05-04-2011, 10:43 AM
Hey guys.
This is my first tutorial and I'm hope you all like it.
I've noticed how not many people post here in the Creative Writing forum and I'm hoping to change that by helping you find your spark.
First off, let me explain briefly about how writing poems work.
Writing a poem is the best way to express yourself. You can write on various subjects, from simple objects like a shiny car or even an abstract feeling like love or anger.
As long as you're enjoying it and you feel its an outlet to relieve your tension, then you're going on the right track.
One of the best ways to write poetry, is to read and listen to it first. You can find that many poems can end up inspiring you and helping you come up with your own work. Its alright if you use a few elements from other poems to write your own, considering you're still on your way to being a real writer. Just remember to mention your source of inspiration if you do intend to write.
I have posted many of my poems here in this forum and you're welcome to have a look and borrow some lines or the concept from some of them in order to start your own poem.
Now that you've been inspired, you need to work on blowing on that spark.
Your poem may begin with just a few lines (like mine) that come out of nowhere. They just hit you like a bolt of lightning and remain embedded in your thoughts for a few seconds. That is known as Inspiration. Once you get that, the remainder of the poem can be written around it.
Sometimes, you may want to write about something more specific. In that case, you need to do a little planning. What I do is, I write down the words or phrases which I want to use in my poem which come to my mind when I think about that idea.
Try to pen down all of your ideas into words. It may sound difficult at first, but what you need to know is that, your poem is a channel of communication. Let your emotions run free and pass on through this channel.
What is the main subject of your poem?
What is it about? Whether you're righting it for your loved one or if you just want to release some pent up emotion, be sure to think about you subject first. Then you can proceed to write accordingly.
Or sometimes, just pick up your pen and start scribbling down whatever comes to your mind. You'll find out that your mind is more creative than you give it credit for
Decide what type of poetry, or which style of poetry suits you.
There are many different styles of writing poetry. You could write in short verses, limericks, ballads or maybe even just free verse.
Most of the time, when I write spontaneously, it turns out to be free verse and I keep it that way. Sometimes, you should just get a feeling for what style suits you. But if you're having trouble deciding, I urge you to try various styles until you hit upon one which works for you.
Listen to your poem
While poetry is mainly expressed in written form, you need to get find out whether its just as good when spoken aloud.
You need to take note of both rhyme and rhythm. Also if you do it too well, it may just as well turn into a song or a rap. So there's never any downside or too much rhyme or too much rhythm.
Use poetic devices and vivid descriptions
Real poetry not only uses its own poetic devices to mark its emotions, but also vivid descriptions. As a silly example, consider "She made a loud sound", versus "She made a loud sound like an elephant stepping on a clatter of cymbals".
Poetic devices are the most common and effective way to add meaning to a line or make the poem blend together. There are many different poetic devices to choose from, so I can't list them all here.
You can look up more poetic devices and terms by following this link:
Poetic Glossary
The Final Words
The last line is to a poem what a punch line is to a joke: something that evokes an emotional response. Give the reader something to think about after reading your poem. Resist the urge to explain it; let the reader become engaged with the poem and develop a deeper meaning and understanding to your poem.
Share your work
One of the greatest ways to evolve as a writer, is to have people critique your work. So, share your work here on SF and we'll all be sure to help you improve your skills
So, get started! Find that spark and create your own masterpiece.
Here is a list of my poems, if you ever need inspiration:
In The Stars
Absurd
New Year, Old Memories
Why I Wrote This
Meant To Be
Light
Forever
The Road
PM me if you need any help. I'm always here
This is my first tutorial and I'm hope you all like it.
I've noticed how not many people post here in the Creative Writing forum and I'm hoping to change that by helping you find your spark.
First off, let me explain briefly about how writing poems work.
Writing a poem is the best way to express yourself. You can write on various subjects, from simple objects like a shiny car or even an abstract feeling like love or anger.
As long as you're enjoying it and you feel its an outlet to relieve your tension, then you're going on the right track.
One of the best ways to write poetry, is to read and listen to it first. You can find that many poems can end up inspiring you and helping you come up with your own work. Its alright if you use a few elements from other poems to write your own, considering you're still on your way to being a real writer. Just remember to mention your source of inspiration if you do intend to write.
I have posted many of my poems here in this forum and you're welcome to have a look and borrow some lines or the concept from some of them in order to start your own poem.
Now that you've been inspired, you need to work on blowing on that spark.
Your poem may begin with just a few lines (like mine) that come out of nowhere. They just hit you like a bolt of lightning and remain embedded in your thoughts for a few seconds. That is known as Inspiration. Once you get that, the remainder of the poem can be written around it.
Sometimes, you may want to write about something more specific. In that case, you need to do a little planning. What I do is, I write down the words or phrases which I want to use in my poem which come to my mind when I think about that idea.
Try to pen down all of your ideas into words. It may sound difficult at first, but what you need to know is that, your poem is a channel of communication. Let your emotions run free and pass on through this channel.
What is the main subject of your poem?
What is it about? Whether you're righting it for your loved one or if you just want to release some pent up emotion, be sure to think about you subject first. Then you can proceed to write accordingly.
Or sometimes, just pick up your pen and start scribbling down whatever comes to your mind. You'll find out that your mind is more creative than you give it credit for
Decide what type of poetry, or which style of poetry suits you.
There are many different styles of writing poetry. You could write in short verses, limericks, ballads or maybe even just free verse.
Most of the time, when I write spontaneously, it turns out to be free verse and I keep it that way. Sometimes, you should just get a feeling for what style suits you. But if you're having trouble deciding, I urge you to try various styles until you hit upon one which works for you.
Listen to your poem
While poetry is mainly expressed in written form, you need to get find out whether its just as good when spoken aloud.
You need to take note of both rhyme and rhythm. Also if you do it too well, it may just as well turn into a song or a rap. So there's never any downside or too much rhyme or too much rhythm.
Use poetic devices and vivid descriptions
Real poetry not only uses its own poetic devices to mark its emotions, but also vivid descriptions. As a silly example, consider "She made a loud sound", versus "She made a loud sound like an elephant stepping on a clatter of cymbals".
Poetic devices are the most common and effective way to add meaning to a line or make the poem blend together. There are many different poetic devices to choose from, so I can't list them all here.
You can look up more poetic devices and terms by following this link:
Poetic Glossary
The Final Words
The last line is to a poem what a punch line is to a joke: something that evokes an emotional response. Give the reader something to think about after reading your poem. Resist the urge to explain it; let the reader become engaged with the poem and develop a deeper meaning and understanding to your poem.
Share your work
One of the greatest ways to evolve as a writer, is to have people critique your work. So, share your work here on SF and we'll all be sure to help you improve your skills
So, get started! Find that spark and create your own masterpiece.
Here is a list of my poems, if you ever need inspiration:
In The Stars
Absurd
New Year, Old Memories
Why I Wrote This
Meant To Be
Light
Forever
The Road
PM me if you need any help. I'm always here