Planning out the entire poem in an outline form is not necessarily a brilliant plan. Poetry tends to flow, as opposed to coming out in a premeditated form. Yet picking a topic is still an appropriate plan. If you sit down and just say "I am going to write a poem right now," a vast number of topics might come to mind.
Remember, you do not have to pick a stereotypical poetry topic. Some individuals tend to think that poetry must be about nature, animals, love, or some sort of darker topic. Find a book of poetry, and you will see that poems can be written about any topic under the sun.
Choose A Pattern
Poetry does not have to be written in a strict format, with every other line rhyming. You might choose to use free verse, rhyming couplets, or an epic poetry style. However, it would be best to begin writing with some concept in mind of what you style you intend to employ. It's better to let the words flow with the style, than to return later and try to fit your already-written ideas into a totally new scheme. Reading other poems will also help to familarize yourself with the various styles.
Use Literary Devices
A poem is a piece of literature, and should be written accordingly. Poetry should absolutely not be dry. That does not mean that poetry cannot be written about serious subjects, it simply means that different literary techniques and devices will help to strengthen your writing.
Use metaphors, similes, imagery, tone, mood, and the vast array of other literary devices to spice up your writing. However, do not try and jam every single literary device into a single poem. Doing so will show that you are an amateur poetry writer.
Take Your Time
The first poem that you write might not get published in an anthology. But that is OK! Share your work with friends or family, or use it for a birthday card, wedding program, or a shower invitation. Try and get feedback from readers and other writers, so that you can learn where you need to improve.
Furthermore, take your time with using literary devices. Yes, Emily Dickinson is famous for her lack of capitalization. But you need to build an audience and credibility before you can start manipulating grammar and such in that manner.
Tips for Poets
Pick A Subject
Planning out the entire poem in an outline form is not necessarily a brilliant plan. Poetry tends to flow, as opposed to coming out in a premeditated form. Yet picking a topic is still an appropriate plan. If you sit down and just say "I am going to write a poem right now," a vast number of topics might come to mind.
Remember, you do not have to pick a stereotypical poetry topic. Some individuals tend to think that poetry must be about nature, animals, love, or some sort of darker topic. Find a book of poetry, and you will see that poems can be written about any topic under the sun.
Choose A Pattern
Poetry does not have to be written in a strict format, with every other line rhyming. You might choose to use free verse, rhyming couplets, or an epic poetry style. However, it would be best to begin writing with some concept in mind of what you style you intend to employ. It's better to let the words flow with the style, than to return later and try to fit your already-written ideas into a totally new scheme. Reading other poems will also help to familarize yourself with the various styles.
Use Literary Devices
A poem is a piece of literature, and should be written accordingly. Poetry should absolutely not be dry. That does not mean that poetry cannot be written about serious subjects, it simply means that different literary techniques and devices will help to strengthen your writing.
Use metaphors, similes, imagery, tone, mood, and the vast array of other literary devices to spice up your writing. However, do not try and jam every single literary device into a single poem. Doing so will show that you are an amateur poetry writer.
Take Your Time
The first poem that you write might not get published in an anthology. But that is OK! Share your work with friends or family, or use it for a birthday card, wedding program, or a shower invitation. Try and get feedback from readers and other writers, so that you can learn where you need to improve.
Furthermore, take your time with using literary devices. Yes, Emily Dickinson is famous for her lack of capitalization. But you need to build an audience and credibility before you can start manipulating grammar and such in that manner.