For Beginners:
* Poetry collections: Start with poems that are already visually compelling or have strong imagery. Look for poets like Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, Sylvia Plath, or Langston Hughes.
* Short stories: Short stories offer shorter passages to work with and can provide a narrative thread for your blackout poems. Consider authors like Ernest Hemingway, Raymond Carver, or Alice Munro.
* Novels: Choose novels with rich language and descriptions. Consider authors like Toni Morrison, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, or Virginia Woolf.
For Intermediate & Advanced:
* Literary classics: Works like "Moby Dick," "Pride and Prejudice," or "The Great Gatsby" are filled with rich language and complex themes that can inspire unique blackout poems.
* Nonfiction: Consider memoirs, biographies, or historical accounts that offer intriguing stories and insightful language.
* Textbooks: Textbooks, even those on seemingly dry subjects, often have unexpected pockets of beauty and poetry.
Beyond Books:
* Newspapers and magazines: The language of news articles, editorials, and even advertisements can offer surprising poetic possibilities.
* Song lyrics: Experiment with the structure and rhythm of song lyrics. Choose from your favorite bands or explore different genres.
* Letters and diaries: These personal writings often reveal intimate thoughts and emotions that can be brought to life through blackout poetry.
Remember:
* Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different genres, styles, and books to discover what works best for you.
* Be creative: There are no right or wrong ways to create blackout poetry. Let your intuition and creativity guide you.
* Have fun: Blackout poetry is an enjoyable way to explore language and express yourself.
Bonus tip: Check out "The Book of Poetry Blackouts: Poems in Process" by Mark Perlman for examples and inspiration.