Poetically Incorrect Group Challenge

All my poems are, I am sure, Poetically incorrect! LOL. I really want to know just how it makes you feel and not critique the format unless I want to get it published. I only have one thing at the moment that I desire to ever get published and that is Olivia's Story. All the rest is just venting and expressing myself. I will try to take on this task Monica. Great idea!

Sounds fun, although I am a terrible poet! Rhyming is the only type of poetry that I understand. But I shall try. Write a poem, I shall do. When I rhyme, words anew.

Monica, I wanted to check in and say I've read the article and the challenge. I need more time to think about the feedback part, since I'm a proud member of the nonconformist group also. I'm not sure how I'll fit in a group that doesn't welcome honest feedback, or how many assignment kind of writings I can deal with before I lose the heart of my writing and it feels like a job instead of a passion. You've given me several good things to think about today - thanks.

Barbara, I've often said my poems are country music songs waiting for music (many of them are), and I can't seem to get away from rhyming for the most part. I joined the prose poetry group also, hoping to learn more about different types of poetry writing.

Pam and Barbara - I look forward to seeing your works!

Sandy - The challenges are are designed to inspire and challenge, and are definitely not required as a part of the group. Do them when you want, and when you don't that is great too! Unlike the Two Word Challenge - other poetry is welcome here too - not just what is currently challenged.

I would not say that this group does not welcome honest feedback. I said tell us if you want constructive criticism - like in depth feedback about how to make the poem better. You can always be honest and say to me, for example - Monica I don't think your theme is fully developed. Or, Monica, flutter and butter may rhyme, but it doesn't really flow well. Those are minor feedback items. But - if you gave a line by line critique where you go really in depth about the meter and the rhyming and whatnot then that is constructive criticism. No one is saying don't be honest about your feelings or give a little constructive criticism.

My goal is for this group to be a place for all poets to feel safe to post their works - even if they are not the best. Poetry is very therapuetic and just talking about the issues in the poetry can help someone. So, for someone it may be more important to them that they actually voiced something for the first time than whether they were poetically correct about it. Make sense?

I also want to utilize a nurturing environment between expert poets and novice poets - so those novices can grow and learn. I encourage members to be open to constructive feedback. In my experience, it is given out of love, and is very helpful. Sandy is a good one to get it from too. So, think about it. Don't be scared.

Thanks for the response, Monica!

'How much critique do we want' seems to be a common theme throughout Gather, and the responses varied. My experience makes me think the line-by-line, indepth (which we often have to pay for) is the most beneficial if we want to learn to hone our craft. It is also what made me join a serious group of published poets, knowing I was like a three-year-old walking into a college class and my work would fall so short I'd be anxious when others read it. I know there is an audience for my elementary poetry, and I won't stop writing or submitting it, but at the same time I want to learn from those who are more accomplished so I'll know what it is that sets my work apart from theirs - why they are invited to every poety reading in town - why they get published more often than I do. Then, I have the tools necessary to follow any path I choose.

I'm not challenging your position, just explaining my own, to help others understand my question. I'm afraid if everyone states what they want upfront, it will become a real chore to remember what each person means by that request, and whose feelings might be hurt if I forget their personalized definition of critique. I'm truly not trying to make things more difficult, and since I'm often the odd guy out, it's very likely my concerns won't be concerns for anyone but me - just thought I'd toss them out for thought.

I like to ask questions about the story to the author. That is more my critiqueing... I think it compliments the author on what they have written and gives them a chance to see what someone took of their work. I am sure what sometimes seems clear to the writer is not always clear to the reader. In this way we can adjust or explain our work. I will be republishing some of my older work to this group and some of the other groups.

Good point - it was not my pooint for people to state up front here - rather to state on each piece what they want. If you see no mention, assume they do not want constructive feedback. You can also leave a comment asking if they are open to constructive feedback. I would like for each person to state on their poem article or in a comment below what type of feedback they want - some may welcome constructive feedback via private message only so it is not so open. Some may want it in the comment section so others can build upon the suggestions given.

Hey there Monica Honey Pants. Oh how I need more challenges in my life! Yes, indeed, just keep 'em coming. LOL. I'm so delighted to merely sign into Gather that I will declare that to be my accomplishment for the day.

I believe the trick to avoiding being hurt by literary criticism is to only write crap. This is my poetic technique and I'm sticking to it. I'll see if some inspiration comes to me on your five senses challenge. It's a great idea (even if all sensible people know it's autumn and not spring, actually!) but you've left out my favourite sense. The sense of impending doom.. hehehe

You made me think of my schooldays and being taught about the senses. The nun said to the amusement of all "Moya can see, feel, hear, taste, touch. On that basis, though difficult to believe, she is sensible. Odd the things you rememberall your life. I'll try and be "sensible" and take up the challenge. Moya

LOL Carolyn - Can't believe I missed that comment! You do not write crap! Far from it. And it is not Autumn - you've got it all upside cown! (pun intended)

Moya - Lol - what a cute story! I have found that sometimes it is good to be sensible. It is alot more fun to not be sensible though! I can't wait to see your entry!

Carolyn - It has been brought to my attention by another Australian that you all are in Autumn, so for those in Autumn instead, give us some glorious Sensual Autumn poems! Why not! Just tag them Sensual Autumn and poetically incorrect challenge. Have fun!

Participating today .. joined 'gather'.. a couple of days back only

great Manoj - I have a group just for this challenge now too - since it was so popular - I expanded it to all seasons. Check it out - Sensual Seasons Challenge - Challenging you to write poetry/fictional/non-fiction piece that not only describes within it parts of a particular season (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn) but also encompasses the five senses: taste, smell, sight, hearing, touch.

You can post your entry to both groups. It will increase your visibility on Gather.

OK, Mandi, I have accepted the challenge.....I left out the smell of the wet dog. Any input is welcome as I had nuns for 12 years so you can't hurt my feelings......

Hi Monica,
New to the group.
so are we still doing spring write or has it changed with the season?
Kinda of hard to write about spring now but if that is still going will give it a try. let me know at
tigger.gather .com
Thanks