Roses are Red, Violets are Blue

I have reached a part of my creative writing course which covers poetry.  Now, I have had one fleeting dalliance with poetry before but it is still something that baffles me slightly and dare I admit, scares me. 

Trying to capture something; a moment, a place, an object, in so few words is difficult.  It makes me feel rather naked.  There is nothing to hide behind.  Each word has to count.  There are also so many things to take into consideration such as form, rhyme and voice. 

In my quest to conquer my fear I have been reading quite a bit (and often reaching for my dictionary).  I am enjoying much of what I read but to be honest a great deal does go - dare I use the cliche - right over my head. But then again you don't have to understand it, you just have to enjoy it.

My personal problem is that I have a small issue of letting go.  Poems invite playing with language and imagery. I think I need to be able to lose myself in the words and not feel inhibited.  I need to feel confident in my choice of words.   

I am learning a great deal and I think it will only improve my writing of prose.  So, I will persevere and I may even share some with you.  Watch this space.

Reading

I have a beautiful little notebook my husband gave to me some time ago now. It is purple and has a fabric cover that feels as soft as velvet.  I decided to use it to keep track of the books I have read. To progress as a writer it is important to read as much and as widely as possible.  Reading can quite often feel like a guilty pleasure. How lovely to know it is helping me to become a better writer. I no longer need to feel guilty.

Last year I read thirteen books.  I hope to read even more this year.  I love to read.  I love the journey it takes you on and I love that everybody has a different reaction to what they are reading.  It becomes personal to you the moment you begin. 

Sometimes I will read a book borrowed from a friend or that I have seen on another reading list; something that I wouldn't normally choose.  It's a great way to discover a new author.  I've never been disappointed and so I thought I would create my own reading list here.  It might tempt someone to read something different.  It also helps remind me of the journeys I have taken.  I look forward to going on many more.

You can view my reading list by clicking on the What I've been reading page above my blog archive.