An exploration of the writer's craft through a series of short, linked personal essays. Each chapter features an anecdote from the author's development as a writer that illustrates craft elements central to his body of work. An exploration of the writer's craft through a series of short, linked personal essays. Each chapter features an anecdote from the author's development as a writer that illustrates craft elements central to his body of work. CRAFT: A MEMOIR is an effort to understand craft through discussions of the direct experience of writing itself--through stories of how Trigilio became a writer. When we talk about "craft" as writers, we frequently focus on clinical, literary-dictionary terms such as language, narrative, structure, image, tone, and voice, among others. "In CRAFT, Tony Trigilio provides an inside look into his progression as a poet--from a 'middling, utilitarian, rust-belt' childhood to an accomplished professor of creative writing. With side steps into journalism and music, Trigilio's true north remains poetry. He learns about craft and persistence from his teachers (Mrs. Omark--4th grade) and his college profs and his grad school roommate Mitch Evich whose rigorous routine allows him to finish his novel. Trigilio continues to practice discipline and time-management alongside his wife Liz, also a writer. He meditates and keeps a journal. As he chronicles his own projects--from pop culture to history--Trigilio gives us an behind-the-desk view of one of our most celebrated American poets. A fascinating read."--Denise Duhamel Literary Nonfiction. Poetics. Essays. Memoir.