8 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Clear your head of all inhibitions. Censorship is not an option.

With that said, your journey to writing poetry cannot begin if you are not willing to edit your work. Edit, edit, and edit many, many times.

The main things you want to focus on:
- Who is your audience? What age group, culture, etc. do you want to reach out too?
- What is your message? This does not have to be something profound or philosophical. It can be a mere observation of a tree. What ever your message is, it must be clear.

- Use imagery. Lots of imagery. Show your audience what you are talking about, don't tell. (i.e.: Telling- The tree leaves are green...Showing- The spring leaves soak up the sun, greedy with their beauty and freshness, eager to provide the best shade)
- Show your poem to other writers. Get their input.
-EDIT!

Also, make sure to read other poets' work. Lots of other poets' work.

If you are suffering from "writer's block", here's some nifty tricks to get your mind flowing:
- Open the dictionary. Pick out 25 random words on different pages and make a list. Use those words in a poem.
- Put your iTunes on random. Let a song play and write about whatever emotion comes to your mind. Stop after 30 seconds and change the song.
- Made a MadLibs story. Use one of the sentences as the first line in a poem.

If you are really serious about progressing in your poetry, sign up for a workshop class at a local college or somewhere else. You must learn to read your own work as if you were reading someone else's if you want to make any progress.

Learn more about this author, Joanna Nelius.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Writing poetry: A how-to guide?
We want to hear your view. Write now!