I need help...?

Question

I've been writing poetry for awhile. I'm so frusterated with it. My ryhme is forced. My grammar is aweful. I would just like some tips (one's that don't tell me to stop writing). Maybe some books that people found helpful.

thanks in advance

Answer 1

There are a lot of books I could recommend. This is the one I would start with:

In the Palm of Your Hand: The Poet's Portable Workshop
by Steve Kowit

Don't be discouraged at all. Everyone goes through this as they grow. When you first wrote your poetry it probably seemed good. The fact that you see its flaws means you've grown as a writer. If you continue to be open to critique, continue to read good poetry, and continue to write you will improve. Kowit's book is very helpful. Do the exercises and put in the work. You'll be fine.

Again what you feel is normal. I feel that way a lot with my writing. You will hit various plateaus as you keep going.

Answer 2

Honestly, the best advice is to read poetry. And if you are looking for grammar assistance, there's some here.

http://www.grammarbook.com/interactive_quizzes_exercises.asp

There are a good many grammar and spelling books out there. Look through the local reference section of a bookstore and see which ones appeal to you. My favorite is the Deluxe Transitive Vampire - only good if you like gothic type literature.

Poetry is not easy, despite what many people think. And if you have trouble with rhymes, why not try poetry that doesn't have to rhyme? Haiku, blank verse... free verse.... There are a good many forms that don't need rhymes.

Answer 3

Try watching some Shakespeare movies -Much Ado About Nothing with Kenneth Brannaugh (sp) is terrific. The rhyming couplets Shakespeare used just flow and can be very good way to be inspired by hearing the rhymes for awhile.

I agree that letting go of the convention of rhyme for several poems may be the ticket.

Also, try Haikus they can also be a lot of fun.

Answer 4

Read. Read. Read. That's right take some time and go to a quiet spot in your local library. Or sit yourself down in a nice comfortable chair at Barnes & Noble. Then read lots of poetry. Not all poems rhyme or are grammatically correct.

The fact the you want to write poetry tells me you have something to say.

Write. Write. Write. Every morning or evening jot down whatever is on your mind. Everything. You are the only one reading your journal entries. Let the words flow freely. I even find it helpful to make sure I write with a pen or soft led pencil that glides across the page. Don't force your poetry. Simply put words on paper. You'll know when it's time to rework something into a "poem."

Listen. Listen. Listen. Find some poetry slams or readings by published poets in your area. Go and listen to what local poets are saying and how they are saying it. Get some audiobooks with poetry. I especially like to listen to the works of Seamus Heaney. Once you have written something you like, show it to other people. Post it on line. And, when you are ready, read something aloud at a slam.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Try free verse for a while. It can be very liberating to cut yourself loose from convention.

Answer 6

how about this.

when i die and they lay me to rest
gonna go to the place that's the best
when they lay me down to die
going home to the spirit in the sky.