How Do I Write Poetry

[JennyReign]

I was wondering if anyone could direct me on where do I began to learn to write, know, and understand more about poetry.

Is there any recommended book or advice that I should know about?

Thanks in advance.

P/S: I want to learn to express my thoughts and feelings in general and love poetry, not erotic poetry

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Read plenty of poems.

 

[Tomahawk26]

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg is a great book for inspiration and instruction, and also, what was said above is absolutely correct. You should read TONS of poetry, from all different time periods and poetic movements. I would also recommend checking if your local community/adult education program has any courses--they are often taught by published writers or at least teachers. Go to readings and meet some poets, find out if there's a local workshop... opinions vary on the value of workshops, but they're VERY good for newer writers who need some direction and guidance.

 

[oggbashan]

Go to the Poetry Forums and participate.

 

[seven_of_nine]

I tend to 'brainstorm' poems by writing down all my thoughts, sentiments and ideas fluidly, pretty much writing my train of thought. Then I start by picking out pieces that work together and that capture the essence of what I want to convey. It's a good way of getting started.

When it comes to writing poetry, I find it helpful to work line by line in groups of syllables. Whether you're rhyming or not, you need a degree of uniform rhythm, as in a song lyric.