A few poetry questions from a new poet

[*ladylove*]

I have a few questions for the more experienced poets of the boards. I started writing poetry because I love the expression of poetry. The ability to paint pictures and portray emotions so vividly. Mostly I have written just from emotion, not following much of a "guideline" (for lack of a better word, I'm tired, been working all night). First I was wondering what are some good rules to follow when writing? Also, I have never had any type of real writing "education". Creative writing classes, poetry classes, etc. What might be some interesting tools to check out? Like books to check out of the library? Or "musts" to own for a new writer?

I read as often as I can, because I know that reading and keeping writing are some of the best ways to learn. But I also know there is more to it. Any hints would be great! I'm sure there are other new poets who would appreciate them too!

Also, I think I've checked out most of the links here for new writers, but I could have missed some. I'm still learning to navigate this place. *blushing* the whole internet thing in general is taking me awhile to get the hang of. So, if I'm asking questions that have been answered elsewhere, feel free to redirect me. Thanks

 

[daughter]

Welcome, ladylove

Glad to see you migrating to this forum.

A lot of your questions have been addressed here in this forum. I will do my best to edit this post with specific links.

Some of the threads that are good resources to reference for discussion about poetry devices and exercises include:

The New #1 by Unmasked Poet-- candid, humorous, informative critiques and comments.

The New Poems lists by Unmasked Poet-- quick synopsis of works posted on the site

Poetry 101: I Spy cliche by Unmasked Poet-- A good writing exercise and illuminates the problems with hackney words and phrases

Why poetry? What poets? by garyblue-- A good discussion thread.

TABOO: A writing challenge by daughter-- A writing challenge

A good writing reference is Mary Oliver's, The Poetry Handbook


I'll try to keep this list updated.

Look forward to reading your work and contributions here.

Peace,

daughter

 

[Cyberguy]

I am not an experienced poet ladylove, and like you I have not been educated in the art of writing poetry. But the experienced poets are asking us newbies to raise our voices and I need to lose that 'virgin' status, so here are my two cents

I've tried to read a lot of the poetry that is on here and analyze it for what it is I like or don't like. I read the threads and try to pick up on the oft-repeated mistakes that draw the wrath of the critics. Much thanks to daughter for her links. I think it is necessary to walk before we run, and I'm sure we will make many of these mistakes along the way.

Here are a few rules that I have picked up that I try to live by:

1. avoid sing-song rhyming or sounding like Dr. Seuss unless you are intentionally parodying children's poetry

2. don't compromise your rhythm for your words, it destroys the flow... I know nothing of rhythm patterns, I just go with the feel

3. avoid ending with a verb, as in "as her neck I did bite"

4. and of course, convey, don't say; the goal usually is to evoke a feeling in the reader, not to explain an idea to them intellectually

 

[daughter]

Cyberguy

Well, you maybe a novice, but you appear to be a quick learner.

Thanks for adding your observations. Astute.

Peace,

daughter

 

[perks]

4. and of course, convey, don't say; the goal usually is to evoke a feeling in the reader, not to explain an idea to them intellectually

I think this one is the reason my poem Cock Refracted gets lost. I knew what I meant but I got lost in the vocabulary of a diamond cutter instead of talking about the realistic image. grrrrrrr....thanks for pointing this out to me.....it helps immensely.

I'm still learning too and have been trying to structure myself a bit with haiku. I've found that practicing a form daily helps me in my writing..all of it. even if I don't choose to write in the form I'm practising....does that make any sense?....

still learning,
perky

 

[Cyberguy]

Thank-you for the compliment daughter

The "convey, don't say" thing is something I struggle with whenever I start trying to write, my natural inclination is to describe. I thought of a 5th rule I find myself using:

5. brevity

I think wordiness and description tend to go hand in hand.

btw, love the avatar perky_baby!

 

[*ladylove*]

Thank you for the thread pointers daughter. I've read some of them on and off, and it does help immensely. The practice and feedback, and mostly just reading what others have written. Especially regarding the cliche's. I'm still unsure of what makes something a cliche', but I'm sure as I pay more attention and read read read I'll get it.

And the writing reference I will pick up. I so often times want to write about something, and have a horrible time trying to figure out how to word it, what rules to follow, how to make the "emotion" come out in it. Hopefully that will help.


lady

 

[*ladylove*]

Cyberguy

the rhythm you mention is something I struggle with, along with my cliche' words and descritions. I want to delve deeper, portray my "images" more creatively. But I find too that sometimes I get caught up in trying to get the rhythm to flow right, and lose creative imagery.

All the pointers are great. Thank you to everyone, and anyone else who has questions please post. Hopefully this will be a thread that can keep us helping each other with sticky points in our writing.

One thing I am catching onto quickly is to try and stick with a specific feeling, event, "mind picture", not to try to pull too much into one piece. That one is a litttle hard for me too, since I draw from things that have touched me, as I' m sure most poets do.