Write this way... A guide for newbies.

When you're new to writing probably the first questions you ask is:

-- Where can I post my stories or poetry at for free?

-- Where can I get feedback on my writing?

-- How can I learn to write different forms of poetry?

These were the questions I initially asked when I stopped just writing poetry sporadically and started actually sharing my poems, wanting feedback and decided to stretch my wings and try to write different forms of poetry. I wrote my first poem when I was 7 years old and I often make the joke that when I showed it to my mother she signed me up for individual counseling. I know that she was greatly disturbed that her 7 year had written such a poem. Here's what I'll do, at the end of this article, I will share the poem with you. I have never shared it in writing, only verbally.

Anyway... I will attempt to answer the above 3 questions. Now this is my experiences, so YMMV (your mileage may vary).

I. Where can I post my stories or poetry at for free?

Well we already know about Vocal. But tbh, I had to graduate to Vocal. I didn't come here first. Now that I am writing everyday, Vocal just fits. But first I went to a couple apps I found in the Google Play Store. I was primarily using my computer to run a program called "Bluestacks" which allowed me to run mobile apps on my PC. I do this because one of my laptops is connected to a 24" television because my eyesight is poor and I like to be able to browse the web when I am reclining in bed. This isn't the laptop I do most of my writing on but that's neither here nor there.

Here are the 2 mobile apps I used on my phone and PC:

a) Poetizer

Poetizer is a social media platform and publishing house dedicated to poetry, designed to connect and empower writers around the globe.

Social network

It’s a friendly community where you can write, read, and share poetry without any ads. Poetizer fosters a positive vibe by allowing users to like posts but not dislike them.

Publishing house

This innovative publishing house helps authors turn their online creations into published books. With Poetizer's text configurator, you can easily transform your work into a physical format.

Community

Poetizer offers a safe and encouraging environment for writers at any stage to connect and develop. It brings people together based on their emotions rather than other criteria.

AI

The platform utilizes AI for moderating content and curating the newsfeed, and it’s working on adding more AI features to enhance user experience.

Environmental protection

Poetizer prints books on-demand and at local printers to minimize waste and reduce carbon emissions.

Book sales

It also assists users in promoting their books on social media by showcasing images and videos of them with their works.

Founded in 2018 by Lukas Sedlacek, Poetizer was born from his desire to share his poetry with a broader audience. Poetizer was very close to perfect but the site layout made me feel like I was using a Tandy SX with no graphics or styles and I wanted more.

b) Miraquill

Miraquill is a nice platform for creative writing where you can write, design, and share your creations. It’s like a social hub for writers, poets, and readers to connect and express their feelings through words.

Check out some of Miraquill's features:

Writing

Craft poems, quotes, stories, and more All of your poems are kept in a very neat gallery of thumbnails. This makes them very easy to read and enjoy for others.

Design

Utilize in-app tools to create eye-catching posts. The tools allow you to select your font type, size and position on the page, as well as select the background colors for bother the font and the background of the poem.

Sharing

Easily share your work as text on images across different platforms. Your poem tools allow you to use solid backgrounds or images to write your posts on be it poetry or a story.

Challenges

Join daily writing challenges to sharpen your skills. There are prompts nearly every day sponsored by either Miraquill or Writer's Network

Copyrighting

Protect your original creations with copyright. It's pretty simple, you own what you bring in and there's a stamp you can use to add the © mark to your work.

Feedback

Receive helpful insights to enhance the quality of your posts. It works similarly like Vocal in that you follow people, they follow you and you can like, comment or re-post the work you read of others.

AI

Access detailed AI-generated images for inspiration. There is a free and a paid user library that can be used for background of the work you do.

Miraquill used to be called Mirakee. I found that the prices for membership were exorbitant in contrast to what they actually offered you which btw, was not unlimited posts, there was only a certain amount you could post based on your membership level. Also the app stopped working properly for 5 weeks. It wouldn't refresh visits, notifications or feed. That was enough for me, so I dipped.

