10 Tips from a Famous Author, Part 2

Today, I'd like you to meet Tiffany Streilitz Haber. Tiffany is a poet and also the author of several rhyming books. THE MONSTER WHO LOST HIS MEAN will be out soon:

And another rhyming picture book, OLLIE AND CLAIRE, will be released in 2013.

Tiffany has stopped by to give you more tips for writing poetry. A round of applause for today's generous author, please?

Take it away, Tiffany...

10 TIPS FOR WRITING POETRY

1. Keep a notebook on you at all times. 

When an idea pops into your head…jot it down immediately!  It could be anything from a character name, to an idea for a title, to an entire concept from start to finish.  Your notebook will become the breeding ground for a zillion poems and stories.  Don’t leave home without it!

2. Read random things. 

You’ll be surprised at the new directions your own writing can take you  when you are inspired by styles outside of your immediate comfort zone.   Ask a few people you don’t know very well to tell you *their* favorite poem, and then go check it out.  Discover what you’ve been missing!

3. Variety is the spice of life!

Scan through your poem, and make sure you haven’t used an adjective more than once.  If you have…cross it out/erase it/hit delete.  Every word counts.  Words should earn their way into your work.

4. Read your work out loud.  

We read our own work so many times *to ourselves*, but it’s just as important to read it OUT LOUD.  You may stumble on something when you are speaking- that you glide over when you are just saying it in your mind.  Give it a try and see for yourself!

5. Have a friend read it out loud TO you.  Aka: (A great way to uncover hidden problems).

I am calling this one: Tip #5, but it’s also pretty much, Tip #4a. :-D

Whether in your mind or out loud, at the end of the day- it’s still YOU reading YOUR work.  And we can’t help but read it the way we want it to be read. But it’s critical to find out how it will be read by someone seeing it for the very first time.  So have a friend read your poem TO you, and see how it sounds.

6. Walk away.

All done?  I don’t think so.  Just when you think you’ve got a finished product…the real fun begins.  Sticking your poem in a dark drawer (no peeking) for at least one full week can uncover issues you had no idea were brewing.   When you finally return to your work, it’s like you have super powers.  Suddenly you can see everything so clearly!  What works.  What doesn’t.  Try it!  It’s an invaluable experiment.

7. Speaking of experiments…..Experiment!  

Don’t get stuck writing about the same subject over and over again.  Here’s a little challenge: Open a dictionary to a random page, and write a 12 line poem using the 4^th word on that page.  Whatever it may be!  This sort of exercise keeps your brain working and flexes new writing muscles for you.  I think you’ll be amazed at what you come up with!

8. Be concise. “So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads.”  Dr. Seuss

‘Nuff said.  Warning: harder than it may seem. 

9. Write what you love.

10.     Love what you write.

Great advice, Tiffany. THANK YOU!

P.S. Tiffany can be reached in a variety of ways:

website:  http://www.itsrhymetime.com/

facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/tshauthor

twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tiffrhymes

It's STILL Poetry Month

Try your hand at an I AM poem! (For a sample, click HERE.)
I love poetry that doesn't rhyme. It's less stressful!
; )

I AM

By

____________________

I am (two special characteristics)

I wonder (something you are actually curious about)

I hear (an imaginary sound)

I see (an imaginary sight)

I want (an actual desire)

I am (the first line of the poem restated)

I pretend (something you pretend to do)

I feel (a feeling about something imaginary)

I touch (an imaginary touch)

I worry (something that really bothers you)

I cry (something that makes you very sad)

I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

I understand (something you know is true)

I say (something you believe in)

I dream (something you actually dream about)

I try (something you make an effort to do)

I hope (something you actually hope for)

I am (the first line of the poem repeated)
 

April is Poetry Month!

A few weeks ago, I was in a terrific fourth grade class (shout-out to Mrs. Yellin and her students!), and they gave me a collection of short essays. The kids answered the question, "What Will We Be?" They were inspired by a poem I had published in a magazine titled "What Will I Be?"

Here it is:

Now, it's your turn. Since it's poetry month, write a 4-8 line poem telling the world what your hopes and dreams are for a career. Try to make it rhyme!

My Favorite Holiday

I LOVE this time of year! The earth is waking up, and I'm looking forward to celebrating Easter with my family. (Easter candy...YUM!)

Whether it's Easter or Passover that you celebrate this week, take a minute and think of your holiday traditions. Make some notes on what you do, what emotions come to mind, what you smell, feel, hear, see, touch, and taste. Use these thoughts in your next piece of writing.

And remember, "somebunny" loves you.
; )
xox