Putting My Poetry Hat On!
I don’t know whether I
told you but I have decided to concentrate on my poetry skills for a while.
Yes, I know the historical novel could do with a rewrite and I know I am
co-leading the ‘Hopefully Devoted’ group. Well, it happened like this.
A friend has switched
careers from missionary to life coach after being thrown out of Turkey. She
decided to run four webinars on “Finding your Voice and Vision”. For two of
those meetings, I was away but I could attend one, which I did. I went because
she is my friend and I wanted to support her. I listened and completed the
exercises with the one other lady who was attending. A surprise to me, I
distinctly heard the Lord’s voice, “You’re too much of a jack-of-all-trades.
Concentrate on your poetry.” I was surprised! Thinking about it, I realised yes
that was a good assessment of me. I have enjoyed writing poetry over a number
of years but have never done anything with it.
I put a shout out on our
ACW Facebook page. I had a few replies but the most helpful one came from Fran
Hill. Firstly she suggested I get “How To Grow Your Own Poem” by Kate Clancy
(Swift Press, 2020), which I did. This easy-to understand book, although mostly
for beginners, had some enriching tips.
Secondly, she suggested I
go to the Poetry School website to see if any of the courses appealed to me. I
did have a look at the courses but the thought of another course of study made
me sigh. However, there was a tutorial by email option available at a price I
was willing to pay. I chose a range of different forms of poetry to submit and
contacted the admin office. Yes, there was a tutor who could assess my work
(Christian themed poetry).
I received a 1000-word critique
of my work. The assessment was fair and insightful. She said a lot of
encouraging things and pointed out where I needed to improve. So, I am now reworking
those poems with joy. I have a more mature view of what I am aiming for.
Thank you Fran Hill and ACW
FB page.
What a lovely post, Rosalie and truly delightful! I understand the bit about ' Jack of all trades'! Being a multi genre writer can be confusing. You can also join the SoA poetry group, I hear that's good too because it is a critique group. They have a FB group has well. Our ACW group is quite nurturing and encouraging as well as promoting growth. Wishing you God's grace and favour in your poetry .Lizzie has grown so big by the way! Blessings.
ReplyDeleteThank you
ReplyDeleteI'm sure this dedicated focus will be fruitful. Let us know how it goes.
ReplyDeleteGo no further than ACW's Geoff Daniel would be my advice! ( https://christianwriters.co.uk/about-us/services-members/ ) His feedback on various poems I've written over the past few years has been so useful - he possesses eyes that can see. Detailed feedback, full of insight, surgical...and yet somehow you leave the operating table feeling far happier.
ReplyDelete