
