Context of Writing Poetry
Emily Dickinson was born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts. As an American poet, she wrote around 1,800 poems during her lifetime. Her work is characterized by its economical language, mysterious imagery and deeply personal experiences. Writing poetry like Emily Dickinson requires an understanding of her life, her style of writing and her approach to her craft.
The Technique Behind Emily Dickinson’s Poetry
Emily Dickinson wrote mostly in traditional ballad stanzas and often omitted articles like the, a and an. She also used slant rhymes, assonance and consonance to add musicality and depth of meaning to her work. In her poems, Emily often expressed her feelings and emotions, even though she rarely wrote about herself.
The Tone of Emily Dickinson’s Poetry
Emily Dickinson’s poetry is often characterized by its starkness and simplicity. She often used a light touch when writing, even when delving deep into her emotional core. Many of Emily Dickinson’s poems also convey a sense of loneliness and introspection, highlighting her innermost thoughts and feelings.
Understanding Emily Dickinson’s Style of Writing
Emily Dickinson had a unique way of writing that focused heavily on the use of metaphor and imagery. She often used a ‘cataphoric’ approach, starting with a strong initial line to grab her reader’s attention. At times, she also experimented with ‘enharmonic’ writing, creating unusual connections between words and phrases.
Writing Poetry Like Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson’s work has a timeless quality that can still resonate with modern audiences. To write poetry like Emily Dickinson, it’s important to understand her creative methodology. Be inspired by her use of language, and then develop your own unique style and voice.
How to Connect with your Inner Creativity
Writing poetry can be a powerful form of self-expression. To be successful in writing poetry like Emily Dickinson, you need to be able to get in touch with your inner creativity. Take the time to reflect and contemplate, and really delve into your own emotions and thoughts.
Making a Good Start in Writing Poetry
Most poetry writing begins with the exploration of an idea or a feeling. Think about what you would like to communicate and then create a headline or opening line to capture your readers’ attention. Brainstorm related topics and use your own experiences to explore new ideas, insights and perspectives.
Getting the Flow Right
Once you have a good starting point, you should think about how your poem will develop and flow. Take time and use the words and images you have chosen to convey the feelings and emotions you want to explore. To convey depth and meaning, you should use a mixture of rhythm and melody and use interesting juxtapositions to give your poem structure and help it to stand out.
Creating a Lasting Impression
Your poem should also have an impactful ending. Think of something unexpected or striking; something that will stay with your readers and cause them to think and reflect. It could be an image, a question or an invitation – but it should be something that will make a lasting impression.
Developing your Own Voice
Writing poetry like Emily Dickinson can be a great way to develop your own voice as a poet. Take inspiration from her use of language and images, but don’t be afraid to express yourself. Remember to be patient and open-minded and to practice regularly. With time and dedication, you’ll eventually create poems that reflect your own unique style and personality.
Exploring your Writing Techniques
Now it’s time to start putting the techniques you have learnt into practice. Make sure to use imagery, metaphor and symbolism to add depth and meaning to your poems, and take the time to experiment with language and structure. Writing poetry is a creative process; don’t be afraid to take risks and explore different possibilities as you witness your creativity take shape.
The Editing Process
Once you have finished a draft of your poem, it’s time to start the editing process. Read through your work and see what improvements can be made. You might need to refine your imagery, add greater precision to your language, or enhance the flow and rhythm of your poem. Keep polishing the poem until it reflects exactly what you are trying to express.
Finding the Right Platform
Once you have finished editing your poem, it’s time to find the right platform to share it with the world. You could publish your poem on your own website, on social media, or on writing platforms such as Medium. Alternatively, you could submit it to poetry magazines and publications. Whichever route you choose, put your best foot forward and be proud of what you have created.
