Key tips for writing new poems

Ideas to get you started

Brainstorm a starting point

This can be a line, phrase, image, feeling, or memory that inspires you to write. Don't worry if it's not a grand topic, as poetry can be found in the everyday.

Free-write in prose first - Before trying to write the poem itself, do some free-writing in prose to explore the topic, feelings, and ideas you want to capture.

Consider form and structure - Experiment with different poetic forms, styles, and structures, like rhyming, syllables, free verse, etc. This can help shape your poem.

Use vivid, sensory details - Include concrete, descriptive words that appeal to the senses and help the reader visualize the scene or experience.

Incorporate figurative language - Use metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to make your language more evocative and impactful.

Edit and refine - Don't be afraid to revise your poem multiple times, cutting unnecessary lines and polishing the language until you're satisfied.

Find inspiration in other works - Read poems by writers you admire to help spark ideas and influence your own creative process.

The most important thing is to simply start writing and not worry about creating a "good" poem. Poetry is about capturing moments, emotions, and the human experience in a concentrated way.

Here are some key tips for deciding on the length of a poem:

Consider the poetic form and structure. If you are writing in a traditional form like a sonnet or haiku, the length is largely dictated by the established rules of that form.

Reflect on the themes, emotions, and ideas you want to convey. Shorter poems can create a more concentrated, impactful effect, while longer poems allow for more development and exploration.

Pay attention to the natural flow and rhythm of your language. Let the cadence of the words guide the overall length, rather than arbitrarily deciding on a set number of lines.

Experiment with different lengths, from short, concise verses to longer, more expansive pieces. See how the length impacts the tone, pacing, and effect of the poem.

Consider the overall structure and organization of your poem. Grouping lines into stanzas of varying lengths can create visual interest and emphasize shifts in theme or mood.

Avoid writing an overly long poem just for the sake of length.

Concision and precision are often more powerful than verbosity.