9 Important Beginner Rules for Writing Great Poems
At The AVBOB Poetry Project, we believe in the power of poems. If you want to experience the transformative force of poetry too, we can help you. It’s an art form that has been around since humans could first write and has always been a method of communicating deep emotions and big ideas uniquely and imaginatively. While the common rules and conventions may seem intimidating or confusing for beginners, we walk you through some fundamental rules for writing outstanding poetry.
- Read Poetry to Improve Your Writing Skills
The more familiar you become with the art of poetry, the easier it will be to find your voice and start writing. Before you try to tackle the Elizabethan English of Shakespeare’s time, however, try to start with shorter, simple poems written on contemporary topics. This will help you become accustomed to factors such as rhyme, meter, length, and stanza forms, and how they influence a piece. You’ll also be able to avoid some common mistakes that beginner writers often make when you pay attention to the poems of experienced poets. - Engage with Live Poetry Readings and Performances
While the study and analysis of poetry can be a fun academic exercise, it’s important not to lose the heart of this art form. If you can attend live readings like a poetry slam, or even look up videos of how poetry is performed, this might greatly inform your own writing skills. - Make a Mess and Don’t Obsess
When first starting with your craft, aim for excellence but try to steer clear of the debilitating perfectionism that stops so many artists in their tracks. Whether perfect or not, it’s essential to start somewhere. In the beginning, don’t worry about whether your process is a mess or not – this you can refine as you continue to practice. Rather, find joy in experimenting and playing with words and ideas, expanding your comfort zone as you go. - There are Plenty of Tools You Can Use
Even professional writers keep a dictionary nearby, and there is no shame in making use of tools such as a thesaurus or rhyming dictionary. The best part is that many of these tools are available for free online. So, whether you are seeking a synonym or want to recheck the grammar in a tricky sentence, you do not have to struggle on your own. - Don’t Be Afraid of Literary Devices
Including literary devices in your poems is a great way to elevate your poetry and better communicate concepts and ideas. If you want people to read between the lines of what you write and understand a deeper message beyond the words found on the page, be sure to use literary devices such as allegories, metaphors, and even zeugmas. - Use Language with Intention
Though many are quite long, poems do not have the same formatting that essays or novels do. This means the language in poetry is often much more concise, without excessive ambling or unnecessary filler words. When writing your piece, every word must be intentional, chosen carefully, and used to convey a very specific message. - Don’t Tell Your Ideas, Show Them
Poetry is the art of painting a picture or capturing a moment with words. It does more than just explain a scenario or describe the details of an event – it helps the reader visualise the impact of, and emotion behind, a concept. Vivid imagery is difficult to fully convey, but using sensory language, poetic devices, and symbolism makes it possible to draw your audience into the world you’re creating. - Explore Ideas Big or Small
Poems can cover just about any subject matter, from life and love to more difficult topics such as death, politics, ideologies, and beliefs. Historically, poetry has been used to represent everything from social transformation and change to more personal and simple expressions, such as a declaration of love on a Valentine’s Day card. - Draw Inspiration from Other Poets Like You
While you may find that you resonate with poets across eras and even languages, there is much to learn from poets who live and write about things you find familiar. The AVBOB Poetry Project understands this and hosts a platform where thousands of South African writers can gather to showcase their poems, no matter their mother tongue. You can view our library of winning poems here.
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