Q&A for How to Be a Poet

If you are looking to be a poet, reach for your soul, heart and mind. Listen to the Earth. Feel the aromas of life. Record your feelings by writing them down in rhymes and metaphors.

Well, it depends on what you're trying to do. Sometimes you want to use words that have more than one meaning, or sometimes you are looking for words with certain sounds. Use the words that seem right and don't worry if they're too simple or complicated.

No, rhyming is not necessary when writing poems. Many of the world's most famous poems don't rhyme!

You should use as much emotion as you feel like you need to in your poem. Poems are generally very emotional though.

Write a poem from the depth of your heart. It must create a connection betweeen the reader and the inner meaning of the poem. However, keep in mind that different people prefer different poems. Your poem won't speak to everyone, just like not all poetry will speak to you.

Yes, anyone can become a poet. If you can string together words and create something interesting and vivid, you have a good chance. But you must not forget that being a poet is not a goal but, a life long process. Anyone can be a poet, but it takes a lot of skill and practice to be a good poet.

Publish work that is consistently unique and impressive.

When you have finished writing, share it with others, especially people whose writing you respect.

Poetry reflects the mind of the poet. Some poets strive to convey "a concrete message." Some prefer to be more subtle and intangible in their imagery. Part of the fun of reading poetry is discovering a poet's art and intention.

It's a very good way. You could define poetry as an indirect and imaginative manner of expression.

Follow the instructions listed in the article above.

Yes, if you want a traditional publisher to publish your work, you'll have to be "a really good poet." If you're willing to self-publish, you can be any kind of poet you want.

There's nothing wrong with writing poems that rhyme. Writing really good poetry that rhymes is quite challenging, so if you can do it, more power to you! Writing unrhymed poems is much easier but quite acceptable in most literary communities.

You need copyright (unless you want to keep your poems a secret from the world, in which case a paper journal will do) - but luckily for you, copyright applies automatically as soon as a work is created. Registering copyright will help you defend your rights, but it is only a formality that is not technically required.

Of course! Being a poet as a child would help improve their English. If you are a parent, look into doing short poems with your child. If you are a kid, you can practice things such as short stories, rhyming, and more!

It may sound boring to do, but read your dictionary and Thesaurus. Fall in love with words and be proactive about word use.