CHECK THESE OUT!

Here are lists and links for some of my favorite things, plus resources and entertaining diversions about poetry, writing, and word-related things:

The Comma Goddess Speaks
My blog at Blogger.com, which offers observations and opinions on motherhood, manners, wisdom, words, and whatever else happens to set me off.

Books You Simply Must Read

Movies I Watch Over and Over Again

For People Who [Think]They Don't Like Poetry

For Teachers

For Women

For Writers

For Young People

Websites I Recommend for One Reason or Another

BOOKS YOU SIMPLY MUST READ

• Anything ever written by Louisa May Alcott; most things written by Elizabeth Berg, Anne Tyler, and Jane Yolen
   
• A Land Remembered, by Patrick Smith - A riveting, grueling account of the domestication of Florida. After reading this, I understood why my ancestors decided to homestead in Jacksonville instead of Miami!
   
• As It Is in Heaven, by Niall Williams - A beautifully written, tenderly romantic story in which the boy finally gets the girl and the whole village lives happily ever after
   
• Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger - Absolutely exquisite writing, with wonderfully developed family relationships and meaty characters
   
• Mrs. Bridge, by Evan Connell - Intriguing glimpse into family life in the days when women handled the home and men handled the money
   
• Fair and Tender Ladies, by Lee Smith - Great portrait of a "steel magnolia," and it captures Southern dialect better than anything I've read
   
• Nevil Shute wrote a number of intriguing books, including On the Beach, A Town Like Alice, and The Checquer Board. For synopses of all his books, plus reviews, movie adaptations, insights into this prolific author and more, click here.
   
• The Reivers, by William Faulkner - Road trip! Poignant and laugh-out-loud funny coming-of-age tale about a young boy and his two companions who "borrow" Grandfather's spiffy new car for a few days. Despite the fact that brothels and gambling figure prominently, this should be required reading list for high school and college English classes--and should certainly be the first Faulkner book anyone ever reads!
  
• And speaking of required reading for high school classes...Teachers, pay heed! Ella Minnow Pea, by Mark Dunn is an amusing little book that will introduce your students to a vast array of new vocabulary words and offer wonderful discussion possibilities on the subjects of censorship, government control of private lives, and freedom of speech. For poetry, Carl Sandburg's The People, Yes should be on every high school reading list.
  
• Seven Stories of Christmas, by Leo Buscaglia - God bless Leo! We should all embrace life with such enthusiasm.
   
• Writer Tells All: Insider Secrets to Getting Your Book Published, by Robert Masello - Accurate, essential information presented with humor and clarity. A must for the serious writer.
   
• Wild Designs, by Katie Fforde - I'm not sure why, but this book absolutely charmed me. The tale of Althea, a British mum juggling children, work, weight, dust, men, her family, and her garden, entertained me far more than I Don't Know How She Does It or Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman. Fforde is a prolific writer, and all her books are fun, but this one is my favorite.
  
• How Now, Brown Cow?, by Alice Schertle - I only discovered this book recently. Published in 1994, it's currently out of print, but I'm lobbying for a new edition! Schertle's charming poems and Amanda Schaffer's absolutely glorious illustrations make this one of the most delightful picture books ever. If there's a child in your life, you owe it to them to find this book.

MOVIES I WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN

Anything with Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn. The definitive odd couple--with chemistry that ignites like a Roman candle!

The Whales of August, with Bette Davis, Ann Sothern, and Vincent Price - One of my absolute favorites. Vincent Price is the consummate gentleman, and Ann Sothern coming up the path with her blueberry bucket is in my "Best Scenes on Screen Hall of Fame."

Gone With the Wind, with Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable. I find something new every viewing!

Ladies in Lavender, with Maggie Smith and Judi Dench. Two of the world's best actors, a bittersweet tale, magnificent cinematography.

Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont, with Joan Plowright. I love ALL of Joan's films, but this one is pure bliss.

