A question posted for those with poetic knowledge…?

Question

What would your advice be to a new poetry poster who is just now venturing onto this path of written creativity?

Please, no bashers!

I suggest books to add to their library. What do you suggest?
Please be nice and polite.

Thank you,
Sam

Answer 1

By all means write until your fingers fall off! If you have something to show the world, then do what you can to get one of your poems published. In fact, always keep your mind open for new outlets of creativity. Even something as mundane as a radio jingle can turn into perfectly positioned prose.

Definitely search for anthologies by Robert Frost, Lord Byron, and any other literary giant who dabbled into poetry. On top of that, get involved with writing for your school newspaper. While you may not have the venue with the newspaper to post your work, you will have ample opportunity to hone your craft by newswriting. I speak from experience!

Answer 2

As a "Top Contributor" to this category; I must assume this is a Poll of sorts, for those of us not yet in that status?

Certainly reading the rhyme and reason of others; expands and inspires more than just knowledge; expecially of Types/ styles/ syntax; etc.; but DOING might be as valuable as anything experienced vicariously?

I'm just offering my two cents; with no intent to bash or trash your notions.

I think this is a decent forum, most often, and certainly a place for novice and "expert" alike to air and share emotion through poetry and prose. In fact I most enjoy the hopeful beginner; probably wanting positive affirmation; yet willing to accept respectful critisism.

BOOKS will definitely add to anyones ability to understand a language and it's useage, and expanding knowledge is always a good thing. I think too; that initially even some plagarism, by someone unaware that it's happening is probably acceptable; as they are finding, and experiencing new perspectives. The power of suggestion, even when read; definitely can inspire. Hopefully "Newbies" will either find their own style; especially their own "Voice" and feel a sense of satisfaction in originality; OR realize that what they feel and share is as personal and valid as any other records here; but may not strictly be Pulitzer material.

More important might be that they stop asking "Is This Good?" "Do you like it?" etc. , and just express because it's their passion to do so; no matter what others think; feel; interpret.

Personally I've probably "lost" more words and thoughts; than I've ever recorded; but perhaps that's as it should be.

I don't "Read" as much as I'd like, nor do I have all the time in the world to write everything whirling in my head; but for me; the writing is the key to a higher level of fulfillment than much else I can do.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

Sam,

I would suggest

The Discovery of Poetry: A Field Guide to Reading and Writing Poems by Frances Mayes


The Triggering Town: Lectures and Essays on Poetry and Writing by Richard Hugo.

These two volumns have been the most helpful to me personally. I've read them multiple times. There are other good works--but these were one's that I come back to often.

Best,

Todd

Answer 4

I went about poetry in a totally different way. I never read poetry. I never understood it too well in school. I always had words in my head, and I absolutely adore words, because I was always on the shy side, so it was an outlet, but only for my eyes. The thing that made me want to show my "words" to the world was child abuse. A child's body was found in a dumpster, after her mother and the mother's boyfriend murdered her. Her grandmother became worried and started calling and searching. When a body was found, she had to identify her. I wrote a poem for her family. That was the beginning. I wrote many poems for the families of missing and murdered family members. Now most of my poems are memorials to those passed on. I no longer hide my words, I share them with anyone who asks. So sorry, I just wanted to say, I would tell them; just write about what moves you, what touches your heart. The inspiration is within you, waiting for you to express it. All of the great poets had that spark of inspiration, that passion, that drive. Search for that, you will know when you find it. I can't tell anyone how, but I will gladly cheer them on and wish them the best of luck. :- )

Answer 5

Feel your heart, write about what moves your emotions, be it
sorrow or joy, write for your self not for others, If you are meant to be a writer, you will be one, it is a process, if you are drawn to writing you will write in spite of your self, If you keep developing you will search for the study of writing, by reading poets or what interests you, It may be a hobby or a career, only time will tell. which ever do so for your own bliss not for others, to begin with.If you choose to share, don't let
others put down dampen your spirit, all is trial and error.
work and rework what you write.

Answer 6

make your words say more than whats just written, make sure you are inspired any time you want to make a poem, and dont mess with the rhyme order, if you do this wrong that ruins the poem. make deep words and strong phrases so it sounds beautiful and can be immagined

Answer 7

Read John Donne. End of.

Answer 8

maya angelo a legend she is...... but if you righting it wright bout life and feelings dats wat i do