Writing (Bad) Poems as a Way Back to Your Book
Long ago, I read a book called Novel Voices which interviewed a host of well-known writers about their process—how do they keep writing, how do they get unstuck if they stall out, how do they finish their writing projects.
At the time, I was working on a new novel. I’d always written and published in nonfiction. I worked as a syndicated columnist for the Los Angeles Times. My career as a writer was successful, but I still longed to write fiction. I wanted to give voice to the crazy and fascinating characters inside my head.
So when I found this book, I used it as a study guide to learning the art of fiction.
My favorite exercise was shared by writer Stuart Dybek. It uses a poem format to get deeper into character, plot, backstory, and setting. Somehow, this genre-bending exercise helped me get unstuck the first time I tried it, and it’s worked every since. Over the years, I’ve adapted it and I’ll share the steps with you below.
Create one sentence for each of four plot points in your book (peak moments, external movement, change).
Create one sentence for each of four different character’s shifts (internal change in the character, realization moment).
Create one sentence for each of four different setting details (with something from the five senses associated with each).
Create one sentence for each of four objects or memories associated with the book.
Find one musical detail in the book (sound or rhythm).
Your weekly writing exercise
Go through the five steps above and write (briefly) whatever comes.
Take all the above musings and compose a four-stanza poem about your book project or another writing project you’re working on.
Use one plot point, one character shift, one object or memory in each stanza. Then try to get something rhythmic or musical in each stanza.
What did you discover, learn, realize? Share your thoughts and questions.Photo by Nicolas Messifet on Unsplash