Give It a Whirl: Writing Exercises for National Poetry Month

Last week we talked about poetry techniques for fiction or nonfiction. How about writing some actual poetry? For some prose writers, that’s a hell, no! I get it. It’s a totally different form. But you can write in any form of poetry you like! Prose poetry is a thing. So is free verse. If you want to, you can look at all kinds of forms of poetry and their rules for a special challenge. 

Some great poetry prompts:

Writing Prompts for National Poetry Month by Kelly Agodon

22 Poetry Prompts to Help You Write Your Next Great Poem

Poets & Writers weekly writing prompt

125 of the Best Poetry Writing Prompts

Some great books on writing poetry:

The Poet’s Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry – Kim Addonizio

A Poetry Handbook – Mary Oliver

Poemcrazy: Freeing Your Life With Words – Susan Woodridge

How to Write Poetry: A Guided Journal With Prompts to Ignite Your Imagination – Christopher Salerno

The Discovery of Poetry: A Field Guide to Reading and Writing Poems – Frances Mayes

The Ode Less Traveled: Unlocking the Poet Within – Stephen Fry

There are dozens of others, of course, but if you pick just one of these you will develop skills and have prompts for years. Even if you already write poetry, I guarantee you will learn some new ideas and techniques.

The great thing about reading or writing poetry is, epics aside, it’s easy to incorporate into your life. You may become more observant of the physical world and your own sensations and emotions. That will translate into your fiction as well as appreciation of your everyday experience of life. 

Because, like Pablo Neruda, you can always write about your awesome socks.