Dear Aspiring Poet

Dear New Poet,

Modern poetry to me engages readers in seeking their own deep or higher meaning to life experiences. It utilizes symbolism imagery and varied verse that speaks to intellect and emotion.

The best advice I have is that which was given to me:

1) Read all types of poetry every chance you can. Make notes of poets you like and why; note poetry forms that appeal to you.

2) Make lists of words, expressions, phrases you find fascinating, interesting, anything that grabs your attention. Also, keep lists of new words and definitions. I use phone apps for notes, lists, thesaurus, dictionary.

3) Write about your own experiences, beliefs, life.  Write in a quiet place. Jot down whatever comes to mind, your feelings. Anytime you get an inspiration, write it down, record it. Those thoughts you just know you will remember forever will float away in no time at all.

4) Experiment. Try different word placements, edit  edit, edit. Leave it for awhile or overnight. Edit again. Read your piece outloud. Pay attention to awkward points and edit those.

5) Have fun with it. Throughout the day, observe situations and people. Be open to suggestions and critiques. Poets never stop learning.

A workshop assignment led me to poetry at a time when I was emotionally on overload. Besides being therapeutic, writing poetry gives me a sense of accomplishment.

Favorite THEMES include the joy and pain of 1) Love, 2) Family, 3) Sobriety, 4) Death, 5) Nature. 

My favorite REFERENCE sources are: 1) rhymezone.com, 2) howmanysyllables.com, 3) PoetrySoup Cliche Finder, 4) smallseotools.come, 5) shadowpoetry.com

Favorite poems I have written are: 1) Grandsons, 2) Absence, 3) Remembering Johnna, 4) Lady, 5) Surrender or Die, 6) Pocket Watch 2, 7) Time Of Us, 8) No More, 9) Girls of Halloween, 10) Halloween Birthday.

My literary BACKGROUND: Always an avid reader, journalism courses led to newspaper editing and reporting. After 25+ years of a successful medical research and transcription career, physical problems forced a change. As a member of a local writers group, two short stories were published, and in the last few years, as an aspiring poet, several poems have been published.

Possible Title - Let Your Poems Say It For You

May 15, 2018


Tips For Modern Poetry Contest by Line Gauthier
Third Place
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Moorman Avatar
July 5, 2018 at 11:02 PM
Susan, congratulations on your placement in this contest. As always, your sentiment shows. Great job from a great poet.
Gentry Avatar
July 6, 2018 at 1:41 AM
Oh so sweet of you! Thanks too for your words of encouragement. Will be answering sometime today.
Ashley Avatar
July 5, 2018 at 9:35 PM
An insightful compilation of wise advise for writing poetry, Susan. I enjoyed learning more about you in your wonderfully expressed prose..I can relate to why writing poetry works for you in your life. Congratulations on your excellent win. Warmest wishes always my friend.. ~Susan
Gentry Avatar
July 6, 2018 at 1:39 AM
Thanks so much, Susan! Such a nice comment. Same to you... :)
Cunningham Avatar
July 5, 2018 at 10:39 AM
Congratulations on your win Susan. Tom.
Gentry Avatar
July 5, 2018 at 6:12 PM
Thanks, Tom.
Gentile Avatar
July 5, 2018 at 9:05 AM
And congratulations to you as well Susan. Now I know why your level of articulation was achieved, Just excellent!!
Gentry Avatar
July 5, 2018 at 6:12 PM
Thanks, Mike!
Pett Avatar
July 5, 2018 at 7:59 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved win Susan, great advice, so well written. :))
Gentry Avatar
July 5, 2018 at 6:11 PM
Thank you.
Roper Avatar
July 4, 2018 at 10:26 PM
Congratulations on your wonderful win... Hugs Eve
Gentry Avatar
July 5, 2018 at 6:10 PM
Thank you, Eve!
Dietrich Avatar
June 14, 2018 at 6:59 PM
Looking for something of yours I haven't read. Any ideas for me? Yes, I still have to do THIS contest. I think there are ten on my list. OH MY!!
Gentry Avatar
June 15, 2018 at 1:36 AM
I'm behind too, Andrea. Playing catch up with comments and contest winners still. I have a few to post, so will let you know.
Turner Avatar
May 15, 2018 at 10:15 PM
The only thing I would add is keep it simple. nobody likes to read what they don't understand, Less is more. i enjoyed reading this very much. It is inspiring!Good luck, Susan:)
Gentry Avatar
May 16, 2018 at 1:47 PM
That is true. Less is more. You have great insight, my friend.
Dietrich Avatar
May 15, 2018 at 5:58 PM
Gosh, when I see the way you did this, I think I can do it now. I felt overwhelmed by the blog, but you did this very easily and VERY well. Love it, Susan.
Gentry Avatar
May 16, 2018 at 1:46 PM
Thank you! I thought that way too and not really sure this is what she wants. I'm sure you can make it fun and interesting...
Onclaud Avatar
May 15, 2018 at 4:09 PM
An absorbing guideline for modern poetry:course 201, susan... very enriching!... huggs
Gentry Avatar
May 16, 2018 at 1:43 PM
Thank you!
Michael Avatar
May 15, 2018 at 11:42 AM
Sharing ideas are wonderful...and so you have done...All the best Susan
Gentry Avatar
May 16, 2018 at 1:43 PM
Thank you!
Sietesantos Avatar
May 15, 2018 at 9:57 AM
Susan, this piece is very inspirational, insightful, and greatly encouraging to new poets! An excellent entry for the contest! Hugs. Pandita
Gentry Avatar
May 16, 2018 at 1:42 PM
Thank you!
Allison Avatar
May 15, 2018 at 5:46 AM
great advice Susan:-) hugs jan xx
Gentry Avatar
May 16, 2018 at 1:42 PM
Thank you!
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