36 Poetry Writing Tips
by Melissa Donovan | Aug 10, 2023 | Poetry Writing |
Poetry writing tips.
Poetry is the most artistic and liberating form of creative writing. You can write in the abstract or the concrete. Images can be vague or subtle, brilliant or dull. Write in form, using patterns, or write freely, letting your conscience (or subconscious) be your guide.
You can do just about anything in a poem. That’s why poetry writing is so wild and free; there are no rules. Poets have complete liberty to build something out of nothing simply by stringing words together.
All of this makes poetry writing alluring to writers who are burning with creativity. A poet’s process is magical and mesmerizing. But all that freedom and creativity can be a little overwhelming. If you can travel in any direction, which way should you go? Where are the guideposts?
Today’s writing tips include various tools and techniques that a poet can use. But these tips aren’t just for poets. All writers benefit from dabbling in poetry. Read a little poetry, write a few poems, study some basic concepts in poetry, and your other writing (fiction, creative nonfiction, even blogging) will soar.
Below, you’ll find thirty-six writing tips that take you on a little journey through the craft of poetry writing. See which ones appeal to you, give them a whirl, and they will lead you on a fantastic adventure.
36 Poetry Writing TipsRead lots of poetry. In fact, read a lot of anything if you want to produce better writing.
Write poetry as often as you can.
Designate a special notebook (or space in your notebook) for poetry writing.
Try writing in form (sonnets, haiku, etc.).
Use imagery.
Embrace metaphors, but stay away from clichés.
Sign up for a poetry writing workshop.
Expand your vocabulary.
Read poems over and over (and aloud). Consider and analyze them.
Join a poetry forum or poetry writing group online.
Study musicality in writing (rhythm and meter).
Use poetry prompts when you’re stuck.
Be funny. Make a funny poem.
Notice what makes others’ poetry memorable. Capture it, mix it up, and make it your own.
Try poetry writing exercises when you’ve got writer’s block.
Study biographies of famous (or not-so-famous) poets.
Memorize a poem (or two, or three, or more).
Revise and rewrite your poems to make them stronger and more compelling.
Have fun with puns.
Don’t be afraid to write a bad poem. You can write a better one later.
Find unusual subject matter — a teapot, a shelf, a wall.
Use language that people can understand.
Meditate or listen to inspirational music before writing poetry to clear your mind and gain focus.
Keep a notebook with you at all times so you can write whenever (and wherever) inspiration strikes.
Submit your poetry to literary magazines and journals.
When you submit work, accept rejection and try again and again. You can do it and you will.
Get a website or blog and publish your own poetry.
Connect with other poets to share and discuss the craft that is poetry writing.
Attend a poetry reading or slam poetry event.
Subscribe to a poetry podcast and listen to poetry.
Support poets and poetry by buying books and magazines that feature poetry.
Write with honesty. Don’t back away from your thoughts or feelings. Express them!
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Mix art and music with your poetry. Perform it and publish it.
Eliminate all unnecessary words, phrases, and lines. Make every word count.
Write a poem every single day.
Read a poem every single day.
Have You Written a Poem Lately?I believe that poetry is the most exquisite form of writing. And anyone can write a poem if they want to. In today’s world of fast-moving images, poetry has lost much of its appeal to the masses. But there are those of us who thrive on language and who still appreciate a poem and its power to move us emotionally. It’s our job to keep great poetry writing alive. And it’s our job to keep writing poetry.
What are some of your favorite writing tips from today’s list? How can you apply poetry writing techniques to other forms of writing? Do you have any tips to add? Leave a comment!
72 Comments
Maria on January 7, 2010 at 8:48 am
Interesting article! 🙂 Thank you for writing this, Melissa!
Connie Brzowski on January 7, 2010 at 9:10 am
Nice article~ I started writing poetry on a regular basis back in November. Gave myself permission to write really bad stuff without hitting the delete key 🙂
I’d like to see recommendations for poetry blogs ands sites if you don’t mind sharing.
--Deb on January 7, 2010 at 9:33 am
I have not written a poem lately. I don’t know why, but I only feel compelled to write poetry when I’m overflowing with emotion of some kind. Anger, passion, remorse, grief, love … the things that are so hard to contain in prose and need the stretchier boundaries of poetry to give them the room they need. Otherwise, I’m a down-to-earth, prose girl, and since, as a rule, I’m pretty even-keeled as emotions go … I don’t do the poetry thing very often. I think about it, though. Does that count?
--Deb on January 7, 2010 at 4:57 pm
I really don’t read that much poetry, I like to think of myself as a creative person, but I’m still a prose girl at heart. Also, I have an aversion to things that rhyme (other than song lyrics) because sappy Hallmark cards pretty much ruined that for me when I was in my teens (grin).
zz on January 7, 2010 at 6:29 pm
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for posting this list!
My illustrious poetry career was cut short around the age of 13, when I became more obsessed with journaling about boys than writing witty epic poems commemorating family members’ birthdays.
