This section looks at what you should be doing to develop both artistically and professionally as a poet.
The advice here will help you to develop your skills in the art and the craft of writing poetry, and also, your understanding of how the world of poetry
is organised in the U.K. You need to understand both in order to progress.
Reading Poetry
The first and best piece of advice, the beautiful golden rule, is:
You can't write good poetry unless you read good poetry...
Writing Poetry
How A Poem Begins
A poem may begin with a good idea
or with a keen desire to say something,
it may begin with one single resonant phrase or line...
Developing a Publishing Strategy
Set yourself four deadline dates over the next twelve months. The first in three months time, the scond in six months time, the third in nine
months time, the fourth in 12 months time...
Developing a Publishing Strategy
Joining a Poetry Group
You might want to see the impact a poem has on a group of informed and interested readers, or there might be a particular problem of
composition you want an opinion on, you might simply want the group to confirm your poem is ripe to be sent to a poetry magazine or
competition...
Finding a Mentor
Many poets find having a mentor extremely helpful...
Arvon Foundation Courses
Many poets and writers claim that attending an Arvon course has changed their lives. Others may not quite go that far but will say that the course
they have attended has enthused, inspired and given them a great deal of confidence...
Courses, Classes and Workshops
Courses, Classes and Workshops
The Poetry Society & The Poetry Book Society
It is well worth joining the Poetry Society & the Poetry Book Society. Both provide key information to the world of poetry...