Poets & Poetry Writers

Good Afternoon Poets and Poetry Writers!

We're back once again to continue discussing poetry writing.  Our next topic is  line breaks involving the areas of visual effect, and shape.

Just as poets can use sound techniques like onomatopoeia to create auditory imagery, they can also enlist visual effects or techniques to help create visual imagery, or the sense of how something looks. Most of the time, this is done with descriptive language that gives you a mental image of something, but another clever way that poets can create visual imagery is with visual effects, such as altering the poem's physical shape or placement on the page, or adding illustrations.  Just take a look at the following . . .

Visual Poetry

(example)

Let's take a look at shape as it relates to poetry: A Shape Poem is a type of poetry that describes an object and is shaped the same as the object the poem is describing. You could write your shape poem on anything. You could have a circle-shaped poem describing a cookie, or a poem about love shaped like a heart.  Take a look at the following example . . .

Shape Poetry

(example)

Word placement, line placement, line breaks -- these all can affect the visual imagery or even the meaning of the poem. One interesting example of this is concrete poetry, or shape poetry, where the words or lines of the poem actually make a picture or visually reflect what the poem is about.  In concrete poetry, the words are arranged so that when you look at it as a whole, you can see an image formed by the placement of the poem's parts.  Check out the following example of concrete poetry...

Concrete Poetry

(example)

Onward to the topic of Abstractions . . .

Most people who read poetry are turned off by the now academic approach to poetics, mainly literary schools, literary magazines specializing in academia, and abstractions in modern poetry.  Yet, we need to know what an abstraction is?  Or, rather, when should there be abstractions?  In the art of metaphor, love is a primary object of descriptive language.  Yet, love, in itself, is an abstract idea.  It is a broad term and all encompassing in its use.  This raises the question, how do I use an abstract idea in such a concrete object as a poem? Poems thrive on the language of comparison.  Comparing love to an arrow (such as in Anis Mojgani’s poem “Milos”) is such a use:

when the hangman of morrow comes to hang the sun in its daily execution

sarah

we are apples,

our love is an arrow.

I am unbuttoning my shirt and painting a circle over my heart

please

just shoot straight

This is a metaphor that takes concrete examples to describe an abstract ideal.  It is the power of language that has the ability to describe the indescribable, especially in poetry.  When do you use an abstraction?  When you need to describe a very broad idea.  If this is the case, you would use concrete symbols in language.  Yet, why?  Why do we, as poets, use abstractions?  Mainly because the world is full of abstractions and they need to be described.

Poetry answers another question:  the question of being and presence.  Why are we here to live our lives in a pointless and daunting universe (so it seems).  Poetry is that awkward moment between birth and death.  Everything that is essential to life, in all its abstraction is worth the quality of poetry.  Concreteness is a genuine quality of poetry. Therefore, give those abstractions a definition; give them lines to be seen; and give them a body to use in order to communicate.

Let us now talk about the topic of "imagery" or "images" in poetry...

Imagery is the name given to the elements in a poem that spark off the senses.  Despite "image" being a synonym for "picture", images need not be only visual; any of the five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell) can assist the poet in getting across the intended message in his or her poetry.

However you may come to formulate your poetry dear Poet, do let your spirit be the guide in relation to just how it comes out.  Every poet is not the same, they do not necessarily follow the same guidelines or any guidelines for that matter -- Poets simply "Write"!

We're all looking forward to reading your Poetry, so be sure to share a short poem or two of your poetic works here on the Blog.

See you next time for more exciting discussions here on the Blog dear Readers, Poets & Writers . . .

Peace, Love & Light,

 René

©Copyright - René Allen - APRIL 2017 - All Rights Reserved

Let's talk a little more about POETRY!

Welcome back to the Blog Poets and Creative Writers.  As you will remember from our last session here, we were discussing Poetry and the various elements involving writing good poetry.  We're going to pick back up where we left off...

Poetry orchestrates its music, arguments, tensions, and environment via arrangements of language into lines and stanzas. The importance of line break is a topic that every poet should be familiar with. With that in mind, the question that you were asked to answer when we were last here . . .

