7 Important Things Every Beginner Poet Should Know

 7 Important Things Every Beginner Poet Should Know

Have you fallen in love with poetry already, but you are still asking yourself: how do these guys go about writing such a wonderful, and captivating piece? And you really want to know the poetic magic: how it's done. Don't worry, we've penned down 7 important things you should know as a beginner poet, which, if practiced, will make you a professional poet who not only writes on paper, but also in the tablet of men's hearts. 

1. Read Widely and Consistently

A poet becomes stronger through exposure to different voices(that is, reading works of different poets). A professional is not the one who learns and never puts to practice, but the one who utilizes the available resources to stand out in the midst of millions of people doing the same thing. How do you do this? It could only be done by reading people. Reading poetry: both classical and contemporary, helps you understand how language, rhythm, and imagery work in practice. It broadens your creative horizon as you slowly become a ready scribe in the creative sphere. It introduces you to new techniques, and teaches you the many possibilities available within a poem. The more you read, the more naturally poetic expression will flow into your own writing.

2. Master the Art of Showing, Not Telling

One of the foundations of effective poetry is the ability to paint vivid pictures rather than state plain facts. Poetry, in its actual sense, may be a mere abstraction. But I tell you, it has life. Use the available tools to make it talk, do all those things humans can do. Instead of telling the reader what to feel, show them through sensory details, metaphor, and imagery. A good poem allows the reader to experience the emotion instead of being instructed about it. “In the abundance of my soul's burden, my eyes welled the fountain” speaks deeper than “I cried.”

3. Embrace Imperfect First Drafts

A famous writer once said: "You cannot write good books until you've written bad ones". Another writer also said, as I paraphrase: "The best thing to do with your drafts is to go through them again and again, and when you see something well written, you cross it off". No poet creates a masterpiece in one attempt. Early drafts are meant to be raw, exploratory, and imperfect. What matters most is getting the idea down on paper. Refinement comes later through thoughtful editing, shaping lines, improving clarity, adjusting rhythm, and strengthening imagery. Accepting the draft stage removes pressure and frees creativity. A trusted person with knowledge of poetry(not everyone can flow well in poetry as a genre)can also help. 

4. Learn and Use Poetic Devices

Don't just present your work as if you are writing an essay on the topic: The fight between Mr Jollof and VDM. Use something creative, use Poetic devices. Poetic devices are the tools that give poetry its power. Techniques such as metaphor, simile, personification, alliteration, repetition, symbolism, and enjambment enrich expression and add depth to simple thoughts(they make you think outside the box, they make you think like a spirit in the mortal world). Understanding these devices allows a poet to craft lines that resonate, linger, and carry more emotional weight and strength.

5. Develop Your Authentic Voice

Personally, I don't have any problem with you starting somewhere: falling in love with how someone writes, how they present their message. But you should keep in mind that, every poet has a unique way of seeing the world. Rather than imitating popular styles or established writers, you should focus on discovering your own voice. Authenticity makes poetry relatable and memorable. Write from your experiences, your observations, and your truth, because, your individuality is what will set your work apart. People should be able to read a piece from you and say: This is E. L. Teddy's. 

6. Be Specific and Concrete

Strong poetry is grounded in precise and vivid details. Instead of writing in general terms, use images that spark the senses and anchor the reader in a moment or feeling(make them stop and think, and then go slowly expecting to see their names mentioned in the next line but you just address a problem in their lives). Specificity transforms a poem from abstract to captivating. A single clear detail can communicate more emotion than a paragraph of vague statements.

7. Practice Regularly

Sometimes you just have to do it as if your life depends on it. Poetry thrives with consistent practice. Writing even a few lines each day sharpens your skills, strengthens your intuition, and builds confidence. Regular practice also helps you experiment with style, form, and voice. Over time, discipline turns inspiration into skill, and skill into art.

There will come a time when you don't feel like writing at all, but you just have to. 

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