Here's a list of websites and their communities that I recommend:

1. Poetrysoup.com - This is a large community of writers and poets. The site isn’t flashy, but the users are super supportive. It’s best if you go for a premium membership, which is a one-time fee of $79 for lifetime access. I think it’s a solid deal and I went for it.

2. Allpoetry.com - This is the biggest poetry writing group online, catering to everyone from newbies to seasoned pros. You can enhance your poetry skills, build a fan base, and check out some of the best poetry out there. Just a heads up, they’re pretty strict about leaving comments on everything you read.

3. Writerscafe.org - This is an online community where writers can share their work, receive feedback, and connect with others. It’s another great option. There’s no pressure to pay for a membership, but they do expect you to comment on an equal number of posts as you make.

4. Poeticous.com - This site lives up to its reputation. It’s the most visually appealing platform for creating your poetry blog. It’s perfect for artists and serves as a blogging space for poets.

There are a few more out there, but honestly, they’re not really worth mentioning.

II. Where can I get feedback on my writing?

Getting feedback is all about diving in and experiencing it for yourself. I’m part of a few writing groups that offer different styles of feedback. Some have set times for writing, usually around 20-40 minutes, while others focus on prompts or free writing. Here are a couple of groups I really enjoy:

a) Worldwide Writing Group - Andrew, the host, makes sure to welcome everyone and check that new members are genuine. He usually has a couple of exercises planned, like a recent one where we wrote a story or poem in the second person. We spent about 40 minutes writing, followed by around 20 minutes for individual feedback for those who wanted it.

b) Green Mountain Writers Group - I can’t recommend this group enough! They meet on Thursday nights and Friday mornings for writing and feedback. What makes it special is that we start with 10 minutes of meditation to the sound of a singing bowl, which helps clear our minds. On Thursday nights, we write without prompts, while on Friday mornings, we pull a Tarot card and write our interpretation. I’ve got at least 10 poems inspired by different Tarot cards that I haven’t shared yet! After writing, we share our work in a round-robin style. The vibe here is more relaxed compared to the Worldwide Writing Group.

c) Poetry Preserves - This group has a unique approach where we start by analyzing a poem, then write about it or do some free writing. We also look at a piece of art and follow the same process. After each activity, we share our work, which leads to some great discussions.

I attend a few other groups where you can either just listen or share your own stuff. Totally up to you!

a) POETS ANONYMOUS - the longest-running poetry open mic in the US, since 1991)

b) Quatrain - an LGBTQ poetry group

c) Summerville Poetry, Prose, Spoken Word, Open Mic

d) Dan Brady's Sacred Grounds - - every Wed @ 10pm EST - Facebook

Also visit PhynneCabulary <-- her zoom meetings announcements for open mics, etc also HERE

After spending over a year in these and other writing and open mic groups, I’ve noticed I’ve become a much better writer, and writing really helps me cope with my depression. So here you have it! Now I will say something about a few others quickly, I don't use Substack or Medium much but I do accounts there. I primarily now use Vocal because I can incorporate my writing with contests, etc that may or may not make me some $$$.. :) It's really that simple and the people are great here. Very welcoming!

III. How can I learn to write different forms of poetry?

In my most humble opinion, there is really only one place to go:

168 Poetic Forms for Poets

Take a look at this awesome list of 168 poetic forms for poets! It covers everything from abstract poetry and ae freislighe to villanelles and zappai, plus a ton of other styles in between.

___________________

So, If you are new to writing, or just new to sharing your writing, these are tips that helped me and I hope they help you as well.

To read my 2nd person poem go here:

___________________

AND NO, I didn't forget:

Clyde O Clyde

O Poor Clyde died

He took a bath in Comet and Tide

Shriveled and dried poor Clyde died. ;) - Sam Harty 1968

If you want to buy me a couple 2 liters of Coke click here