[Richard Epstein]

Annie,
A zucchini, I think.

[Roger Slater]

Originally Posted by annie nance

"I just meant to say that we all have heard enough about the work habits of various poets"

Maybe not ALL of us, Roger. I want to know how you do it. Because I am curious. Meow.

Annie, your quote left out the rest of the sentence, which changes my point dramatically. The sentence says "I just meant to say that we all have heard enough about the work habits of various poets to realize that there's not just one way to go about it." You left out the part in italics.

There's nothing interesting or instructive about my methods. I sit down at my computer and try to think of something, and sometimes I do. Then I try to keep writing until I have something, then I read it over looking for ways to improve it, and at some point I decide it is done.

Needless to say, there is usually a great quantity of peyote involved, and sometimes I need to bounce up and down from the end of a long bungee cord, but in this regard I am sure I'm pretty much like everyone else.

[Shaun J. Russell]

I've heard a few unsubstantiated reports of poets who manage to write without the use of peyote. Personally, I think it's rubbish. I can't even begin to fathom where I'd be without my contact in Yuma.

[Jean L. Kreiling]

This is such an interesting thread--and reassuring. Like Charlotte, I find that my rate of production has slowed since I first got serious about writing. So Cathy, it's comforting to read your "statistics."

I get obsessed with a new poem for at least a few days, though I will usually tinker with a few older ones at the same time. When I don't have a new one to work on, I generally look at the last half-dozen or so and sometimes find I can do some productive revision. I'm continually astonished at how much revision remains to be done on a poem I thought was perfect six months ago. (And so I have learned through painful experience not to submit until at least several weeks past that period of "obsession.") My "in progress" file includes dozens of poems that may or may not be near "completion" (whatever that means).

Thanks for asking.

Best,
Jean

[annie nance]

Roger, you are very interesting. In a cynical, jaded, been-around-the-block-a-few-times, peyote-infused kind of way. I would like to see you bouncing at the end of that bungee cord for inspiration. Got pics?

[R. Nemo Hill]

Note: always contact Michael Cantor for any compromising pics of fellow members.
Though they will cost you.

Nemo