FAQs

If you have any questions not covered here, please feel free to contact me.

How did you get started writing poetry?

To be  honest, I never really stood on the starting line.  The words were there as I learnt to speak, read and then write.  The discipline of using rhythms, imagery and figurative language comes with life experiences and practise.  My adivce is to always have a go.

Does poetry have to rhyme?

This is a great misconception created by ignorance of what constitutes a poem.  Rhyme is not a rule but a choice and a challenge.  Shakespeare never shied from blank verse and neither should you.  The short answer, therefore, is no, it doesn’t have to rhyme.

What is an iambic pentameter?

Put your finger on your pulse point and feel the lub-dub rhythm of your heart.  One lub-dub is one iamb; count five of these lub-dubs and you have an iambic pentameter; just find the words to fit the rhythm.

Are there any workshops to help me get started?

I am planning on-line workshops for the future and looking forward to the contact with other creative people.  Keep an eye on www.poetryemotion.info for this service.

What is a poem?

‘The Hitch-hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ stated that  ‘the answer to the universe and everything’ was 42.  So it is with a question such as this – if I give you an answer it will be no answer at all, at least not one with any practical application.  For the short answer – look in a dictionary.  For a slightly longer and more constructive response, a poem is whatever the poet wants it to be.  The rest is up to the readers/audiences who share in the creative output.

How much detail do you need from me?

You let me have a brief idea of the purpose the poem e.g. to tell a story, celebrate an occasion, catharsis, and I’ll ask a few relevant questions to get the poem started.  If I need more detail I’ll get back to you and, together, we can develop the poem to suit your requirements.