06-13-2015, 04:30 AM
We've all been where you're at. There is an incredible amount of information to learn to write good or even passable poetry. It's like the old how do you eat an elephant question? One bite at a time. I think writing is how you get good at writing. Also critical reading can help. Find a poem you like, and analyze why you like it, what makes it tick, and then try to use those techniques in your own writing.
The easiest method though might be to write something, realizing all of the time that you are not your poem, and it will largely be bad (this is everyone's experience at nearly anything they start--barring a few prodigies). Listen to the critique and try to make changes where you agree with the critique. Always look for the why of a change.
You can almost start anywhere. A thick skin, willingness to fail, and persistence will take you a long way.
The easiest method though might be to write something, realizing all of the time that you are not your poem, and it will largely be bad (this is everyone's experience at nearly anything they start--barring a few prodigies). Listen to the critique and try to make changes where you agree with the critique. Always look for the why of a change.
You can almost start anywhere. A thick skin, willingness to fail, and persistence will take you a long way.
The secret of poetry is cruelty.--Jon Anderson