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Poetry Tips
https://archive.holyworlds.org/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=4758
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Author:  BushMaid [ October 24th, 2011, 5:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Poetry Tips

Poetry is an art, yet it doesn’t take a great deal of skill to write well. There are a few key points that I have found to help make a great poem both in form and plot, which I would like to share with you here:

1. Meter. There are many types of meter. There is free-form, which does not rhyme at all. This makes for a fun poem, because you don’t have the worry of finding rhymes. Others have a strict rhyme and rhythm, still others vaguely rhyme but haven’t a set pattern. Whatever meter you choose to begin with, stick to it, or else the poem may not flow correctly when read. Following your chosen meter throughout the entire poem gives the poem good framework!

2. Story. What is your poem trying to convey? A story? An anecdote? A mystery? A sight or a smell? An emotion or feeling? Whatever it is, the whole poem must work together to deliver your chosen subject to the reader. Every verse must add colour and depth to the subject. Does one verse stray? Rephrase it so it points toward the goal, or delete it altogether and write another to replace it. Every verse must work together for the poem to be complete at the end.

3. Word placement and syllabic flow. You may have the meter correct, but sometimes the lines do not flow well because of your word placement. For example, the first line may end in a two syllable word in one verse, yet end in a one syllable word in another. This creates an uneven pattern. Although it is rarely possible for every line to have the same syllabic structure, it helps to have the line begin and end with a same syllable word.

4. Use a thesaurus and rhyming dictionary. Do you have a word that is perfect, yet it won’t rhyme? A thesaurus may come up with a word of similar meaning that will fit your purpose. Need a rhyme for a second, third, or fourth line that doesn’t gel with the first? Internet rhyming dictionaries are priceless. Often it only takes the sight of one rhyming word to help reconstruct a whole line. These two tools are invaluable to a poet.

5. Have fun! Writing a good poem can be challenging, but have fun whilst you’re writing it! Ask for critique or guidance when you get stuck; another person’s perspective of your poem may give you new insight and ideas on how to work out problematic verses. The more poetry you write, the easier it becomes, and the end result is most satisfying. :)

Author:  Aragorn [ October 24th, 2011, 5:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

The BushMaid poetry tips article is here. :cool: I don't have time to read it now but I will later. :book:

Author:  Aragorn [ October 24th, 2011, 7:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

Here are my thoughts:

The only part that has two paragraphs is part one, "Meter", so I think that it would be better if the two paragraphs were combined to keep the article uniform throughout.

BushMaid wrote:
Whatever meter you choose to begin with, stick to it. Try not to deviate from the meter you set for yourself, otherwise the poem will not flow as easily or as correctly when it’s read.

I think the second sentence here could be shortened and combined with the previous sentence, perhaps like this:
BushMaid wrote:
Whatever meter you choose to begin with, stick to it, or else the poem may not flow correctly when read.


BushMaid wrote:
Often it only takes the sight of one rhyming word to help you reconstruct a whole line.

I think you should take the "you" out of this sentence, like this:
Quote:
Often it only takes the sight of one rhyming word to help reconstruct a whole line.
There may have been one or two other instances like this, where a "you" in present tense felt awkward.

BushMaid wrote:
If I must suggest two tools for you as a poet: it would be these ones!

This line seems unnecessary. Perhaps remove it and replace it with the first line of the paragraph, like this:
Quote:
4. Use a thesaurus and rhyming dictionary. Do you have a word that is perfect, yet it won’t rhyme? A thesaurus may come up with a word of similar meaning that will fit your purpose. Need a rhyme for a second, third, or fourth line that doesn’t gel with the first? Internet rhyming dictionaries are priceless. Often it only takes the sight of one rhyming word to help reconstruct a whole line. These two tools are invaluable to a poet.


Overall, it's a concise and effective article about the basics of writing poetry. :D

Author:  BushMaid [ October 24th, 2011, 9:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

Thankyou for all your suggestions, Jonathan! :D I will edit all of those in.

Author:  Aragorn [ October 24th, 2011, 9:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

You're welcome. :D

Author:  Suiauthon Mimetes [ October 24th, 2011, 9:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

This is very helpful, BushMaid. :D

Author:  BushMaid [ October 24th, 2011, 10:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

Thankyou, Sui! :D

Author:  Airianna Valenshia [ October 27th, 2011, 9:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

This is ready for posting, Aussie dear. :D

Author:  Airianna Valenshia [ October 29th, 2011, 9:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

*pokes thread *

Author:  Suiauthon Mimetes [ October 30th, 2011, 4:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

BushMaid has been away from a computer recently. I'm not sure when she will be back... :?

Author:  BushMaid [ October 30th, 2011, 5:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

*cough* I don't know how to post anything on the blog. :blush: I thought the Council did that... :blush:

Author:  Aragorn [ October 30th, 2011, 5:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

If the article is ready to copy and paste, I might can post it on the blog.

Author:  BushMaid [ October 30th, 2011, 5:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

If you could do that, that would be great, thankyou Jonathan! I feel bad; I've probably thrown the schedule out of whack. :blush: I didn't realize I was the one to put it up; I haven't been told how to do that as yet...

Author:  Aragorn [ October 30th, 2011, 5:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

I'll go see if I can do it...

Author:  Aleena Mimetes [ October 30th, 2011, 5:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

LOVED it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a really cool checklist :D However I don't sit and write poems, mostly they just come and tap me on the shoulder... so often I don't have fun writing them.

Author:  Aragorn [ October 30th, 2011, 6:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

Okay. I got it up on the blog. Check it and make sure everything is right, BushMaid. :D

Author:  BushMaid [ October 30th, 2011, 6:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

I checked it and it's all correct. :D Thankyou so much, Jonathan! :D I shall have to ask Airi or Philly next time I see them so that I can learn how to do it as well.

Author:  Aragorn [ October 30th, 2011, 6:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

You're welcome. :D I'm glad it was all correct.

Author:  Lady Elanor [ October 31st, 2011, 7:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

This post explains how to post on the blog. :D

Author:  BushMaid [ October 31st, 2011, 5:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

Thankyou very much, Elanor! :D *goes to track down Philly*

Author:  Lady Elanor [ October 31st, 2011, 6:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

:) You're welcome! Nice work on the post by the way. :D

Author:  Airianna Valenshia [ November 1st, 2011, 10:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

Sorry about that, Aussie. I didn't realize you didn't know the system.

Author:  Airianna Valenshia [ November 21st, 2011, 3:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Poetry Tips

This is now ready for archiving.

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