Ask a Cowboy Poet

Ask a Cowboy Poet: "Artistic License"

Ask a Cowboy Poet: "Artistic License"

This month, the cowboy poets discuss artistic license in poems as they answer a question posed by The Man Who Didn’t Shoot Liberty Valance: “Could you comment on how you approach decisions about taking artistic license in your writing? Also, could you comment on any historical poems you’ve researched where you’ve found the legend has outpaced the truth or the truth is in fact stranger than fiction?”

Ask a Cowboy Poet: "Endearing Lines"

Ask a Cowboy Poet: "Endearing Lines"

This month, the cowboy poets share “endearing lines” that have stood out to them, garnering affection in their memories and their hearts. Wishing I Had Written That writes, “‘Endearing lines seem to surface in all great poems. Their importance is immediately recognizable and often compels one to commit them to memory. Could you comment on a few specific lines from a poet whose work endeared themselves to you?”

Ask a Cowboy Poet: "Does your horse's gait affect your writing, and do you read out loud to your horse?"

Ask a Cowboy Poet: "Does your horse's gait affect your writing, and do you read out loud to your horse?"

It’s a riddle of rhythms. How much does a horse’s rhythm share with a cowboy’s poetry? And how much does a cowboy share with their horse? Read on for the pros’ answers to this month’s question from Instagram follower @carteagraphy, who asks, “Does your horse's gait affect your writing, and do you read out loud to your horse?”