The question for every Poet is this: Do you break more for sound, for sense, for visual effect, for shape, or for a mix of several of those reasons?

What was your answer?

Is it sound on which you base your poetic line breaks?

If so, then we need to think about how Poets use sound in a variety of ways to enhance their poems. Here are some examples of sound techniques Poets use to create mood, tone and images...

Rhyme Scheme:

Poets organize rhyming words in a variety of patterns called rhyme schemes. End rhyme is the rhyming of words at the ends of lines of poetry. Internal rhyme is the rhyming of words within one line of poetry.

Repetition:

Repetition is the recurring use of a sound, a word, a phrase, or a line. Repetition can be used to appeal to our emotions, create mood, and to emphasize important ideas.

Alliteration:

Alliteration is the repetition of beginning consonant sounds. The tongue twister, “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,” overuses alliteration.  Alliteration is easy to use, but it is a challenge to use it well when writing poetry.

Assonance:

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds.

Consonance:

Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds anywhere within words, not just at the beginning.

Onomatopoeia:

Onomatopoeia is the use of words that create the sounds they describe. Words like buzz, hum, clank, and crash represent a sound.

______________________

Was your answer to the question -- Sense?

Here are the 5 Senses:

 Smell - What can we smell?
 Taste - What can we taste?
 Touch - What can we feel?
 Sight - What can we see?

 Sound - What can we hear?

As an exercise in relation to the Senses, you can take for example, any of the following subject matters . . .

 A season
 A food

 An emotion

Then use any of the 5 senses to write a Poem.

Sense Poem Examples:

Basic sense poem
Love smells like roses
Love looks like red hearts
Love sounds like birds tweeting
Love feels like soft fur
Love tastes like chocolate

Detailed sense poems:

(Season)
Autumn smells like bonfires and rain
Autumn looks like fireworks exploding brightly in the sky
Autumn sounds like leaves crunching under my feet
Autumn feels like the chilly wind and snuggling under a blanket
Autumn tastes like hot chocolate and Halloween sweets

(Emotion)
Happiness smells sweet like birthday cake
Happiness looks bright like the sun
Happiness sounds cheerful like my mum singing
Happiness feels lovely like a big hug
Happiness tastes yummy like sausages

Detailed and rhyming sense poem
Chocolate smells like heaven so sweet,
When I have it, it is such a treat.
Chocolate looks like shiny brown wood,
I'd eat it all day if I could.
Chocolate feels like a piece of silk,
Glossy and smooth like a glass of milk.
Chocolate sounds like twigs going crack,
When I snap a bit from a brand new pack.
Chocolate tastes like a delicious dream,
If I don't get some, I may scream!

_______________________

The above gives you an idea of line breaks involving "sound" and "sense".  We will come back here to continue our discussion on line breaks involving the areas of visual effect, and shape. 

_______________________

 

We'll also discuss two other meaningful terms: "Abstractions" and "Images". What do those terms mean to you Poet? Come back here to find out more!

Peace, Love & Light,

 René

©Copyright - René Allen - APRIL 2017 - All Rights Reserved

Let's talk about POETRY!

Welcome to another fabulous day dear Blog Readers.  Let us turn our attention to the topic of "Poetry".

Many of you either read Poetry, Write Poetry, or would like to know more about the art of writing Poetry. Since we had been discussing Short Story Writing on our previous Blog posts, we may as well include the uplifting topic of Poetry.

If you are a Poet, you can understand it when I say your goal is not just to write poetry, but to write poetry that makes a statement. You'd like to touch the Readers of your poetic works right?

The most exciting writing begins with the first draft, or the first "write". That includes writing "poetry".

Let us keep in mind that not all people get into poetry the way that you do. But chances are they do know about the Famous Poets of the world. Poets like Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, William Shakespeare, Langston Hughes, William Wordsworth, Lord Alfred Tennyson -- are just a few recognizable names when it comes to Poetry. Of course, there are many others.

