Poets & Writers

Twelve Things That Help Me Set My Table

1. Black tourmaline. I’m a big crystals person, and on my desk I keep black tourmaline. Tourmaline is good for reducing stress and boosting mental awareness, things I desperately need.

2. Pyrite. Speaking of crystals, I also keep pyrite, which is tricky, because it has edges that are really jagged, and so sometimes, if I’m fiddling with it, I can cut my hand on it if I’m not thoughtful. It’s supposed to shield me from negative energy.

3. Water bottle. Around 2019,

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Poets & Writers

Poets & Writers6 min read
So Much To Fall In Love With
POINT one: Writing does not need to drive you crazy. It is an ancient endeavor. Honorable, true. I still handwrite, feeling the fat of an a, the delight of a q. Think of it as creating ants across the page. It’s summer now in New Mexico. Tree shadows
Poets & Writers2 min read
Submission Calendar
CAVE CANEM FOUNDATION Derricotte/Eady Chapbook Prize FREE EPIPHANY Fresh Voices Fellowship FREE NEW FINISHING LINE PRESS New Women’s Voices Chapbook Competition LIGHTSCATTER PRESS Poetry Prize UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN PRESS Brittingham and Felix Polla
Poets & Writers11 min read
Surprise!
IN SERVING as the judge of this year’s O. Henry Prize, I have been reminded of the special role that surprise can play in the reading of a short story. For a variety of reasons, surprise is less significant in our experience of the novel. Often, when

Related Books & Audiobooks