Standing out in a crowd, how poets become individuals

[Julie]

One of the most common things newcomers to poetry say is that they don't want to read what other writers have written for fear of losing their individuality.

Most of us who have been around poetry for a long time would argue that the opposite is true. Unless you know what's already been said, and how, you are doomed to repeat it.

So, how can a poet stand out from the crowd? What tools or techniques can they use, and what are the drawbacks of each? Do you notice any of these things in your writing and, if so, is it to your benefit?

We'll start with the simplest things to identify: topics and themes.

What are some ways a writer can make him or herself unique through topics or themes (next, we'll look at language and form)? I can think of three common ways:

1. Writing about things no one else would write about. Taboos, bodily functions, unpopular/unattractive political positions (e.g. white supremacy), and extremely explicit violence, gore, or sex all can fall into this category. The advantages? If you're the only one writing about the joys of cannibalism, people may remember your name. What are the drawbacks of this type of topic? Are there any poets/writers you can name who write about these sorts of things?

2. Writing about things no one else can write about. Your own personal feelings, brainwaves, childhood, etc. are not available to anyone else; they are unique to you. What are the drawbacks of this type of topic? Are there any poets/writers you can name who write about these sorts of things?

3. Writing about the same things every time. If you always write about rutabagas, you will become known as the rutabaga poet. What are the drawbacks of this type of topic? Are there any poets/writers you can name who write about these sorts of things?

Are there any other topics or sets of topics that can be used in this way? Do you find yourself writing about topics that can be categorized in this way? And what effect has it had on your writing, if any?

Thinking about what others do can illustrate what we do ourselves, make us more aware of our writing, and (we always hope) turn us into better writers.

Julie

[Justice undeserving]

Well, I'll add my two cents.

I tend to enjoy writing about zombies. In fact, 60% of my writing is zombie related. I've only posted one zombied piece, and that was a song, and it was edited to become zombified.

Mainly, I don't post them because people will say, 'Zombies? What the hell is wrong with you?'.

So, when you're a no talent hack, and you write about the same topic frequently, people sort of get sick of you.

At least, that's the downside to that method that I've noticed.

------------------
1) Acquire food
2) Eat acquired food
3) Frolic

"I think that turkey is just big, bland, dry chicken." Douglas Adams

[nyeldell]

Julie-

You always have something interesting to offer - thanks. I have not read enough poets yet to be very familiar with their recurring subject matter, but I can say that out of the three options you listed, the least rewarding, in my opinion, to pursue would be the third. While I know there are some poets who write many times about a specific subject/topic, and even do it successfully, I don't feel that always writing about a specific topic would be very beneficial.

I see poetry as bringing your own perspective of a single moment in life to an audience in an attempt to point out the signifigance of even the most seemingly insignifigant events, feelings, etc. - and each one of us being a different individual, if you successfully convey the topic in terms of your own personal experience, it will (hopefully) be fresh and exciting. And because we are all individuals, I don't think there is a need to search for some specific category of topics to write about. We all perceive life differently, and if we can give meaning to something that others have forgotten has meaning or present it in some new light, then we will be read, and enjoyed.

I suppose if someone is surrounded by rutabagas, they will tend to write about rutabagas. We take inspiration from what surrounds us, I would think. Of course, while one person is surrounded by rutabagas, they might be euphoric, and their rutabaga poems would show this, but if I was stuck in a world of rutabagas, I would probably be writing about the oppression and blandness of such a world (assuming I knew that another world existed). I think that it is about your own personal take on life, the big picture, and the profundity of each fleeting moment, or in someone else's case, possibly the meaninglessness of each fleeting moment. Just my opinion... I'm sure it will change and grow as my knowledge of poetry does!

Nathan :-)

[This message has been edited by nyeldell (edited 03-26-2001).]

[Gabe1]

One of the most common things newcomers to poetry say is that they don't want to read what other writers have written for fear of losing their individuality.

Most of us who have been around poetry for a long time would argue that the opposite is true. Unless you know what's already been said, and how, you are doomed to repeat it.


I concur. Also, and although I hate to do this, I will paraphrase a source I can't remember: If you read 100 poets you will write like 100 poets, read 1,000 and you will write like yourself.

How true this is is certainly debatable, but I always liked the idea.

So, how can a poet stand out from the crowd?


*Inflatable pants?

We'll start with the simplest things to identify: topics and themes.

What are some ways a writer can make him or herself unique through topics or themes (next, we'll look at language and form)? I can think of three common ways:

1. Writing about things no one else would write about. Taboos, bodily functions, unpopular/unattractive political positions (e.g. white supremacy), and extremely explicit violence, gore, or sex all can fall into this category. The advantages? If you're the only one writing about the joys of cannibalism, people may remember your name. What are the drawbacks of this type of topic?

*Many readers will be put off by what they may (either rightfully or not) consider "shock poetry." By marginalizing yourself from the get go, you are limiting your readership. In case you haven't noticed, poets already have a limited readership.

Are there any poets/writers you can name who write about these sorts of things?

I am not sure whether this style is represented throughout all (most) of their work but a few poems by Sapphire and Ai
leap to mind.

2. Writing about things no one else can write about. Your own personal feelings, brainwaves, childhood, etc. are not available to anyone else; they are unique to you. What are the drawbacks of this type of topic?

*The difficulty of balancing the personal versus the private. When drawing heavily on personal events and making no pretense about doing so, it is possible for your readers to simply not care (because there is no effort made to help the reader relate).

Are there any poets/writers you can name who write about these sorts of things?

*The Confessional poets. Heh, me.

3. Writing about the same things every time. If you always write about rutabagas, you will become known as the rutabaga poet. What are the drawbacks of this type of topic?

*It can get boring.

Are there any poets/writers you can name who write about these sorts of things?

*A great many. I mean, many writers will have recurring themes/images in their poems. Take Sylvia Plath for example. While death and/or suicide was not her sole subject, it is the one that is most closely associated with her.

*I will have to get back to the other questions when I have more time.

Be well

-Gabriel



[This message has been edited by Gabriel (edited 03-26-2001).]

[barisaxchick]

You made me think of something I once heard: poets always want to get published, but don't want to read others' poetry. Seems like it limits the audience, considering many people are intimidated by poetry anyway!

I thought about the recurring themes in an individual's poetry. Everyone develops different ways to relate to this world, and different things become prominant symbols. (Sorry about my poor spelling!) For me, it is place/location. I relate locations to emotional states. I guess others probably link physical objects to emotions as well, so we end up with verses about vases and rutabegas and kittens. The biggest challenge must be to translate that emotional state to someone who's never seen a rutabega. http://www.everypoet.com/poetry/poetry_forums/confused.gif

[Gabe1]

Originally posted by Julie:

So, how can a poet stand out from the crowd?

*Immolation.

[Julie]

Originally posted by Gabriel:
*Immolation.

Now I know how Joan of Arc felt
now I know how Joan of Arc felt
as the flames rose to her Roman nose
and her Walkman started to melt.

Julie