Part of the 'Complete Idiot's Guide' series.
Poetry has never lost its original purpose - as a means of expression for everyone, no matter whom they are. Most people who read and study poetry also write it, as do many, many others. Writing poetry offers an intellectual, emotional, and artistic challenge. With this guide, aspiring poets - those who write for their own pleasure and those who dream of publication - will have the world of poetry opened wide for them.
The book covers:
- Learning the poetic process and the tools of the poet's trade
- Painting with words - working with imagery, metaphor, repetition, tenor, tone, and voice
- To rhyme or not to rhyme? And what about meter?
- How to write love poems, chants, sonnets, epics, and more
- Political poems and limericks - the deep and the shallow of poetry
- How to read your poetry aloud
- Surrounding yourself with poets - groups, conferences, colonies, and workshops
- Entering poetry competitions
- Dealing with writer's block
Filled with practical advice, writing exercises, and examples, this book takes the mystery out and makes writing poetry fun and rewarding to do!