If epic poetry is a definite species, the sagas do not fall within it. – Lascelles Abercrombie
That is to say, epic poetry has been invented many times and independently but, as the needs which prompted the invention have been broadly similar, so the invention itself has been. – Lascelles Abercrombie
Epic poetry exhibits life in some great symbolic attitude. It cannot strictly be said to symbolize life itself, but always some manner of life. – Lascelles Abercrombie
But the gravest difficulty, and perhaps the most important, in poetry meant solely for recitation, is the difficulty of achieving verbal beauty, or rather of making verbal beauty tell. – Lascelles Abercrombie
When I hit a block, regardless of what I am writing, what the subject matter is, or whats going on in the plot, I go back and I read Pablo Nerudas poetry. I dont actually speak Spanish, so I read it translation. But I always go back to Neruda. I dont know why, but it calms me, calms my brain. – Tea Obreht