Writing a Good Poem: Tips and Best Practices

Questions and Answers

Reading poetry, especially the good stuff.

It adds a kind of musicality to the poem.

Meaning.

Go for a near rhyme, or rewrite the line. Signup and view all the answers

To challenge oneself and grow as a writer. Signup and view all the answers

Practice. Signup and view all the answers

To 'hear' the poem's rhythm. Signup and view all the answers

To build a strong foundation in poetry. Signup and view all the answers

Don't get discouraged, keep writing. Signup and view all the answers

Over thirty years. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anyone can write a poem, but writing a good one requires practice and skills.
To improve poetry writing, read poetry, especially the works of masters like Shakespeare, Keats, Dickinson, Frost, and Blake.
Discover what type or style of poetry you like and read extensively in that genre.

Free verse can be powerful, but learning traditional forms provides a strong foundation in poetry writing "rules".
It's essential to learn forms before breaking them to create unique styles.
Poetry, including free verse, needs a rhythm or musicality to engage readers.

Read your poem out loud to ensure it has rhythm and flow.
Meaning is more important than rhyme; avoid using words solely for their rhyming quality.
If you're struggling to find a perfect rhyme, use near rhymes or rewrite the line to prioritize meaning.

Try different poetry forms to challenge yourself and avoid monotony.
Resources like Shadow Poetry can help you discover new forms to try.
The key to improving poetry writing is to keep writing; practice makes perfect.
Don't get discouraged by early attempts; perseverance will lead to better poetry.