Music Man, with Robert Preston. Fabulous music, fabulous cast, and the hysterical "Ode to a Grecian Urn." This might just be my favorite movie of all time.

White Christmas, with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. I never, ever get tired of this one. And I never fail to be astonished by Vera Ellen's tiny waist!

Ken Turan, reviewer for the Los Angeles Times, is usually dead on with his opinions. Check out his recommendations at  Rotten Tomatoes.

FOR PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY DON'T LIKE POETRY

If you think you don't like poetry, you just haven't found the right poet. Honest! There's as much difference in poets as there is in cars--and surely you'd agree that there's a big difference between a pick-up and a Lamborghini. Next time you're in a library or bookstore, take a look at what these poets write:

Lucille Clifton

Billy Collins

Lawrence Ferlinghetti

Barbara Hamby

Marge Piercy

Your Daily Poem - This has an archive of wonderful contemporary and classic poetry, all of which is especially chosen for its accessibility and appeal.

RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS

Book That Poet - Great place to discover new poets, and useful if you're looking for speakers or classroom presentations

Children's Book Council - great ideas for celebrating Children's Book Week

Choice Literacy - wonderful resource for articles, videos, insights, inspirations, and even workshops

Civil War Poetry - Unique collection of poems and songs from Civil War soldiers on both sides

Columbia Grangers World of Poetry - Access this comprehensive poetry database with your library card

Getting Boys to Read - Wonderful blog launched by a male librarian who was himself a reluctant reader

Creative Writing Prompts - Inspiring ideas to help your students (and perhaps you?!) get those words flowing freely

International Children's Digital Library - A site dedicated to presenting the best in children's literature from around the world

Interview with Billy Collins - terrific insight into some of the reasons why this poet has redefined poetry for the 21st century

A Video Interview with Billy Collins - Produced by Big Think and recorded at the 2007 Aspen Ideas Festival. To use this resource
in your classroom, please contact Andrea Useem at andrea@bigthink.com.

Library of Congress Center for the Book - Information about literary events and competitions all over the country

March Madness Poetry - The NCTE turns basketball's biggest moments into a teaching moment as well

Introduction to Meter - Clear and condise explanations from UCLA professor and poetTimothy Steele
 
On Rhyme and Form - More explanations and examples from Dr. Steele

Poems for Children - A delightful assortment of classic and other children's poems

Poetry for Children - A wonderful blog by Texas Woman's University professor Dr. Sylvia Vardell, chockful of information

Poetry 180 - Former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins' wonderful project to get poetry into our nation's high schools--one a day, for the full school year. Start a movement in your own school district and urge principals at every level to have a poem read aloud every day during morning announcements--either these, or poems students write or select themselves.

Poets.Org - Ideas for celebrating National Poetry Month. Be sure to request a free NPM poster to hang in your classroom!

Poetry Out Loud - Get the scoop on how to get your school and students involved with this annual competition. Check the sidebar on the right for poetry activity PDFs.

Poetry Read-a-Thon - Find out how to get your students involved in this fun national challenge

Poetry Teachers - Lessons and ideas for teaching poetry, mostly for younger grades

ReadWriteThink - Resources and clever lessons from the International Reading Association

Two Writing Teachers - A blog by, yes, two writing teachers designed to enrich, enlighten, and inspire.

Weekly Reader Teacher Resources - Opportunities, links, and articles to make your life and life in the classroom easier and more interesting.

Writing Fix - Interactive prompts and lesson ideas from the Northern Nevada Writing Project

Your Daily Poem - A different poem every day, from both classic and contemporary poets. Includes a brief bio of the poet. This website is an outgrowth of my "Poetry Parade" project that I started in 2001.

GREAT WEBSITES FOR WOMEN

Allreaders.com - Need something good to read? This search engine makes recommendations based on your choice of everything from plot twists to time period. There's a search option for movies, too.

