Kristen Hoggatt | The Smart Set

The End

Kristen Hoggatt — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:12:43 +0000

I recently finished college and a competitive, labor-intensive internship. I’m going to be starting a new job in a couple of weeks, but instead of feeling proud or relieved to have completed my studies, I feel nervous. Why does The End seem so ominous? — Patrick E. Well, as the old adage goes, the […]

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Reading Habits

Kristen Hoggatt — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:12:43 +0000

Something weird keeps happening to me. I order one book online, then I get all these email updates — “Maybe you’ll like this book…” These online marketing tactics generally work. I think, “Wow, I would like that book,” and so I order it, and I LOVE IT. So now I’m afraid that these marketing tools […]

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Poetic Therapy

Kristen Hoggatt — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:12:43 +0000

My daughter is in a coma. She’s non-responsive. Her brain damage is extensive. Her doctors aren’t hopeful. Since you have relevant experience in this area, what do you think I should do to help her? What can I do to help myself, to keep thinking positive? — J Wow. From my experience, I think […]

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Wedded Bliss

Kristen Hoggatt — Thu, 19 May 2011 16:12:43 +0000

Is there a particular poem or collection of poetry you’d recommend for 2 bookish types, carefree in spirit but both simple and practical in their daily lives, who are getting married? I am also contributing to a Crate and Barrel gift card for them but I think marriage demands something a little more meaningful than […]

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A Peace Process

Kristen Hoggatt — Tue, 10 May 2011 16:12:43 +0000

I’m depressed by how 2011 is going. It’s been one bad thing after another, starting with the car bomb at the Coptic Church in Alexandria on New Year’s Eve. Now there’s the war in Libya. Is world peace a happy delusion that we inscribe on greeting cards and nothing more? Can you help restore my […]

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Break a Sweat

Kristen Hoggatt — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:12:43 +0000

I’ve never been much of an exerciser but I’m trying shed some of my winter weight for the summer. I hate gyms with a passion. Could you please make me up a workout routine that doesn’t involve going to the gym, preferably involving poetry? — Sara OK, but you should consult your doctor before […]

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Another Round

Kristen Hoggatt — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:12:43 +0000

Why do poets drink so much? Does it help them write better poems? – Nick S. I’m not so sure drinking and writing poetry go hand in hand these days as they used to. Most poets write at the top of the morning while their wits are sharpest, maybe while drinking coffee, which I’m […]

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Words vs. Work

Kristen Hoggatt — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:12:43 +0000

I can’t write poems anymore. I’ve lost all my inspiration, which has been dwindling steadily since I’ve gotten older. When I sit down to write, I think, What’s the point? There’s so many other things to do. Can you help? — Uni It’s hard to measure the value of writing a poem versus the […]

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Tomato, Tomatoh

Kristen Hoggatt — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:12:43 +0000

I’m trying to eat healthier food. Specifically, I’ve never been big on veggies and I’m trying to eat more of them. I’ve noticed that there are lots of veggies in salsa, I eat a lot of salsa, and so I think I’ve lucked out. My wife thinks I’m nuts, but what’s a poet’s take: Would […]

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Only the Lonely

Kristen Hoggatt — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:12:43 +0000

I just started a new graduate program in a new city and I’m feeling lonely. I don’t have anything in common with my colleagues. I started a semester later and most of them are good friends by now. – J The fact that you are in the same graduate program in the same school […]

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