Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Poetry
Remember the excitement of writing that first haiku in fourth grade, how proud you were of counting those syllables, 5-7-5, and having the poem come out just right? I do. I also remember writing a term paper on the poet Robert Frost in 11th grade – I fell in love with his language and found myself intrigued with his tragic history. I’ve been hooked on poetry ever since. I’ve made it a big part of my life.If you’re reading this letter, chances are that you share a similar feeling. Once it gets into you, poetry has a way of staying put. Poetry is an art whose fans and critics are also practitioners as well. Rarely does a fan of classical music take up composing, or an art critic take up sculpting. But poetry is special. You can practice it anywhere – at home, work, in prison, on a deserted island – provided you have a pencil and a scrap of paper.I believe that beginners first come to poetry as an art partly because they already own the tools to make it. If you can read and write, chances are you also can pen a poem. But there’s a misconception that a pen and paper is all you need. A great poem takes more than just the ability to form legible words with a ballpoint. Much more.This book will take you though the skills you require to become a good poet. I can’t promise you greatness and fame, but I can promise you that you’ll learn the parts and pieces that make up a poem – the feeling and inspiration are between you and your muse. You’ll also get practical advice on journaling, revision, workshops, reading in public, poetry exercises, and the recognition most poets desire – publishing.Are you going to find everything you need to know about poetry here? Well, no. But you’ll find more than a start – this book will take you far beyond novice status if you practice along with the exercises and suggestions – you may even find some great successes along the way.