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This week: Edited by: Vivian  
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Authors write stories, essays, articles, novels, and poetry. Good writing needs a dose of imagery, but poetry especially does. Therefore, this For Authors issue discusses using imagery to create that almost perfect poem.
Next week's editor will be Holly Jahangiri  .
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Writing that (Almost) Perfect Poem Using Imagery
Well-written poems contain certain elements with imagery, imagination, and vision at the top of the list. Even knowing the complete list, though, does not mean every poem will have all the elements of image and discourse, rhythm, effective line breaks, figures of speech (also known as poetic devices), word music, and formal structures. In fact a good poem may have one or two as major strengths and perhaps some of the others to supplement and complement the major element or elements.
However, imagery is a major component of any poetry. Through words, our senses experience a vivid, sensuous reaction. We need to use more than visual images, even though they are the most found in writing. Well-written poetry evokes smell, touch, sound, and/or taste. In other words, “show, don’t tell” is a common rule of poetry writing.
One way to develop the ability to create imagery, creating pictures out of words, comes from developing our imaginations. If we can first learn how to “see” in our minds what we want to share, writing that mental image becomes easier. Playing with senses, scenes, moods, questions, concepts, and faces in our minds and with our words frees our imaginations and allows them to fly, to soar. Writing lists of words that go with an idea wanted in a poem gives us starting points and threads to weave into the image. This list should include words dealing with most of the senses, if not all. Using free association (writing words that pop into our minds) helps us to free ourselves from preconceptions, firing up our imagination.
Play with the ideas and words, creating a tapestry of words to tickle the minds and imaginations of readers. One thing we need to do, too, is keep our images concrete, not abstract. Saying something is beautiful doesn’t “show” us how or why it should be considered beautiful. Giving the item color, texture, shape, and other sensory details gives the reader an idea of what beauty is.
Poetry should appear differently on the page or computer screen than paragraphs of prose. We need to use the thoughts and “threads” to prepare our poems.
Once ideas are listed, played with, and arranged artfully, we need to put the fledgling poem aside for a few days. Later we can see the poem with fresh eyes and decide to polish some more or give it a public debut.
The following poem is an example of imagery in one of my items:
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#1158797 by Not Available. |
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Comments from Our Readers
PAPA CASON
New to this writing stuff? The editor of this newsletter has a port full of how to articles that can help you write better! Thats what you really wanted for Christmas.(Grin)
Thank you,
Rusty
Thank you for the marvelous compliment.  I hope I can live up to the accolades.
PastVoices
Great newsletter Viv! I do much with grief and bereavement support and counseling. Due to a major loss this year, earlier this month, I wrote a blog entry on grief and the holidays. I am thinking of expanding it and querying it somewhere after the first of the year. Thanks for sharing!
Loss is difficult at any time, but it's seems more so during a time that's supposed to be joyous, as you know only too well.
{user:eternalheart)}
Excellent point. I know the feeling exactly. Good newsletter.
I'm afraid too many people know the feeling. I'm sorry you're one of us. Thanks, I'm glad you like the newsletter.
AXiLeA
Hi Vivian,
Thank you for the interesting newsletter. I don't really enjoy all the fuss around this season, especially New Year's Eve. This is why I'm leaving this year!
Congratulations and keep editing your great newsletters!
Axilea
I'm glad you think the newsletter was interesting. I'm sorry you can't find a way to enjoy the good parts of the holiday season, but some people don't.
I hope you didn't mean you were leaving the site.
SHERRI GIBSON 
Another sensational newsletter, Viv. Depression over the holidays is becoming more common every year. Sad, but true, maybe we're being given a hint that we should remember what the true meaning of Christmas is about.
Sherri
I agree that only the knowing the true meaning of the season can alleviate the depression. That remembrance is what allows me to enjoy Christmas.
Bella Bunny
Hello Viv and other editors of this fine journal --
Since there is also a poetry newsletter, I thought this particular version was just for writers of prose. I usually choose to read and write poetry, so imagine my surprise when I looked through it and found many poems listed as Editor's Picks! I will be certain to read through this newsletter more thoroughly for all future editions!
Thanks for the hard work and the good reading material!
"Bella Bunny"
Actually, authors come in all shapes, sizes, and genre, including poetry. So sit back and enjoy this week's issue, which spotlights the imagery needed for poetry (although all writing needs some imagery).
Until next month, I hope you find that your writing and reading enjoyment increases.
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For Authors: January 10, 2007 Issue [#1474]
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