How to Start a Personal Poetry Journal

Ever wanted to let that aspiring poet inside take flight?  Most of us will grab a notebook or sit down at the computer and work away at it with fervor, at least for 30 minutes or so, and then become caught up in other pressing projects and leave the poetry to itself.

There are, however, a few easy steps that can help you commence and further your aspirations.

1. Obtain a quality journal

Although we may be a little biased on this one, purchasing a quality medium to place your thoughts helps to increase the thought placed in the work as well as act as a reminder.

Purchase (or ask it for a birthday gift) a journal such as the Parley's or Writer's Log. Writing in such a high quality leather journal will help you think twice about merely jotting down a passing idea.  You'll really put thought into the stanzas before you begin to write.

Your poetry will thus be improved over a napkin poem, and you'll be more inclined to continue your work as you are more pleased with your end result.

2.  Use the journal as a physical reminder

Place the journal at your bedside or in a prominent place where you will notice it every day.  The journal will stand as a reminder that you want to write poetry and that you purchased a special, dedicated journal for that purpose alone.

3.  Write slowly and with a quality pen

Sure, jot your ideas down beforehand, but when you enter a poem in the journal, write with a quality pen; write slowly so your script is legible and every word deliberate.

Remember the journal's purpose is not only to record, but to display your poetry.

4.  Let others review your work in your journal

Believe me, people will be impressed even before they start reading if you hand them a thick leather journal with a collections of your poems.  They will already have a feeling of "quality work contained here" even before they start reading (it's a good place to start).

Receiving the positive feedback and impressed reactions from friends and family will help feed your desire to improve, perfect, and to create even more.

5.  Take your journal with you

Bring your journal along with you as you travel.  You may capture that incredible sunset slowly descending upon the distant mountains and suddenly feel a rush of inspiration.  Keep your supplies with you so you are reading to capture the inspiration as it comes!