Writing Haiku: A Beginner's Guide to Composing Japanese Poetry - Includes Tanka, Renga, Haiga, Senryu and Haibun

The three-line haiku form is increasingly popular today as people embrace its simplicity and grace. This book by poet and teacher Bruce Ross shows how to capture a fleeting moment and give voice to innermost thoughts, feelings, and observations, with accessible examples and writing prompts. It also explores related Japanese haiku forms such as tanka, haiga,renga, haibun, and senryu, and lists international journals and online resources.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

The world of dew holds within it a realm of struggle, a tapestry woven with the threads of life's complexities. The renowned three-line haiku form, cherished for its simplicity and elegance, has gained widespread popularity in our modern era, resonating deeply with the Japanese ethos of mindfulness and minimalism. In this concise guide, poet and teacher Bruce Ross unveils the secrets to capturing fleeting moments, akin to painting a picture with words, and granting voice to the innermost depths of our thoughts, feelings, and observations. It is a truth that one does not need to be a seasoned poet or writer to embark on the journey of crafting haiku, for this book serves as a compass, guiding aspiring poets toward their own unique expressions.

Within these pages, aspiring poets will discover a treasure trove of invaluable resources. Accessible and easy-to-replicate examples and writing prompts provide a solid foundation for beginners, while a foreword delves into the current state of haiku, as the form continues to transcend borders and resonate with people worldwide. An introduction to related Japanese haiku forms, such as tanka, haiga,renga, haibun, and senryu, offers a broader perspective on the rich tapestry of poetic expression. Additionally, a comprehensive listing of international journals and online resources empowers aspiring poets to delve deeper into the world of haiku and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Do you yearn to tell a story? Embrace the art of haibun, where prose and poetry intertwine to create vivid narratives. Are you seeking to capture a fleeting emotion? Allow the tanka to be your vessel, where each line carries the weight of a moment. If visual imagery is your language, haiga, or illustrated haiku, will paint a vivid picture with words, allowing your innermost thoughts to come to life. Finally, if collaboration and group creativity spark your spirit, consider the renga, a collaborative poem that unfolds line by line, as each participant adds their unique contribution.

Ross takes readers on a journey through the history and form of haiku, illuminating the nuances that distinguish each Japanese poetic form. He then invites us to turn our notebooks into blank canvases, ready to draft our own verses. With this practical guide, the world of haiku beckons, inviting us to embrace the power of simplicity, express our deepest emotions, and connect with the essence of nature in a mere three lines. So, let your words dance, and let the beauty of haiku illuminate your world.

Weight: 216g
Dimension: 334 x 278 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9784805316887