Writing poems just to express yourself is fine, and writing poems to express the sentiments of others is even better. When you can speak to the heart of other people, then your poetry is felt within the soul of the Reader. You must love what you do, and do what you love.

Poet Maya Angelou

(Poet Laureate)

"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." ~ Maya Angelou

Poetry can and does change the way you and your Readers see the world and the people in it. Your poetry has the possibility of breaking new ground when you are able to have your poetry translated into different languages. Various cultures around the world can relate to your sentiments when expressed in a language in which they understand you.

Your poetry can become a concert of voices and resonate with sound by the flow of your words. Putting your poetry to music is another way of bringing across the spirit of your poetic message.

Learning just how certain tools of poetic composition can be used (or mis-used) gives you an angle toward writing poetry that is effective for your audience and an expanded audience that can appreciate what your poetic words express.

If you are a Poet, then you know about the joy of writing a poetic piece, and then later being surprised at just how wonderful it is when your poetic words inspire and motivate not only you, but also your Readers.

In our next Blog post, we will talk a little about how poetry orchestrates its music, arguments, tensions, and environment via arrangements of language into lines and stanzas. The importance of line break is a topic that every poet should be familiar with.

The question for every Poet is this: Do you break more for sound, for sense, for visual effect, for shape, or for a mix of several of those reasons?

We'll be back to address the above question, and discuss two other meaningful topics on the next Blog post relating to Poets and Poetry.

Think about these two terms, "Abstractions" and "Images". What do those terms mean to you Poet? Come back here to find out more!

I'm looking forward to having your presence here online for our next continuing segment on the topic of "Poetry".

Peace, Love & Light,

 René

©Copyright - René Allen - APRIL 2017 - All Rights Reserved

Short Story Tip Time

9th Installment

Tuesday, April 25th, 2017

We're back once again for more Short Story Tip Time.  In our 8th Installment, we did an overview of some of the things we had discussed and learned.  We talked about writing in Journals and Diaries to help get our writing flow going.  We also briefly discussed what a Memoir is all about.

For those Writers who were interested in using Writing Apps, information was provided for free Writing Apps for your Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and Desktops.  Any feedback, comments or questions are always welcomed here on the Blog.

You are able to go back to any previous Blog post at any time by simply scrolling down, or clicking on any of the previous Blog post links in the far right hand column.

If you joined us here on the last Blog post, you would have found information on the benefits of keeping a Diary.  I received a lot of feedback thanking me for that particular Blog post entitled, "Hold on Short Story Writers".  You can simply scroll down to view it.

"Hold on Short Story Writers"

In this 9th Installment of Short Story Tip Time, we are going to talk about therapeutic ways to really get into your writing.  The most important part of a pleasant writing experience involves relaxation.

Many writers meditate.  While there are many ways to meditate, there is always a particular meditation practice that you will enjoy more.

I'm going to provide a link that will aid you in learning more about the different ways to Meditate.  The link will give you an Overview of 23 Meditation Techniques.

The Overview will provide you with a lot of information about Meditation practices and techniques.  However, there are still other ways to meditate in addition to what you will find in the Article provided.  I personally prefer Meditating with Music.  It is wonderful, relaxing and soothing to the soul.

Another method I enjoy is Biblical Meditation wherein I'm focused on the presence of God.  I've also found that reading the Scriptures helps to expand your thought process as well as grow your spirit.

Also, many of the Readers following along will be familiar with the Oprah & Deepak 21 Day Meditation Experience that takes place from time to time.  There is currently a session going on right now on the topic of "HOPE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES" which began on April 10th, 2017.  [Click on the above link to get there].

I really enjoy the Oprah & Deepak 21 Day Meditation Experiences, as they are relaxing and eye~opening.  You may find them to be helpful as well.  You can do them at your own pace (pretty much).  If you miss a day or two, you can still catch up and back-track to the days you missed.  There is also a Journal where you can answer questions and really get into the Meditation by exploring your thoughts.  The Meditation with Oprah & Deepak is free and enjoyable.

