Free Poetry Contests

                        Being asked to read your work during a poetry reading event can be quite an honour and can increase your chances of getting noticed as a professional poet. However, for the reading to have a positive impact for your career, it needs to go well. Although you may not have control over the planning of the event, you can prepare yourself as poet to give the best performance possible. Doing your best increases your confidence in your abilities and that can greatly affect how you perform even in future poetry competitions . Therefore, if you have a reading coming up, the following can help you make it a success: 1.  Order of poems Choosing the right order of poems for your reading can really help you to win the audience over. Keep in mind that the first poem you read will set the tone for the rest of the reading. The first poem should not be addressing any controversial subjects as it may start the readin...

  Haikus are the sort of material nightmares are made of for most poets. Poetry writing on its own is really hard work. There are so many rules that go into the art. Haikus take those rules to a whole other level. Nonetheless, there is no shortage of haikus in poetry contests . There are people out there who have perfected the art despite the innumerable terms and conditions that go into creating one of these. The secret to becoming great at haikus is to practice. There is no two ways about it. Learn and understand what haikus are all about then practice fervently. Characteristics of haikus The most important characteristic of haikus is that they are very abstract. They portray ideas through implication and suggestions relying heavily on objective imagery. As a haiku writer you cannot use adjectives as much as you would love to. This will make the poem too long and miss the syllabic requirements of a haiku. Instead, you have to use words that objectively convey facts about what you...

Every beginning writer is sending mass-mails to publishers with the hope of getting a contract to kick-start their poetry career. Many publishers never take a second look at those emails. Waiting for their response is like searching for a needle in an ocean. To capture the attention of publishers, win a contest. However, you must learn how to pick a poetry contest that fits you. Priorities  Why are you interested in poetry contests ? If you intend to get rich and famous, your priorities are misplaced. You can win a competition and only gain the winner’s cash prize. Wealth and fame are products of an established poetry career. To attain that level, look for a contest that provides training and intense competition. That will expose you to the professional knowledge and skill to build a great career. Audience  The challenge facing many poets is the lack of an audience. No matter how creative you are, it is impossible to generate income without a loyal audience. The best contests ...

As a beginner poet, you must find a form of poetry that goes well with your writing style. Look at your poetic goals and coming up with the main themes of your poetry. This will help you select a form that fits you. You may find a poetic form using these approaches. * Determine the themes and goals of your poetry * Select a structured poetic form * Choose a more open poetic form 1. Determining Themes and Goals of Your Poetry Select the Main Themes If you already have several poems written, peruse them and notice the obvious ideas and themes.  For example, if you always write short poems about love, short poetic forms may be ideal for you. If you are writing a poem for the first time, list down themes and ideas that interest you.  What Are Your Poetic Goals? Ask yourself what inspires you to become a poet. Identifying your poem's purpose will help you narrow down to a poetic form that best suits you. Choose a form that you hope to submit in poetry contests .   What Po...

The question that many poets today ask themselves is whether they should enter poetry contests or not. The idea to take part in these competitions can be quite thrilling and enticing, especially when you think about winning. Apart from winning the momentary prize, you will also get prestige, which is more important. Read on to know the major reasons to consider entering poetry contests. Do Something New Whenever you enter contests, you will have to focus on the task at hand. As a result, you may end up putting other creative works on hold. This will give you time to concentrate on the poems that you are submitting for the poetry competitions . Writing creative work for a contest can be a perfect distraction from other literary works. Furthermore, when you return to your other works, you will have a refreshed and more creative mind that will work with more vigor.  You Get Cash If you win the contest, you will get cash. Money is s very powerful motivator to join a contest regardless ...