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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/7573-Dont-Silence-Your-Poetic-Voice.html
Poetry: April 06, 2016 Issue [#7573]

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Poetry


 This week: Don't Silence Your Poetic Voice
  Edited by: NaNoKit Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Everyone has their own poetic voice. Some are unique - so unique that readers might not understand it at first. If that is the case for you, don't fall silent. Write on!

This week's Poetry Newsletter is all about poetic voice and poetic freedom.

Your guest editor: NaNoKit Author Icon


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

If I had to sum up my poetry in one word, I would call it simple. If I had to add another word, I might opt for childlike. I don't do technically complicated poetry, partly because I wouldn't know how to.

I've tried reading poetry magazines before, but mostly they opted for pieces that are the complete opposite of my creations. They felt like the academic articles I have to study for my course, or like an email sent by a manager who's trying to impress his or her boss by throwing in lots of specialised terms that nobody outside of a select circle could possibly comprehend.

In a small act of rebellion, I have tried to use as straightforward a language as I possibly can, when writing my essays. This appears to frustrate some of my professors. Others seem to like it. Sometimes I wonder, though, if I am guilty of reverse snobbery.

We all have different ways of expressing ourselves. Who am I to say what someone else should limit themselves to? I recently read a piece by another poet here on Writing.Com in which she stated that because other members didn't understand her work, she tried to change it, in order to fit in. That isn't right. Writing, and especially poetry, should be a pure form of self-expression, in whatever form that takes.

We all have our own comfort zones. It can be helpful, even fun, to push the boundaries, but only if this is done willingly. Altering the way in which we express ourselves in order to please others isn't what creativity is all about.

When you develop your own style, your audience will self-select. Someone who enjoys highly technical poetry might peek at my portfolio and move on. That's fine. Someone who enjoys my kind of work might look at highly technical poetry and feel baffled. They might return to authors like me. That is fine, too.

Unless you want your work to be accepted by specific publications who invite specific styles, you don't have to change to suit others. Use form or go freestyle. Paint pretty pictures with imagery, or tell the reader straight out how you feel. Count your syllables, or don't. Use neat lines, or place your words in a way that you feel adds to the message of your poem. Enjoy yourself. Always enjoy yourself. When writing becomes a chore, that special flow from pure emotion to paper (or screen) can turn into a sad trickle, or even dry up. Nobody wants to face the dreaded writer's block.

Of course, there is joy to be found in studying works you might not understand at first. Instead of moving straight on, it can be interesting to see what the author was going for. There might be a light-bulb moment, and you can analyse their technique to discover how they achieved what they did.

You might spot a form that you're interested in trying out for yourself. You might think ah, I didn't know that could be done! I recently participated in "Pursue the Horizon - Open for SignupsOpen in new Window. [13+] after admitting that I don't tend to read poetry outside of Writing.Com, and by looking through the works of poets both famous and more obscure, I did pick up some new ideas that I wouldn't have spotted otherwise. I think I'd felt too daunted after reading those magazines, that I'd closed myself off to professional poetry.

Most, if not all of us here are still learning. Even when we do become professionals, we'll still be learning. Right now, if you're anything like me, you're still finding your feet and establishing your own voice. By all means, expand your vocabulary. Just don't fall silent if you feel that your style of expression is too unique to catch on straight away. Someone has to be the first, and you might become a trendsetter.


NaNoKit Author Icon


Editor's Picks

Here are some of the latest poetic efforts:

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This item number is not valid.
#2080298 by Not Available.


 For Thirty Years Open in new Window. (E)
A birthday poem to my husband of thirty years.
#2080255 by Nbnelson2 Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2080245 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2080217 by Not Available.


 About a cat Open in new Window. (E)
Loss and love
#2080205 by katwoman45 Author IconMail Icon


A couple of contests you might enjoy:

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FORUM
The Lighthouse Poetry Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Contests With A Christian Theme
#1742964 by Legendary❤️Mask Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1873271 by Not Available.


Don't forget:

Image Protector
SURVEY
Short Shots: Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. (ASR)
Use the photo to inspire your creativity. Write a short story and win big prizes!
#1221635 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


If you want to support other authors, check out:

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2074994 by Not Available.


And if you would like to challenge another author:

Truth or Dare Fundraiser Open in new Window. (13+)
Challenge other authors and help raise funds for a Merit Badge or two!
#2076498 by NaNoKit Author IconMail Icon



 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Ask & Answer

The Poetry Newsletter Team welcomes any and all questions, suggestions, thoughts and feedback, so please don't hesitate to write in! *Smile*

Wishing you a week filled with inspiration,

The Poetry Newsletter Team


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