Many Writers have studied different religions and cultures, and are therefore grounded in what they believe in, but are also open to learn about others.  Differences in religions and cultures will never erase the fact that we all have emotions, feelings, and life experiences that are common to one another.  We should always seek to appreciate and learn from each other.

With that being said, you may also find it helpful to read Books authored by brilliant Writers who come from different backgrounds and cultures.  It is also helpful to check out the Travel channels and go to various countries on the television or the computer if you can't get there by plane, train or automobile.  Putting your fingers on the keyboard is the next best way to travel!

Here are a few more great tips for you today:  Take time to get online and find a free Workshop or a YouTube Clip that discusses any of the following...

1.  How to create a Book Cover

2.  How to write a short story

3.  How to join a Writer's Group

4.  How to publish a Short Story

5.  How to write a Memoir

6.  How to write a Novel

I sure hope you've found our Short Story Tip Time helpful.  See you next time back here on the Blog with something NEW!

Peace, Love & Light,

      René      

©Copyright - René Allen - APRIL 2017 - All Rights Reserved

  

Hold on Short Story Writers

We're taking a turn here to take a look at the benefits of writing in a Diary!

You are about to be introduced to the pleasant and less talked about phenomenon of Diary Dreams come true.  We will discuss this hidden topic because both aspiring and inquiring Writers need to know.

Keep this thought in the back of your head ~ keeping a Diary may just hold the precious key to achieving a meaningful Writer's life.

A Diary serves as a journey into your life story.  Whenever we take the time to write in our Diary, it points to our ability to be focused, faithful, and true to the "gift" of Writing which we all possess but find excuses not to use to the best of our ability.

If we dare to take the challenge to diary our thoughts, hopes, wishes, and dreams, we will have a very pleasant and revelatory surprise which will be sure to await us whenever we revisit our Diary.  Be it a day later, a week later, a month later, a year later, or decades later ~ our Diary is the record of what is going on with us on several levels.

The questions that will arise when returning to our Diary help us to understand our thoughts, feelings, emotions, and in most cases, our hopes and dreams.

When we first write in our Diary, we have no outlines to follow or rules we must adhere to.  All we have to do is sit down and write.

Whether you think your life is humdrum or not is of no importance.  What is important is that you care enough about yourself and your writing "gift" to do something that will lead you to a new life that is just a Diary and an ink pen away.

Buy several Diaries for the years ahead with the expectation that you will use them, and probably run out to buy more of them sooner than you think when you discover the great benefits keeping a Diary offers to you.

The one thing that needs to be mentioned, because you will probably never say this aloud nor whisper it to yourself . . .

"A Diary is personal ~ very."

I say that to say this, we rarely like to say to anyone that anything is "All about ME."

For some reason, many of us are held prisoner by our own negative thoughts, then we try to blame it on everybody else.  When the truth of the matter is, everyone in our life just so happens to be an aspect of who we are.  The person before our face at any given time is a mirror of our "self".  It could be the rude or loud customer, or  the silent person who refuses to speak when you say, "Hello".  Quickly we forget that there have been times when we have done the same thing.

But ~ aHA!  Could the very people that annoy us be the characters that should be in the pages of our Short Story?  Could the thoughts, places and people that are in the pages of our Diary be our Novel writing material?

No one is going to write in your Diary but you. No one will criticize you for what you have to say in your precious lock & key Diary.  No need to worry that anyone will be rushing you to finish.  Being the procrastinator that you probably are, that should make you feel at ease.

Our story in our Diary is meaningful, because we are each meaningful.  There is plenty to say in our Diary that we'd rather just share within the pages of a well kept secret.

What is most important about our Diary journey is that much of what we will share within its precious pages will not instantly be fully understood by our mind.  For it is the heart that writes within the pages of a Diary.  And our heart has the propensity to be rather prophetic.

There is veiled meaning in heart-felt self talk.  You write within the pages of your Diary, then you walk away from it.  When you return to read what you wrote later, the words will unfold because you will be in a different frame of mind when you return to read.

