The Poetry Vessel Podcast

What does it take to become an award-winning poet and Poet Laureate of Los Angeles?

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In this insightful episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, host Nathan Hassall (former Malibu Poet Laureate,) sits down with award-winning poet, former lawyer, and fourth Los Angeles Poet Laureate, Lynne Thompson.

Lynne Thompson was the 4th Poet Laureate for the City of Los Angeles. The daughter of Caribbean immigrants, her poetry collections include Beg No Pardon (2007), winner of the Perugia Press Prize and the Great Lakes Colleges Association’s New Writers Award; Start With A Small Guitar (2013), from What Books Press; and Fretwork (2019), winner of the Marsh Hawk Press Poetry Prize. Thompson’s honors include the Tucson Festival of Books Literary Award (poetry) and the Stephen Dunn Prize for Poetry as well as fellowships from the City of Los Angeles, Vermont Studio Center, and the Summer Literary Series in Kenya.

Discover her inspiring career transition from the courtroom to the page, get expert advice on how to write poetry, and learn why reading poetry widely is essential for every aspiring writer.

Thompson also shares her thoughts on creative evolution, the structure of poetry collections, and the powerful role of the blues and the color blue throughout her acclaimed works like Beg No Pardon and Blue on a Blue Palette. Plus, enjoy readings of her wonderful poems.

📚 BUY LYNNE'S BOOKS:
- All books: https://www.lynnethompson.us/books
- Blue on a Blue Palette - https://amzn.to/4yKZJoX

CHECK OUT MORE FROM TPV:
🙏 SUPPORT THE POETRY VESSEL:
https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/donate
👉 ALL OTHER LINKS: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall
🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN ONLINE COURSE (W/ DISCOUNT):
https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrain

📌 CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Introduction to Lynn Thompson and her journey from lawyer to poet
02:08 - Advice for emerging writers: Reading broadly and developing a practice
07:46 - Transitioning from a legal career to pursuing poetry full-time
11:50 - How a background in law and legal logic influences her poetry
14:20 - Poem Reading: "Blue Night with Scissors" (Discussion on centos and organization) 19:00 - Exploring the pervasive theme of "blue" and the blues in her work
23:00 - Serving as the Poet Laureate of Los Angeles during the pandemic
29:40 - Poem Reading: "Whole and Full"
33:20 - Embracing childlike wonder, strange language, and the Georgia Review publication 42:00 - The importance of revision and letting a draft cool off
48:00 - When is a poem finished? (The concept of abandonment)
49:25 - Poem Reading: "Blues Got Me and Gone" (The mechanics of writing centos)
56:20 - Compiling a "New and Selected" collection and balancing the arc of development 1:00:20 - Poem Reading: "Say Hallelujah" (A praise song dedicated to Peter Harris)

PODCAST DISCLAIMER:
The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast.

FTC DISCLAIMER:
Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!

Stop stressing over publication and rediscover the true joy of writing poetry!

In this episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, Rachael and Malibu Poet Laureate Emeritus Nathan Hassall break down why getting published is actually one of the last things you should worry about when learning about how to write poetry.

Instead, we explore the five foundational aspects of writing that matter far more—including mastering the craft, reading extensively and studying your contemporaries, developing a consistent daily writing practice, finding your unique voice, and mastering the art of revision—plus a special bonus tip at the end.

📚 BEST BEGINNER - ADVANCED CRAFT BOOKS:
- A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver - https://amzn.to/4ywrUI4
- The Poetry Home Repair Manual: Practical Advice for Beginning Poets by Ted Kooser - https://amzn.to/4ytHZy5
- That Wondrous Pattern: Essays on Poetry and Poets - https://amzn.to/4ALv0Jx

CHECK OUT MORE FROM TPV:
👉 JOIN OUR FREE POETRY COMMUNITY:
https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signup
🙏 SUPPORT THE POETRY VESSEL:
https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/donate
👉 ALL OTHER LINKS: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall
🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN ONLINE COURSE (W/ DISCOUNT):
https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrain

📌 CHAPTERS:
0:00 Why Getting Published Is the Wrong Goal for New Poets
0:22 Why the Act of Writing Matters More Than Publication
1:26 What to Read: Essential Poetry Books and Critical Thinking Tips 4:53 How to Build a Consistent Daily Writing Practice
7:29 How to Find and Refine Your Unique Poetry Voice
9:32 Why Mastering the Art of Revision Will Transform Your Poetry 15:24 How to Find and Build a Supportive Poetry Community

PODCAST DISCLAIMER:
The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast.

FTC DISCLAIMER:
Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!

Discover 10 poetry writing and poem editing tips in this brief and punchy video.

