KittensKill's guide to amateur poetry.

I see a lot of people asking for comments, or help with their poems, so I thought I'd tell you about how I do things.

I never try to write in any particular style.
I never edit my poems (other than correcting the spelling and grammar)

poems don't need to rhyme.
Just write what you think, let it flow, don't try to make it do something.

If you want, listen to music when writing, but NOT music that has lyrics, as that can mess up your writing, and distract you.
Instead, listen to lyric-less music. The music might even help give your poem timing.


If you have any suggestions that might help people with their poems, feel free to add them here.

- check your spelling and grammar
- use some form of structure
- post it simple (don't use double spacing, or colored text, or small fonts)
- proofread (does it make sense?)
- post your poems in a single thread, and don't spam the forum with them.

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This is good, KK.

I've always listened to music when I write.
I definitely agree about listening to lyric-less music. The mind has less to be distracted by when there are no lyrics.
Lately, I've been listening to a lot of Angels & Airwaves when I write. Simple lyrics, when they come up, and great music to use for ambience.

Classicfall wrote: I definitely agree about listening to lyric-less music. The mind has less to be distracted by when there are no lyrics.

I've found the NIN album ghosts to be really good, theres no lyrics, its a double album, and it has many moods.
I pretty much ONLY listen to NIN when writing.

Cool, I'll check that out as well.

I'm a fan of classical music too.
I like listening to that sometimes. Lot's of room for changes in dynamics, time signature, and key.
It's such a versatile genre. Sad that most people don't appreciate it these days.

But anyway, to get back on topic...
*ahem*

I almost never rhyme in my material.
I find it a bit overrated, and limiting.

Good advice KK.

I normally listen to Apocalyptica or random classical music I find on YouTube.
Speaking of I found a really good one and I didn't favorite it T_T *goes to search*

Google "Pandora", GT.

It's amazing.
I found a ton of music there that I wouldn't have found elsewhere.

Well you could suggest posting the link to their poems somewhere it will be seen more often like in a signature or on their profile so that they do get more feedback.


I'd also suggest more honest criticism rather than all sunshine and rainbows.

If you don't tell people what they're messing up on they'll never get better.

InnocentDemon wrote: Well you could suggest posting the link to their poems somewhere it will be seen more often like in a signature or on their profile so that they do get more feedback.

or here:
http://forum.emobucket.com/don-t-lose-your-poetry-t25739.html

I just thought of some more stuff that i probably should add to the first post.

- check your spelling and grammar
- use some form of structure
- post it simple (don't use double spacing, or colored text, or small fonts)
- proofread (does it make sense?)
- post your poems in a single thread, and don't spam the forum with them.

KittensKill wrote:

InnocentDemon wrote: Well you could suggest posting the link to their poems somewhere it will be seen more often like in a signature or on their profile so that they do get more feedback.

or here:
http://forum.emobucket.com/don-t-lose-your-poetry-t25739.html

She probably just said that to whore her own poetry since she included a link... lulz... attention whore.

i dont agrees with the music with no lyrics. what i do is i get inpired by listening to music. the words can help me think about what i am trying to say!!!!!!! so jus remember that you cant speak for every1........

I find writing down quotes and phrases in an notebook to be helpful. They may inspire you later on.
For instance, when i want to write "dark" poetry, I have a list of words and phrases about those sort of things. (blood, corpses, graves, death, darkness, etc, you get the general idea) and then look at those words and get ideas. Also, keep a notebook or scrap of paper with you and when you think of something, even just one line that sounds good, write it down. It may come in handy later.

lostgirl wrote: i dont agrees with the music with no lyrics. what i do is i get inpired by listening to music. the words can help me think about what i am trying to say!!!!!!!

Actually,all it does it help you to plagiarize. No lyrics means your thoughts are original and uninfluenced by other peoples words.
And there's another big mistake. Trying to say something in your poems. Don't do it.
Let your subconscious take over, just sit back and enjoy the ride.

mcr666 wrote: Also, keep a notebook or scrap of paper with you and when you think of something, even just one line that sounds good, write it down. It may come in handy later.

i have several notebooks. the only problem i have with them is that i cant read my own writing