Hello my friends of the Omschool-iverse! Do you like my new title for this space we visit in? Well, funnily enough this post is about versing or, writing poetry. Here's an incomplete, rambling, work-in-progress guide on how to write poetry. I will probably edit many times as I think of more poems starters and tips. We're going to use the poem pattern of tree. This gears us up for April which is National Poetry Month.
1. Plant your tree. By that I mean, start writing. Just do it. Grab pen or keyboard and start putting down some thoughts. Look around you and describe what you see. Or write about some feelings, or a situation you are in.
2. Sprout your poetry tree. Brainstorm or just let flow. So, brainstorming, or idea gathering is great for prose or non-fiction. But poetry, eh, not so much. Poetry cannot be diagrammed into an outline. Channeling it doesn't really work. I find it works best so sort of riff (free write on a theme). Having said that you could brainstorm on a list of subjects.
3. Grow your trunk. Identify your theme. Once you've scribbled down some ideas, look for a thread. I know it probably sounds wrong to do it in that order. You should find theme then write. And it's okay to do it that way. Mine tend to be about Lake Michigan or childhood memories.
4. Branch out. List some phrases What works for me is to begin with a few basic phrases I'd like to build around. Usually they are assonance- alliterative (repetitive first letters) An example from a recent poem was " fine pine time" and "evergreen queen." About 10 should do it.
5. Add some leaves. From each branch phrase, add a few leaf words and phrases. My examples became "had a fine pine time with the evergreen queen, and the fir campfire, prettiest ever seen."
6. Let it grow. You may find as I do when I write, that the poem takes on a voice of its own. Suddenly, I'm going it directions I never even thought of. For months now, I've tried to write a poem about dunes on Lake Michigan. And it always goes rogue. Assume that if your poem changes direction it was meant to.
7. Use the Google thesaurus or keep hard copy on hand. This resources really helps expand vocabulary. Also use Google to find words that rhyme with whatever word you need.
8. Start a poetry blog. I have one here at The Writer's Garden.
9. Join a Poetry Slam or writer's group. I'm going to begin reading my poetry aloud on my Youtube channel. Wish me bon chance!
10. Print your poetry into a binder or book. That's a step I've yet to take but am feeling ready.
11. Ask to read your poetry aloud, requesting input and really listening to the comments.
12. Create your writing environment with things that inspire or just make you feel happy. The picture is mine. This probably should go further up,
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