Spark Some Inspiration with this Creative Toolkit for Poetry Writing!

Get your creativity flowing with this poetry writing toolkit. We help you with ideas for essential tools and resources to inspire your best work yet! Even the best poets need a little help staying inspired and may sometimes battle writer’s block or boredom. If you want to freshen up your poetry style, we have some fun tools for you, which includes tips, resources, and activities.

Tool #1: An Inspiration Vault for Your Poetry Writing Ideas

We all need a safe space for our thoughts, and it helps to scribble out any fleeting phrases and midnight metaphors that come up before they disappear. You could buy a dedicated journal or, for more affordable options, create a file with some pages, use a digital notes app, or even the voice recorder on your phone. Forget poetry writing perfection in this ideas space; just let your thoughts flow freely as they come to you.

Tool #2: Word Wizardry with a Thesaurus and Dictionary

If you want to expand your vocabulary and use more interesting language, a dictionary and thesaurus can help you find just the right meaning or synonym – and these tools exist online for free! An online rhyming dictionary can also help you discover unexpected word pairings and fresh sounds if you want to write rhyming poetry.

Tool #3: Mood Boards for Visual Inspiration

Sometimes, words need a little encouragement. A mood board filled with images, colours, and textures can bring your poetry writing to life. You can create a physical collage of magazine clippings or try a digital board on various free websites and apps like Pinterest, surrounding yourself with visuals that help you generate ideas. Try building mood boards based on specific topics like love or nature, and watch how your writing takes on new depth.

Tool #4: Music and Soundscapes

Poetry uses rhythm. If you’re struggling to find your flow, music may be the solution. Songs and soundscapes can set the tone for your piece and help you find emotions you didn’t even realise existed. Natural sounds like those of the bushveld at night or peaceful rain falling could also shape your poetry writing, so be sure to give it a try!

Tool #5: Idea Branching with Mind Maps

Do you ever feel like you have the seed of an idea but don’t know how to grow it? One of the best poetry writing tips involves mind maps! Start with a central theme like an emotion, experience, or something as simple as a colour – and then branch it out with connected thoughts, words, and images. Before you know it, you’ll have a network of inspiration ready to be woven into your verses. Mind maps encourage non-linear thinking, allowing for unexpected connections to help you create a piece with more depth.

Tool #6: Start a Word Bank

Every writer has a few favourite words, the ones that just feel good to say, write, and read. Why not collect them? A word bank is like a personal stash of terms you resonate with, and you can draw from it whenever you need inspiration. You can keep a running list in your notebook or phone, adding new discoveries whenever they catch your attention. If you’re ever stuck without ideas, you can revisit your word bank and see what could work for a new poem.

Tool #7: Free Poetry Competitions

Nothing fuels creativity like a little challenge! Entering poetry competitions and online challenges can push you out of your comfort zone, which is always a superb way to grow. Platforms like the AVBOB Poetry Project offer free contests where you can share your work in all 11 official languages and even win exciting prizes! Writing with a prompt or deadline helps you think outside of the box while still improving your skills.

Tool #8: Read and Absorb Poetry You Love!

Inspiration for poetry writing also comes from reading the words of others. Surround yourself with poetry you enjoy, then see what moves you to write. Within the AVBOB Poetry Project library, you’ll find thousands of South African poems to explore. The more poetry you read, the more your writing will evolve.

Poetry writing takes talent, but this can improve through nurturing your creativity and staying open to inspiration in all its forms. If you have any questions about starting out or want to know more about the AVBOB Poetry Project, you can talk to us today!