I’ve decided that this will be the year that I finally open up to poetry again! I’ll probably start up with writing in my signature “grade 6” style of poetry which is likely to include rhymes like “bee” and “pee” and classic highbrow toilet humour. Hopefully I can grow from there. I’m currently trawling through your previous posts and comments for poetry tips, terms and reading suggestions – the one on meter and musicality looks especially good.
You asked for topic requests in a previous post, so here are a few post suggestions that I’d be interested in reading about:
1. A list of your favourite poets or pieces? (I’m currently asking all my friends for suggested readings as a starting point!)
2. More poetic devices or techniques that you may know about?
Cheers, zz
vamn on January 8, 2010 at 9:46 am
All the tips are most useful for anyone who wants to become a poet. But it is not easy to follow each and every step. Concentration and hard work is essential to reach the goal.
J.D. Meier on January 11, 2010 at 1:53 am
I think I never write poems because I don’t know when a poem is a poem and when it’s not. I never figured out any simple criteria for something to be a poem.
Nithin on January 12, 2010 at 2:08 am
Thanks for sharing your insights on poetry.It is a nice article.Surely to improve poetry,one has to keep writing and editing.
Praverb on February 6, 2010 at 9:35 pm
I made a New Year’s resolution to write a poem a day…so far I have strayed from my resolution hehe…nice post
CHARAN on June 20, 2011 at 2:28 am
i have written a lot of poems. where can one send these for publishing….
Rose Mattax on July 28, 2011 at 6:14 am
.35 read a poem every day.
Well, there are lots of great tips here, but I thought I’d share a source of poetry that allows me to read a sacred poem everyday. It’s great–stuff all the way from Rumi to Levertov. And it draws on all spiritual traditions. Here’s the link!
Lauren @ Pure Text on July 29, 2011 at 12:36 pm
I love poetry. I recently got the word tattooed on my right arm. 🙂 Now that I’ve read this, I’m inspired to write a sonnet! Thank you!
Alex Marestaing on July 30, 2011 at 9:37 am
Though I write youth fiction now, I can’t get away from poetry and end up scribbling poetic lines down in my journal every now and then. I guess that stems from my teen music writing days, where I had notebooks full of songs, poetry, whatever. Poetry is such a free form of writing, kind of like dancing 🙂
Donnie on October 8, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Melissa Donovan, I could disagree with everything you said, but that would make me a fool. And I am no fool no sir re, although I act a bit like one from time to time. Yes Notebooks galore are stored in my little pad.
I don’t read a lot as I am creating a lot and posting and maintaining my Blogs and websites along with all their supporting Bookmakers and Indexers. Forums are great and workshops are better. But the thing I find most supportive is pretending to be your own Publisher your own Boss.
This is what I am doing day in and day out or whenever the spirits move me. I talk about mostly creating as I am not educated enough in the forms of other poetry just free verse and prose. I guess I should try others forms and I may at a latter date.
But right not I am trying to make my poetry work for me, as I am Home bound and disabled to a great extent. Well I enjoyed this write it states much truth for Poets and Poetesses a like, God Bless and may you Keep on Keeping On!
Donnie/ Sinbad the Sailor Man
ash on November 10, 2011 at 6:58 am
hi melissa,
i am 14 and i wrote my firt poem a month ago. since then my school had registered my name for a competition. i am not really experienced and i am worried since i have to write a poem on a topic given by thejudges, in an hour. any tips?
Wing on November 21, 2011 at 4:57 am
These are really good advise. I love point 23 especially, to meditate before penning down. I’ve always find poetry writing a way to connect with my own spirituality. I have always been smitten by poems of others with their powerful rhyming and rhythm, which I always have difficulty pulling it off. It always seem to me that they have not one word wasted. What would you suggest to make an improvement on ths aspect?
Nibedit on April 28, 2012 at 2:54 pm
Wow!!!!
Found it just awesome..
Yeah I have written some poems, but haven’t published anywhere, so, how can I do it to publish on this site..
This made me, to devote myself more and more for my dream
Thaanxx for the article
Summer on July 6, 2012 at 2:14 am
Well-written tips Melissa! Reading a lot definitely helps you to produce better poetry. I always have a small book in my bag, so that I could write whenever I feel to 🙂
Celine on July 21, 2012 at 7:21 pm
Hey, Melissa! I’ve read through your article, but I’m still stuck on how I’m supposed to write a poem with deeper meaning. It seems like every other poem I’ve ever written have the same words on it and I’m running out of ideas of how to start. I would’ve considered myself to be fairly good as a learning poet but now i think I’m doubting myself because i used to know more vocabularies and now i can’t seem to think of any witty writings. I would appreciate any suggestions you may offer.
Thomas on August 18, 2012 at 10:31 pm
I’m 13 and I’m trying to put together a poetry book. It’s about being gay and losing friends because of it, people not liking me back, etc. So far the poems I have written are very good (in my opinion), although depressing. I sent one in to a literary agent asking if it was professional material and he said he would gladly help me publish it.
