| 1. when an
idea for a piece of
writing comes to you - immediately start jotting down any and all words and phrases "imagined" 2. write using free flow “brainstorming” 3. don't exclude anything on the fly -write all that comes to mind 4. write in short sentence prose - when stumped, do “story writing” - condense later * 5. if need be- close eyes, visualize, - stare at a photo or image that spawns ideas 6. give life to the objects in your poem- personify them – “crackling fire” Stones 7. write the truth as you know it. - do not judge your thoughts until later. 8. write feelings and views with passion - hard things to both teach and learn for some. She's Always There 9. add a unique perspective - many other poets have described the sunrise / sunset - see mother nature in new ways Tune-Up 10a. write through another sentient being’s eyes - bird’s eye view Vancouver City 10b. see the tree, feel the tree, be the tree! Trees Are Naked Now |
11.
observe intimate details - quietly watch blossoms open in sunshine Crocus Quiver 12. the reader must be there with you and be able to step into the poem - poems make the reader leave reality for the moment Dawn 13. poets are dreamers - close eyes -stare blankly into space -turn off lights 14. do not to use too many pronouns unless they are the focus of rare poems She's Always There 15. poems should have a rhythm but not necessarily rhyme A Secret 16. do not allow rhyming to dominate the image(s) for the sake of rhyme - do not change the meaning for the sake of rhyme – this is the biggest challenge Passing of the Boots 17. USE Roget’s Thesaurus until your vocabulary is massive - Do NOT use antiquated obscure words for the sake of rhyme - alter word A to rhyme with B if there is no clear word for B 18. experiment with different types of rhyme scheme, some will suit your writing more 19. Free-verse is a poem that has no form - like short pieces of prose with intense imagery Through My Eyes Dylan Thomas' Child's Christmas in Wales * Alternately: write a very detailed descriptive prose account of an experience - reduce to simplest imagery by removing all un-necessary words especially conjunctions and determiners – AND, THE, BUT, THIS, HERS - alter words until there is a rhythm - rhyme if/as needed |