15 Tips for Writing Poetry

National Poetry Month–let’s find some poems to share. ~ Connie

Poetry is not something I’m good at writing so I enjoy it vicariously through online friends like Audrey Dawn of Oldest Daughter and Red-headed Sister. I’ve been following her for several years and always find her poetry startlingly personal, quick peeks into a world ruled by emotion and heart. I’m way to structured for that so only enjoy it through someone else’s eyes.

To honor April’s National Poetry Month, here are fifteen tips from those who have no trouble delivering this concise-but-pithy form of writing:

• avoid cliches. Too often, they are unoriginal thoughts on a subject. Instead of using these pre-packaged descriptions, create your own. For example: Instead of

Hard as nails

use

Hard as _____________________

• rhyme with caution. It can become singsong. Beginners are (surprisingly) more likely to find success with free verse.
• describe something or someone–no plot necessary. Unless you’re writing Narrative Poetry or an epic…

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