Poetry Writing Tips

Writing poetry is a deeply personal journey that blends creativity with craft. To guide both budding and seasoned poets, here are some time-tested tips that can help enhance your poetic skills and deepen your understanding of this art form. From embracing criticism to continuously engaging with new environments, these suggestions are designed to inspire and challenge poets at every level.

1. Listen to criticism and try to learn from it, but don’t let it define your success or failure. When I was in college, I would always submit my best-reviewed poem from one class to the next. Invariably, the next professor would dislike it and provide insightful reasons for its shortcomings.
2. When you write a poem you really like, immediately write another. Perhaps that poem was the highlight of your evening, or maybe you’re just getting started. There’s only one way to find out.
3. The grander your theme, the more crucial the details become. A poem with concepts like Love, Destiny, or Hate in the title tends to start with a disadvantage—though I do enjoy love poems.
4. Express your thoughts clearly. Allow your readers to interpret the meaning of your poem.
5. Don’t hesitate to write a bad poem.
6. A single perfect line in a thirty-line poem can make it all worthwhile, or it might disrupt the flow of the rest. Pay close attention to it.
7. Avoid over-explaining.
8. Untitled poems are like unnamed children.
9. People will remember a vivid image long after they forget the context.
10. Develop your unique voice. Become comfortable with your writing style.
11. There are many excuses not to write. Instead, use writing as an excuse to avoid other tasks.
12. The more you read, the more you’ll learn. Make it a habit to read poetry frequently.
13. The more you write, the more your skills will grow. Write poetry regularly.
14. While I generally don’t prefer poems that focus strictly on form, many of my favorite poets mastered traditional forms before creating their distinctive styles. Writing within forms can be a useful challenge.
15. Don’t be afraid to adopt a different perspective. Try writing a poem that expresses the opposite of your beliefs, without using irony if possible.
16. When you feel stuck, change your physical perspective—lie on the floor, go for a walk, or spin around.
17. Write in various locations. Keep a notebook handy, and write wherever you are. The environment will influence your work, whether you write about it directly or not.
18. Listen to podcasts or talk radio while you write. You might find inspiration in the voices and characters you hear.
19. If you dislike a poem or poet, analyze why. It might reveal something about your own dislikes in poetry.
20. If you’re at a loss for words, start writing anything that comes to mind rapidly for about a minute. This technique, which I call “flushing,” helps clear your mind.
21. Make a list of poems from which you remember specific lines. Revisit these poems to understand why they resonated with you.
22. Maintain a dream journal. Dreams reflect your most creative state of mind. Use them as inspiration, not necessarily as direct content for your poems.
23. Analyze other writers’ poems to understand what works and what doesn’t and how you might approach similar themes or styles.
24. Utilize humor, irony, and melodrama judiciously.
25. Write the worst poem you can imagine. Indulge in clichés and overstatements. After that exercise, return to serious writing. Even the best poets have written numerous bad poems.
26. Experiment with limericks for a light-hearted change.
27. Every line of a poem should contribute to its overall impact. If a poem has only three great lines, consider making it three lines long.
28. Poems should show progression. Each stanza should logically follow the previous one.
29. Embrace challenging subjects. Writing about personal fears or difficulties can lead to profound insights, even if those poems are never published.
30. Find ways to publish your poems. Unlike Emily Dickinson, most unpublished poets remain unknown. Sharing your work is essential.
31. Support the poetry community by buying poetry books, especially those by contemporary authors.
32. Attend poetry readings to connect with other poets and enthusiasts. Participate actively by donating or purchasing books if possible.
33. Host a poetry event or organize a reading to foster a local poetry community.
34. If you want to exchange poetry and feedback, start or join a local group. Many community arts publications offer free listings.
35. Consider publishing your own poetry journal or creating a website. Even a simple, self-made publication can spread your work.
36. Above all, keep writing.