LSE Impact Blog ’s Post

📖 Have you ever wondered what is the use of poetry? What exactly does poetry do? Figure these out by reading Joseph Owen and Nicky Marsh's new article on "Putting words to work – does poetry have a purpose?'' 👉 Read it from here:

Novice poets often encounter common stumbling blocks along the path of creativity. Exploring these challenges is not just a part of the process; it's an opportunity for growth and discovery. 5 such mistakes are: 1. Overuse of Clichés: Novice poets sometimes rely heavily on clichés or overly familiar phrases, which can make their writing feel unoriginal or uninspired. It's essential for poets to strive for fresh, unique language that surprises and resonates with readers. 2. Lack of Revision: Poetry often benefits from multiple drafts and revisions, but novice poets might be tempted to settle for their initial draft without fully exploring alternative word choices, structures, or imagery. Learning to revise and refine their work is crucial for growth as a poet. 3. Forced Rhyme and Meter: While rhyme and meter can add musicality to poetry, novice poets may force rhymes or adhere rigidly to a meter, resulting in awkward or unnatural phrasing. It's important for poets to prioritize the overall flow and meaning of their verses over strict adherence to rhyme schemes or meters. 4. Vagueness or Lack of Imagery: Effective poetry often relies on vivid imagery and sensory language to evoke emotions and create powerful mental images. Novice poets may struggle with being too vague or abstract in their writing, failing to engage readers with concrete, evocative descriptions. 5. Failure to Find Their Voice: Developing a unique voice and perspective is a journey for every poet. Novices may initially imitate the styles or themes of their favorite poets without finding their own authentic voice. It takes time and experimentation for poets to discover what truly sets their work apart and makes it compelling. #likhasi #poetry #discoverlife #poem #poetrycommunity #poetrylovers #life #digitalpublishing #bookpublishing #poetrypublishing #poetrypublishingplatforms # #writing #WritingCommunity #AuthorsOfLinkedIn #ReadingPlatform #OnlinePublishing #StorytellingCommunity #WritersNetwork #CreativeWriting #DigitalPublishing #StoryLovers #BookCommunity #Bookworms #WriterCommunity #EbookPublishing #LiteraryWorld #ReadersUnite #BookishCommunity #NovelWriting #StorytellingPlatform #AmWriting #novicepoet

There is no way to succeed in poetry. There is no way to fail. There is only poetry. Everything else is noise off-stage. The prize is the piece of writing you just found hidden in the air. The prize is indistinct. The prize is each other. The prize is the conversation, is being included, is having your thoughts carefully weighed. The prize is belief. All of this is a prize you win without taking part in competition culture. #poetry #poems #writing https://lnkd.in/e7uRwCC4

'#Spokenwordpoetry events are far from your standard #poetryreading. Many people today think of #poetry as a silent, individual act but it actually started as an #oraltradition. Before mass literacy, poems and stories were shared verbally and performed to the public. For example, during the medieval era, it was customary for texts to be performed by an entertainer, such as a minstrel, or the author themselves. In more modern times, #massmedia provided audiences with alternative means of #entertainment and the art of #storytelling declined. The recent and increasing popularity of spoken word (also known as #performancepoetry) is poetry returning to its oral roots. At a spoken word #openmic event, people sign up to perform their original #poems. A local poet will typically organise and host, and venues include cosy cafés, lively pubs, inspiring arts spaces, even cinemas. Most acts are allocated around three to five minutes each, but some events will feature an established #poet as a headline act and they’ll usually deliver a longer curated set. These events can help people achieve #healing and #emotionalbalance. It shares many benefits with written poetry, and other forms of expressive writing, including helping us organise our thoughts, rewrite our narratives and process our emotions – all of which enable us to better cope with difficult experiences or everyday emotions. If you’ve ever written a poem or even journalled about a personal experience, you might already have experienced the #cathartic release achieved by putting your feelings into words. Spoken word poetry offers all these benefits but with the added dimension of #socialconnection, which is central to its essence and is critical to helping participants have a #healingexperience.'

