4 ways to beat writer's block for poetry
LikeWhether you're worried about clamming up in a GCSE English Language paper or trying to build a portfolio for your Creative Writing undergrad, this is every writer's guide to keeping the inspiration brimming at the surface. As an English tutor and writer, I have compiled four great tips to beat writer's block when you're writing poetry.
1. Free writing
This is one to practice outside of exam conditions. But, once you've got the hang of it, you can definitely use it in an exam to get the ideas flowing.
Use paper and a pen or a laptop, totally your choice. Set yourself a two-minute timer (as you get more practice, you can set this longer).
Now, write anything! It doesn't have to be good - it doesn't even have to be poetry. Just don't stop writing until the timer stops.
This helps warm you up and get the creative juices flowing.
2. Etymology
Choose a random word (or take the third word on the third page of the book nearest to you).
Use Etymonline.com to search the history of the word, including where it comes from, any weird quirks about it, and how it's evolved over time.
Read on until something inspires then write a poem about your word.
3. "I remember..."
Starting each new line with "I remember", write 15 very specific memories.
Each line can be 3-20 words long but try to write specific senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste).
For example:
"I remember holding a handful of ladybirds when I was in primary school, feeling them squirm between my fingers and crawl up my arms.
I remember chasing my old ratting terrier through fields as he snapped at rabbits.
I remember tales of the things that live in the hollows of trees and call out in human voices at night."
Then, take 3 of the lines you've written and use them as metaphors in a poem.
4. Frankenstein-ing
Keep a journal or digital notes folder for lines/phrases/ideas you hear or read that inspire you and that you want to write about.
You can also put any lines or bits of poems that get cut during the editing process in here, to use later.
If you're struggling with writer's block, pick 3-6 bits from here and try to include all of them in a poem.
Writer's block can be difficult when you're writing in an exam or putting together a creative writing portfolio but these quick writing tips and poetry prompts can help you get back on track.
If you need further help with tips for creative writing or private English tuition, please feel free to reach out to me.
