If you are newbie poet, you may feel a bit apprehensive about writing a poem for the very first time. This is understandable because learning how to write poetry takes time and patience. However, there are some ways that will make the poetry writing process a lot easier. Here are some great poetry writing tips for newbies.

1. Understand what a poem is

Before you learn how to write a poem, you should first know what a poem really is. In layman’s terms, a poem is a piece of writing that is organized into lines, which often ends in a rhyme. These words are specifically chosen for the sound and ideas that they convey.

2. Get to know the types of poems

As a newbie poet, you may not really know about the types of poems. While a majority of modern day writers often write in the free verse style, this does not mean that you should be ignorant of the other poetry styles. Here are some of the types of poems to take note of.

  • Epic

This kind of poetry is one of the oldest in existence. Its main trait is that it usually about great men and women, and tells of their exploits of bravery and strength.

  • Haiku

This poetry style originated in Japan during the 1600s and is considered one of the shortest yet most profound. It is made up of three lines. The first and third line is made up of five syllables, and the second is made up of seven syllables.

  • Free verse

This poetry form is considered one of the most flexible, because it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or musical pattern. Because of this lack of form, many writers tend to favor this poetry style.

  • Ode 

An ode is a poem written in praise for a person or even an object. It is of Greek origin and is derived from the Greek word “Aededien” which means to chant or to sing.

  • Elegy

An elegy is a poem for someone who has already passed away. While the poems should be sorrowful in nature, they could also have uplifting elements to cheer up readers.  

 

3. Read as many poems as possible

Now that you know the types of poetry, it is important that you read as many poems as possible. Being a newbie poet, you would understandably not have read that many poems yet. Now is as good a time as any to start. Your main goal should be to start on the classics first, because you will want to learn what actually makes a great poem, and learning from the greats is a great start.

4. Reach out to fellow poets

While you could learn a lot from reading poems, you should also reach out to fellow poets. By doing so, you will be able to expand your knowledge of the poetry writing process. If you have veteran poet friends, then you are fortunate, because they are usually a fount of knowledge. However, if you don’t have any affiliation with poets, don’t be disheartened.

There are many online groups for poets, and you could join them very easily. Veteran poets are very valuable sources of knowledge, because they have already written a lot of poems, and may have even published a book or two of their own poetry. Overall, reaching out to other poets, is a good idea.

5. Choose a concept 

If you feel that you are ready to start writing your poem, the first you should do is choose a concept. The concept could be practically about anything. It could be an emotion such as love, regret, or joy. The concept could also be about an object or an event. You could use any type of concept, however, you should choose a concept that you actually care about.

6. Read your work out loud

While writing your poem, it is a good idea to read your work out loud. As you write your poem, the words and rhyme may sound good. However, once you read it out loud, you would be surprised that your poem may sound awkward.

This is a common mistake made by most newbie writers. By reading your work out loud, you will be able to spot any awkward phrases, and make the necessary changes in the early parts of the poem. The act of stopping and reading out your work aloud may seem cumbersome for some newbie poets, but it is a lot better than having your mistake pointed out to you by a listener.

7. Have your poem reviewed

After you have finished the first draft of your poem, it is important that you have it reviewed. Remember that you are only a newbie poet.

So you should not expect too much from the first draft of your poem. You could read out your work to an audience of close friends or fellow poets. If you are the shy type, you could just send in your poem to a fellow and have him or her check it out.

There is no guarantee that their review of your work will be positive. There may be times where your poetry will get criticized. During these instances, you should not feel insulted. Instead, you should take this as an opportunity to grow further as a poet.

8. Don’t be afraid to revise your work

Once you have received the feedback for your poem, it is time to revise it. While you should take the review of your poem into consideration, you should remember to keep your own artistic vision. Revise your poem until you feel that it is good enough to show other readers. Don’t think of the revision as a chore. Instead, you should have fun with the process, and polish up your poem even more.

Conclusion

When it comes to writing poetry as a newbie, the first thing you should have is patience. It takes a good amount of patience to write poems. You will also need a set strategy. You might also want to consider about checking the Best and Most lucrative eBook genres to try out. With these tips, you’ll be able to write a great poem in no time.