Not Being Hermits
Look, writing is magical, especially when it's flowing, but it sucks to be writing alone all the time. Like, really sucks. You're over there crafting the perfect metaphor about your butt-hurt feelings, and there's literally nobody around to tell you if it's brilliant or if you just sound like you're having a breakdown cause they forgot the sour cream on your Doritos Locos Tacos in a Taco Bell.
1. Become an Open Mic Stalker (In a Good Way)
Poet, you don't even have to read your own stuff. Just show up and listen. I'm serious. You'll learn more about what makes poetry work in twenty minutes at an open mic than you will reading craft books for a month.There's something about hearing a poem hit a live audience that's just... chef's kiss. You can't get that from your bedroom. You'll figure out real quick what makes people lean in versus what makes them suddenly very interested in their phones.
2. Follow Real Poets, Not Those Cringe Poetry Quote Accounts
Those generic poetry Instagram accounts? Not even close to helpful. How do i know.. I made one: @sunshineislight. They're just recycling the same "roses are red, trauma is deep" content over and over. one is really good called @poetryisnotaluxury and @poetrydaily365 and @onlypoemsmag. Okay there's some good ones. But skip the Atticus...Follow actual working poets instead. They'll share the real tea - which magazines are actually worth submitting to, how they deal with rejection (spoiler: wine and doobs), and what it's like to have a day job while trying to be the next literary sensation
3. Find Your Local Poetry Weirdos
Online poetry communities are cool, but nothing beats sitting in a room with people who understand why you just spent three hours debating whether to use "the" or "a" in line seven.Can't find a group? Start one. I know, I know, that sounds terrifying. But grab a corner at a coffee shop, post about it online, and see what happens. Even if only two other people show up, you've got yourself a poetry crew. Have a blast with it.
4. Be That Person Who Actually Shows Up to Readings
Supporting other poets isn't just nice - it's smart. You'll discover new voices, learn about venues and opportunities, and show the community that you're not just here to promote your own stuff.
5. Team Up and Make Cool Stuff Together
Working with other poets on chapbooks, reading series, or little magazines is where the magic happens. You'll learn things about your own style that you never noticed, and you'll probably steal some techniques from your collaborators (in a good way).