Writing Essentials

The Creative Process Behind Poetry: A How-To Guide

Do you wish to be the next William Wordsworth? Recite tear jerking poetry to an unrequited love and make them fall in love? Would you like to express your words as easily as taking a breath? Well, I’ve got you covered with my how-to guide on writing poetry.

Well, I might be tooting my own horn, but as a fellow aspiring poet, I’d love to share how I at least write poetry that makes those satisfying connections line up in my head and make lovers swoon…

DISCLAIMER: I think poetry is not something that should be methodical (I know, how ironic that this is a ‘How-To Guide’).

I simply want to share the creative process that I have found works for me which may benefit you in some way.

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Luckily with poetry and any form of writing, there are limited boundaries to the themes you can write about. However, I do believe that choosing a topic which stirs you the most is the easiest to go from.

Whether that’s political movements, recent break-ups, moving away from home, shitty friends or good friends, the list could go on… Choose a topic that hits you the deepest.

With this, you can take from personal and meaningful situations, unravel the event/emotion in any way you can, and go from there.

For example, I tend to write about the people in my life or about the places I’ve left behind.

Both, for me, stimulate intense emotions that give me a drive to write.

What challenges you? Can you think of any poignant aspects of your life that could be good writing material?

When it comes to choosing how your words will be placed, many may (including myself) don’t put too much thought into it.

For me, I first have an idea of what I’d like to write about, then I contemplate how that idea makes me feel/how I envision it, and then proceed to write.

For me, going off structure limits my expression and I tend to choose a lyrical or free verse structure.

However, that doesn’t mean starting with structure won’t work for you. Many writers implement forms, such as a haiku, sonnet, acrostic, epic, prose and much more.

One example can be Shakespeare whose poetry utilised a sonnet form and Matsuo Bashō who uses haikus.

Maggie Queeny, who teaches poetry workshops, focuses on writing through forms. This is because it challenges experienced writers as well as helping those who are starting out writing poetry.

All in all, poetry is about testing the water and seeing what works well for your words. You may prefer to have a clear direction or to get lost in the process with a headlessness.

I try not to over explain in my poetry. For example, I don’t say “I feel sad today” or “She was mean” etc…

Paint with words! Utilising poetic devices such as similes, metaphors and making the emotion/event more cryptic will leave the reader guessing and you ultimately satisfied.

For example, in my poem Riddance, I use an image of a garden to explore an old friend’s abusive behaviour.

What motif (like the sun, the rain, a sentimental item) can speak for you and your subjective emotions/experiences?

Okay, now you’re happy with your poem, put it down. Yep, it is always good to have a break and to come back to your poem with fresh eyes.

Although grammar isn’t necessarily set in stone in poetry, you may want to look over grammar to enhance your poem and message or to just simply for the reader’s experience.

Make sure spelling is correct. There is nothing worse than publishing a poem and realising you put ‘their’ instead of ‘there’ – (that definitely hasn’t happened to me before…)

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Process

I don’t believe there is a right way to write poetry. To me, it’s about delving into areas you tend to avoid or neglect and make them into something beautiful.

My most important piece of advice is to enjoy the process and be mindful of what poetry brings you – it can be the most wonderful tool.

By Lily

Fountain Pen