The definition of "prophetic" is this:  accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future.

A diary is a record (originally in handwritten format) with discrete entries arranged by date reporting on what has happened over the course of a day or other period. A personal diary may include a person's experiences, and/or thoughts or feelings, including comments on current events outside the writer's direct experience.

Sleep well, and stop in tomorrow for more of Short Story Tip Time

(9th Installment coming right up!)

Peace, Love & Light,

      René      

©Copyright - René Allen - APRIL 2017 - All Rights Reserved

Short Story Tip Time

8th Installment

Sunday, April 23rd, 2017

Authors, Novelists, Poets & Creative Writers ~ We're back for more Short Story Tip Time!

If you are a Writer or an Aspiring Author, (and you are if you are reading this Short Story Tip Time Session), then you no doubt always have writing on your mind.  It is the fuel for your fire.  The yin to your yang.  It is something that motivates you whenever you put your hand to it.

We've been discussing Writing Tips to keep you in the flow of your creative short story writing endeavors.  In our last Session, links were given as a reference for those Writers following along who are interested in free Writing Apps that can be utilized on your cell phone and android devices.  Tablets are perfect for writing on the go, and so is your cell phone if you have the right Writing App downloaded on it.

In addition, for those Writers who were interested in having an online Journal or Diary experience, there were links provided for Sites you can try out for free.  Writing in your Journal online or on paper helps a great deal when you really have a writing flow going and you don't want to lose your ideas as they are flowing.

The free online Diary Site that was suggested in our last Session here on the Blog was listed for those Writers who are not only interested in writing a short story, but also perhaps writing a Memoir!

A Memoir is a record of events written by a person having intimate knowledge of those events, and is based on personal observation.  Usually, memoirs are an account of one's personal life and experiences (also known as an Autobiography).  An Autobiography is the published record of the history of a person's life written or told by that person.  An Autobiography can also be the proceedings of a group or an organization (a learned society).

For those Writers that use their computers and laptops to write poetry or short stories, mentioned in our last Session was the link for information on ten (10) free Writing Apps and tools.  If you were able to check out any of the links or download any of the Writing Apps, please feel free to add your comments here on the Blog about what you thought of any of those Sites listed on the Blog, and the suggested Writing Apps.

You can scroll down to view our last Short Story Tip Time Session (7th Installment), or click on any of the links in the far right hand column to view any of the previous Blog Sessions you are interested in.

Writing on your smartphone or tablet, especially if you may be writing a long article, is not the most convenient, but it can be turned into a pleasurable experience if you have the right software.  Using a minimalist writing app makes things a lot more pleasant.  In our last Session here on the Blog, there was a link given out to all Readers here to check out for information on five of the best Apps for writing on your Android smartphone or tablet.  I personally have not tried out any of the five Apps listed, so I'd definitely be interested in hearing feedback from any Readers here who have used any of those Apps.

I have used the online Journals and Diaries that were listed in our last Short Story Tip Time Session, and I love using them.  The best thing about online Journals and Diaries is that you can use them on your Smartphone, Tablet, Laptop or Computer Desktop.

If you happen to have any suggestions about Writing Apps or tips, you are welcome to share your short reviews or suggestions here on the Blog in the comments section.

Writing your short story is perfect for your own personal therapeutic practices.  You can learn much about your self by writing a short story about your life.  You'll be amazed at the story that comes out of you!

Here's a suggestion for you ~ Try your hand at writing in a Diary on a regular basis, either online or in a nice Diary with a key.  This practice helps you to write fearlessly and honestly.

Diary Writer

Those Writers who write daily Diary entries will find out that writing tips come forth through heart-felt Diary entries.  Writing about how your day went, who you met, what you did, or what your feelings are on any given day can shed light on a thought that can turn into a poem, a short story, or even a Novel.

In our next Short Story Tip Time Session, we will be talking about something that will interest all Writers. 

9th Installment coming right up!

 Peace, Love & Light,

      René      

©Copyright - René Allen - APRIL 2017 - All Rights Reserved