  Poetry
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Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting with the gift of speech.
Simonides (556 BC - 468 BC)
Every English poet should master the rules of grammar before he attempts to bend or break them.
Robert Graves (1895 - 1985)
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A Passion for Poetry Contests: Part II
Will they like it? Will they see the picture I’m trying to paint? Will they feel the textures of my metaphor and other imagery?
It’s not easy finding the courage to put your work out there. So, how did I end up at the point where I felt confident enough to enter, and had the knowledge to back it up in order to even attempt to win contests for a wider audience?
STEP ONE: My first step is one you all have made – I joined Writing.com. Before I became a member I knew I enjoyed writing, and even experimented with it here and there - it wasn’t until I joined that I saw some of the full potential inside myself and in the writing world. I also discovered a supportive community that encouraged creativity. I found people who felt the same way I did. I found my writing home and family.
STEP TWO: I entered my poetry in the site contests. The creative challenge gave me such a writers’ high that I ended up writing more in the first month I was here than I had in my whole life before becoming a member of this outstanding community.
STEP THREE: After writing, I began to rate. I discovered wanting to become a better rater, made me a better writer. I needed to find a way to kindly express why something didn’t “do” it for me. Did it need more vivid imagery? Did it need more focus? Every time I had a new expectation in others work; it became an expectation in my own work, and vice versa. This began an exploration into poetry forms, as well as the technical aspects involved in creating quality poetry. NOTE: Remember that it isn’t necessary to accept every suggestion people hand you. The more you learn and develop your talent and voice, the more you will be able to decide what suggestions are valid for your work, and which ones should be accepted with thanks, but set aside.
STEP FOUR: Then, I was able to distance myself from my work. This is probably the most difficult thing for a beginning writer. After all, each piece written is a part of us. In order to edit and take critique effectively, we need to detach ourselves from it so that each suggestion doesn’t feel like the cut of a surgeon’s scalpel without anesthesia.
STEP FIVE: I practiced, practiced, practiced - and then I practiced some more. Okay, I still practice and I can't see it stopping anytime soon.
STEP SIX: Here is where I decided it was time to test the talent. I had to gauge where my writing stood against the writing of other people at the next level. Not to say, “woohoo, I’m better than you,” but rather to see if I’m ready for the next step and then the next – because trying to get your work published is an ongoing competition against the work of other people, and a writer needs to know what they are up against. Think hard about getting a critique from the judge. If you can afford the added cost, consider it. It can show a writer the next step in their personal writing journey.
Another benefit in a writing contest is it can lead to getting your work published, which would give you a credit that’ll look good in your resume or in a cover letter.
~*~
Many of these steps are interlaced, and are ongoing – which leads me to how I invested my winnings. I bought books. All four were poetry books, but since I am also studying to be a teacher, half of them were books on teaching poetry to kids. Here are the details:
Leiper, Esther M. (2006). Win! Poetry Contests. Perham, MN: WRITERS' Journal Books.
This book was written by a person who has won and judged numerous poetry contests, and she shares her experiences and knowledge with both. I especially liked her list of poetry groups that hold contests.
Williams, Miller (1986). Patterns of Poetry: An Encyclopedia of Forms. Louisiana: Louisiana State University Press.
This purchase actually replaces the same book that has gotten itself lost during one of our many moves, or is playing a determined match of hide-and-seek. I gave up seeking, and bought another copy. If the original ever shows up, I have two daughters who show writing promise and would love to own it.
Morice, Dave (1995). The Adventures of Dr. Alphabet. New York: Teachers & Writers Collaborative.
A great writer’s block buster. This book is full of interesting ways to create poetry. Created for teachers, parents, and kids – but great for everyone looking for new ways to express themselves.
Evans, M., & Moore, J. (2008). Poetry Patterns & Themes. Monterey, CA: Evan-Moor Educational Publishers.
This book is more school orientated. This publication would be good for teachers, students, parents, and beginning poets.
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Theme: Contest Winning Poetry
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Have a question, answer, problem, solution, tip, trick, cheer, jeer, or extra million lying around?
If so, send it through the feedback section at the bottom of this newsletter OR click the little envelope next to my name Red Writing Hood <3 and send it through email.
Comments on last month's newsletter:
Submitted By: maryelle
Submitted Comment:
Great advice - if I ever and the optimal word here is IF I'll re-read your newsletter. Thanks!
Submitted By: sandharp
Submitted Comment:
Dear Red Writing Hood,
I just wanted to say, "Thanks immensely for listing my new contest, The Box of Chocolates, in this newsletter!" I truly hope the contest will inspire poets, and those who would like to learn about poetry, to try different forms.
I'd also like to thank you for your wonderful newsletter, which never fails to enlighten your readers. I always learn so much when reading each week. Thanks for inspiring us all.
Sincerely,
Sandi
Submitted By: Maimai J Saves for Upgrade 
Submitted Comment:
Congratulations for winning that contest! :D I have tried joining contests and national workshops myself, and it's always good to hear that other people appreciate what you write. For me, it's not the cash (though it's a huge motivation) or the glory that comes with winning contests that is exhilarating; it's the happiness that comes with knowing that someone actually enjoyed reading your works other than yourself or your nice friends. I prefer joining workshops more than contests though, because in workshops, they give you expert advice on how to improve your work, no matter how painful their *constructive* criticisms might be. :D
Submitted By: larryp
Submitted Comment:
Great information and honesty about poetry contests. Larry
Submitted By: Cubby 
Submitted Comment:
Good for you!!! Smile My stuff never gets past my writing pads/computer screen. I wish I could muster up the energy to just send my work out. Frown Congratulations on your win! (((HUGS)))!!! ~Cubby ")
Submitted By: phivee
Submitted Comment:
Hi to All,
A Well informed News Letter. Thanks a lot for the pain you have taken to bring out such an elegant piece. All the Best.
Submitted By: eurailmap
Submitted Comment:
Congratulations! Top prizes are hard to come by in contests. So many must have entered.
Submitted By: Vanillafire 
Submitted Comment:
OOOH congrats on both accomplishments! And I certainly think you ARE a stellar poet most certainly worthy of competition with the best writers. Go you!
nilly
Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments and congratulations. Keep them coming!
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Poetry: July 23, 2008 Issue [#2515]
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