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Creative Out-Let Go of Writer's Block

by Michelle Smith

read: "How to write a poem" under Poetry Resources -- follow steps
create a book review/ reaction/ reflection while reading/ after finishing a book -- in any Poem Type format you want -- write while your feelings about it are still fresh, or after you've had time to think, but before you forget about it
if there's something in what they wrote that reminds you of your own life, share about that -- write something different in your own words
share different emotions that strike you -- delight, sympathy, amusement, pity, puzzled, thoughtful, inquisitive, tragic melodramatic melancholy, whatever
if a beautiful setting strikes you in something you read, describe it in a poem
if a character from something you read meant something to you, try to put them into words -- different words than the author
if you can only think of one rhyme, that's cool -- a "couplet" is a poem too! :)
haiku can be fun and easy because it's just 3 lines and doesn't have to rhyme
free verse and blank verse can express things without having to rhyme either
if you think of just the title -- start writing, and while attempting to add rhyming stanzas -- a story might surprisingly take shape
keep a little notepad by your bed in case your mind stays awake w/ writing ideas that you can brainstorm and develop the next day
bring a notepad with you everywhere in case you want to jot down a rhyme or story in case you forget before logging back into Poetry Soup
have fun experimenting with different Types of Poems you've never used before (listed in Poetry Soup)
check other famous poems and famous poets to imitate their styles for a while
rewrite an old-fashioned poem using modern language we understand better
take a look-see in the Poetry Soup contests for a motivational "assignment" to start working on
read other Poetry Soupers' poems -- from featured poems of the day, or individual poets' lists... then:
respond to another poet's poem, song, or story -- let it inspire new thoughts
tell a story about something funny that happened today or before
write to a loved one who passed away -- to apologize, to forgive, to remember, or dedicate an Ode or Name acrostic poem in their honor -- even if they won't get to read it, it's still a healing experience within the grieving
describe a memory before you forget all about it; embellish and fictionalize a bit if you wish, you can change the ending too -- you're the writer
fictionalize a part of your life that you wish were different or more than it is right now
rewrite an alternate ending to a book -- like a choose-your-own-adventure
use a popular tune to rewrite a song with different lyrics that rhyme like that
write down something that you would normally want to tell someone out loud
be observant of other people and the little things they do and say, then describe them creatively (hopefully kindly)
just share a snippet of something you'd like to write more on someday
memorialize a special day and what it meant to you
look at a picture and a quote, and put together a poem based on them
go off on a tangent, and don't worry you're not getting graded here, just write
make up words like in the Jabberwocky poem! :D
make up silly definitions for obsolete words (like in the Balderdash game!)
look at the bright side of something and cheer us up
expand upon a Scripture verse; rephrase it into rhyming verse if you like
compose a prayer and share it with others to pray along! :)
always cite the readings/ sources that inspired you, to give credit where credit is due