Posts
First I've been receiving some wonderful awards from so many of you I want to pause and thank you. Please go visit these wonderful people: Wub2Write, Nutschell, Margo Kelly, Misty Provencher, and the ever lovely Susan Kaye Quinn who celebrated my niceittude on her blog with several others. *Blushes*
Now! On to the meat of the post. Let's talk about poetry today. Why is poetry important? First check out the amazing C. Lee McKenzie's post on the subject that inspired me.
I won't restate Lee's post. What I will do, is apply it in my own way. I've always loved writing poetry. At times in my life when I've been besieged with emotion, I've put pen to paper and let the words flow.
How does this effect my prose? Of course I do my best to follow rules, and pay attention to things like plot and character arcs, etc. But truth be told in that first draft (remember I'm traditionally a pantser people) I write mostly by feel.* I just let it all bleed out. Then I can revise. But honestly, I believe the heart of my work comes when I am in this state.
What does this have to do with you? Especially if you're a plotter and write differently than I do? Easy. It's a gentle reminder not to forget the art in what we do. I keep hammering in the point on this blog that this is both art and business. But it is so important not to lose that drive - that LOVE - that makes us do this in the first place.
So do me a favor in honor of national poetry month. Go write something from your heart. Let the words fall onto the page without any internal or external editor standing guard. Allow them to spring from that fountain inside of you that made you start on this journey in the first place. It can be a poem, or a short story, or an entire novel. I don't care. Then cherish those words that came from your soul. Give them a hug. And remember your creative spirit.
*I hope you understand that I am not intimating that poets don't revise. That's not my intention. But to me, poetry is closer to that part of us because there is more freedom in terms of format and style.
I am not a poet. I've never tried to write poetry and don't feel like I'd have much of a knack for it. HOWEVER, I totally agree with this. I love reading lyrical writing and the work of authors who play confidently with words to not only tell the story, but to shape how the prose hits readers' eyes and minds. And I do absolutely have a rhythm to how I write, particularly when I am conveying strong emotion--the style and tempo of my writing is definitely different depending on what's called for in a scene. Another great post, Lisa! And you deserved all those awards, in my opinion!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loves commercial/literary books that have a touch of poetry in the words! Funny or serious.
ReplyDeleteI had to write poetry for a creative writing class a year or so ago and it was fantastic. It really is such a different medium. You have to think about every word, and it's a great way to bring that talent over to writing a novel!
ReplyDeleteSarah - You're too sweet! I agree, the rhythm is important, that's why, I believe, so many of us don't want to quit once we get on a roll.
ReplyDeleteLaura - Agreed! Or even those with more than a touch, like Ellen Hopkins.
Elena - I think it's good to try it. It helps you think of things in a new light, and that's ALWAYS good for us writers!!
Lisa, I love this. Sometimes we (I) get caught up in the 'now' of it all. I keep a journal of things I'm thankful for, and while it's not poetic to others, it is to me.
ReplyDeleteJulie - that's perfect! Poetry is an individual thing IMHO. :D
ReplyDeleteYou know, I've lost inspiration in my WIP (though I know it's only temporary; it's happened before and it's always come back) - I think this might really help. Thank you, my wise Obi-Wan :)
ReplyDeleteLove that Susan K. Quinn.
I used to write poetry when I was younger but it isn't something I've done much of lately. It can have a beautiful affect on one's writing though. If you haven't read The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell be sure to pick it up, it's a great example of beautiful, almost lyrical writing. ;)
ReplyDeleteYes. Let the words flow and find the joy in seeing those thoughts in physical space. Excellent. And thank you for the link. That was a wonderful surprise this morning.
ReplyDeleteMargo - I hope it's helpful. I must keep my status as the wise Obi-Wan!
ReplyDeleteHeather - I want to read that, but haven't yet! I will check it out.
Lee - :D Like I said, you're awesome.
I never write poetry but this is such a good reminder to write just for the sake of writing, because it's something you love. I'll try that as I continue with my first draft. :)
ReplyDeleteGhenet - That's exactly what I wanted you to get out of it. ;D
ReplyDeleteI'm a plotter, but every time I write I'm surprised by what comes out. THe joy of writing!
ReplyDeleteJill - If it weren't for that surprise, I'm not sure we could stick it out for a whole novel. :D I love that part of it!
ReplyDeleteHi :))
ReplyDeleteI'm a poet! I definitely agree on what poetry does to you and your feelings. That's why I love doing it.
Thank you,
Fida
Fida - Hi! That's wonderful, thanks for commenting! :D
ReplyDeleteI'm very inhibited when it comes to poetry, I'll admit it. I wrote some a long time ago, but at some point I need to cut loose and try again. Maybe not today. I'll need to work up some courage. Thanks for the nudge! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a free verse/Haiku gal myself. I'm not good at all the meter and rhyme rules. I recently found a file of poetry I wrote in high school. No wonder they sent me to the counselors office.
ReplyDeleteI love writing freely too! Although - sometimes my prose is prettier during revision. Great Post!
ReplyDeleteSusan - No one else has to see it!! Come on... You know you want to... He he he.
ReplyDeleteLeslie - I'd pay to see that.
Alexis - Yes, revision is necessary for a reason. :D But it's also nice to let the words flow. :D
My friend and I started a poetry blog for national poetry month. :) It's been so much fun - how I've missed poetry!
ReplyDeleteLOL I would choke if I couldn't revise. I love to revise. :D
ReplyDeleteBethany - Yay! That sounds like fun. That's why I joined the Dead Poet's Society.
ReplyDeleteStina - I didn't say NOT to revise!!! Silly silly woman. I said to write for a bit without worrying about that part of it. Of course revision is VERY important. :D
I don't write poetry, but I do love to read it--both for the lessons I can learn as a writer, and because it's so beautiful to see something done in so few words.
ReplyDeleteAmie - :D Love that sentiment.
ReplyDeletePoetry filters into fiction in some of the best writing. We need our creative spirit with us all the time, and in forcing myself to write a flash piece for 26 days in April, I've realized how important it is to write from the heart. All the time. Even during re-writes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post.
damyantiwrites - Sounds like a great exercise! :D I think the best prose reads like poetry.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa, for your comment on my post. Your words meant a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteI hope you come visit me again. I need all the encouragement I can get to cross the finish line.