Writing poetry can seem intimidating, but these tips from experienced poets can help you get started!
Remember that nobody "owns" poetry. Anybody can be a poet, and there is no right way to approach writing poetry.
Join a creative writing group. Feedback in a supportive environment can be a great way to grow as a writer.
Read poetry! Keep an open mind and expose yourself to a variety of poems.
Find something concrete to write about. For example, try writing about a season, observing your environment, or describing how you feel.
Set yourself up for success -- turn off your phone and find a comfortable place where you won't be disturbed, at least for a little while.
Avoid using clichés. Overused phrases (like "dawn to dusk" and "the grass is always greener") can make a poem sound lackluster and inauthentic. Avoiding them can be tricky, and it helps to focus on describing how you actually feel -- not how you think somebody else might feel.
Take a break. Putting a poem down and coming back to it later can give you a fresh perspective!
Be brave. Doing something for the first time can be nerve-racking, and it's easy to get discouraged. Don't be afraid to ask for help, take a break, or start over.
These tips are from Emily Byrnes's blog post for the Poetry Book Society and Dr. Becky Varley-Winter's blog post for The Poetry School.