👉 JOIN OUR FREE POETRY COMMUNITY: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signupDrawing on over twenty years of practice, Malibu Poet Laureate Emeritus Nathan Hassall outlines ten essential poetry editing strategies to help poets transition from raw draft to polished verse. This poetry editing guide examines foundational elements of revision—from interrogating syntax, diction, and sensory concreteness to evaluating the strategic weight of silence and form. Whether you are refining a lyric poem or restructuring stanzas for narrative impact, these tips offer a helpful framework to sharpen your creative output and continue your quest for how to write a poem that deeply affects your readers.As always, we at The Poetry Vessel hope you enjoy!CHECK OUT MORE FROM TPV:🙏 SUPPORT THE POETRY VESSEL:https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/donate👉 ALL OTHER LINKS: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN ONLINE COURSE (W/ DISCOUNT):https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrain📌 CHAPTERS:0:00 Introduction: What is Poetry Editing?0:20 Tip 1: Set Your Ego Aside0:41 Tip 2: Take a Break From Your Draft1:11 Tip 3: Identify the Theme, Narrative, and Emotion2:10 Tip 4: Scrutinize Every Word and Verb3:22 Tip 5: Read Your Poems Aloud4:09 Tip 6: Use Concrete vs. Abstract Language4:51 Tip 7: Avoid Overly Complex Words (Clarity is Key)6:14 Tip 8: Check for Fresh Language and Avoid Cliches6:59 Tip 9: Shift Stanzas and Experiment with Form8:50 Tip 10: Harness the Power of the Unsaid (Silence in Poetry)PODCAST DISCLAIMER:The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast.FTC DISCLAIMER:Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!

What's the secret to writing award-winning poetry?

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In this episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, Malibu Poet Laureate Emeritus, Nathan Hassall, sits down with award-winning contemporary poet José Enrique Medina to discuss the making of his award-winning poetry chapbook, Haunt Me, published by @RattlePoetry

José shares insights from his 2025 Rattle Chapbook Prize-winning collection, Haunt Me, which was his first poetry book he published at 55 years old. Tune in as we dive deep into the philosophy of writing books versus individual poems, bilingual poetry, the mechanics of grief and humor, and how memory and ghosts shape contemporary verse.

LEARN MORE ABOUT JOSÉ ENRIQUE MEDINA:
- Website: https://medinawrites.com/
- Buy Haunt Me: https://rattle.com/publications/haunt-me/
- Follow José on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medinawrites/

CHECK OUT MORE FROM TPV:
🙏 SUPPORT THE POETRY VESSEL:
https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/donate
👉 ALL OTHER LINKS: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall
🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN ONLINE COURSE (W/ DISCOUNT):
https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrain

📌 CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction to the Poetry Vessel podcast and guest José Enrique Medina

1:38 - Reading the title poem "Haunt Me"
3:17 - Designing the Cover Art and Imagery for Haunt Me
7:38 - Winning the 2025 Rattle Chapbook Prize
9:55 - The Metaphor of Ghosts and Memory in Contemporary Verse
14:48 - Discussing the new book Man without a Skirt and writing an epic poem
19:38 - Using Humor to Balance Grief and Heavy Subjects in Poetry
25:48 - Reading the poem "My dream name is Sinfalda"
28:19 - Bilingual Writing, Translation, and Built-In Editors
50:54 - Childhood Memories, Private School, and Feeling Like a Phantom
58:15 - Poem Reading "Even Without a Body"
01:01:22 - What Chickens and Poetry Residences Have in Common
01:08:00 - My First Lesson as a Poetry Mentor

PODCAST DISCLAIMER:
The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast.

FTC DISCLAIMER:
Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!

You've never tried reading it like this.

👉 JOIN OUR FREE POETRY COMMUNITY:
https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signup

In this episode of The Poetry Vessel podcast, hosts Rachael and former Malibu Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall reveal how to read poetry with confidence and ease, offering practical tips to help beginners enjoy verse without feeling self-conscious or intimidated.

By busting common myths—like the idea that every poem has a secret code to crack—they explore the neuroscience of metered rhyme versus free verse, the connection between song lyrics and poetic form, and why your personal interpretation matters more than the poet's intent. Discover simple strategies to analyze poems using sensory details, read aloud for texture, build daily reading rituals with haiku, and connect with vibrant poetry communities.

Whether you want to overcome early school anxieties or deepen your creative expression, learn how approaching literature with curiosity and playfulness can unlock the transformative joy of reading poetry every day.

EVERYTHING ELSE:
👉 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall
🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN COURSE (LIMITED TIME DISCOUNT):
https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrain
🙏 SUPPORT US ON PATREON:
https://www.patreon.com/cw/ThePoetryVessel

📌 CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Why People Avoid Poetry (And How to Overcome It)
1:32 - Rhyme vs. Free Verse: What Neuroscience Says About Preference
3:05 - Mindset Tips Before Reading Your First Poem
5:02 - The secret to Reading Poetry
6:42 - Why Poems Don't Have One Meaning
11:16 - How to Trust Your Personal Response to Art
12:11 - Embracing Play, Joy, and Curiosity in Language
14:03 - Nathan's Favorite Poet
15:26 - How to Analyze a Poem
16:46 - The Power of Local Poetry Communities
19:28 - Daily Rituals: How to Easily Incorporate Poetry Into Your Routine
21:28 - Starting Small: Why Reading Daily Haiku Works

PODCAST DISCLAIMER:
The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast.

FTC DISCLAIMER:
Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!