Writing poetry: How to get started

BY FERN G. Z. CARR

Poetry is often described as a solitary art, conjuring up images of recluses immersed in reverie and literary inspiration. Reality is not so romantic. Many poets are self-taught and have no access to mentorship. Conversely, workshops and writing groups may not necessarily appeal to poets who are intimidated by baring their creative souls.

I would therefore like to share some of the benefits of my experience and by so doing, hopefully brighten your poetic journey. After twenty-three years of writing poetry and being published approximately seven hundred times, I am still learning the tips and tricks of the trade. We are all lifelong learners.

My key piece of advice is simple. Write because you want to. Do not do it for fame or fortune, because that is just not realistic. If you have a sincere compulsion to write, do it with gusto but be disciplined. Persist, persist, and then persist. Practice may not make perfect, but it definitely goes a long way.

While creativity does not appear on demand, it is nevertheless important to respect two rules of thumb: 1) Read copious amounts of poetry spanning all eras, not to imitate others but to hone your own craft. 2) Dedicate a daily block of uninterrupted time for your writing. Even though no one can be inspired twenty-four hours a day, by following a routine, you will continue to flex your literary muscles.

An exception to adhering to a set schedule is the incidence of writer’s block. This is a common occurrence, so do not fret if you happen to experience it. Instead, grant yourself permission to take a break. Only you can determine how much of a hiatus you will need. Be sure to rejuvenate yourself with a change of pace and activity; your creative juices will start to flow once again.

As to the mechanics of writing poetry, I believe there is one overriding notion—poetry is compact storytelling. It is more concise than prose. A poem is different from an essay, short story, or novel. Lines are shorter and fewer pages are used to convey a message. One of my editors told me she thought poetry was more impactful than prose. She described my poems as capturing emotion into little bombs, and then unleashing them.

Because poetry is so concise, word choice and nuance are critical. For example, if I were to write a poem about a funeral, instead of using the word endeavour, I would use undertake in order to be consistent with the theme. Of course, this word play should not be overdone since it could unintentionally detract from the flow of the piece.

Another challenge is to strike a balance such that imagery and symbolism are subtle but not cryptic. It never fails to surprise me when readers share their interpretations of my poems. They point out themes or images I had not considered. When I reflect upon their analyses, I often agree. Perhaps there were subconscious influences in operation on my part. The bottom line is that all readers approach a poem based on their unique backgrounds and personalities. Such is the beauty of poetic appreciation.

Accuracy is also important for readers and writers alike. Poetry can be fictitious, but when topics are rooted in the real world, please do your research. I have written many poems using medical, scientific, historical, and other fact-based themes. Despite how well crafted they might be, I would be mortified if they contained incorrect facts. Avoidable mistakes do a disservice to knowledgeable readers and can tarnish a poet’s reputation. Similarly, when writing about personal situations, be genuine. Your passion and sincerity will shine through.

I have addressed some of the technicalities of composition but what about the sources of the ideas themselves? It is my practice to keep a journal in which I jot down random ideas for poems. Just because an idea comes to mind does not mean a poem must be composed immediately. Sometimes I find it best to diarize my thoughts and then write the poem when the mood is just right.

In my earlier days, I used to keep a notepad and pen on my bedside table. When an idea came to me in the middle of the night, I would scrawl it down and try to decipher my chicken scratches in the morning. I do not do that anymore. If an idea is compelling, I will remember it the next day. Besides, a good night’s sleep is refreshing and helps the brain to be more productive.

Poems have persnickety minds of their own. You may intend to address a particular topic and suddenly the poem will decide to veer off in a completely different direction. I have learned to respect these shifts and often find the final result to be much improved. Even so, I do not believe any poem is ever truly finished. While I recommend multiple drafts, it is invariably best to allow some time to elapse so you may view your work with fresh eyes.

As important as it is to ensure the correctness of facts, it is also necessary to ensure the correctness of form. For example, when I write a pantoum, I review the rules for its construction and verify that the second and fourth lines of each stanza become the first and third lines of the following stanza.

On a related note, when submitting work to publishers who specialize in specific forms, familiarize yourself with their requirements. That said though, how you approach each individual poem and where you decide to submit it is always your artistic decision as a creator.

When inspiration strikes, run with it. Experimental and visual poetry, in particular, provide an infinite number of avenues to explore and afford more creative freedom. Personally, I do not restrict myself to any set form or style, but I do have my favourites.

As someone who composes and translates poetry in six languages, I would offer a suggestion to those who aspire to write in other languages. Although it may be tempting to draft a poem in English and then translate it into your language of choice, that is not the best approach. It has been my experience that poetry comes across as most natural when it is composed in its original language. That is why I generally write my non-English version first and then translate it once I am done.

No matter the language or style, my goal has always been to have my poetry resonate with readers such that it lingers in their consciousness. I cherish my collection of poems by other poets whose writing has affected me deeply. It is my wish that your poetry will have this effect on others as well. Reach for the stars and enjoy your literary journey!

Fern G. Z. Carr is a lawyer, teacher, and poet. She composes poetry in six languages, including Mandarin, and has been published extensively worldwide. One of her poems is orbiting the planet Mars on NASA’s MAVEN spacecraft. Her book, Shards of Crystal (Silver Bow Publishing 2018), is available on Amazon. Find Fern at ferngzcarr.com