by Bobbie Ann Pimm

Created on: May 20, 2007   Last Updated: May 21, 2007

I've been writing poetry since I was 30 (I'm now 48). At first I wrote just for myself - an excellent form of therapy. Now I am enjoying the art of crafting poetry and experimenting with different forms.

The first thing I learned in writing popular types of formal poetry is you must READ, READ and READ more poetry. Then go online and research a form you like or purchase a book that focuses on writing poetry - there are hundreds of them. Beginners might try, "Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Poetry" or "Poetry for Dummies". Those more advanced should consider, "Poetry Writing Handbook" from Teaching and Learning Co.

Once you've decided to tackle a form (good for you!) research any terms you are not familiar with - iambic pentameter, quatrain, couplet, etc., until you thoroughly understand them - search for "poetry terms" on the internet. Read more examples. If the form has a repeating pattern, create a template and copy and paste your lines where they repeat to ensure you stick to the pattern correctly. If it is a rhyming poem, use a rhyming dictionary. They can be found online or in bookstores.

Start with an easier form, like haiku or tanka and build up to the more difficult ones, acrostic, cinquain, sonnet, pantoum, terzanelle (my personal favorite), ghazal, sestina and don't forget your basic blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) - not to be confused with free verse. While concentrating on form, don't forget the basics of writing any poetry - metaphor, rhythm, emotion, etc.

If you start a particular form and can't finish it, put it away for awhile and look at it again in a week or two. Don't force your words to fit the form - reword, if necessary. If you still can't make it work, consider changing it to a different form. Sometimes your words just won't fit the structure. Remember, it's your poem, make it whatever you want. But don't give up too easily. No one said writing good poetry is easy.

Write at least two complete poems in one form before moving on to another. By trying different forms, you will grow as a poet. But the most important thing to remember is - have fun!

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