Boomer Women Speak - A writing project to connect women born during the years 1946-1964

Christian Work @ Home Moms - Great resource for information, encouragement, and camaraderie

Femrite - a non-governmental organization that recognizes, supports, and brings together women writers in Uganda

Harriet's Voice - An inspirational site for aspiring and practicing momwriters, inspired by author Harriet Beecher Stowe, who managed to become one of America's most powerful and prolific writers while raising SEVEN children!

Minnie Pauz - Humor is definitely the best medicine for those "middle ages!"

Persimmon Tree - A literary ezine by women over 60, featuring fiction, nonfiction, and poetry

Women's Hall of Fame - site that recognizes the contribution of women from all walks of life

Women Writers - a wonderful, meaty, cerebral site that offers brain food for all women, not just writers

RESOURCES FOR WRITERS

Absolute Write - terrific place to learn and to tune into what's happening in the writing industry

Acronym Server - search for acronyms and words used in acronyms. Helpful, entertaining, and highly enlightening.

Bas Bleu - a wonderful catalog for writers and booklovers. Great website, too!

Book Promotion Newletter - One of the best marketing resources I've found, Francine Silverman's bi-weekly e-zine is always chockful of valuable information. She's collected the best in Book Marketing from A-Z, available from Infinity Publishing.

English Usage - a delightful site offering explanations of odd words and phrases, news tidbits on word-related events, unusual glossaries and dictionaries, and up-to-the-minute slang definitions

Guide to Literary Agents - Chuck Sambuchino's terrific blog about the comings and goings and passions and prejudices of literary agents.

Holt Uncensored - a fine and feisty site, in general, from Pat Holt (former book editor of the San Francisco Chronicle), but this links directly to her "Ten Mistakes Writers Don't See," which should be required reading for anyone even contemplating creative writing (or, possibly, everyone who has moved beyond a Dick and Jane reader).

How a Poem Happens - established poets answer questions on how specific poems come to fruition

Long Story Short - e-zine featuring meaty interviews, neat contests, plus plenty of worthwhile tips and resources

North Carolina Writers Network - Terrific resource and writers' advocate, even if you don't live in the Carolinas.

Omnificent English Dictionary in Limerick Form - A wild and crazy international writing project, this attempt to define every word in the English language with a limerick manages to be hilarious, challenging, and enlightening all at the same time.

Plot-O-Matik - Writer's block? Drawing a blank on your next chapter? This site generates random characters, settings, problems, and irrelevant details.

Poets & Writers Magazine - in-depth articles and great classifieds

Poetry Kit - a wonderful site with info about poetry websites, publications, competitions, and events all over the world

Publisher's Lunch - industry newsletter that arrives around noon every weekday, chockful of all the news you need to know to be an informed member of the literary community

Radio Interview Tips - from expert Bryan Farrish

SmartWriters.com - lively, informative site for children's writers. Good tips for teachers, too!

Teachers Who Made a Difference in Your Life - an online opportunity to thank that teacher who helped you become the writer you are today

Twentieth-Century Poetry in English - A wonderful resource for work and biographical information, plus a gazillion links to great poetry sites.

Web-safe Fonts - Working on a website? Here are some tips to make it more successful.

Wit's End Poetry - Promoter of poetry readings, slams, and other poetic events in the Upstate SC/Western NC area.

Write On! Online - Originally a newsletter for a California writers' group, this has grown into a terrific resource for any writer, with interviews, writing prompts, and creative assignments to keep those juices flowing.

Writer's Almanac - Site for the wonderful daily feature by Garrison Keillor on National Public Radio

Writing-World.com - wonderful source of helpful, informative articles about various aspects and genres of writing

  - Good place to track down classic poems, plus a "haiku generator" that's great fun

RESOURCES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

If you're interested in becoming a professional writer and are looking for colleges, scholarships, summer programs, etc. that will help you reach that goal, be sure to visit my Students page.

Giggle Poetry - Interviews with some popular children's poets, and tips on writing poetry of your own.

