When I started writing poetry I was eager to learn more about the skills attached to this incredible creative outlet.
The following tips can help ‘you’ strengthen your writing skills and to understand more about the art if you’re just starting off.
Its a few pointers on what helped me (and still does) starting out. I continue to learn every day and I’ve had a few poems published to date.
Ten Poetry Writing Tips:
1. Read a poetry handbook to learn more about the craft, highlighting sections for future reference so you can always refer back to (I still refer back to mine!)
2. Read poetry every day, from a range of different poets, styles, themes, even if its just one or two poems each day.
3. Listen to online poetry readings and recordings, feeling the flow of the words and to connect in a form different to reading.
4. Listen to a poetry podcast
5. Keep writing when in the flow, when inspiration hits and feel that poem.
6. Edit later, or leave for a few days and return to edit with fresh eyes and read aloud.
7. If feeling overwhelmed with writing, give it a breather and read poetry instead (you’re still learning and absorbing all about the art)
8. Find what style you prefer and work on it.
9. Join poetry clubs and share your work
10. Lastly, enjoy the process 🙂
Styles:
Recently I’ve been focussing on writing shorter types of poetry such as Limericks and Haikus.
A Haiku consists of 3 lines in total and the traditional rules are:
Line one has 5 syllables
Line two has 7 syllables
Line three has 5 syllables
A Limerick consists of a five line poem and it can be witty and fun to write. Traditional rules are: First second and fifth line rhyme
Third & fourth line rhyme (AABBA)
First, second & fifth lines have between 7-10 syllables
Third & fourth lines have between 5-7 syllables
Hope these tips help ‘you’ with your poetry writing – its what helped me when starting out!
A haiku to start your day with!
Turning the page to
A crisp new day, breathe a smile
Wipe away the dust
Connectwithpoetry.com
Stay safe, keep smiling and happy writing 🙂
Bernie Egerton Mindset Coaching 