Today, I would like to talk about how to live a poet's life. I was inspired by The WritingNag.blogspot.com because last week The Writing Nag posted the article How to Be A Poet on ehow.com. The WritingNag gave great tips on how to write poetry now, I would like to expand upon that article and teach you how to live like a poet. P.S. I am also posting a link to the eHow article by the WritingNag.
Step One: Be random and different. Great poetry is abstract, rhythmic, and emotional, or basically, three elements that don't seem to go together placed in a beautiful written art form. Therefore, if you are diverse and interested in a variety of topics, then your writing will reflect these interests.
Step Two: Don't be scared. Try different things. Stay away from your comfort zone and the familiar. If you experience a variety of what life has to offer then you will be more knowledgeable and able to apply this knowledge to your poetry.
Step Three: Have fun. No one likes boring people. Dance, party, and relax so that you have social skills. Social skills are great for writers to have because a writer is better able to relate to and engage the reader. Plus, you'll erase the stereotype that writers are anti-social weirdos.
Step Four: Like WritingNag suggested find poetry in everything. Listen to music, the radio, and watch t.v. and make things that seem simple and un-poetic, poetic. For instance, did you know that Beyonce` says..."I can do for you what Martin did for the people, ran by the man but the women keep the tempo" in Upgrade U from the Bday album? In this song, Bey makes a reference to Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement in a very quick-witted, catchy, yet simple way. Who would've pegged Beyonce` for incorporating poetry in her music?
Step Five: Be friends with writers, but, make other friends also. Writers are great artists, but, let's face it some of us are a little off. Having diverse friends will make you a better writer because you are not always under pressure to compete with other writers nor are you constantly being analyzed by another writer.
Step Six: For the last and most important step, be yourself. Don't try to be the next Walt Whitman, Gwendolyn Brooks, or Shakespeare. Just write about things that you know in your own voice. The accolades will come later.
Remember when the page comes to life, so do you.
WritingNag Link: http://www.ehow.com/how_4901336_be-a-poet.html
Step One: Be random and different. Great poetry is abstract, rhythmic, and emotional, or basically, three elements that don't seem to go together placed in a beautiful written art form. Therefore, if you are diverse and interested in a variety of topics, then your writing will reflect these interests.
Step Two: Don't be scared. Try different things. Stay away from your comfort zone and the familiar. If you experience a variety of what life has to offer then you will be more knowledgeable and able to apply this knowledge to your poetry.
Step Three: Have fun. No one likes boring people. Dance, party, and relax so that you have social skills. Social skills are great for writers to have because a writer is better able to relate to and engage the reader. Plus, you'll erase the stereotype that writers are anti-social weirdos.
Step Four: Like WritingNag suggested find poetry in everything. Listen to music, the radio, and watch t.v. and make things that seem simple and un-poetic, poetic. For instance, did you know that Beyonce` says..."I can do for you what Martin did for the people, ran by the man but the women keep the tempo" in Upgrade U from the Bday album? In this song, Bey makes a reference to Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement in a very quick-witted, catchy, yet simple way. Who would've pegged Beyonce` for incorporating poetry in her music?
Step Five: Be friends with writers, but, make other friends also. Writers are great artists, but, let's face it some of us are a little off. Having diverse friends will make you a better writer because you are not always under pressure to compete with other writers nor are you constantly being analyzed by another writer.
Step Six: For the last and most important step, be yourself. Don't try to be the next Walt Whitman, Gwendolyn Brooks, or Shakespeare. Just write about things that you know in your own voice. The accolades will come later.
Remember when the page comes to life, so do you.
WritingNag Link: http://www.ehow.com/how_4901336_be-a-poet.html
Great article LoudPen! You added a lot to the conversation about writing. I especially like step 6, it's easy to be intimidated by other writers but by finding your own voice you will discover your words matter. And thanks for all of your kind words. You should put this article on eHow it's really good. (And I'll put a link on my article to yours) Keep writing!
Thanks for the compliment about the article. I think I will post it on eHow, thanks a lot.