How to Be A Poet

April is National Poetry month. How will you participate? April 30th is Poem in Your Pocket Day. Celebrate poetry and be a poet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Desire to write poetry
• Passion for poetry
• Perseverance
• Love of language

1. Write regularly. Most poets will not write amazing poems right away. Poetry takes time and a commitment to craft. Write as often as you can. Poets improve when they write regularly. Consider writing a poem a day for a certain time period i.e. a month. This exercise will help take away the unfamiliarity of poetry. Poetry should not be feared.

2. Read across all genres, eras, countries. Reading other poets work will help you develop your voice and may inspire your subject matter. Read poetry anthologies, literary journals, poetry craft books. Read often and write regularly and you will improve as a poet.

3. Study the craft of poetry. Study poetic forms and try writing in new-to-you forms, you might find your niche. Write poems that are difficult in forms you find challenging, this is a good exercise in craft.

4. Listen for the language of poetry in fiction, non-fiction, lyrical essays, memoir, and in everyday conversations. Poetry is all around us, being aware and in the moment will help you when you sit down to write. Take a walk in nature or in the city, sit in the garden

5. Be bold and experimental. Some of the best poetry is in hybrid works. Develop a new style of poetry. Open yourself to your local poetry community by attending and reading at poetry readings or open mics. Get your work out to the world and your poetry community by submitting to literary journals. Self-publish a chapbook. Collaborate with another poet or creative person. Take a class on poetic forms. Keep writing.

6. Share your poetry or other poets poetry. Celebrate Poem In Your Pocket Day, April 30th. Carry poems with you and share with others. Sign up for free newsletters that will send you a poem everyday.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have the resources consider joining the Academy of American Poets or a local poetry group, surrounding yourself with others who have a love and commitment to poetry and the craft of poetry will expand your poetry circle.
• You are a poet if you write poetry. You don't have to have a book published or be a poet laureate.
• Admit you're a poet, you don't have to hide anymore, your poetry community will embrace you.
• Poetry can be addictive. Watch for warning signs of addiction. Excessive quoting of poets, writing poems in waiting rooms, obsession with thesauruses and language books.

Resources

• More Info on Poem In Your Pocket Day
• Poem In Your Pocket Anthology
• Family Book of Poetry
• Writing the Life Poetic
• Poetry As Spiritual Practice
• Poets Market

[thewritertoday]

on 5/1/2009 Great article. I love writing poetry.

[voliegurl]

on 4/29/2009 I also write what I feel, when I feel it.. and not worry about how it would sound until I revise them..thanks for the tips and 5* with recommendation!

[goodselfme]

on 4/24/2009 Great points for April 30th Poem in your pocket day. I love poetry and read and write poetry often.

[maryanne09]

on 4/23/2009 Great article on How to Be A Poet! 5*'s recommend :o)

[langleycornwell]

on 4/14/2009 Great article on how to be a poet. I love to read poetry and write it often but mine is on about the 3rd grade level! 5*s.