I am often hooked by a poem because of the title, the first line or a certain word or phrase that catches my eye. Sometimes it is the same with a book or story. That first paragraph has to draw me in to be interested. Some writers just have the knack for coming up with creative ways to capture the audience. Not everyone has that talent but there are ways to make it better.

Through all my years of writing essays and poetry, the hardest part has to be the beginning. I may have the ideas hovering in my head, but it could take minutes, even hours to put something down on paper. Those pages won’t get filled by just sitting there and staring at them, so what are some ways to get the creative juices flowing?

When writing an essay or short story, I find the only method that works for me is the old fashioned outline. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to put it in the proper format you learned in school; just jot down a list of your ideas, from the characters you plan to create to the sources to be referenced. For essays, sometimes I would skip the introduction and come back to it once the entire paper is done. Those first few lines are critical, so give them the time they need to blossom.

Maybe you visited a place you want to write a poem about but can’t find the words to compose it yet. Then write down what you remember: the colors, the smells, maybe even the textures from the surroundings. Pull out a picture you took of the place and keep it near your notes. You can always come back to it later and create it with a fresh mind. Use a picture with your poem if you have it, as people are more drawn to visual effects, especially on social media.

Titles are difficult to come up with and some writers already have one in mind before they write. I often label my poems and articles after I write them; it has always worked for me. Some poets don’t even use a title, and you don’t always have to. For many poems without one, the first line of the poem is used as the title. Use numbers if you have to. It’s your poem. Experiment if you must to find out what your audience likes.

Then there are book titles and summaries. I don’t often follow the latest reading trends. I determine what books I pick to read by the short description of the book, a catchy title, and an interesting cover page. If all three are to my liking, then I definitely take interest. I once bought a small Japanese art book because of the unusual texture and pattern of the cover. I am drawn to the old fashioned, leather bound books, especially when they are my favorite classic stories. But the modern books we publish have to be more creative to get attention. CTU authors have done a fantastic job with theirs. Take a moment to check them out here.

The writing world is a very competitive market, and one can get easily discouraged. But if you love the craft, you know it takes time and patience to build an audience. Don’t let obstacles get in the way if it is truly your passion. Instead of getting frustrated, try approaching it from a different angle to get the best results. You just have to keep working at it to find out which method is beneficial to both you and your readers.

Written by: Donna J. Sanders

Donna is a freelance writer and blogger in West Palm Beach, FL. She is the author of Ataraxia – a poetry collection about the struggles we face, the state of the world and how to see beauty in the simplest things, and Cardboard Signs – poems to bring awareness about homelessness, mental illness, self-esteem and the injustices many face.

Find out more about her here:

https://theraven6825.wordpress.com/

http://www.facebook.com/DonnaJSanders6825

http://www.ctupublishinggroup.com/donna-j.-sanders.html

 

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Photo Credit: © Donna J. Sanders