The Betjeman Poetry Prize

Poets have been admired for centuries, and even nowadays, poetry is still widely read by people of all ages. But what’s even more interesting that you may get into is the actual process of writing poetry.

Many teenagers try to write poetry, but even adults are eager to write poems when they feel inspired. Without further ado, here’s how you can try writing poetry and do it successfully.

#1 There Are No Rules

The most important rule in poetry writing is that there are no rules. It’s great if you know all of the intricacies of this art form, from rhyme to meter to metaphors to similes, but even simply going with your gut feeling can be enough to write great poetry. Everyone’s writing style is unique, so you can’t apply the same approach to every poet.

Some poets prefer rhyming, while others disregard it altogether. Some like metaphors and similes, while others prefer other poetic devices. Some experiment with meter, while others experiment with the poetic form itself. If you are writing and constantly aiming to improve, you can perfect your skills and grow as a poet.

#2 Read A Lot

Poets must read much like fiction and non-fiction writers to know their craft. Read the works of various poets and learn about their personal styles. By understanding how they write, you can find what works for you and develop your approach to writing poetry to create poems you will truly love.

#3 Test Your Skills

Testing your skills is essential to understand whether you are a good poet. For instance, you can participate in poetry competitions and maybe even win prizes. One such contest to check out is The Betjeman Poetry Prize which is open to children aged 10-13 from the UK and Ireland. The poem's theme is “place,” and the prize is £1000.

Additionally, you can get professional feedback by contacting a writer who can write my paper for me, accurately rate your poetry, and give tips on improving it. Getting someone else’s perspective on your work is essential for improving it proactively.

#4 Get Feedback

As mentioned above, feedback is crucial for you as a poet because it helps you understand where you are lacking and how to improve. You can get feedback by participating in contests and talking to professionals, but there are other ways.

For example, you can show your poetry to your friends and family and ask them what they think. Be prepared for criticism and open to it but try to set it apart from hate. You can also publish your poetry online to reach a wider audience and get more feedback.

#5 Edit And Revise

Last but not least, never forget to edit and revise your work. Only some poets can nail their poems on the first try – most have to go back and reassess their stylistic choices before being satisfied with their poems.

Aim to simplify your word choice and use direct words instead of abstract ones. Avoid using cliches and covering common topics from a common perspective. Once you have mastered the “simpler” way of writing poetry, you can try to develop your own style. And always look for new subjects to explore!

Wrapping Up

All in all, becoming a poet is not as difficult as it may seem. Once you start, you only need to keep practicing and writing your poems to grow as an artist. Use these tips to help you set out on your own poetic journey.