So, what I wanted to say is that I barely ever read poetry and I can still write well. My ideas, rhythm patterns, rhyme schemes, etc. are original, and I like that about them. I’m not going for perfect or a masterpiece. I just want to get my messages and emotions across, so I don’t read the poetry of others. I can see why other poets would, but I just don’t. I just let myself write, and then I edit and revise whatever I come up with. Just stop when it sounds good.
Also, I want to add that you shouldn’t be afraid to write dark or depressing poetry. Just write with the emotions that you feel inside. Almost all of my poems are depressing, but it doesn’t mean that I cut myself or anything. So don’t be afraid to do that. (Writing depressing poetry, not cutting yourself. Lol)
Good luck to all of you aspiring poets out there!
Thanks,
Thomas
Teresa Albert on September 23, 2015 at 8:08 pm
I do enjoy reading a poem everyday. I subscribed to Academy of American Poets Poem A Day. That way I’m sure to read a different poem each day delivered to my email. The last time I wrote a poem was a week ago. I need to get back into a better routine with writing poetry. I enjoy it very much and I do try to find different journals and contests to submit my poetry to at least a few times a year. Thanks for the motivation with this article.
Tristan Paul on May 20, 2018 at 6:29 am
hi. i’ve been so empty lately. the thought of making poems is that it interests me, at my good times and bad times. i dont know if it is talent or something. they dont even know, my friends and my family. im a little shy and ashame about it. they would say poetry sucks, its not for you, they would never understand the feeling. this is what i really love to do . i want to play with words. they found me. help me understand it. thanks.bye
Don As Tauno on June 16, 2018 at 5:27 pm
Ms Melissa,
Also “steal” techniques and then perfect them to your purpose.
Gayle De souza on January 17, 2019 at 1:54 am
Thank you so much for this article Melissa! I wanted to write a book on my life for so many years but decided it would hurt too many people, even though they never thought about their actions. I woke up one morning and wrote poems(literally) based on the way i felt which I felt was less hurtful but more direct and expressive! My poems are free form and I’ve been reading up on writing good poetry. Although I find it difficult to fit to the guidelines. This article really helps! Cheers!
David Irvine on March 28, 2019 at 9:22 am
Thank you so much for this fantastic article Melissa. I have just published my first book and working on my next one. I’m always on the outlook for crafted information to help me as a writer. I have developed my own style when writing poetry but it’s always nice to dapple using different ideas and constraints. Thanks…
Grace A on March 30, 2019 at 12:02 pm
This is encouraging. I’ve written a couple of poems but didn’t think they were good enough. Now I know there are really no limits. Thanks!
Jeffery Williams on July 20, 2019 at 12:57 pm
Thanks beloved
friend & Poetess
I appreciate all your tips
Everyone is
On point,
Phenomenal brilliant
Food for a,
poetry writer & speaker
To use.
D. J. Irvine on July 17, 2020 at 3:53 pm
I’ve been writing poetry for years and have a collection of books on Amazon. When it comes to critique from your audience, it may surprise you! You might find teachers, other poets, writers and artists love your work. However, you will get feedback from people who hate your words. They will be harsh and leave you with a terrible review. This doesn’t mean you should stop and feel terrible, it just means you didn’t resonate with that person. Every type of creative work is open to good and bad feedback. It’s all part of the process. Just keep doing what you love.
Valiant-heart on August 22, 2020 at 6:30 am
I lost my muse trying to find it again.
So I wrote this
consciously asleep
Yellow is the sun
Blue is the sky
Hot is the desert
Blank is the heart
Filled is the store
Hungry do we wake
Many are they
None is there
Alive we are
Dead are we walking
Happy is the face
Sad is the heart
Many are friends
Lonely is he
Beauty is the body
Ugly is the being
Island do we dwell
Thirst are we
Kings are we born
Shackles around neck
Love do they preach
Hate do we see
Blessed are we born
Cursed are we
Perfect is the earth made
Chaos do we see
Mercy sowth the creator
Vengeance ignited the creation
Noises do we hear
Yet deaf are we.
Donetta on March 20, 2023 at 8:40 pm
This list is awesome. The one item on the list that renosontes with me would be supporting your favorite poets, your local poets, and read their marietial.
I recently had a poem accepted by Spillwords called “Running with Scissors.”
I’d like to attend a poetry slam in the future.
Kymber Hawke on August 22, 2023 at 6:31 am
You have some wonderful tips here. 🤍🌺 I’ve learned so much!
V.M. Sang on August 22, 2023 at 7:13 am
Thanks for this wonderful post. In December last year I committed myself to write one poem a day for a year. So far, I’m on track, but am running out of inspiration.
Some of my poems are traditional rhyming poetry, one or two are free verse. I’ve written some Haiku, a few limericks, one or two narrative poems and some on things I feel deeply about, like what we are doing to our lovely planet.
I hope to publish in two volumes–January to June and July to December. People will then be able to read one poem each day for a year.
@donnablackwrites on August 29, 2023 at 3:38 am
I write a lot of poetry and have published a couple of collections. But with no rules, I wonder if there are more things I should know. I do/have done most of your list, but there are some good additions here. Thanks
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