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You are here: Home / Poems for Teachers / Poetry Friday: “Do You Have Any Advice For Those of Us Just Starting Out?”

Poetry Friday: “Do You Have Any Advice For Those of Us Just Starting Out?”

July 16, 2010 By Laura

I love this poem. The spaceship notebook and the turtlenecks always make me laugh. It’s not only perfect advice for the beginning writer, but also a reminder to tired, jaded, uninspired writers. Or people in general. Family health issues and other things out of my control have me feeling beaten down lately. I think I just need more time in libraries and something to laugh about!

“Do You Have Any Advice For Those of Us Just Starting Out?"

by Ron Koertge

Give up sitting dutifully at your desk. Leave
your house or apartment. Go out into the world.

It’s all right to carry a notebook but a cheap
one is best, with pages the color of weak tea
and on the front a kitten or a space ship.

Avoid any enclosed space where more than
three people are wearing turtlenecks. Beware
any snow-covered chalet with deer tracks
across the muffled tennis courts.

Read the rest of the poem here.

The Poetry Friday roundup today is at Heidi Mordhorst’s my juicy little universe. Check it out!

Tagged With: poems, Poetry Friday, ron koertge, teen/adult poems

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Related

« ALA Tips for Unknown Writers: Tip #7: What Do You Say?
ALA Tips for Unknown Writers: Tip #8: What Do You Wear? »

JANUARY NEWS

I loved the holidays! And I'm so glad they're over. A quiet, snowy January is just what I need. This month, I'm working on two board book manuscripts, and I'm making materials to go with my 3 spring 2023 books.

I'm also busy prepping for upcoming author visits and setting my goals and priorities for 2023. Wishing you a lovely start to your own new year!

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