Some art survives for generations; most art disappears not long after the moment of creation.What gives?In this Opus talk led by poet and founder of diVERSES, Geoff Anderson, we explore what makes creative work truly endure—and why simply producing more isn't the answer. Drawing unexpected lessons from Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural philosophy, we look at how stripping away the unessential, leaning into radical departure, and discovering what others aren't doing can help you build an unmistakable creative voice.Welcome to Opus: Outside The Lines, a series of talks presented by diVERSES which gives poets and musicians a platform to not only share work, but the insights and lessons that come with the act of composition. Come learn craft and experience art, as well as the deeper emotional experiences that come from creation.Get the first 2 modules of our poetry business workbook, The Semester, for FREE: www.diversespoetry.com/instituteGet a free podcast/mp3/audio version: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vAdMbaunOPziRoovm0K5P?si=pGDmsZ_1T9qjWzTR7KQeYg See all the Opus talks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91VFF_1hILg&list=PLYQ0vJJwLifs00:00 - Introduction01:37 - Facing rejection & redefining success04:42 - What makes art survive?05:36 - Developing an identifiable style07:14 - Finding an artistic philosophy 07:50 - Learning from Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture09:30 - Imperfections vs. radical departure10:25 - The Usonian Suite & urban prairie poems11:43 - Why creating more isn't enough12:40 - Finding what other poets aren't doing13:14 - What is the opposite of poetry?#poetry #Opus #diverses diVERSES was founded by poet Geoff Anderson in Columbus, Ohio to help writers achieve creative and financial independence

Have you ever wondered why our spoken words carry so much weight—often resonating far deeper than our physical actions--when it comes to creating transformation in the world around us?In this session of OPUS, Dr. Mark Lomax explores the hidden physics and spirituality behind communication. Drawing from the transformative legacy of John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme, the principles of cymatics, and the vibrational power of sound, we dive into how frequency shapes human connection, shifts narratives, and moves us from mere change into true transcendence.If we view society as a band, what frequency are you contributing to the harmony?00:00 – Introduction & Dr. Mark Lomax01:26 – The "Why" behind the music & breaking false binaries03:14 – Finding answers in John Coltrane's journey05:32 – Coltrane's discipline & "A Love Supreme"08:24 – Cymatics & the physical power of vibration09:47 – The Need For Acknowledgement11:37 – Resolution & shifting the narrative15:44 – Pursuance to goals17:48 – Psalm and the meaning of songs18:12 – Transition, transformation, and transcendence21:41 – The difference between change and transformation24:54 – Existing in the liminal spaces26:50 – Society as a band & closing thoughtsWelcome to Opus: Outside The Lines, a series of talks presented by diVERSES which gives poets and musicians a platform to not only share work, but the insights and lessons that come with the act of composition. Come learn craft and experience art, as well as the deeper emotional experiences that come from creation.Get the first 2 modules of our poetry business workbook, The Semester, for FREE: www.diversespoetry.com/instituteGet a free podcast/mp3/audio version: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vAdMbaunOPziRoovm0K5P?si=pGDmsZ_1T9qjWzTR7KQeYg #poetry #Opus #diverses diVERSES was founded by poet Geoff Anderson in Columbus, Ohio to help writers achieve creative and financial independence

How to write poetry with meter? Is poetic meter rigid, or is it open to interpretation? In this episode of Fine Print, we dive into Robert Frost’s iconic poem "The Road Not Taken" to explore the difference between traditional textbook meter and natural spoken rhythm.Learn how natural English speech patterns, thought groups, and word stresses affect how a poem is actually heard—and discover techniques like line breaks and punctuation to guide your reader's pacing in your own poetry.In this video, you'll learn: • How iambic meter and variations (like anapests) work in practice • Why textbook meter doesn’t always match natural spoken English • The role of thought groups and stress rules (nouns, objects, verbs) • How to guide your reader’s cadence using punctuation and spacingEver feel like your poem is "good," but it hasn't quite reached its full potential? In diVERSES Fine Print, we dive deep into the professional editing techniques that transform a decent draft into a powerful, resonant work of art. Whether you're a slam poet or writing for the page, these tips will help you sharpen your voice and refine your craft.See our last episode of Fine Print: https://youtu.be/-RyOYiY5kXEGet the first 2 modules of our poetry business workbook, The Semester, for FREE: www.diversespoetry.com/instituteGet a free podcast/mp3/audio version: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vAdMbaunOPziRoovm0K5P?si=pGDmsZ_1T9qjWzTR7KQeYgTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction: What is Meter in Poetry? 00:58 - The Traditional / Textbook Scansion of Robert Frost 02:42 - Why Strict Meter Breaks Down 03:21 - Meter is Subjective: Reader Cadence 05:29 - Spoken English Stress Patterns & Thought Groups 09:04 - Guiding the Reader: Line Breaks, Punctuation & Spacing 10:50 - Analyzing Line 2: Natural Speech vs. Rigid Meter 12:48 - Applying Spoken Meter to Your Own PoetryDrop a comment below: How do you approach rhythm and meter when reading or writing poetry?