The Triggering Town: Lectures and Essays on Poetry and Writing

And that's saying quite a bit, as I've read more than a few. I also like Ted Kooser's Poetry Home Repair Manual, so if you like that I'm pretty sure you'll like The Triggering Town. I think what I like best (so far - I'm not quite done) from Hugo is his concept of writing "off the subject" - as a poet it just seems to make so much sense to me. I've already ordered several other copies of this book to give as presents to folks in the graduate program here at UT.

All the wisdom you need to write are in two small books: "The Elements of Style" and this one. I heard it from the man himself, and though Hugo's summary cannot reproduce the richness of his poetry seminars at the University of Montana, it's the closest you can come this side of paradise. His poetry exercises work. You can apply them and your writing will improve. Hugo cannot give you talent but he can help you understand if you have it or not.Even his stories show how to live as a writer. Here's a couple Hugo sayings that are not in this book: "To be a poet, you have to know what's important about life. And it's not washing the damned car on Saturday." "There are many, many good poets. There are very few good critics."

Have used this book in poetry workshops with great success. Offers advice that's right on the money and easy to apply, and is as direct as the poet himself. I have missed this book and sure am happy to see it's available again. Recommended for both seasoned and new poets alike. cc

This collection of essays comprise the single best "anti-How To" book on writing. Hugo cuts to the chase and encourages us to discover what's at stake in our writing, and to allow the poem or story to tell itself in the way it wants to be told. I read this one annually, just to remind myself to trust the story -- I don't have to "manage" it.

Twenty years after it's original copyright, Hugo's book The Triggering Town is still the best hands on approach to writing poetry ever published. Hugo's advice is understandable and relatively painless to apply. His philosophy of allowing poems to write themselves is the surest road to music and truth.