4 Reasons to Practice Poetry Even if You're Not a Poet

 

If you’re looking for more actionable ways to improve your writing for a  competitive edge, appeal to broader readerships, and boost your bottom line, here’s the secret sauce: get better acquainted with poetry.

That’s right. Even if you’re not a poetry practitioner, there is value in verse.

And I should know. 

HERE’S THE 4-1-1...

Long before I became a features writer for national magazines, a monthly columnist and an award-winning content creator, I fell in love with language initially through poetry.

Though my work has matured and evolved from those original poems penned about puppy love in my teens, many of the techniques and applications associated with this genre have served me well.

And they can do the same for you too. 

According to Iuniverse.com: “Poetry can help writers of all breeds, be they novelists or nonfiction writers, to improve their craft. The ability to play music to the reader through words or conjure some unforgettable images is something all writers aspire to achieve.”

Since this is National Poetry Month, let’s explore a few practical reasons to practice poetry to enhance your writing career and your bottom line.

HERE ARE 4 KEY THINGS TO CONSIDER:

1. WRITING POETRY TEACHES WORD ECONOMY.

Poetry in its very nature is intended to be brief but substantive. A good example is the Haiku (a Japanese poem that uses only 3 lines and 17 syllables). Writing poetry has helped me to consistently adhere to strict word limits established for creative projects via writer’s guidelines. Shorter pieces also can save time and increase productivity. The practice of poetry has taught me to be intentional in how I share my messages and how I connect with an audience. Remember, “less is sometimes more.” 

2. WRITING POETRY OFTEN EMPLOYS LITERARY DEVICES THAT ADD INTEREST AND DEPTH TO YOUR WORK, REGARDLESS OF GENRE.

Devices such as the use of metaphors, imagery, hyperbole and rhythm. Poetry is to writing what spices and herbs are to cooking.

3. POETRY CAN PROVIDE ANOTHER REVENUE SOURCE FOR YOUR WRITING.

The increased popularity (and awareness) of poetry has now created an abundance of markets that actually pay for work. (Thanks, Amanda Gorman!)  Some publications in fact compensate us very nicely. For example, THREE PENNY REVIEW pays $200.00 for accepted pieces published at their site.

Check out their guidelines here:

https://www.threepennyreview.com/submissions.html

4. POETRY IS AUTHENTIC AND UNIQUE TO THE POET’S DISTINCTIVE STYLE OF EXPRESSION AND VOICE. 

Consider poets such as e.e. cummings, Ogden Nash, Maya Angelou, Amanda Gorman--even Dr. Seuss! 

Study poetry to break away from cookie-cutter content.

IN CLOSING

If you’re on board with learning more about poetry to hone your craft in 2022, here are a few resources:

https://www.writebetterpoems.com/forms-techniques

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-poetry

https://www.iuniverse.com/en/resources/writing-and-editing/6-ways-poetry-can-improve-your-writing

HAVE A HAPPY NATIONAL POETRY MONTH!

Thoughts, readers? Do you pen poetry? 

Do tell.

Image credits: Pixabay.com