Fiona Sampson's Wise Words

Marriott Love Poems Judge, Fiona Sampson

Just in case you missed Judge and editor of Poetry Review magazine, Fiona Sampson's top poem writing tips the first time round, we’re giving you a reminder of them to really help get your creative juices flowing and keep them focused! 

Fiona Sampson's Top Five Tips

1) Write what you know.  You know about your own experience of love, for example.

2) Big, abstract words don't tell us anything new.  The devil's in the detail - show the readers what you mean.

3) Traditional rhyme and completely free verse are equally fashionable.  But whatever you pick, stick to it!

4) Read your poem aloud. It needs to work out loud even more than as a pattern on the page.  If something sounds odd, or it's embarrassing - change it!

5) Don't rush it.  This is your poem and it's worth getting right. None of the poems, or lyrics, you have ever heard of are first drafts.  You are writing the poem, not the Muse (she doesn't exist!) so change the bits that aren't so good, and make them better.

 

Marriott Love Poems Judge, Matt Harvey

Remember, you have two weeks to get scribbling, submit your poem(s) and really impress judges Matt Harvey and Fiona Sampson. 

Visit www.marriottlovepoems.com for more information and to submit your poem.  Or join the many people who’ve been inspired to quite literally put pen to paper and send a poem in the post!  Address your poems to:

Marriott Love Poems, Nylon Communications. 19a Floral Street, London WC2E 9DS