You might have come across various styles of poetry, long, short, rhyming, non-rhyming, with imagery, without imagery etc etc.
So writing one, especially when you are a beginner seems a daunting task. And writing and re-writing the first draft becomes so tedious.
Well, in my own writing journey there are few lessons that I have learned and still learning along the way, who knows it might help you too.
In the post you can try writing along with me. But for now, in this post here are some points to consider.
So, let’s begin
- Why the first line
Sometimes, when you come across a great idea, some great imagery the beginning will scare you. You will wonder how do I even begin this, as we are taught that first line makes a lot of difference. It should be inviting and interesting.
So, if you feel stuck at the first line, let it be. But do note down some words that come to your mind and you can later edit the first line.
2. Note down the words that initially inspired you
When the inspiration strikes, always note the words down, these become handy when you start writing your piece. They work as a guide and you can create your poem around them.
3. Never shy away from reading your poems aloud, even the drafts
If you feel stuck while writing, just read out loud or come back to it after leaving it for sometime and read it again. Reading out loud helps you identify what you are missing.
4. Read a lot
Read some classic poems and notice the language, use of literary devices, imagery and words. It will help you build your own style as well.
5. Research and use good literary techniques and literary devices
To make your writing interesting, use various type of words, juxtapositions, different words with same meaning or the other forms of literary devices. Add some twists and decorate your poems with rich imagery.
6. Know your reason why you’re writing
While writing always have a clear vision what you want this write to sound like, feel like, what message you want to convey through this and what are your own expectations.
7. Find your voice but do not force it
Although you wish to write a long poem, but what if you end up writing a short but impactful poem, you can always switch around the ideas and change the theme. So, do not force your writing to be a certain way and let it be natural.
I hope this helped you. Happy writing and do share your thoughts with me.