30 Poems in 30 Days set for September

Posted by John Hewitt on 8/21/2008 under 30 Poems in 30 Days, Featured, Poetry, Writing |

I have been giving the 30 Poems in 30 Days concept a lot of thought. I’ve have had a moderate number of people say that they are interested, and that is encouraging, but as several people have pointed out, writing form poetry isn’t easy, and to pull off 30 forms in a month is too much to expect from just about anyone.

I have also had a number of people indicate that they would be comfortable following along “at home”, but they aren’t comfortable posting their poetry in a public forum, either because they aren’t confident in their poetry or because they are afraid of theft. I am unafraid of theft or public embarrassment (I sing karaoke) but I can sympathize with those of you who are.

For those reasons, I have decided to go with a more simple structure. I, or a guest writer, will discuss a poetry topic every day. That topic could be a form, a concept, an author or an experience. At the end of the post I will include a writing prompt. The prompt will not be binding. You can choose to follow the prompt or follow a whim. The prompt is just there to help you along.

All I ask is that you do one (or more) of the following in the comments:

Post to say that you wrote a poem (or didn’t) and perhaps give your opinion of how you did
Post an excerpt from the poem you wrote (just a few lines to show your approach) so that people can get an impression of your work
Post your poem in its entirety (for the especially brave)
Comment on either the topic or on other people’s poems (respectfully)

The point is that this project only works if people participate. Writing 30 poems in 30 days (or writing about poetry for 30 days) isn’t an easy task. I have to accomplish BOTH of those tasks. People (including me) need encouragement. No one expects every poem to be great. The important thing is to try to stretch your abilities as a writer.

So, I will move forward with the project. I hope that people will give it a try. Don’t quit if you get behind, just pick up the next assignment and run with it.

Final Note: For those of you who have volunteered to write a guest post. I am interested, even if I haven’t gotten back to you personally. I will do my best to contact you soon.

Share and Enjoy:

Writer Dad (14 comments) said,

“I am unafraid of theft or public embarrassment (I sing karaoke) but I can sympathize with those of you who are.”

You are funny.

Writer Dads last blog post..But Daddy
Writer Dad (14 comments) said,

Oh, and I’ll be there for the poetry next month.

Writer Dads last blog post..But Daddy
Jenn (5 comments) said,

I probably won’t post any poems, because I don’t expect to get a finished product in one day. I’ll be happy if I get a draft, good or bad, but I will make an attempt and comment on every prompt.
JoniB (64 comments) said,

I probably won’t be posting - unless someone writes about bad haiku - but I will be participating! Yay!

By the way, I’m promoting this with an online writing group I belong to and to a couple people at work.

My pen is poised.
Zoë (8 comments) said,

Great to see that the 30 Poems project will happen! It definitely is a big commitment, so I admire you for taking it on.

I’ll be happy to read, comment, write, and offer a guest post if you’re interested.
Tabatha (1 comments) said,

Sounds like a great project! I’d like to post about it on my Poetry Friday page. Will all of the prompts be kid-friendly? Just wanted to check…
Thanks!
Relationship Rescue and Love Poems.com (4 comments) said,

Hello, John

I’m glad you are choosing to go ahead with the project. I am challenging myself to write a full length poem a day(following your prompt of coarse), and if you will have me I would love to a guest poster. Until then….

Thanks for this outlet
the opportunity, and the challenge
and 30 poems in 30 days may be hard
but I think I can manage

Four K Strong

Relationship Rescue and Love Poems.coms last blog post..Discussing The Importance of Family with Friends
Cath Lawson (5 comments) said,

Hi John - poetry really isn’t one of my strong points. I’ve done poetry on writing courses. And I sit there listening to the moving things people manage to knock out in ten minutes - but mine comes out more Pam Ayers (who I love by the way) except not as funny. I’m afraid I would lower the tone. But I don’t mind commenting on other people’s stuff.

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