how to write poetry? I have a poem, but how do i get it on paper, typed? where do i indent, etc.? basically i need info on the format for poetry
http://www.readwritethink.org/lesson_images/lesson417/process3.pdf
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There's lots of other help in these articles:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=writing+poetry+format
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Just get rid of words you don't need or that are insignificant, keep key words. Say you have a 500 word piece, get it down to 400, 300, 200 etc. Then put it into stanzas and break up into lines.
To write and format poetry, follow these steps:
1. Brainstorm and write your poem: Start by jotting down your thoughts, emotions, and ideas that you want to express in your poem. Consider the theme, tone, structure, and imagery that you want to incorporate.
2. Choose a poetic form: Poetry can take various forms, such as sonnets, haikus, free verse, or rhymed verses. Research different forms and choose the one that best suits your poem's content and style.
3. Use a word processor: To type your poem, you can use a word processing software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any other text editor. Open up a new document and select a font and font size that complements your poem's style.
4. Line breaks and stanza breaks: Start each new line in your poem on a new line in the document. Do not hit the "Enter" or "Return" key at the end of each line. If your poem contains stanzas, start each stanza on a new paragraph. The space between stanzas provides visual separation and indicates shifts in the poem.
5. Indentation: Generally, poetry doesn't require indentation. However, there are certain forms, like block quotes or specific poetic structures, that may involve indentation. Unless your poem explicitly demands it, you don't need to indent each line or stanza.
6. Formatting choices: Consider using italics, bold, or different font styles to emphasize particular words or lines in your poem. However, avoid overusing these techniques, as they can distract from the overall artistic effect.
7. Title: Write the title of your poem in a clear and concise manner. You can center it at the top of the page or align it to the left margin, depending on your preference and the visual presentation you want to create.
8. Save your work: Make sure to save your document regularly to avoid losing your progress.
9. Proofread and revise: After completing your poem, take the time to read it aloud and check for errors or areas of improvement. Revise as necessary to refine the language, structure, and overall impact of your poem.
Remember, poetry is an expressive art form, and there are no set rules that can't be broken. Experiment with different formatting techniques and let your creativity shine through. Practice, explore various styles, and find what works best for you and your poem.