Tips on Writing Poems

A poem has constraints or rules. You have a few choices -  to obey them or to flout them. I recommend that you follow them. Creativity is a funny thing, it works even when you are dancing with chains. Here are my personal suggestions.

Ideas Come First: The initial step in writing is the generation of ideas. This is the foundation of the writing process, and it is crucial to allow the imagination to flow freely. Do not limit yourself or become discouraged if the ideas seem far-fetched or incomplete. Instead, focus on generating as many ideas as possible, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Write down each thought that comes to mind and worry about organizing and refining them later.

Begin with a Draft: Once you have generated a list of ideas, it is time to begin with a draft. This is the stage where you start putting your ideas into words. The key here is to focus on the message you want to convey and not on the grammar or sentence structure. Write without censorship, and do not be afraid to make mistakes. The goal of a draft is to capture the essence of your ideas, so don’t get caught up in trying to make it perfect.

Try Not to Aim for Perfection: Writing is an iterative process, and the draft is just the beginning. Instead of striving for perfection, try to focus on getting your ideas down on paper. Remember, the first draft does not have to be perfect, and it is likely to change as you revise and edit it. This is why it’s important to not get too attached to any particular aspect of the draft and to be open to making changes as necessary.
Every piece of writing can be edited or revised. After all, one can't edit a blank page.

Revise It: Once the draft is complete, it's time to revise it. This is the stage where you refine your ideas and improve the flow of the piece. Read through the draft carefully and make changes as necessary. This is the stage where you can improve sentence structure, add more details, and clarify your message. Don't be afraid to cut out unnecessary information or to rearrange sentences to improve the flow of the piece.

Ask for Opinions: After revising the draft, it can be helpful to get the opinions of others. Share your work with a trusted friend, family member, or even a writing group. Listen to their feedback, and consider the suggestions they offer. This can be a valuable opportunity to see your work from a fresh perspective and to make further improvements. Keep in mind that feedback is just that – feedback – and ultimately the final decision on what changes to make is yours.