Poetry 101 - Where to Start?

In this article I will cover one possible approach to poetry that new writers (or those encouraging younger writers) might take as a step into writing poetry. Remember that there are countless processes and to not feel too rigid with any one method. Inject you and your rituals where possible, and leech from others so that you can develop your own style.

Where to start?

Start with a situation. Poetry is all about communicating ideas. The poet is trying to express their observations, comments, thoughts or feelings, whilst hoping to influence the readers in whatever way possible. Some poetry aims specifically but like paintings, it is all down to the perceptions of the viewer.

Think of a situation or put yourself into a situation. Sit with it. In my poem Love Speaks Not With Words, l took a simple breakfast at a cafe to write a love poem. There is no grandeur, just a moment in which I could unpack feelings. When you're writing ensure you have a situation to convey your idea.

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Techniques after ideas!

​Once you have an idea it is time to start making notes. Don't rush into clever lines (unless it comes naturally) just jot down any random thoughts and words as they come. This could be descriptive words or it may be unusual observations.

Look for what you wouldn't normally see. You've paused a moment, take it in and comment on it. You might draw or write key words, possibly even write the odd phrase. Remember there is no pressure in making notes. Make as little or as many as you want.

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Google synonyms.

Now you have some notes it is time to use google! There are people with impressive vocabularies, people with smaller vocabularies, and those of us with a memory like a plank of wood. If, like me, you are a plank of wood, then google is your best friend. Poetry is about playing with language and the use of synonyms allows this. Find a key word that you want a better word for, eg shadow then type into google and search. Suddenly your brain will be jogged with a list of alternatives. I suggest using one that you know from the list but also allow yourself to discover words you haven't used before. When entering the example 'shadow' you get all sorts such as, silhouette, umbra, pall etc. From here you might discover a fantastic image you can use.

Take pall for instance, it has several meanings but one that really stands out is the fact it is a cloth used to drape over coffins. Suddenly you have a new image to use in your poem and it all came from looking up a word! Experiment with this but don't overuse synonyms. Clever words are not as important as content and imagery!

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Technique time!

With some ideas in place it is time to start developing them into phrases for your poem. It can help to write a phrase with a technique in mind although you may find a phrase just develops on its own as your brain naturally plays with patterns and language. Below are a list of techniques by definition.

These are the basics and have no age restriction. Personally, I feel these are the best for young writers and new writers to start with as they are quite easy to attempt, yet they have the chance for depth as well.


simile - comparing one thing to another using the words like, as (try not to be cliche though)
alliteration - the use of the same letter or sounds with words in close proximity
onomatopoeia - a word that phonetically resembles the thing it describes
rhyme - commonly seen as the repetition of the final stressed syllable/sound (try and rhyme within a line like this)
personification - making something seem human when it is not

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Structure.

Keep it free. Some poets like a from but this can be restrictive and challenging (depending on the form). Stay in free verse as it allows more creativity and expression. One line may be only one word or you might go a bit 'prosey' and write a chunk.

​Poetic licence means you can do what you want. I often feel that writing is like carving, sometimes it is better to go with the grain of the wood then force it another way. There I go with wood references again. Let's hope a pun doesn't show up at some point!

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Edit-Edit-Edit!

It is important to edit. No, scratch that, essential. Once you have a draft, leave it alone. Revisit the piece and read it again. See what works and what doesn't and don't be afraid to delete lines or add more. You need to be happy with what you produce but sometimes it is better to shave a 15 line poem down to 3 lines if everything else is just waffle or repetitive. Be cruel!

That's it for now. A beginning. This gives you the basics to start writing. And wood you believe it? I didn't add a pun! ​- Thom

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