ATTN: Poets! The SFPA speculative poetry contest is open to all poets, including non-SFPA members. Prizes will be awarded for best-unpublished poem in 3 categories: Dwarf (poems 1–10 lines [prose poems 0–100 words]); Short (11–49 lines [prose poems 101–499 words]); Long (50 lines and more [prose 500 words and up]). Line count does not include title or stanza breaks. All sub-genres of speculative poetry are allowed in any form. Entries are read blind; friends/family/students of the judge may not enter. Prizes: In each category (Dwarf, Short, Long): $150 First Prize, $75 Second Prize, $25 Third Prize. Publication on the SFPA website for first through third places." https://lnkd.in/eAyJhDRs

WRT 201 Poetry Research Paper Topic: You are to write about the connections you can make between the life, the works, and the time period in which your approved poet lived. Obviously, you must read biographical material about the poet and some of what the poet has written. Discover what life was like for your poet. Which writers influenced your poet? What events would have had greatest impact? What themes dominate your poet's poems? We will be using databases approved by the BCC library to conduct this research. NOTE: Wikipedia is not an acceptable resource; however, it can be a useful starting point. General Outline: The first section of your paper should provide extensive biographical information (this should take the first 1-1/2 to 2 pages). Use multiple sources for this section (I would suggest at least two or three) in order to provide the most complete information. The second section of your paper will include a copy of a significant poem or two (this should be on its own page; if your poem(s) require more than one page, see me), followed by an analysis of the poem. This may include a discussion of the poem’s rhythm, rhyme scheme, meter, and literary devices such as metaphors, symbols and personification, followed by a reflection upon how those elements enhance the poem’s meaning. (please see Poetry Analysis assignment for specific information). The third section of your paper will make connections between the author’s life (as outlined in your first section) and the author’s work (as discussed in your second section). To enhance your claims, you will need to explore both biographical and critical information about your poet (another 2 or so sources). Format: MLA format is required for this assignment, which should be 6-8 pages in length when complete. You MUST include a Works Cited page. This is the poem to use: . “No Man Is An Island” by John Donne No man is an island, Entire of itself, Every man is a piece of the continent, A part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less. As well as if a promontory were. As well as if a manor of thy friend’s Or of thine own were: Any man’s death diminishes me, Because I am involved in mankind, And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee

Are you a poet looking to expand your reach and impact?This week's Poetry Genius newsletter is dedicated to helping you navigate the world of poetry publishing and promotion. As a professional in the creative field, you know the importance of getting your work in front of the right audience.In this edition, we cover:Top platforms for publishing poetry in 2024 Reader preferences: What types of poetry resonate most Effective strategies for increasing your poem's visibility Networking tips for poets in the digital age Whether you're aiming to build your personal brand as a poet or looking to integrate more creative writing into your professional life, these insights will prove invaluable.Don't miss out on this wealth of knowledge. Subscribe to Poetry Genius today and take your poetic journey to new heights! #PoetryProfessionals #CreativeWriting #PersonalBranding

User-Generated Poetry Contests are a goldmine. → Not all of them → But do explore their potential → Understand their beauty Let me share a scenario: → Someone invites you to an online poetry contest → A renowned poet is the judge of this competition → It "seems" like you're participating alongside them → Only they're not competing, they're elevating the platform So the organizers ask you to share: "I'm thrilled to partake in the 'X' Poetry contest judged by 'Y'!" → People see the judge → Prestige by association, right? → You and the famous poet in one context → Only there's so much more involved Chances are, that renowned poet has NO IDEA that you've submitted a poem. And there's a sea of poetry included, not just yours on the highlight. Is it truly a collaboration? Nope. You merely contributed to a common pool. The twist? → You enter for free, in fact, you could win a prize → The invaluable feedback can lead to growth → How do I know? I've participated in many myself Real-world recognition right? Often, the experience and the journey are more valuable. BTW, I don't see an issue with these contests at all. They're platforms for growth and fostering creativity. However, I just want you guys to explore and understand their essence. So the next time you see a person say : → "I entered the 'X' contest" → "I was adjudged by 'Y'" → "I'm elated to share my creative endeavor" It could very well mean they're growing and embracing opportunities. Which again could be an amazing thing. Just be aware of the dynamics and enjoy the process. P.S. - Please do share ♻️ if you've come across such contests before.

Check out my latest article where I use lessons from my minor (trendwatching) to discuss the effect of individualism on poetry. https://lnkd.in/e9-DiYcN #writer #blogger #individualism #poetry #maryoliver