I like poetry, but not confident about my writing.?

Question

I'm very interested in poetry and I have written some stuff, but feel zero confidence, what are the best books to read? and where are the best first places to actually send your writing to get feed back and evaluation?

Answer 1

Write it, post it. Here on YA is a pretty good place. There are plenty here who will stroke your ego and tell you how great it is, and there are some, like myself who will tell you the truth. When you get an answer you don't like, it can be hurtful, but try to find out why. I can't tell you, for instance, how to make your poem have rhythm, because I have a style of writing, and you will have another, and most likely they won't be compatible. I will always try to say what I feel is wrong, and being an old man set in my ways, I may come off as being gruff, but believe me, I am a pussycat who has read and written poetry for 50 odd years, and I will not ever lie to you. I may make a mistake or two, but they won't be intentional. There are several on here that will do that for you. Give it a try, but aspiring writers must develop thick skin and poetry writers especially. Some think if it doesn't rhyme it's not poetry, others think if it does, it's juvenile, they are all wrong in that regard, so go for it.

Answer 2

It's hard to find a book that can help you write poetry- there's no step-by-step way to do so. I think the best thing you could read for it, is selections of poems by other poets- have a look at a few well-known poets, and see how they've developed their own style.

Just write however feels natural to you- there's scarcely a thing to be found such as "bad poetry"- only poetry where the poet put no feeling into, or tried to mimic some other style. It will turn out fine, I assure you.

As for where to send writing? I would suggest deviantArt- a handy website where you can upload art or writing and get feedback on it. That's what I do, and it certainly helps to boost confidence, or to get tips on how to improve.

Answer 3

I know two good sites. Pathetic.org and Shakespeare's monkeys.
Pathetic, u have to submit a sample of work and be voted in, but everyone pretty much gets voted in, it is a group of folks who are open about what is "good". if u read others work and give feedback, they will do the same for u.
Shakespeare's monkeys site is just a join up and go for it type of site. u really can get knowledgeable writers helping u out there.
both are great sites. write, write, write and learn try new styles and techniques. most people think there is only rhyming and non rhyming poetry, but there are lots and lots of styles. pathetic ( is that a great name or what?) has different groups you can join that specialize in different types, or just ur general library. it also has a journal site u can post to, if u want. also has where u can make ur stuff read by anybody or just the members.
they are both great sites to read others work, as well, u don't have to be a member for most of that.

Answer 4

Hi Fatima,

Looks like most people have given you books that will help you later on in the process. I suggest the following: Not Feathers Yet by Lola Haskins, this is a relatively new book, but covers all kinds of things you need to know while starting out; I also recommend the Poet's Companion by Dorianne Laux and Kim Addonizio, this has a lot of great exercises and examples in it; and I'd also recommend visiting the exercises on redactions.com for further challenges. But I'd start with the Haskins book.

Answer 5

I have the same problem (lack of confidence). Unfortunately, writing poetry is something that requires you to NOT worry too much, or overanalyze. It's about pure, spontaneous feeling. You need to let your subconscious spill onto the paper. If you try to intellectualize too much, or overanalyze your words, it's gonna come out sounding stuffy, silly and pretentious.

If you're worried about your knowledge of meter or anything like that, go to poetry.com or take a course where a professor will analyze your work. Maybe there are workshops in your area.

Answer 6

You can go to your local library or favorite bookstore to get this year's edition of the "Writer's Market Guide" which will give you detailed information on preparing and submitting your work for publication and/or possible sale. (It's time well-spent.) I had two selections chosen from my first submission for publication. Having work selected will be an enormous confidence boost for you, and it's far easier and more accessible to you than you know right now. Just try it, and you will soon see. Good luck to you.

Answer 7

i love writing poetry....

and i find nature helps in joggin the mind a bit for words...look at ur world in a different way..take notice of the colors, intricate designs, how people react to each other in different situations, hear the music, stop look around and feel it......

tell your mind of words and when you are say feeling a breeze on a beach just say you may think of it in a way
rhyme to yourself...think...

poetry comes from within....no book will really help in this...write from ur feelings, reactions, emotions, ur views, beliefs about this world, write freely dont worry about how it will sound,

carry a book write down at random times words, phrases that strike you at a certain time...later work with the words in your mind...and words will take their form and flow naturally

Answer 8

check out fictionpress.com and just keep writng and review ur own stuff and try to make improvements but don't force it and read a lot, especially poetry books and stuff and get envolved in other arts as well and just always keep the creativity flowing. on fictionpress you can get some feedback on ur stuff and meet other writers and stuff. have fun with it. ^_^

Answer 9

hi.. i'm a writer myself, and when i was younger i didnt shouw anyone my stuff...so i understand..and it's nromal. but you have to start showing it, my advice is, look online for poetry contests and competitions, you can always send it with another name, so no one has to know it's you. who knows? maybe you'll win a first or second or third place and that will be your sign that someone else likes your stuff, and it'll give you the confidence to show it to an editor or sthg like that..
good luck..

Answer 10

i have some weird problem with that. I dont like to write but when i do it comes out really good. Ask someones opinion (someone you dont know what so ever) so it wont be ackward, to be brutally honest. I suggest u just do it right on here. People will be truthful