Do You Want to Write Poetry?

Poetry is a gifted art. People can write short stories, novels, and be journalists, but that does not qualify them to be poets.

Poetry has to flow, even if it is free-verse. Sometimes it has to emote us to be better friends and neighbors.

How do you start writing poetry?  The first rule of thumb is to gather up some great poets and read their books. See what they do to invoke emotions and caring in their readers. Gather up some chapbooks, published by unknowns, and read their verses. After reading the best, you can probably identify those that do not have what it takes to be considered a good poem.

If you are writing rhymed verses, purchase a rhyming dictionary. It is a true help with those words that you cannot conjure up when needed.

Go to the library and look at some books on poetry. In these books various styles of poetry will be explained. There are other styles other than free verse and rhyming. Explore these others and see what style appeals to you.

There are many beautiful subjects that can be used to write a poem. Nature has provided ample samples to entice the poet. Everyday happenings can also inspire a poem.

Get a notebook and write the poems down.  Reflect on them whenever you can. Improve those that you think need to be improved.

What do you do with your written poetry?  Well, there are various poetry contests that you can enter your work in. For a small reading fee, your poetry will be judged. Most contests do not critique your poems.

Other sources are your local paper. You might check with them to see if they would be interested in poetry as a filler for some of their sections. You can contact greeting card companies and submit some of your best poems to them for consideration for their greeting cards.

Go to the library and look up the Writers Market book. That book lists places that buy poetry.

Writing does not make a person rich in money, but rich in spirit. Poetry makes for a better person, for you reveal your very soul to those who will listen.

The more poetry that you write the better you get at it.