Pencils.com - Fun facts, trivia, and background on that most indispensable of writing utensils

Glossary of Poetic Terms - All those confusing definitions in one handy-dandy spot. Dazzle your teacher by using a "zeugma" in your next paper!

Magnetic Poetry - This "virtual poetry kit" lets you piece together your own poems online, on a variety of cool backgrounds--including a locker door! You can also read what other kids have created.

Rhyming Dictionary - This site will help you with those tough ones (and prevent you from using all those easy ones!)

Teenreads - Book reviews, author interviews, questions, and contests. Sign up for their monthly newsletter so you'll be the first to hear about great new books!

WEBSITES TO WHICH I'M PARTIAL
(for one reason or another)

Alzheimer's Research Forum - Excellent site offering solid information and links to related sites

Americans for the Arts - Exposure to arts education is essential for children (and adults, for that matter!) to reach their full human potential. Find out how bonding with a piccolo, a poem, or a paintbrush can make your world a better place.

Ann Ipock - Think beach. Think Southern. Think giggle. That's my friend Ann, humor columnist for the Georgetown Times.

- Find out what's happening today in the arts in South Carolina

Book Crossing - The most clever idea for spreading literacy and good literature since the printing press! Thanks to Ron Hornbaker and his lofty-minded software development company, the world is now just one giant book club.

Bookreporter.com - Carol Fitzgerald's very fine site offers reviews of current and classic books, plus author interviews, fun questions and polls, and even prizes.

Book Towns - A new twist in tourist destinations: towns abounding in bookstores! Usually European, usually secondhand, usually quaint and charming.

Dana Wildsmith - Listen here! This fine Southern poet writes of dogs and dogma, sweetness and struggle, moments and memories, and more.

Dew on the Kudzu - Did you know there are two different--and correct!--ways to spell "ya'll"? It is just such fascinating information that makes this site celebrating all things Southern such fun.  

Dorothy Fletcher - Having spent several decades teaching high school students use and abuse of the English language, Dottie's new book--Zen Fishing and Other Southern Pleasures--confirms that her own inner poet is alive and well!

Fellow Earthlings Wildlife Center - Save the meerkats! Better yet, VISIT the meerkats (for a nominal fee)!

Helen Keller - Details about my most significant childhood heroine and her home. Visiting Ivy Green was one of the most emotional experiences I've ever had. What an incredible woman she was!

Indie Bound - Support your local, independent booksellers! This site will help you find the ones in your area.

Joan Wester Anderson - If you believe there are angels among us, you'll find no stronger ally than Joan. Her book, Where Angels Walk, has sold over two million copies. And don't miss her wonderful biography of one of Hollywood's most beloved and glamourous stars, Loretta Young.

Kay Day - How many people do you know who make sonnets riveting? Kay's site offers great info for poetry lovers and others, especially those in the Jacksonville, FL, area. And she writes such good poems...

Louisa May Alcott - Official site for the woman I credit as my greatest inspiration

Magnolia Trappings - Online gift boutique featuring wonderful handcrafted and limited supply items

Plugged In - Christian, family-oriented movie reviews that tell you exactly what to expect

Practical Business Systems - My husband's company creates web sites, e-commerce applications, time/billing systems, and accounting systems.

Rod McKuen - Things to ponder from the first poet to whom I lost my heart

Sofa Gallery - Need a spectacular piece of furniture? A colorful cowhide to decorate your den? This is the place.

Steven Givler - My favorite military man! Steven is a writer and artist, as well as a captain in the Air Force. Both his verbal and visual descriptions of the world around him are rife with colorful detail.

Toby Speed - Children's author Toby Speed has a wonderful website and blog that consistently offers tantalizing tidbits and fascinating insights into the world of writing and publishing.

In honor of Lila Jaudon

Alzheimer's Diagnosis

Get a Web Ribbon

International Movie Database - Virtually everything you ever wanted to know about movies

Your Daily Poem
My website devoted to sharing the pleasure and diversity of poetry.